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TEZPUR: As part of its distinguished lecture series, Tezpur University organized an insightful lecture on “Changing Paradigm in Higher Education” at the KBR Auditorium. The lecture was delivered by Prof KK Aggarwal, former Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, founding Vice-Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, and current President of South Asian University. The event began with a welcome address by Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the University. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor remarked that the landscape of higher education is undergoing a profound transformation. He noted that institutions are increasingly challenged to equip students not just with theoretical knowledge but also with critical 21st-century skills.
In his thought-provoking lecture, Prof Aggarwal critically examined the compartmentalization of academic disciplines within India’s higher education system. “We have produced perhaps excellent physicists or botanists, but failed to nurture holistic scientists,” he remarked. “In our pursuit of specialization, we have become super specialists of nothing.”
He emphasized that a strong foundational understanding is essential for any discipline, including engineering. However, he noted that the rigid separation of subjects has led to a narrowing of academic inquiry. Citing the example of Jagadish Chandra Bose, he highlighted how interdisciplinary thinking is key to scientific breakthroughs. “The best problem solvers are often those who work across disciplines,” he said, lauding the National Education Policy (NEP) for identifying the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
Prof Aggarwal also pointed out the inflexibility of the current academic structure. “Our curriculum is rigid — fixed hours of study, fixed class timings — leaving little room for creativity or exploration,” he stated. “In contrast, educational systems abroad embrace flexibility and individualization.”
Earlier in the programme, Prof Sankar Chandra Deka, Dean, School of Engineering, gave a brief highlight of Prof Aggarwal’s accomplishments and introduced him to the audience.
The event was attended by faculty members, researchers, students, and administrators who engaged actively during the interactive session.
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