Opinion

When 643 minds converge at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, it is not just another year of studies. It is a statement of where India is headed — towards inclusive excellence, inter-disciplinary exploration, and humane leadership.

The thrill of Day One at any top business school is there — new faces, nerves, and aspirations are tied tightly into blazers and formal footwear. But at IIM Lucknow this year, the figures tell a tale of mission. With 30% of the incoming cohort being female, and over 50% of the students hailing from non-engineering streams — from commerce to the arts — the message is stark and simple: Indian business leadership is transforming, and so are those who will transform it.

This isn't about checking diversity boxes. It's about redefining who gets to lead and why. Indian business schools for too long were copies — engineers, men, sometimes of limited emotional range. But the world has moved on. Business leaders today must be learned to listen as well as to strategize, to feel as much as to optimize. And IIM Lucknow appears to be stepping up to this task with intent.

The most powerful message came from Prof. Sanjeet Singh, who highlighted the fact that the job of students should be to build the right questions and not inquiring for pre-set answers. In a world where numbers are crunched by AI and algorithms predict demand, it's the human factor — critical thinking, empathy, ethical sensitivity — that will distinguish good managers from great managers.

What lies in wait for these students is more than a sequence of internships and placements. It's a call to look within, to discover, and finally to redefine leadership in India. This initiation is not a ritualistic function — it's a guarantee. That IIM Lucknow will not merely educate students on how to create businesses, but on how to create character.

Because in the end, as the institute so rightly says, this is not merely the beginning of a career — it's the beginning of becoming.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu has rolled out a new program – BSc in behavioral sciences and predictive analytics. The new undergraduate program is crafted by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. JEE Advanced 2025 qualified candidates can apply for the new UG program at IIT Jammu. Candidates who are interested can apply at -- iitjammu.ac.in and iitjammu.ac.in/hss.

This program aims to combine essential concepts from psychology, cognitive science, behavioral economics and sociology, and combines them with statistical thinking, data science and predictive modeling. The aim is to enable students to comprehend human action not only at the level of personal experience, but also as rich, quantifiable patterns which develop over social systems and contexts. This interdisciplinary program is made to fill the gap between an understanding of human action and data-driven decision-making.

By combining principles from behavioral sciences, psychology, sociology, and economics with methods in statistics, data analysis, and computational modelling, students will be prepared to decipher intricate human patterns and make a positive contribution to solutions in fields as diverse as mental health and education, as well as policy, design, and technology.

The four-year degree program of BSc in behavioral sciences and predictive analytics (BSBSPA) will integrate the observation of human behavior with sophisticated analytical methods, providing an interdisciplinary education that is highly relevant in today's data-intensive world.

During Year 1 and Year 2, students will receive foundation training that lays a solid groundwork via courses in Behavioral Sciences, Neurosciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Programming, Data Science, Machine Learning, Psychology, and Cognitive Sciences.

During Year 3 and Year 4, students take courses in advanced and specialization domains like Data Science, Machine Learning, Behavioral Sciences, Business Strategy, Psychology, Economics, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Policy Making. The curriculum also consists of a half-year industry experience along with an assortment of elective courses available in various departments of IIT Jammu.

The introduction of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has aroused a mixed reaction from the Indian higher education circle. While it is being sold as an innovative reform on the global model, its critics believe that it would bring more uncertainty than certainty.

On its surface, FYUP provides creativity and flexibility. It provides multiple points of entry and multiple points of exit—certificate after one year, diploma after two years, degree after three years, and a research degree after four years. The intention is to create integrated, inter-disciplinary learning and break down subject compartments. The programme also combines community service, value education, and internship, marking an evolutionary leap forward in linking academia with practical issues.

But realities on ground are otherwise. How FYUP has been brought in most universities—likely by executive fiat and short of complete deliberation or UGC guidelines—is a reason for serious suspicion. It is a change so fundamental to implement without systemic preparedness that it has the capability to undermine academic standards. Universities are already struggling to make up for infrastructure and faculty shortcomings. How will they be able to facilitate the high-intensity research and interdisciplinarity that the FYUP plans to implement, now?

Also, the idea of exit points several is utopian in theory but could actually produce a hierarchy of graduates. Will a diploma holder be treated equally to a diploma holder or even an individual with a full-fledged four-year degree? The already constrained labor market with mismatches of employability might actually become more perplexed with the patchwork of qualifications.

We threaten to actually speed up the vocationalisation of university education. Vocation training is required, but should not replace intellectual rigor which under-graduate study needs to provide. We might very well in practice commodify university education as a training module for employment in disguise of flexibility.

NEP 2020 discusses pedagogic innovation and institutional autonomy. How can institutions of higher education be autonomous if they are forced to adopt top-down policy transformation without any preparation? Multidisciplinary learning, lifelong learning, and research degree are excellent ideals but need visionary planning, quality preparation of teachers, and sound regulation—not haphazardly implementing them.

The FYUP could have been a blessing—if well executed with a robust regulatory environment, pilot operation, and ongoing public debate. Otherwise, it will be the latest reform that will look resplendent on paper but fails the test at the ground level. At least for now, it is an uneven bag: promising but marred by reckless implementation.

A journey of dreams, Decisions and Determination turns out to be the best  when you are constant in your efforts and action.

I will start next week. I will apply when I feel ready. This is not the right time.Always talk about tomorrow, live in the present ,do it now! Don’t wait for the right time when you will have a full plate to serve.

But there is no perfect time.You don’t build a future when you're completely prepared. You build it while you are figuring things out.

Look around you. The most successful people were not born ready,they started scared, unsure, and often without a clear path. What they did right was they started anyway.

Today is more powerful than someday. Use it.

Your Present is the Blueprint-We often hear, The future is bright, but brightness doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from designing. Imagine your life as a home you’re building. Every subject you learn, every experience you embrace, every skill you acquire is a brick. Your patience, discipline, and curiosity are the cement holding it together.

What you do today decides how strong your tomorrow will be

Each day you wake up with a choice. A choice to build something meaningful, to take even the smallest step toward a better version of yourself, and to prepare,not just for exams or assignments,but for a life full of possibilities. In a world that changes faster than ever before, where technology, expectations, and competition seem overwhelming, the only way to stay ahead is by building yourself today, with every thought, every habit, and every effort preparing you for the tomorrow you dream of.

Dreams, Demand Daily Action- what separates a daydreamer from a doer?

Consistency-Your dream is a seed. But seeds need water every day. Not floods of motivation once a year, but a small consistent effort. One article written today, one skill practiced, one doubt cleared, one email sent,these are the footsteps toward your future.

 Ask yourself: What did I do today that moved me 1% closer to my dream?

Even if the answer is small, it's still powerful.

Struggles Are Steps Forward- Every time you struggle,be it with a subject, personal challenge, rejection, or failure,you are growing in silence. Struggles are uncomfortable, yes. But they are also teachers in disguise.

A student who fails in an assignment but reflects and improves has built resilience. Another who didn’t get the internship but reworks their portfolio has built strength. This is preparation.

 “Your scars today will shine as strength tomorrow.”

Don’t fear hard days. They are preparing you for a world that requires strong, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent individuals.

Prepare Beyond the Syllabus.Yes, marks matter. But your future will demand more than grades.

Start preparing from today!

Communication-Learn to express clearly,write, speak, and listen.

Creativity-just learn, imagine. Think beyond textbooks.

Empathy- Understand others. Teamwork and leadership begin with compassion.

Digital Skills- In a digital world, knowing basic tools, platforms, and trends gives you an edge.

Critical Thinking-Don’t accept information,analyze it, question it, apply it.

These are your superpowers. Build them today.

Learn From Everyone, Everywhere-Your teacher, a YouTube video, a podcast, a senior’s experience, an online course, even your failures,every person and moment can be a classroom.

Learning is not restricted to a timetable. It’s a mindset.

A future-ready student is curious, always asking:

What can I learn here?

How can I grow through this?

What’s the deeper lesson?

 “Don’t just prepare for the next exam. Prepare for the next version of yourself.”

Vision Without Pressure-Yes, thinking about the future can be overwhelming. It feels like a mountain of decisions. But take a deep breath.You don’t have to figure out your entire life today.

You just need to know the next step. And take it.Whether it’s joining a workshop, improving your LinkedIn, building a portfolio, or starting a project,do the next right thing. Let the path unfold one decision at a time.

 Remember- Your journey is yours. Don’t compare. Don’t rush.

Our Attitude is the Asset-It’s not just talent, but attitude that creates success.

Be open to feedback.Grateful for small wins.Hungry to improve.Kind to others.Humble in success, Graceful in failure.

Employers, mentors, even friends, everyone values attitude. It’s the unspoken resume you carry everywhere.

Build With Purpose, Not Just Pressure-Why are you studying this subject? Why do you want that job?

The answers should not just be “because others are doing it” or “it’s safe.” Let your “why” be stronger than your “what.”

Purpose is the invisible force that pulls you through long days. It makes efforts meaningful. And it’s okay if your purpose changes. What matters is that you care deeply about what you’re doing today.

Don’t just chase success. Build significance.Build relationships along the Way.

As you prepare for your career, don’t forget the people on the journey. The classmates, teachers, mentors, peers,they are part of your ecosystem.Tomorrow’s opportunities often come through today’s connections.

Learn to collaborate.Be a good listener.Help others rise.

Visualize the Future You Want- Close your eyes and see yourself five years from now:

What are you doing?How do you feel?What kind of person are you?

Now come back to today and ask:What can I do today that brings me closer to that version of me?

You are the Architect. You hold the pencil.Don’t wait for someone else to design your life.

Design your day. Schedule your priorities. Set your boundaries. Choose your circle. And protect your energy. If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to build theirs.

Take Breaks, But Don’t Break-It’s okay to feel tired. It’s okay to pause. Rest is part of growth.

Just don’t quit.Even when the journey feels long, your small steps matter.Brick by brick, effort by effort,you are building something extraordinary. I know it’s not always easy. The pressure, the doubt, the expectations,they sometimes weigh more than your backpack.

But I also know this. You are capable of greatness.

You are not just a student.You are a builder of dreams, a fighter of fears, a learner of life.

So please, don’t underestimate the power of today. What you build today,in learning, in discipline, in kindness.Your tomorrow is watching. And it's cheering you on.

Brick by Brick, You Are Becoming.Every Single Day is a Building Block.

Some days may feel slow, some fast. Some days you’ll feel proud, other days lost. But no matter what, you’re creating something meaningful.

You are preparing not just for a job or a career, but for a life that feels fulfilling, brave, and true to you.

So stay curious. Stay kind. Stay committed.

Because when you build today with heart, your tomorrow becomes unstoppable.

Keep Going!

We all have grown hearing this. Learn English. Talk in English. If We don't speak English,we are not literate, always afraid to be in public,because we will be judged and called Gawar.Always heard hearing this,speak better,learn grammar,If you will not learn English,You will not be getting placement. We never thought that English will be the need of the hour and must learn language for everyone.And for most of us English was just another subject in school right? 

But today,something has changed.We live in a world driven by Artificial Intelligence, digital technology, and global connectivity.

And in this world ,English is not just a language anymore…

It’s a new code.Think about it.

When you talk to Siri or Alexa…

When you use ChatGPT…

When you search, write, scroll, or speak online…

You're not just using English , you are using it as a command, a tool, a trigger for intelligent systems.

You are not just speaking.You are coding.This is what makes English so powerful in our generation.In the age of AI,,English is not just a language. It’s a code. And you are the coder of your own future.

It’s not about perfect grammar anymore.

It’s about clarity. Simplicity. Creativity.

If you can express yourself clearly in English,

you can create content, command machines, and connect with the world.

That’s how powerful your words are.

You are using English as a tool to unlock information, connect, and create.

That’s not just communication. That’s enhance your future.

You are  More Ready Than You Think-Dear Students,AI is changing the world. But so are you.

Your ideas matter. Your words matter.Your clarity in English can open opportunities you never imagined.

You don’t have to be a coder to work in AI.

You can be a communicator, a thinker, a creative mind.

You don’t need to be fluent right away.

You don’t need a perfect accent.

You just need to be understood.

You need to be willing to learn.

Because the future doesn’t belong to the best speakers.

It belongs to the adaptors,learners.

If you have ever felt nervous or insecure about your English,

Please remember this, You are not behind. You are not late.

You are learning the new global skill , the code of connection.

Every sentence you write, every word you speak , it’s building your path forward.

Whether you are a techie, an artist, a student, or a future entrepreneur,

If you're part of the AI-driven world, your thoughts are shaped and shared through English.

English with Creativity is your future skills.Gone are the days when English was only about literature and poetry. Today, it is also about-

Storytelling for brands

Clear prompts for AI

UX writing for apps and devices

Content creation for digital platforms

Writing instructions for machine learning models

English is not just a subject,it’s a career skill, a tech skill, and a life skill.

If you’ve ever thought:

 My English is weak, I’m not good enough. Please take a pause.

You're not behind. You're not late. You're just beginning.

What matters is your willingness to learn. In this world of AI, you don't need to be perfect , you just need to be clear, creative, and consistent.

English gives you:Confidence to explore global opportunities 

Clarity to express your ideas

Control to navigate the digital world

You don’t need to be a poet. You just need to be understood by people and machines.

What If You're Not from an English-Speaking Background?

That’s okay. In fact, most of the world isn’t. But here’s the truth:

 You don’t have to speak “perfect” English. You have to speak functional English , enough to be clear, kind, and confident.

Start small-Speak simple sentences

Watch English content with subtitles

Use AI tools to improve your writing

Practice speaking with friends or tools like Duolingo, ALEXA, or YouTube videos

Don’t fear mistakes , mistakes are signs of growth.

Remember: Fluency is a journey, not a race.

How to Master English in the Age of AI- Let’s have a quick understanding-

 Learn Prompt Writing- Start writing prompts for AI tools like ChatGPT. 

 Write to Be Understood-Practice writing emails, essays, or social media posts in clear, concise English. Use tools like Grammarly to polish them.

 Build a Digital Portfolio- Start a blog, create a resume in English, or write a few case studies or reviews,anything that reflects your ideas in your voice.

Use AI as Your English Tutor-Use AI not just for answers but for learning. 

Speak Everyday-Talk to the mirror. Talk to your AI assistant. Talk to your pet. Just speak and let your voice grow.

English Is a Bridge, Not a Barrier-It’s easy to think that those fluent in English have an unfair advantage. But here’s the truth:

English is learnable. Accessible. Yours to claim.

It is not meant to divide. It’s meant to connect. It is not the property of native speakers. It is the shared ground of global thinkers, creators, and changemakers.

You are not learning English to impress anyone.You are learning it to express yourself. To express your dreams, your identity, and your imagination  to both humans and machines.

The Future Belongs to the Curious-In the next 10 years, we won’t ask students,

Do you know English?We will ask,Can you talk to AI?

Can you explain your ideas clearly?

"Can you write instructions that machines can follow?"

And the answer will depend on how you have built your relationship with English  not as a subject, but as a skill, a tool, a code.

Start now. Speak simply. Write clearly. Ask boldly.

And most of all believe that your words carry power.

Because in this age of AI and beyond, English is no longer just for conversation.

It’s for creation.Learn the code. Lead the future.

Loyola College in Chennai has appointed transwoman N Jency, a PhD-qualified English literature researcher, as assistant professor of English. The appointment has been hailed as a significant step towards incorporating transgender into the academic fold and is reported to be the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu.

Chief Minister M K Stalin also sent his best wishes to Jency on her achievement. On X, the CM tweeted, "May your perseverance be a source of inspiration for a couple of hundreds who are trying to rise up through education. May they overcome obstacles and rejections, and stand triumphant with the power of education."

Jency's educational life has been one of rigor and perseverance. Being from an underprivileged background, Jency from Tiruttani fought through various social and institutional barriers to pursue higher studies. She achieved her PhD in English literature from the Loyola College upon obtaining UG and PG degrees from Dr Ambedkar College of Arts and Science.

Even though Jency has been employed on a contract basis, she believes that she would be made a full-time faculty member in the near future. "I am grateful that the CM has mentioned me in his post. It is not a personal achievement, but a recognition of the right of the transgender community to education, dignity and equal opportunity," she told TNIE.

"Five other people were interviewed for the position along with me. I got selected on merit," said Jency, who has lost both her parents.

While pursuing her MPhil, she worked as an announcer, host and tutor to collect funds for her sex reassignment surgery. She told her mother and elder sister about her gender only later. "My family was shocked, but they were not worried about my future," said Jency, advising people to be serious about studies. "I am creating awareness among trans individuals to study hard, as education can change lives," she added.

"Her dedication and qualifications are impeccable. She is teaching general English and spoken English to UG students, who have also settled in nicely with her. Her input will enrich our academic family and inspire students from all walks of life," opined P Mary Vidya Porselvi, head of English department, Loyola College.