Dr. Richa Srivastava has been working as the Principal of International Polytechnic for Women, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. She is an Educationist with 20 years of experience having expertise in the field of Education, Administration and Management, Capacity Building, Curriculum Development, Fashion Design, Costume Styling, Garment Manufacturing, Textile Design, Sustainable Fashion and Skill Development. She has done B.Sc. in Home Science in 1998, M.Sc. in Clothing and Textiles in 2001 from Kurukshetra University and has received a Doctorate Degree in Design, Development and Empowerment through Education by Bharat Virtual University, Bengaluru for her distinguished work in the field of Education and Design and contribution to the society in the relevant field in 2019. She has presented several research papers in numerous conferences and seminars and has also attended multiple Faculty Development Programs and training sessions. Apart from this, she has published a research paper in a reputed journal. As part of his job routine, she is leading a team of faculties, conducting training and development sessions for them, organizing events to connect students with the outer world and also taking lectures on specific topics. 

She is also the member of Board of Technical Education, Govt. of NCT of Delhi for the revision and development of curriculum of GFT Course, for moderation and review of question papers for board exams. She is also associated with AIWEFA and UNESCO for Women Education in India, Samuel Foundation of India (A unit of Samuel Foundation, Germany) for Skill Development and Faculty Development Programs, Textile Association of India for Student welfare in the field of Textile and Fashion and has collaborated with Hankers Education Trust for Mentoring young and underprivileged children for Skill Development. Last but not the least, in the past, she was invited as a Guest Speaker at a Business Summit as SME and as a Guest of Honor for various events, launches and competitions.

IP

What motivated you to choose a path in higher education administration and become a Principal?

I was born in a family of Educationists and was very passionate about education and leadership from the start as it came naturally to me. But at the same time, I always wanted to make a significant difference in the lives of students by fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment, implementing effective teaching strategies, and promoting students' academic and personal growth. And after delivering my precious 20 years to teaching, I took up a more collaborative work which involved more problem solving and decision making and that's how I took the job of Principal at International Polytechnic for Women.

What is your vision for the college?

My prime objective being a Principal of International Polytechnic for Women is to educate, empower and enable. Hence we regularly nurture the unique talents of students through innovation, sustainability and inclusivity to help them shape their future in a good way in the domain of fashion and textile. Apart from this, my aim it to cultivate a transformative educational experience that prepares our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global fashion landscape.

How do you establish a good relationship with the students and make yourself available for them being the principal of the institute?

We at IPW have created an environment where students can feel comfortable while approaching the management. And to provide a suitable platform to students, we have established various communication channels to engage with students on a regular basis and they can reach out to us anytime through email, social media, online forums, or even in-person meetings for their queries and concerns. Apart from this, regular feedback is taken from students through surveys, or suggestion boxes. And then we have an active anti-ragging committee and cells for student welfare along with Women helpline and innovation committees. Lastly, I show my genuine involvement in students’ activities which provides me an extra opportunity to engage with them in a more informal setting. And this is how I ensure cordial and strong relations with young minds of our institution.

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Any precious advice which you would like to the present-day youth and aspiring students?

I would like to advise our youths and aspiring students to define clear short-term and long-term goals and stay focused and motivated throughout their academic Journey. And cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and seek knowledge from everyone, outside the classroom, then be it your junior or someone elder from you. Apart from this, read books, engage yourself in online courses, attend workshops, and take advantage of the digital ecosystem that is pre-established around you and alongside academic knowledge, focus on developing your critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills and enhancing your collaboration, adaptability, and creativity. Because all these skills are highly valued in today’s dynamic and interconnected world. Also, maintain a healthy work-life balance by engaging yourself in creative activities, pursuing your hobbies and nurturing meaningful relationships with your loved ones. Last but not the least, be open to new ideas and experiences, embrace change as well as your failure which is a natural part of any journey and do not panic, learn from your mistakes and rather embrace them as opportunities for your better growth.

What specific measures has your institution implemented to address the increasing mental health issues and stress among today’s youth?

Our college regularly conducts workshops and training sessions to educate students, teachers, and parents about mental health and its related issues, stress management and coping strategies. And we have created a positive and calm environment for peer support and also to foster emotional well-being and encourage help-seeking behavior among students. Last but not the least, our highly experienced faculties often interact with the students in subtle and formal manner to find out if a student is facing any mental health issue and if need be, involve parents for the same.

What are your primary responsibilities as a Principal and how do you balance them with other aspects of your job?

Being the Principal of the International Polytechnic for Women, my academic responsibilities is to manage and supervise the different departments of our college which have students of Diploma, Post diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. Apart from this, I need to lead the team of Lecturers, Faculties and Instructors to ensure quality education within the parameters and guidelines of affiliating bodies is provided to students. Last but not the least, delivering lectures for various subjects of Fashion and Textile Design comes under the scope of my academic accountabilities.

Now, if I talk about the administrative actions, ensuring smooth conduction and delivery of lectures on allocated hours comes under my scope. Along with this, allocating time schedules and lectures to the faculties and guest lecturers as per their expertise, acts as a bridge to communicate with the affiliating universities and other colleges, documenting all things and college activities, help marketing team in creative promotions and digital marketing of the college. Lastly, I am responsible for working as a Dy. Controller for Exam at institute level for conducting Exams, Evaluation and preparation of Results.

And then comes the developmental activities, so being a Principal, I need to play an active role for ensuring timely enhancement, upgradation and development of course curriculum, modules and teaching structure and methodologies. Conducting workshops, guest lectures is my next responsibility.

Along with the above mentioned ones, conducting training programs and placement related activities, promoting our institution through industry interaction sessions and guest lectures, organizing Commercial level Fashion shows to showcase and promote students' work and conducting seminars, exhibitions, workshops, industry visits for student’s welfare and organizing other annual events like Orientation, Convocation, Cultural programs etc. comes under the scope of my job as a whole. And I prioritize my tasks and delegate required responsibilities to my staff members in order to balance the above mentioned responsibilities with other aspects of my job.

What makes your college different from other institutions in terms of its unique attributes and offerings?

Our prestigious International Polytechnic for Women has been into the education sector for the last 40 years and we are affiliated to the Board of Technical Education, Govt. of NCT of Delhi. And the comprehensive and cutting-edge courses that integrate design, technologies, business and sustainability, which we offer to ambitious students and youths of our society are approved by the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and the Diploma we award has the National Emblem on it. Along with this, we have state-of-the-art facilities and resources on campus for the benefit of students so that they can explore new ideas, experiments around it and develop their unique creative voices.

Additionally, to ensure that our students are well-prepared for the fashion industry, we have established strong partnerships with leading fashion brands, organizations and professionals and our relationship with the students does not end at graduation. Because, we have established a lifelong learning culture, offering continuing education programs, workshops and alumni networks. Also, internship opportunities are provided to students in reputed companies and cultural and extracurricular activities are an integral part of our journey because it not only gives exposure to students but also improves their overall personality and soft skills. Then at last, we have a wonderful team of highly qualified and extensively experienced faculty members to teach students and offer them exceptional mentorship. 

In your experience, what benefits will students gain from studying here in your institute?

Our college is providing best quality education and Diploma courses recognised from Government authority. Along with this, expert guidance is available for students with respect to skills enhancement and career opportunities and we also have a very network of Alumni who regularly provide their valuable assistance to their juniors for good professional networking opportunities and skills development. Last but not the least, customized training programs and personality development sessions along with a broad range of cultural and extracurricular activities are organized by our institution on a regular basis.

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How does the curriculum of your college ensure the best practices of industry?

The curriculum of our college, which covers the various aspects of the Fashion and Textile Industry, is developed by an expert committee of academic and industry people and approved by the Delhi Government. Hence it is very comprehensive in nature and also in accordance with latest developments, trends and requirements of the corporate world. Apart from this, our curriculum is a perfect blend of theory and practicals to provide required skill sets and subject understanding to students.