Ashoka University
Ashoka University Founder Vineet Gupta, on the Indian Business Times Podcast, emphasizes the urgent need to reinvent Master's programs and elevate higher education through innovation and philanthropy.
In a thought-provoking conversation on the Indian Business Times podcast, Vineet Gupta Ashoka University Founder, delved into the evolving landscape of Indian higher education. With a track record of pioneering educational reforms through collective philanthropy and a focus on interdisciplinary learning, Gupta emphasized the urgent need to reinvent India's Master's programs to retain top talent within the country.
Rethinking Higher Education in India
Now a decade old, Ashoka University has rapidly grown into a prestigious liberal arts institution with over 3,500 students and 200 faculty members. Vineet Gupta shared how the institution has expanded its vision to include interdisciplinary engineering programs in response to contemporary challenges. "Engineering problems today are complex, they do not sit in silos. Our education system needs to reflect that complexity," he noted.
This philosophy of integration and innovation isn't limited to Ashoka. Plaksha University, which Gupta also helped establish, has gained recognition for its future-facing engineering curriculum and research in pressing areas like climate change and water security.
Philanthropy as a Foundation
Both Ashoka and Plaksha operate on a collective philanthropic model, a concept Vineet Gupta passionately supports. "We believe education must serve society, not just shareholders. With Ashoka receiving over â¹3,000 crore in donations from more than 250 donors, and Plaksha drawing support from over 125 contributors, the model has enabled these institutions to provide scholarships and inclusive access to quality education," he said.
Some of the world's top universities like Harvard University and the University of Chicago also thrive on this collective giving approach. "When people come together to support a vision, it creates institutions that last generations," Gupta added.
A Call to Reinvent Master's Programs in India
Perhaps the most compelling segment of the podcast was Gupta's critical take on India's Master's programs. While he acknowledged the strength of India's BTech education, he was candid about the shortcomings at the postgraduate level.
"Our best BTech students are going to Cornell, Harvard, or MIT because the MTech programs in India are not aspirational," he stated. Gupta argued that unless Indian institutions revamp their postgraduate engineering offerings, the brain drain will continue. "If there is a programme in India that people join as a last resort, that is a serious problem. MTech needs major reinvention."
The misalignment between what MTech programs offer and the needs of both students and the job market. His comments underline the necessity for curriculum redesign, better research opportunities, and global collaborations to retain homegrown talent.
The NEP's Role and the Rise of Interdisciplinary Learning
The 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) has played a pivotal role in reshaping the academic environment, encouraging four-year undergraduate programs, and enabling credit transfers through the academic bank of credits. The NEP has created room for innovation as the institutions have the freedom to experiment which is a game-changer.
Ashoka and Plaksha have seized this opportunity, pushing for multidisciplinary learning and embedding life skills in their curricula, developments that have found resonance among both students and employers.
Global Collaborations and Research Frontiers
Ashoka's partnerships with global institutions have significantly enhanced its academic ecosystem. With visiting faculty contributing to both pedagogy and mentorship and robust student exchange programs in place, the university is preparing students for a globalized world.
Meanwhile, research remains a cornerstone of both universities' missions. "Whether it is data science, biosciences, or water sustainability, we are committed to research that has real-world impact," Gupta said. This focus is evident in Plaksha's "living lab" approach, where students can test and refine solutions in real-time environments.
Education in a Post-COVID World
Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, Ashoka University Founder Vineet Gupta observed the continuing relevance of physical classrooms, even as online learning gains traction. "Online education is a great tool, but it cannot replace the immersive experience of being in a classroom, especially for formal education," he emphasized. He encouraged institutions to adopt a hybrid approach, using digital platforms to broaden access while maintaining the integrity of in-person learning.
Words of Wisdom for Education Entrepreneurs
Concluding the podcast, Gupta offered heartfelt advice to aspiring education entrepreneurs. "Don't build for valuation but build for value. If you are sincere about teaching and committed to quality, success will follow." He urged them to prioritize meaningful impact over profit, reinforcing that education is a long-term mission, not a quick business opportunity.
Vineet Gupta's insights on the podcast illuminate the path forward for Indian higher education. His call to reform Master's programs is both a critique and a challenge, an invitation to policymakers, educators, and institutions to build systems that inspire, retain, and elevate the brightest minds in the country.
