Transforming Education: Accessibility, Diversity, and Sustainability

In an engaging session at the Dataquest T-School 2024 Conference in the Panel discussion titled: 'Accessibility, Diversity, and Sustainability in Education', Prof Shalini Taneja, Associate Professor and Head-Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) FORE School of Management and Megha Bansal - VP, Supply Chain & Logistics, ONDC engaged in an insightful discussion with Minu Sirsalewala, Executive Editor at Dataquest to Discuss Accessibility, Diversity, and Sustainability in education.

Overcoming Barriers to Inclusive and Diverse Education

Prof Shalini Taneja initiated the discussion by discussing the barriers that are making the shift from leather more inclusive and diversifying our education system. One of the major barriers to making education more inclusive and diverse is determining if students are ready to learn new areas, such as how to measure the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the ground, or understanding Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) structures. For instance, companies may allocate significant funds for CSR activities, but measuring the social impact of these expenditures is a challenge, especially when dealing with communities with no direct economic relationship to the company. To address this, it's essential to train students in CSR and related areas such as integrated reporting and green supply chain initiatives. Additionally, courses like Responsible and Ethical AI are crucial to preparing students for future challenges. Educators must stay updated on public policy, academia, and regulatory pressures, such as those from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or national guidelines for different industries like banking. Preparing students to meet these expectations, whether they join the banking or automotive industries, involves teaching them how to implement sustainable practices. The same challenges faced by industries are also encountered by NGOs and the development sector, making it essential to co-create solutions and prepare for a holistic ecosystem.

The Importance of Awareness in Sustainable Education

Megha Bansal Continued the discussion by sharing her perspective on the Importance of Awareness in Sustainable Education and said: I believe the fundamental issue we face is a lack of awareness. Even though we, as educated individuals, are present in this room, how many of us are truly aware of the sustainable practices available or how to incorporate sustainability into basic education? This lack of awareness extends to students entering academia, who often struggle to succeed in their studies and graduate in a way that allows them to earn a good living. The issue persists because half of the country remains unaware of the opportunities and possibilities available to them. It's not just the government's responsibility to address this; educational institutions, academies, and industry leaders who engage in CSR initiatives must also play a crucial role. Even those who do not engage in CSR must recognize their responsibility to raise awareness about the options and opportunities available in the country.

Further, she spoke about how Identifying technology that could aid in developing awareness and implementation is crucial and gave an instance, Bhashini, a tool inaugurated by our Honorable Prime Minister in 2022, plays a significant role in addressing language barriers and enhancing public awareness. Bhashini offers digital public infrastructure and technology tools in 22 languages, making it an effective transmission tool for diverse linguistic groups across India. Given that India is essentially a collection of 22 to 23 linguistic regions, such tools are vital for ensuring that information reaches everyone. Before delving into advanced technologies like AI, it's essential to address these foundational issues to ensure comprehensive awareness and implementation.

Training and Capacity Building: A Call to Action

Talking about the critical issue of skilling and training Prof Shalini Taneja discussed about issue of skilling, which affects both students and teachers, and said, not just for students but also for teachers. It raises the question: is this a significant problem that requires immediate attention? I believe it is. Therefore, I urge all Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors present here to allocate a separate budget for training purposes. It is crucial for us, as educators, to also invest in our own professional development. Personally, I aspire to further my education, either by studying in India at renowned institutions like those in Ahmedabad or Bangalore, or abroad.

Moreover, there should be scholarships or sponsorships available for academicians. Capacity building is essential and should be viewed as a dynamic process, not a static one. For instance, my institute, the School of Management, has evolved from offering basic PCBM courses and international business programs to now providing advanced PGDPM courses in Financial Management and Big Data Analytics. We have developed specialized labs for our students and actively invite corporates for interactions to ensure they stay updated with industry trends. We also engage our students in CSR and community development initiatives to offer practical experience.

It is important to recognize that CSR cannot be taught solely within classroom walls; it requires a hands-on approach to understanding community needs. This understanding is vital for formulating effective CSR policies tailored to different types of companies, whether family-owned, multinational, or state-owned. Capacity building and ongoing training are essential not only for professors but also for staff members. Appreciation and incentives for continuous learning and development should be integral to academic institutions.

Creating a supportive ecosystem within educational institutions will motivate faculty, staff, and students alike. Currently, there is a tendency among students to prefer placements in fields like finance, supply chain, or marketing over CSR or sustainability roles. We must work to shift this perception by demonstrating the value and impact of these fields.

Courses that emphasize real-world applications, such as ESPs, PSRs, and live projects, are crucial. I urge corporate partners to provide opportunities for students to engage in live projects, ranging from one to three months. This exposure will help bridge the gap between academia and industry, benefiting both students and the organizations they work with.

The Importance of a Practical and Industry-Aligned Curriculum

Megha Bansal then shared her thoughts about the Importance of a Practical and Industry-Aligned Curriculum and spoke about how Having a curriculum that is practical and closely aligned with industry needs is crucial for preparing students for real-world challenges. Incorporating elements like sustainability and other less common subjects into the curriculum can offer students a more hands-on and practical education. My own experience highlights this need; despite working in electronics engineering for over ten years, I found that the management and practical aspects of my work were not covered by my formal education. Internships have become more prevalent, but there is still a gap in ensuring that these opportunities are truly beneficial. Educational institutions need to collaborate with companies to ensure that internships provide meaningful projects, allowing students to gain practical experience and be better prepared for their careers.