Vice-free campus beckons Manipur students

Art of Living *

At a time when students from the North East are increasingly becoming victims of culture shocks, negative patterns like addiction in campuses and commercialization of education, a holistic campus promises to provide world-class education and peace of mind to the parents.

Recognizing the need of the people of the North East to find a safe and disciplined campus, the Art of Living, an international NGO of world renowned humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has earmarked a special quota for students from the region in its university based in Cuttack, Odihisa.

Christened Sri Sri University (SSU), it offers graduation and post-graduation programs and doctoral studies in management, medical studies, commerce, architecture, mathematics, good governance and public policy, Sanskrit, philosophy, yoga and arts.

The university promises a unique education that brings together the best of Western innovation and the ancient values and wisdom of the East. "The university offers a range of pivotal as well as unique courses that seek to preserve the ancient wisdom of the East thorough programs in yoga and naturopathy, classical performing arts and offer the best of Western innovation through cutting-edge programs in Osteopathy and Craniosacral therapy, good governance and management," explains Dr Nand Lal, Vice Chancellor of the university.

Founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the university (www.srisriuniversity.edu.in) has its campus on an expansive 185-acre land in between the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

SSU differentiates itself by imparting education with a holistic approach and human touch. Thanks to the Art of Living's globally acclaimed self-development programs which are offered as part of induction, the University is credited to be one of the happiest campuses in the country. It is also a totally smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free campus.

The university combines traditional wisdom and modern technology to bring about a synthesis of human and technological development and pledges to inculcate a sense of social responsibility along with expertise in domain knowledge.

"The university is envisioned by Gurudev with a view of creating centres of excellence in knowledge and research and to equip students to achieve the highest levels of professional ability in a learning atmosphere that fosters human values," says Rajita Bagga, President of World Forum for Ethics In Business, who is also the President of SSU.

"Our motto of Learn, Lead, Serve defines the idea of a progressive society today. The training is provided to the students such that they become globally acceptable personalities with communication skills, proper attitudes and aptitudes and problem solving capabilities. The students are not only equipped with latest knowledge and skills for their all-round growth but they also learn in an atmosphere which epitomizes India's rich ethos and values which enables them to completely transform their personalities and groom their professional careers at global level," says Dr Nand Lal.

This approach to education is significant as modern school system often excludes the most important part of education, the ability to handle the negative tendencies of the mind and the emotions. According to a study by Stanford University, the two factors for a successful career are attributed to 87.5% soft skills and 12.5% domain knowledge. These 'soft skills' which are an expression of personality are essentially driven by the mind and emotions. SSU differentiates itself from the rest on this count.

The university also taken up the role of encouraging entrepreneurial spirit through its Sri Sri Innovation Center. The students are made to take up social development projects so that they become socially responsible citizens. Through its collaboration with institutions like World Forum for Ethics in Business (WFEB) students get plenty opportunity to take part in global summits and forums in India and abroad.

Already the university hosts students from 21 states of India and a dozen of foreign countries. In the coming years, it aims to become a global centre of education and research to create socially responsible leaders with the vision to bring positive transformation in society.

"Citizens with a such kind of visionary education and academic training will be a boon for the shared vision of building a peaceful and prosperous Manipur. With this hope, we are working to ensure that people of the state get to know of this opportunity," share Roshnikumar Sharma, media co-ordinator of the Art of Living in Manipur.

(Courtesy : Art of Living)