Banshi Group of Institutions, Chairman: Dr. Mayank Agnihotri Interview

Dr. Mayank Agnihotri is the Chairman of the Banshi Group of Institutions. He has a B.Com. from Christ Church College and an M.Com. from CSJM University. Thereafter, he went on to earn an MBA degree from Symbiosis International University, Pune and a PhD from CSJM University Kanpur. He is also the owner of Chronicle Beach Club, Goa and he participated in the 2020 Colors Reality TV Show “Mujhse Shadi Karoge.”

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

My experience in the education field spans over a decade, encompassing leadership positions within institutes. The driving force that has maintained my connection with the academic realm is the profound passion I hold for this field. As an educator, my role extends beyond mere instruction; I am a mentor, a confidant, and a companion to my students. One of the most prevalent motivations for becoming an educator is the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of numerous students. Witnessing my students successfully enter the workforce and subsequently contribute to job creation, brings me a sense of accomplishment.

The education systems in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your college?

While conventional educational systems have traditionally emphasised diminishing learning with age, we must now transition to a model that promotes lifelong learning, particularly in the face of potential job disruptions. This paradigm shift necessitates instilling a lifelong love for learning from an early age. We must shift from the norm of declining learning and skills throughout one's life to a model wherein everyone continually enhances existing abilities and acquires new ones based on individual needs.

The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 is a transformative step that could catalyse essential changes in the education system. However, for these initiatives to succeed, a collective commitment to education is imperative. Education providers must implement fundamental changes at all levels, while parents need to acknowledge the significant challenges at hand and value both educators and the education system as a whole.

How does the curriculum of your college ensure the effective integration of industry best practices?

Our approach starts with defining the destination, represented by the program outcomes that students should attain during their tenure at the college. At the forefront of our educational goals is the development of character and personality, recognising that education extends beyond knowledge and skills. Our vocational courses are designed to equip students with the necessary skills for professional life, complemented by foundational knowledge that enables continuous upskilling and reskilling throughout their careers. Establishing networks and relationships within the college is equally vital, fostering both cognitive and non-cognitive peer support and enhancing teamwork capabilities. The aim of knowledge and skill development is to initiate a journey of research that fosters innovation and progress.

What strategies can your university employ to create a more inclusive environment for students from diverse racial and economic backgrounds?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion form the cornerstones of any thriving community, society, or nation. Given the rich diversity of our country, these principles become even more indispensable. Pluralism must not be a mere preference but a deeply ingrained fundamental value. Our history and culture have championed egalitarianism, and inclusion is essential for nurturing the fabric of our community, nation, and society. The next generation, as future torchbearers, must comprehend and embrace these values, fostering holistic education. Educational environments should be forums for initiating conversations about these values, establishing a foundation for a more inclusive society.

What advice would you offer to current youth and aspiring students?

I ardently believe that the unanswerable questions far surpass the unquestionable answers. Do not shy away from posing questions. The Socratic Method has consistently been a powerful tool for teaching and learning. Remember, questions are not confined to teachers or external figures; the most profound questions often emerge from self-reflection. Treat questions with reverence, for their purpose is only fulfilled when each query leads to a trail that culminates in a satisfactory answer. However, be mindful that you seek answers to the questions you pose. Articulating the right question is the initial step towards embarking on a quest for meaningful answers. Ensure that your questions are purposeful and coherent; directionless or trivial questions not only squander time but also diminish the zeal for seeking answers.

What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of your college?

At BGI, we firmly believe that being a dedicated student is a primary prerequisite for being an effective teacher. We encourage continuous self-improvement among our staff members, fostering an ongoing quest for enhancement. The cultivation of positive habits is a cornerstone of improvement, which is why we introduced the Excellence Awards. These awards encompass all staff within the Banshi Group of Institutions. A selection of awards will be presented monthly, while others will be awarded quarterly or bi-annually. Recipients will receive certificates and tokens of appreciation, and their achievements will be showcased on our social media platforms and college bulletin boards. As with all our endeavours, creativity will guide the categories and evaluation methodologies. We also integrate feedback from guest speakers, online polls, and student input to identify winners in various categories.

What aspects of your university would you like to highlight that are often overlooked?

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, referred to as the 'new normal,' we are witnessing an unprecedented surge in exponential technologies. A technology's significance lies in its practical application in everyday life. Emerging technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, and IoT are already reshaping industries and the global landscape in unprecedented ways. This transformation is particularly promising for individuals considering a career in engineering. Mastery of these technologies will be pivotal. We recently hosted a seminar to address some of the pressing questions aspiring engineering students might have.