Shri Shobhit Mathur holds a B.Tech degree in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay. He completed his MS in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Washington in 2006. After a brief stint of volunteering in Suriname, he joined Amazon.com at their Seattle headquarters. After completing 5 years in the USA, he returned to India to pursue his calling & contribute to his motherland. He first started his stint with Youth For Seva (YFS), to connect youth to society through volunteering & lowering barriers to their participation in nation-building. After scaling YFS nationally, he decided to go back to school and did his MBA from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. He carries rich experience in building mission-driven projects and intends to bring all his education and work experience together to reinvent higher education to serve the needs of society, the nation, and the world.

Rishihood University

You have held key positions at various organizations throughout your career. What are the key lessons that you utilize now in the education sector?

Academic institutions in India lack a compelling vision. They typically focus on filling their seats and providing ideal positions. They don’t contemplate their larger purpose in society. This stops them from becoming an enticing environment for faculty, staff, or students. Developing a vision for the university and distilling it into day-to-day actions has been one of my primary focuses in order to fill this gap.

When you first came to Rishihood University, what was your vision for the university? Has it evolved over time, and how far along are you in implementing that vision?

At Rishihood University, our vision comprises three vital components: Character Formation, Thought Construction, and Systemic Change. We aim to provide holistic development for both the learner and the institution, moving beyond mere skill acquisition. Our approach begins with providing excellent classroom education and extends to fostering a great campus life, engaging in meaningful societal and work-related initiatives, creating an environment conducive to research and innovation, and most importantly, focusing on creating a positive social and public impact.

Being the Vice Chancellor of Rishihood University, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the administration of your schools?

While considering a new program and its accompanying curriculum, we consider a number of variables. The most important criterion is congruence with the Rishihood vision of providing a leadership and impact-focused education. We then aim to align the curriculum with industry needs and forecasts. We examine the existing research on the topic and the upcoming trends. We strongly believe in multi-disciplinary education, as it is crucial for problem-solving. In addition to the learner's major discipline, we provide the option of pursuing minor disciplines. We integrate the latest technology to enhance learning and provide students with the skills and knowledge required for success in the digital age.

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What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

In many ways, higher education in India has stagnated. The curriculum is outdated, the skills taught are quite limited, campus life is uninspiring, and the instructor lacks the ability to motivate the students. Rishihood intends to change all this and is taking the right steps in each of these dimensions. Collaboration and consultation with professors, industry professionals, and other stakeholders ensure a broad viewpoint and applicability to the actual world during the curriculum creation process. The focus is on higher-order skills that instill leadership traits and keep our learners ahead of their peers. Campus life is a seamless integration of living and learning together. The faculty has been picked from a global pool with a focus on their love for teaching and aptitude for research.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Rishihood instills 3 important values in its learners - curiosity to learn, courage to act and experiencing inner joy.

Curiosity is the spark that ignites learning and discovery. It's the desire to explore the world around you, to ask questions, and to seek out new experiences. Embrace your curiosity, let it guide you to new and exciting horizons.

But curiosity alone is not enough. You also need courage - the strength to take risks, to step outside of your comfort zone, and to pursue your dreams. Without courage, curiosity can remain dormant and unfulfilled.

And as you embark on this journey, never forget the importance of joy. Joy is the fuel that keeps you going, even in the face of adversity. It's the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from doing what you love, and from making a difference in the world.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for Rishihood University international affairs and/or students?

We are actively in touch with a few distinguished institutions in the United States. We are designing 2+2, 3+1, and 4+1 programs where you can first study at Rishihood and then move to the US to complete the UG degree (and also gain a Masters). Rishihood already has a few international students on campus. We seek to boost the diversity of international students on campus by expanding this initiative.

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Are there any new courses you are planning to launch this coming academic year?

We are starting a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare program. The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing industries, and competent experts are in high demand. A BSc (Hons) in Healthcare equips individuals with the information and abilities necessary to flourish in this sector and positively affect the lives of others. Healthcare is a huge industry with numerous employment prospects. One can explore a variety of career paths, including healthcare management, public health, and more.