In a conversation with Keerthana, Correspondent, Higher Education Review Magazine, Dr. Samrat Ray, Dean at International Institute of Management Studies shared his views and thoughts on various aspects of the key challenges and opportunities posed by globalization in the context of Indian education, What role does technology play in the globalization of education in India, and how is it transforming the learning experience, and more. Dr. Samrat Ray is the Dean and Head of International Relations at the 'International Institute of Management Studies, Pune,' a top 10 Business School in Maharashtra strategically located in Pune's IT hub. He holds a Ph.D. from St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and brings over 15 years of international experience across diverse regions. Dr. Ray has extensive academic portfolio includes 100+ Scopus-indexed articles, four books, and eight national and international patents.
In your opinion, what are the key challenges and opportunities posed by globalization in the context of Indian education?
The landscape of the Indian education platform is undergoing rapid transformation. Since gaining independence in 1947, we witnessed the emergence of remarkable institutions like the IITs. Post-2014, a new era marked by disruptions, digitalization, and diversity began. Globalization, akin to the transformation post-1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, has ushered in a multipolar world. This shift has significantly aligned with the liberalization of the Indian economic integration sector, as outlined in the national education policy. Under this policy, the government has extended invitations to esteemed foreign institutions to establish branches in India. This approach emphasizes a multipolar, 3D, and inclusive form of globalization. Here, the fusion of global expertise with local nuances has created and will create an impactful educational journey for students.
What role does technology play in the globalization of education in India, and how is it transforming the learning experience?
Today, technology permeates every aspect of our lives. With the 5.0 wave on the horizon, it's not just a routine, but it's a lifestyle. Technologies like data science, big data, machine learning, and AI have tremendously reshaped our global perspective. Even in India, NITI Aayog and UGC have significantly prioritized technological innovation, ensuring nationwide access. Education sees a surge in augmented and virtual reality, enhancing better learning delivery. Furthermore, Post-COVID-19, virtual education has democratized learning access. Now, a simple gadget can provide education from any part of the country. This has positively impacted education quality, faculty input, and deliverables, aligning with India's national education policy.
What policies and initiatives can be implemented to encourage educational exchanges and collaborations with international institutions?
Post-2014, the Indian Government has actively worked to modernize the education system, which was deeply rooted in tradition but lacked core innovation and global exposure. This shift had a significant impact, leading to a decline in education absorption by key stakeholders like policymakers and students. This resulted in a rapid brain drain where more students started seeking opportunities abroad. However, it's important to understand why this brain drain occurred in the first place. India has a rich history of delivering excellent education, and the potential to reverse this trend exists. The government's initiative to liberalize education since 2014 is a unique and promising step. It is poised to drive growth and contribute significantly to national development in the coming years.
In your view, what steps can India take to leverage globalization for the benefit of its education system and workforce?
Since 2014, the Indian government has embarked on a significant overhaul of its education policy, addressing outdated practices and aligning them with contemporary needs. This shift places emphasis on diversity, digitalization, and digital transformation. To navigate the ensuing disruption, one must adapt. India, now the world's 10th largest economy, boasts the third highest economic surplus beating several prominent Western nations. With aspirations of attaining a trillion-dollar economy, the nation must chart a path of agile, resilient, and sustainable growth, rooted in education. The linchpin of this endeavor is globalized education, harmonizing local values, integrity, and traditional Indian pedagogy with the best of Western intellectual thought. This fusion promises a potent educational experience for our youth, obviating the need to seek it abroad. The government has implemented numerous measures to retain talent domestically, particularly in research, technological advancement, funding, and academic integrity. The operative principle here is "Global Plus Local" - a Global approach. We should wholeheartedly embrace these policy changes and contribute fervently to nation-building.
Explain the skills and competencies students need to develop to succeed in a globalized society and how the education system can nurture these skills.
India, both in terms of its educational system and its student demographic, embodies a rich tapestry of diversity. This diversity is a hallmark of our nation. Notably, the erstwhile notion of elite institutions such as St. Stephen's or St. Gabriel's is gradually fading. Today, equal rights and opportunities prevail; merit in academics opens doors to even the most esteemed schools. Essential skills now extend beyond traditional artistic prowess, emphasizing agility, resilience, and soft skills, with a paramount focus on emotional intelligence (EQ). As we navigate a landscape of constant change, resilience in change management assumes critical importance. Broad exposure is imperative, pushing students to embrace new technologies like Machine Learning, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and augmented reality. Regardless of their origins, be it rural India, students must adeptly integrate these technologies into their daily lives. Additionally, fostering entrepreneurship skills is pivotal. This not only infuses vitality into our economic landscape but also cultivates a growth-oriented India, poised for a vibrant future.
