A recent conversation with an outgoing student left a lasting impression on Professor John Varghese, principal of St. Stephen's College, Delhi. When Varghese asked the student about his future plans, he replied that he was joining IIT Madras to study chemistry. Varghese was happy. But, when he heard what the student wanted to do after going through IITM's renowned chemistry department, he was elated. "Sir, you said during an assembly that though our college had successful alumni, we do not have a Nobel laureate," the student said. "I am going to try to win a Nobel Prize." Moved, the principal responded with a hug. "If the students have such aspirations, they will surely do very well in life," said Varghese.
This is just one example of the students at India's top colleges aiming for the sky. As the country pushes on towards its vision of being a developed nation, today's students will have a key role to play in ushering in a better tomorrow. Viewed in that context, the responsibility on colleges takes on a whole new significance.
Nothing less than excellence will suffice. Colleges also have the vital duty of character building.
Thankfully, India's best colleges have always been aware of their critical task, even if parents, or indeed students, are sometimes guided by more short-term goals. While academic rigour is a given in the country's top colleges, there also seem to be a lot many initiatives afoot that are geared towards the wholeness of developing young minds. And, they stem from clear long-term vision.
You can feel this consciousness in the ambience of St. Stephen's, which has been ranked the best science college and the second best arts college in India by THE WEEK-Hansa Research Best Colleges Survey 2024.
Denne historien er fra June 30, 2024-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 30, 2024-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.
Efficiency and innovation
As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills
Level up
Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries
Mind matters
Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability
Cutting edge
Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.
The smallest cut
Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon
Signalling a revolution
Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin
Wellness on demand
Starting as a doctor-patient chat platform, Medibuddy has evolved to be India's largest on-demand, full-stack digital health care platform
HEARING AND VISION LOSS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
A CHINESE STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL of the American Heart Association suggests that middle aged and older adults with sensory impairments, specifically hearing and vision loss, have an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attacks.