Interview by Shivangi

IITM Sonepat

Ms. Ashima Wadhwa is designated as the Executive Director of IITM Group of Institutions. She is M.Phil (Computer science), M.Tech (IT), MCA, LLB and B.Com qualified. Her diverse experience of working in many reputed universities namely GGSIPU (New Delhi), Amity University (Noida), GNDU (Amritsar) & MDU (Rohtak), has made her a renowned academician.

Ms. Ashima Wadhwa has contributed her research papers on Big Data, Network Security & Cloud Computing to many honorary journals both at national and international level. She has grabbed many awards at national level for different extracurricular activities and she is also certified for excellence teaching by Amity University. In an exclusive interview with Collegedunia.com, she shares her views on the education sector and her suggestions for the upcoming youth!

Thoughts on the Education Sector

Education is as old as the human-race itself. It is an ever-changing, ever-expanding and a dynamic concept. Its meaning changes from time to time, from country to country and from person to person. For me, education is not only a sector but it is the base for all other sectors.

Education motivates self-assurance and provides us with the things we need to partake in today's world. It makes us more independent and aware of what is going on in the world today, along with the awareness of opportunities and rights. I believe, that only an educated society can be a wealthy society, which provides for the social and financial needs of its members and I feel blessed and proud to be a part of such an important sector.

Ms Wadhwa’s Philosophy and Style of Leadership

Leadership is an important function of management which helps an individual or a business to maximize efficiency and achieve goals. For me, a leader is in a position to shape, regulate, control and change the attitudes, behaviour and performance of his group members. I think Leadership style is never fixed, it varies with the situation. 

A person with same traits may adopt autocratic style of leadership in one situation and democratic style in another situation. My leadership styles include authoritative, coaching, coercive, charismatic, democratic, innovative and control.

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IITM tries to ensure best practice of the industry

The IITM group is committed to foster in its students the pursuit of individual excellence; besides creating interest in them to acquire generic skills as problem solving, communication skills, interpersonal relations, motivation for a lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, awareness of quality and IT application. 

At IITM Group of Institution, students are challenged to unlock their potential and hone their strength and abilities. They will gain confidence to push themselves towards new horizons. Our curriculum entirely academic in nature, extends to laboratories and workshops, campus action groups, seminars, meetings, cultural and social activities and sporting events. 

Defeating all barriers at IITM

Education should be for all irrespective of caste, creed and gender. By gaining knowledge, people can stand out as equal with all the other people from different caste and creed. It is a platform to prove the equity by defeating all barriers. In here, we provide scholarships to economically backward students so that nothing can stop any one to be an educated person. 

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Responsibilities as an Executive Director

There are no set of roles or responsibilities as such, I have to look after each and every perspective of college and students. But yes, one important role is to provide guidance and counselling to students who deviate from the right path of education. I constantly endeavour to prepare our students as responsible and innovative global citizens having a firm grounding in their respective disciplines. I need to make sure that students are getting not only effective classroom teaching but also extracurricular and co-curricular activities throughout the semester for their overall development. 

It is my responsibility that each student gets good placement in the final semester of their course. Well, students have only one responsibility that they actively participate in all the activities conducted by the college and be regular in their classes.

Establishing a relationship with the students

Successful colleges are those that have the ability to maximize the learning potential of all students in their colleges. Developing positive relationship between teachers and students is a fundamental aspect of quality teaching and student learning.

Positive college-student relationships promote a sense of college belonging and encourage students to participate cooperatively. Students develop confidence to experiment and succeed in an environment where they are not restricted by the fear of failure. To tend to the relationship with students, I think, the most important thing is harmonious classrooms that can assist with the development of creativity as well as reduce anxiety levels amongst students. 

Encouraging an Ideal College Environment

Ideal college of environment has many components like:

  • A college with a beautiful campus, lush lawns and good ventilated buildings
  • Strong academic reputation.
  • Small classes, outstanding professors, access to them after class. 
  • A firstrate library, good facilities for research and opportunity to do research.
  • Homely mess with hygienic food.
  • Totally digital teaching-learning environment.
  • A strong alumni network for future ties and future participation.
  • Peaceful yet lively atmosphere.

Suggestions for the Youth and Aspiring Students

The term youth is often associated with vibrancy, joyfulness, enthusiasm and passion. This is because people belonging to the young generation are full of life. They are curious to learn new things and ready to explore the world. They are high on energy and do not want to conform to the customs and traditions set by the earlier generations. 

My suggestion to youth is "Stop being so sensitive”, the real world (outside of a liberal nonprofit or academia) is not going to cater to your “special needs” and “what you want to hear” and “your identity” - trust me. It is better to take charge of your life, your happiness and focus on your career. Stop obsessing over your various identities, and start obsessing over your shared humanity. Last but not the least, spend some time with your elders: parents and grandparents daily.