India places great importance on education, recognizing that while teachers are highly esteemed, the teaching-learning process relies fundamentally on students. This understanding is why World Students’ Day is celebrated each October, emphasizing the crucial role students play in shaping society and its future.
World Students’ Day, observed on October 15, commemorates the birthday of Dr. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and esteemed scientist. A passionate champion of education, Dr. Kalam believed in the transformative potential of students to make a meaningful difference in the world. Dr. Kalam often visited schools and colleges to share his wisdom and motivate students to achieve their fullest potential, emphasizing that education is vital for personal development and societal progress.
I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Kalam’s vision. Education should equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become job creators and employers, thereby strengthening the nation’s economy. Can the Indian education system cultivate leaders with strong values who uplift society? Can we foster leaders who actively address community issues? Can universities nurture youth who demonstrate empathy for others? Only by understanding others’ struggles can we begin to devise effective solutions.
India has the second largest higher education system as there are 1000+ universities, 50000+ colleges, and 4 crore students studying these institutions. The rich demographic dividend that the country holds can provide a highly competent and skilled global workforce.
Additionally, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) embodies the noble principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means ‘the whole world is one family.’ Translating this philosophy into our academic curriculum was challenging, but we succeeded by introducing a course on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as an elective. To our delight, students from diverse fields—Humanities, Law, Engineering, Health Sciences—enrolled in the course, signaling their awareness of being part of a greater whole. Additionally, SIU promotes the spirit of ‘service learning’ by engaging with 22 villages near the university, encouraging students to address basic issues related to health, sanitation, and waste management.
As a Health Promoting University (HPU), SIU launched the Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE) on July 2, 2012, aimed at positively impacting the surrounding community as part of our health initiatives. Through its dual focus on healthcare and non-health initiatives, SCOPE seeks sustainable and integrated development in the villages of Mulshi taluka, Pune district. Our goal is to empower the community to identify and promote its own health initiatives through proactive, community-driven efforts in socio-economic and environmental spheres. In addition to various outreach initiatives, SCOPE designs and manages service learning within the curriculum, engaging in research to understand societal needs and developmental challenges while facilitating meaningful interventions.
This is how our university strives to provide a holistic education that equips students not only with employability skills but also with the character and attitude of effective leaders. I encourage students across the country to pursue meaningful online courses that contribute to their personal growth.
Students are the future of our nation, capable of making significant contributions to society and improving the world around them for themselves and their communities!