Distinguished professor at Adamas University, Mr. Puran Dang and Partho Ghosh  organized a leadership panel to discuss ideas on how to develop this new University that was recently started in Kolkata, India as a model university.  Several leading members of the Indian American community with experience in Education and Innovation came together to provide concrete input to the Chancellor and Faculty from ADAMAS University.  Dr. Sushil Bhatia, Dr. Desh Deshpande, Dr. Raman Mehra, Dr. Amar Sawhney, Partho Ghosh, Puran Dang, Ranjani Saigal, Dr. Anil Saigal, Dr. Pradeep Shukla, Dr. Krishna Vedula, Prof. Siddhartan Govindasamy, Dr. Mahendra Patel, Dr. Raj Melville and Anupendra Sharma were invited to present ideas drawing on their experiences in the field of education. In addition, Urvashi Bhatia, Devjani Chakraborthy, Kamlesh Dang, Debashish Ghosh, and Kapila Patel engaged actively in the discussion. Vice Chancellor Madhusudhan Chakraborthy and Prof.  Pradip Bhowmick were part of the visiting delegation from ADAMAS University. 

Following a few brief remarks from Puran Dang, Dr. Chakraborthy gave an overview of the University and its mission. “ADAMAS means uncut diamond in Latin” said Dr. Chakraborthy. He joined ADAMAS after retiring from IIT as Dean. Adamas University is rated the Best Private University in Eastern India and was established with the intention to provide a solution to all educational needs under one roof. It aims to facilitate an environment for students that will not just arm them with the right kind of knowledge, but also develop them as well rounded members of society. “We are working on recruiting the right faculty and building the right infrastructures which is key to success of a University” said Dr. Chakraborthy.

Pradeep Bhowmick described the programs at the University with a special emphasis on the interaction with the local communities. For example, the University has adopted a village and tries to work to understand local issues and provide solutions. 

“We have an opportunity to have tremendous impact through a well designed curriculum. Our inputs today can help make this University a great one” said Partho Ghosh who served as the moderator for the session. 

Several interesting suggestions were presented to the team.  A big focus of the discussion was on creating not just academically skilled students but rather making good citizens who would live happy lives and work in positive ways to impact India. The idea of building cross-functional departments with focus on big problems like Climate Change was encouraged. Training students in meditation and other techniques to ensure a happy and stress free life was encouraged. Interacting with community and working hands on was considered imperative to building a can-do attitude amongst the students. Emphasis on recruiting more women faculty was suggested. 

Summarizing the discussion Partho Ghosh said the University should work to focus on Head, Heart and Hands – a head that can think in a innovative fashion, a heart that cares about the community and hands that are willing to work. 

The visiting team was delighted to hear the input and welcomed the audience to continue to keep engaged with the university and serve as advisors that help shape the future of this University which they hope would become a model University for others to emulate.