V-C takes a class amid laughter, education

On Monday, a group of engineering and architecture students of Jamia Millia Islamia attended a class on spirituality and Indian philosophy. Joyeeta Ghosh reports.

On Monday, a group of engineering and architecture students of Jamia Millia Islamia attended a class on spirituality and Indian philosophy.

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Last week the topic was Indian democracy and how fair the Indian judiciary system is vis-a-vis the common man. Apart from their usual classes where they deal with facts and figures, they eagerly await these special classes held once a week.

Besides the interesting and thought-provoking topics, the classes gain special significance since vice-chancellor Najeeb Jung himself conducts these classes.

In a unique initiative, the vice-chancellor has been holding lectures as part of what he calls a 'knowledge lecture series' since the past two months. The subjects vary from history, philosophy, science, political science and current affairs and are aimed at final year students.

"I choose the topic spontaneously; it is not pre-meditated. In our country the education system is only geared towards giving degrees. In the process acquisition of knowledge has taken a beating. Somehow students remain insulated from what is happening around them. These students will soon pass out of the university and I believe they should be sensitive and aware about things other than what they are taught as part of their syllabus," said Jung.

The students, too, seem very excited about the classes.

"Vice chancellors generally address students during university functions but to teach in the classrooms is a one of a kind initiative. What is amazing about the classes are that they are more like informal discussions, which gives us a fresh perspective on issues," said Ariba Batool, a final year B.Tech student.

Students from economics, political science, history and English belonging to MA final year form one group while the undergraduate students from final year of engineering and architecture form the other.

Among other measures taken by Jung to reach out to his students personally is an email account, accessed only by him. The students can also meet the V-C without any appointment everyday between 3pm and 4pm.