Current and Previous Work
Student Life, Plaksha University
As a founding member of the Student Life team, I dedicated myself to crafting an environment where students could thrive beyond the confines of the classroom. My responsibilities spanned the development of strategic residence policies, establishment of a university-wide mentorship program, and curation of initiatives promoting student well-being. Actively guided students in nurturing their passions and facilitating meaningful interactions among various stakeholders within the university community. Central to my approach was the creation of dynamic and inclusive spaces on campus, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the real world.
Grand Challenge Scholars Programme, Plaksha
Plaksha’s Grand Challenge Scholars Program is a comprehensive initiative comprising curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular elements. Its primary objective is to prepare students to become the engineering leaders of tomorrow, equipped to solve the grand challenges facing society during the next century. By successfully completing the five components of the program, students will have the opportunity to participate in research related to their chosen grand challenge, explore interdisciplinary coursework, gain an international perspective, engage in entrepreneurship, and contribute to the community through service learning. I was part of the two person team in building and launching this program.
Integrating Yoga and Ayurveda to Modern Lives, Plaksha
Launching life skill courses aimed at enhancing students' soft skills and fostering resilient mindsets. One such course I taught was the integration of yoga and ayurveda into contemporary lifestyles. Curating both theoretical and practical components tailored specifically for college students, offering insights into mindfulness derived from the philosophies of yoga, ayurveda, and zen meditation. Through this course, students were exposed to a range of practices including physical movements, breathwork techniques, and circadian rhythm concepts, empowering them to understand their unique body types and adopt suitable nutritional habits.
College Students and Mental Wellbeing, Plaksha
Interventions on mental well-being are crucial for college students as they enhance academic performance, equip individuals with stress management skills, and foster personal growth and resilience. These interventions also promote healthy social relationships, contribute to long-term health outcomes, and enhance career readiness by cultivating emotional intelligence and adaptability. Alongside the university psychologist, we founded the well-being crew that periodically investigated on issues on campus and curated creative ways of intervention through activities, games and discussions
Podcast Series on entrepreneurial lens, Plaksha
Being at the centre of innovation in education at Plaksha, conversations around integrating entrepreneurial lens into problem solving and ways to equip students early on with thinking like an entrepreneur was one of our efforts. This encompassed the development of viable business models and the transformation of problem statements into innovative solutions.
Podcasts and interviews with business leaders around themes of starting-up, financial planning and mindset evolution was one such project that I led here. By orchestrating these engagements, my aim was to inspire and empower students to think creatively, embrace calculated risks, and drive meaningful change within the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.
Tech and future of work, Rishihood
Technology and Economy, Ethical implications in Technology, Technology and future of work were the modules I taught at Rishihood as a guest faculty engaging with students from Design, Education, Business and Psychology majors. Key elements of the course were: Lag time between technological breakthrough and productivity boom, Case studies on China's tech industry, Singapores' smart nation initiative, Israel's tech-startup ecosystem, Nigeria's fintech industry, Silicon Valley USA, Emerging ethical dilemmas in science and tech, How can big corporations build ethical tech frameworks and Discussions on Skill shift, Remote work, Gig Economy, Cybersecurity challenges, automation and job displacement.
Enabling oneself in the age of AI, IIT Hyderabad
In a recent workshop at IIT Hyderabad, I explored strategies for thriving amid AI integration through yoga and mindfulness. We analyzed adaptive strategies in response to technological shifts, emphasizing self-care and cultivating growth mindsets. Practical methodologies such as mindfulness exercises and sound meditation were introduced to augment cognitive resilience.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was the exploration of mindsets that are crucial for thriving in today's world. We examined the importance of adopting a growth mindset, embracing change, and fostering a sense of adaptability and lifelong learning. By cultivating these mindsets, we empower ourselves to navigate the uncertainties of the future with confidence and resilience.
Participants gained insights into bolstering emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility, vital for navigating the digital age. The session culminated with a restorative sound meditation, underscoring the significance of introspection and equilibrium amidst technological disruption.
Everyday leadership and Growth Mindset, Chandigarh group of colleges
Conversations about everyday leadership, growth mindset and emotional intelligence with a group of young leaders at Chandigarh Group Of Colleges. Discussions on Types of intelligences, importance of forming self-identity and honing individuals strengths was key to the discussion. Our conversations delved into various types of intelligences and emphasized the significance of forming self-identity and honing individual strengths.
During the session, students expressed concerns about navigating an uncertain future, coping with informational overload, and addressing mental health issues. In response, we developed frameworks and provided accessible resources to empower college students.
Following the session, I collaborated with the college administration to implement these initiatives, ensuring ongoing support for students' holistic development and well-being.
ICTIEE 2023 (International conference on transformations in engineering education), Mysore
Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) is an international program for undergraduate students that we launched last year under the leadership of Prof. Rucha Joshi and Prof. Bindiganavale Ramakrishna at Plaksha University. We were invited to disseminate the program PAN India at the 10th International Conference on Transformations in Engineering Education (ICTIEE), Mysore by the Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education ( IUCEE )
Prof Rucha Joshi and I representing Plaksha University hosted a workshop on Sculpting Educational Experiences with an Eye to Impact Grand Challenges and were also 2 among the only 11 women facilitators internationally.
Alternate School Education Research, Mumbai
As part of Education Diaries (Satsangam Yatra), organized by Arti Bhandari and Karishma Chaudhari, Swaraj University graduates, we visited several alternate schools in Mumbai. These schools prioritize student-centric learning methods, focusing on mental, social, and personal growth over grades. One intriguing approach we encountered is self-directed learning. Here, students, parents, and mentors collaboratively set semester goals, extending beyond academics to exploration, physical and mental development, and tailored to individual talents and aspirations. This approach fosters a transdisciplinary curriculum, emphasizing experiential learning, embracing mistakes, reflection, and community service. Self-awareness, action-oriented research, communal living, apprenticeships, and social entrepreneurship projects are central to these institutions.
Career planning guidance, Delhi Public School
Facilitated a discussion on the future of work and career planning with school students at a crucial juncture of choosing their majors and career paths. We explored the integration of arts and sciences, emphasizing the significance of honing individuality and embracing extracurricular activities. The importance of collaboration over competition, effective time management, and nurturing friendships was highlighted. The session aimed to empower students to make informed decisions about their academic and professional pursuits while fostering a holistic approach to personal growth and success.