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Although we love to appreciate and hype English literature for its deep, moving meanings and lines, Hindi literature often takes a seat back. And to give Hindi literature the love it deserves, here are 7 books with deep and profound meaning and lessons.

It is one of the greatest works of classical Sanskrit literature, and 'Abhigyanshakuntalam' has been translated into many languages. It is the story of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta, and it talks about fate, love, struggles of the common, and the issue of relationships.

‘Godan’ is a masterpiece book by Premchand, which tells the story of a poor farmer, Hori, who spends and ends his life in the dreams of owning a cow. The idea and message of poverty, societal exploitation, and to what extent man has to go; everything is included in ‘Godan’.

Another deep and emotional tale, 'Tamas' is set in the period of partition and brings out the horrors that ensued and the communal violence that affected women, children, men, and humanity.

A play set post the Kurukshetra war (Mahabharat) is 'Andha Yug'. It features the plight and discourses people had after the killings, war, and violence, and how the destruction caused by blind ambition and vengeance turned to moral corruption.

Another must-read is 'Maila Aanchal', which is a story about rural Bihar and the challenges faced by its people. It concerns struggles of a backward society, depicting how lives are formed or deformed through poverty, caste struggles, and political movements.

Although originally written in Bengali and then translated into other languages, ‘Chokher Bali’ is one of the most widely read Hindi translations by Rabindranath Tagore. This is a story about Binodini, a young widow, who struggles with loneliness and social restrictions.

Another Bengali classic, ‘Anandamath’ is famous for the ‘Vande Mataram’ in the end and is a book about the Sannyasi Rebellion, featuring Mahendra and Kalyani in the middle of the story and the raw power in the rebellion against the British.

Though it was no particularly brilliant line, when Sir Ken Robinson stepped onto the TED stage nearly two decades ago and said, "If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original," he sounded the alarm. His critique-that schools quietly train children out of creativity-still feels uncomfortably on target in a world where most classrooms worship marks and not imagination.

The Crisis We Pretend Doesn't Exist

Today, our world rewards creativity as it never has before. Innovation, problem-solving, design thinking, leadership, communication-none of these thrive on memorization or fear of making mistakes. And yet, schools continue to drill students to believe that the worst thing they can do is be wrong. It's in this contradiction that Robinson's argument cuts right: creativity is no longer optional; it's a survival skill. And schools, as they stand, are not built to nurture it.

Children are Creative—School Slowly Trains it Out

Think of young children: they sing without shame, paint without hesitation, dance without fear, and answer questions with raw, fearless experimentation. Robinson labeled this natural courage “taking a chance.” Kids don’t fear being wrong—until school teaches them to.

He said the classrooms stigmatize mistakes so ruthlessly over time that kids internalize a lifetime fear of being wrong. By the time they get to adulthood, most have lost the very instinct needed to come up with original ideas. The organizations - designed by grown-ups raised in the same system - reinforce the pattern.

If you have ever kept quiet in class, terrified to be laughed at, you aren't just imagining things: you're reacting to a deeply embedded culture.

The Global Hierarchy Shaping Your Timetable

One interesting thing Robinson said is that no matter what educational system you go to, the hierarchy of subjects is always the same: mathematics and languages on top of the hierarchy, humanities in the middle, and at the very bottom, the arts.

This hierarchy shapes destinies. A child who loves dance or acting learns early that his gift is "less serious." Even within the arts, dance and drama are undervalued. Robinson's question-"Why not teach dance every day the way we teach mathematics?"-isn't a joke. It's a provocation.

A System Built for Factories, Not Futures

Robinson traced that rigidity back to the Industrial Revolution. Schools were designed to produce standardized workers for standardized jobs - predictable, obedient, measurable. The world has changed completely, yet the education blueprint hasn’t.

Students are still being pushed to pursue subjects that are "useful for work" when, in fact, today creative industries, content, technology, and design drive the global economy. It's the universities that shaped this system to value only academic intelligence; thus, school became a years-long entrance exam.

Imagination, empathy, innovation-those things that cannot be measured in a test-get sidelined.

The Real Tragedy: Talented Students Who Think They Aren't

But perhaps the saddest element in Robinson's argument is this: so many brilliant young people grow up believing they are not intelligent because the system didn't value those things which they excelled in.

For example, if your strengths are in creativity, storytelling, design, leadership, movement, or intuition, the system seldom celebrates you; it quietly punishes you most of the time.

As Robinson says here, it is deeply personal: The problem isn't you; it's the system. The Quiet Erosion of Creativity This is a warning from Robinson because he points to a quiet, slow erosion wherein creativity does not disappear in that instant; it fades away over years of avoiding making mistakes, chasing perfect scores, and learning to fear risk. In a time when every new day reconstructs the world through innovation, we are still preparing children for a past that no longer exists. And that is why Sir Ken Robinson's words endure: not as criticism but as a mirror-a reminder that beneath timetables, hierarchies, and exam schedules lies a truth we can no longer afford to ignore; we are teaching children to fit into a system, rather than teaching them to reshape it.

By: Vilas Anil Chavan
Associate Dean, Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Sciences, 

Aditya University, Andhra Pradesh.

Aditya University, situated on a beautiful 180-acre eco-friendly campus in Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, sets new benchmarks for higher education by combining traditional learning with innovation and leadership. Vilas Anil Chavan, Associate Dean of the Department of Forensic Sciences at the School of Sciences, shared insights about the university with Edinbox. This article highlights the vision, accomplishments, and distinctive offerings that set Aditya University apart.

About Aditya University  

Established under the Andhra Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2016, Aditya University stems from decades of excellence nurtured by the Aditya Group of Institutions. The university focuses on multidisciplinary education inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Its goal is to develop career-ready graduates who are also responsible, creative, and lifelong learners.

Innovation and Campus Life  

Innovation is at the heart of campus culture, evident in the Aditya Innovation and Incubation Hub, which empowers students from various disciplines to bring their ideas to life. This could be through digital forensic tools, sustainable energy models, or AI-driven applications. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell offers mentorship, funding support, and incubation opportunities to help students turn prototypes into real-world successes.

A vibrant student life flourishes through numerous clubs, councils, and student organizations, coordinated by the Directorate of Student Affairs. These activities provide a balanced, intellectually stimulating, and socially enriching experience for all learners.

Academic Excellence and Placements  

Aditya University boasts an A++ NAAC accreditation and has achieved impressive placement results, with over 3,000 students getting placed in more than 260 reputable companies in 2024. The Career Development and Placement Cell combines personalized mentorship, mock interviews, aptitude training, and direct industry interaction to get students ready for the workplace. Specialized programs like Forensic Science and Cyber Security offer practical experience, equipping students to work confidently in justice and cybersecurity roles.

Collaborations and Opportunities  

The university enhances its academic excellence through collaborations with well-known global organizations like EC-Council (USA) and SIFS INDIA, which provide students with international certifications and hands-on training with leading digital forensic tools. These partnerships help keep students informed about industry trends and innovations.

Holistic Development and Digital Advancement  

Beyond academics, Aditya University fosters holistic development through sports, cultural events, social service, and community engagement programs. Its commitment to digital transformation includes smart classrooms, virtual labs, and advanced learning management systems, enhancing the learning experience and broadening accessibility.

Academic Freedom and Mentorship  

Aditya University promotes a culture of intellectual freedom, encouraging students to question, explore, and innovate ethically. Strong mentorship relationships provide individual academic support and personal growth. Peer mentorship in departments like Forensic Sciences fosters technical collaboration and community.

Words of Vilas Anil Chavan

“As Associate Dean of the School of Sciences, I take immense pride in being part of an institution that doesn’t just educate minds but awakens potential; preparing students not only to succeed but to make a difference.”

This detailed profile of Aditya University, shared by Vilas Anil Chavan highlights a university that goes beyond education and transforms lives. With its commitment to innovation, quality, and social responsibility, Aditya University prepares students not just to succeed but to create meaningful, lasting impacts on the world.

By Yugal Sharma
DGM, Digital Marketing
Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri, Mohali

Education is not just limited to books, classrooms, and exams in today's world.  Education is about learning from the right people and using the right tools. Two things that play a very big role in a student’s success today are mentorship and digital learning. When a good mentor guides a student and technology supports that learning, the chances of success become very high.

The Role of a Good Mentor

A mentor acts like a guiding light in a student’s journey. Mentors help students choose the right path, make better decisions, and stay motivated even during challenging times. A good mentor can inspire growth, boost confidence, and bring out the best in a learner.

If we observe closely, behind every successful person there’s usually a mentor, someone who offered advice, shared wisdom, or provided encouragement at the right time. For most students, teachers are their first real mentors. They go beyond teaching lessons from books, they share experiences and life skills that shape character and confidence.

A mentor listens, understands, and supports. When students feel lost or uncertain about their future, a mentor shows direction. When students lose confidence, a mentor helps them rise again. In short, mentorship molds both personality and purpose.

Mentorship in Schools and Colleges

In schools and colleges, mentorship is more than just teaching. A good teacher guides a student to think better, ask questions, and explore new ideas. When students trust their mentors, they learn with more interest and focus. This bond creates a healthy learning environment.

For example, when a teacher takes time to talk to a student about their goals or helps them find their hidden talent, that’s real mentorship. It builds confidence. Students start believing in themselves. They begin to think that they can achieve something great.

Students who have strong mentors end up doing better in life, not just in studies but also in their careers and relationships. That’s because they learn discipline, hard work, and decision-making skills from their mentors.

Digitalization: Transforming Education

Technology has completely changed the landscape of education in 2025. Smart classrooms, virtual lectures, and mobile-based learning apps are now part of everyday education. Earlier, learning was restricted to physical classrooms, but now students can attend sessions from anywhere in the world.

Digital tools have made education flexible and accessible. Learners can revisit recorded lectures, join virtual study groups, and explore additional topics online. Teachers now use multimedia tools like animations and video lessons to make even complex subjects easy and engaging.

Combining Mentorship and Technology

The real transformation happens when mentorship and digital learning come together. Technology may not replace human guidance, but it can strengthen it. Today, mentors can track student progress through online platforms, conduct one-on-one virtual sessions, and offer personalized feedback.

Digital learning also bridges the gap for students in remote areas, allowing them to access expert mentors and workshops that were once out of reach. Virtual mentorship programs and webinars now bring valuable guidance to anyone with an internet connection. 

In this way, mentorship gives direction, and technology provides access. Together, they ensure holistic learning for all students.

Building Skills for the Future

In the current job market, degrees alone are not enough. Students must develop practical and digital skills relevant to their careers. Mentors play a vital role in identifying which skills matter most, while digital platforms allow learners to develop those skills through online courses and certifications.

For example, a mentor might guide a student to learn data analytics, coding, or communication skills. The student can then find online courses on these subjects, study flexibly, and gain real-world expertise. This combination of personalized guidance and digital access gives students a significant edge.

Challenges in Modern Learning

While mentorship and digital education are powerful, they also come with challenges. Not every student has access to a good mentor, and not every teacher has enough time to provide personalized attention. Similarly, digital education requires devices and reliable internet, which may not be accessible to everyone.

There is also the issue of discipline. Students need guidance on how to use technology wisely. Without proper direction, excessive screen time can lead to distraction rather than learning. Therefore, mentorship remains crucial in teaching balance, focus, and self-management.

Towards a Smarter Education System

The future of education lies in blending the human warmth of mentorship with the potential of digital learning. Schools and colleges must invest in strong mentorship programs supported by technology. Educators need to be trained not only to teach but also to inspire, mentor, and guide.

Students, on the other hand, must stay curious and open-minded. They should embrace both personal mentoring and digital resources with equal enthusiasm. With the right mindset and guidance, any student can succeed in this evolving educational environment.

Looking ahead, technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality will continue to reshape classrooms. Yet, mentorship will always remain the heart of learning. Technology can deliver information, but only mentorship can nurture wisdom, confidence, and purpose.

Mentorship and digital learning together are building the future of education, one that is inclusive, accessible, and transformative for every student.

The future of higher education is taking shape as a space where knowledge, creativity, and technology come together to inspire real change. It’s a future that breaks away from old academic walls, connecting people across cultures and ideas. In this new world of learning, students, teachers, and innovators are not separated by roles or disciplines, they’re united by a common purpose: to learn, grow, and make a difference together.

The Evolving Role of Universities

Universities must move beyond being mere centers of knowledge transmission to become engines of transformation. Future campuses should nurture human potential, foster innovation that serves society, and redefine learning as a lifelong, borderless experience. Central to this vision is human-centered innovation, education guided by empathy, ethics, and inclusivity. Students should not only be prepared to thrive in their professions but to lead with conscience and creativity in solving the world’s most pressing challenges.

Technology as a Catalyst for Connection

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and immersive learning environments will play a pivotal role in shaping next-generation education. Rather than replacing human interaction, these tools will personalize learning, enhance accessibility, and enable continuous assessment. Classrooms will evolve into hybrid ecosystems, merging physical and digital realms, to promote global collaboration and lifelong learning.

Interdisciplinary Learning and Research Innovation

Future curricula must celebrate interdisciplinarity, drawing insights from science, engineering, arts, and humanities to address global concerns such as climate change, healthcare equity, data ethics, and social justice. Innovation hubs and living laboratories on campuses will transform ideas into real-world solutions, bridging research with practical implementation. These spaces will bring together students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community partners to co-design solutions with measurable social impact.

Building Inclusive and Accessible Education

Inclusivity must be at the heart of higher education. Institutions need to ensure that learning opportunities are accessible to all, irrespective of background, geography, or identity. Diversity fuels innovation, and campuses must cultivate environments where every learner feels valued. Flexible and modular learning pathways, through microdegrees, stackable credentials, and lifelong learning formats, will make education adaptable to changing career paths and global demands.

Sustainability as a Living Principle

The campus of the future must embody sustainability, not just as an academic focus but as an institutional ethos. Universities should become living laboratories for climate action and ecological innovation, integrating renewable energy systems, smart infrastructure, and green landscapes. Sustainable buildings, carbon-neutral operations, and community participation in environmental projects will position universities as leaders of systemic change.

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation and Ethics

Innovation should be celebrated across teaching, research, and governance. Universities must empower students and educators to experiment, take risks, and build ventures—academic, social, and entrepreneurial. However, this spirit of innovation must be guided by strong ethical frameworks. As advancements in artificial intelligence and biotechnology redefine humanity’s boundaries, higher education must safeguard critical thinking, empathy, and moral responsibility.

Nurturing Global Citizenship

The next generation of universities will embrace global solidarity through international research collaborations, digital partnerships, and transnational learning communities. Graduates will emerge as global citizens, comfortable navigating diverse cultures and disciplines, and dedicated to shaping a just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Toward a New Era of Higher Education

Ultimately, the future of higher education and campus innovation lies in integration of innovation with ethics, technology with humanity, and local action with global purpose. The university of tomorrow will be more than a place of study; it will be a living movement, continuously renewing itself in service to people and the planet.

It will stand as humanity’s most powerful catalyst for progress, not merely because it generates knowledge, but because it cultivates wisdom, compassion, and hope.

By Dr Sarvesh Rustagi 

Admission Director 

Maya Devi University

Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India 

by: Dr. Pankaj Kumar Rai

HOD, Biotechnology

Invertis University, Bareilly University, Uttar Pradesh 

In today's fast-developing technological environment, with criminal challenges that are becoming increasingly complicated, forensic science has grown well beyond microscopes, fingerprints, and laboratory equipment. It has transformed into a multifaceted discipline that intertwines science, psychology, ethics, and cutting-edge technology. As an Assistant Professor in Forensic Science, I firmly believe that true education in this field extends far beyond textbooks and exams. It’s about nurturing the holistic development of students, cultivating their intellectual capacity, moral responsibility, emotional resilience, social awareness, and professional excellence.

Holistic growth in forensic education means preparing students to become competent professionals who possess not only technical expertise but also empathy, integrity, and adaptability. At our university, we foster this balanced growth through a variety of academic, practical, emotional, and ethical initiatives.

Forensic science is inherently interdisciplinary, blending biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and law. To encourage intellectual development, we facilitate interdepartmental collaborations where students engage with guest lecturers and workshops from allied fields such as psychology, law, and other sciences. For example, a legal expert might explain courtroom procedures for evidence, while a psychologist discusses offender profiling—helping students link theory with real-world application. This cross-disciplinary approach broadens student perspectives and deepens their appreciation for how various fields contribute to the justice system. Additionally, incorporating research-based learning at the undergraduate level, where students undertake projects like environmental forensics or digital crime analysis, sharpens their analytical thinking and fosters innovation.

As a practical field, forensic science education thrives on hands-on experience. Our department organizes practical training sessions and mini-investigations on campus, including mock crime scenes for evidence collection, fingerprint analysis, and blood pattern study. Partnerships with forensic labs, police departments, and legal institutions provide students with valuable internships and study visits, deepening their understanding of professional protocols, evidence handling, and courtroom dynamics. These experiences boost confidence and readiness for real-world responsibilities. Simulation-based learning through virtual labs and digital forensic tools also enhances experiential learning by making complex investigations accessible and interactive, especially when physical resources are limited.

Ethics form the foundation of forensic credibility. A single act of dishonesty can jeopardize a case. Therefore, we ensure that students are rigorously trained to uphold integrity, objectivity, and accountability in all tasks. A dedicated module on Professional Ethics, real-life case discussions on ethical practices and violations, and mock court sessions reinforce the importance of unbiased, evidence-based testimony. Encouraging an honest culture, in labs, research, and daily practice, helps shape students’ moral compass. Open discussions on justice, truth, and social responsibility instill a strong ethical framework essential for the discipline’s dignity.

Exposure to distressing material such as crime scenes and autopsy images poses emotional challenges. Our department supports mental well-being by organizing workshops on emotional resilience, mindfulness, and stress management in collaboration with the university counseling center. Faculty mentoring programs offer ongoing emotional support and guidance. Prioritizing mental health fosters compassionate professionals who can handle sensitive cases with empathy and composure.

Communication and teamwork are vital soft skills. We integrate group projects, debates, and report-writing exercises to develop these. Events like forensic quizzes, ethical dilemma debates, and mock court trials help students hone public speaking, analytical, and testimonial skills essential for their careers. Leadership opportunities in departmental clubs nurture organizational and decision-making skills, preparing students for future management roles.

To spark creativity and critical thinking, we encourage student-led research via a dedicated Forensic Research Cell, exploring topics like cyber forensics and forensic entomology. Faculty support students in presenting at conferences and publishing research, boosting confidence and scholarly engagement. Innovation challenges involving low-cost forensic tools or community awareness projects promote entrepreneurship alongside learning.

Holistic growth includes social awareness. We involve students in community outreach through workshops on cyber safety, drug abuse, and evidence preservation. Such initiatives reinforce the societal impact of forensic science and cultivate leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility beyond academic training.

Career counseling sessions, resume workshops, and alumni guest lectures help students navigate career pathways in government labs, academia, cybercrime units, and the private sector. Soft skills programs focusing on interviewing, presentation, and time management prepare students for professional success.

Celebrations like Forensic Science Day, exhibitions, and student recognitions cultivate pride and belonging to the forensic community. Ultimately, holistic growth thrives in an inclusive, encouraging, student-centered campus culture. Faculty must inspire, mentor, listen, and engage through interactive feedback and open dialogue. When students feel valued and supported, they naturally develop confidence, curiosity, and compassion, the pillars of holistic development.

As educators, our mission goes beyond teaching technical skills to shaping ethical, balanced, and emotionally resilient forensic professionals. By blending academic rigor, ethical grounding, emotional support, research innovation, and community involvement, we transform classrooms and labs into spaces of true growth, preparing students to uphold truth and justice responsibly