Universities play a transformative role in shaping the minds and lives of the younger generation so that they become nation-builders. Learning beyond the classroom is an essential aspect of the growth and development of students, and an equally important role is played by diversity and inclusivity. Internationalization of higher education is vital to bring perspectives from different parts of the world onto the table. A diverse environment is the perfect place for discussions to happen, and it has the power to change and transform personalities.
Universities can involve students in Community Outreach Work. Even through small work, universities can involve them in improving the lives of the people living in the community. This will make the students aware of the needs and problems that others face, make them more empathetic, and lead them to devise plausible solutions to alleviate day-to-day issues. Universities can take up local projects where students from India and outside India can contribute because several problems from across the globe are quite similar. It is nice to see how young minds worldwide can come together to solve these problems. This is a beautiful way of bringing together young minds worldwide and leading them to believe in the age-old concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Just a few days ago, Symbiosis International University hosted the Uni 20 Conference as part of the G20 discussions that are taking place nationwide. For three days, the entire Symbiosis campus became a powerhouse of ideas, resulting in such wonderful and engaging discussions. We saw participation from University Leaders from 46 countries spread all across the globe! Countries such as Argentina and Brazil to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and even countries from Western Asia participated in the Conference. The Conference saw a massive preponderance of the South, which showed that the global South is emerging as a potent force and housing a large population.
Therefore, if South-South collaboration occurs between Universities, it will truly bring a transformative shift. Collaborations between South-South Universities will bring the students together and create a power shift from a unipolar or a bipolar world to a creating multipolar world, and each individual will have a say, thus making it an inclusive world.
Therefore, through such efforts, we can see Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, in reality and melt the boundaries and unite the world.