A Month in Kolkata

 I have now lived here for over a month. I commute around 40 minutes each way to work, and it's not too bad. North Kolkata, where the campus is located, is semi-rural, and not as crowded as the rest of the city.

With my Exec. Assistant Shrabani, in my office

Below, view from my window 

Below- visit to the Agriculture dept. along with the Pro-Chancellor, VC and the other Pro-VC

 

The JIS University campus has multiple programs, in two or three different locations. The Management programs are in the heart of New Town area, a relatively new residential and commercial area. Salt Lake is not far from there, as also Eco Park, a huge park I am yet to visit. It has a Golf course within, so a good reason to go there!

The Agriculture dept. is near Kalyani, about an hour's drive, because 50 acres of land is needed for crop development and practical training of students.

Engineering, Education, Law, Pharmacy, Earth Sciences and a couple of other departments are located where I sit, and Hotel Management in another nearby location. 

The group also has other colleges, and is in the process of setting up a Veterinary Science college, the first by a private entity in the State.

Getting familiar with the workings of various departments and programs, and the students of some of the programs. It is a big group, with over 40,000 students in all, spread across the university and other institutions. Pretty competitive in terms of fees as well.

Hoping to improve admission processes, and interaction with industry. Maybe play some Golf as well, if possible.

Differences and Similarities

 I was born in 1960, and have been through six decades of life. What are the similarities and differences in each decade, or among various time periods?

Similarities

Family is still an important part of life and life support for most of us.

The middle class still believes in education as a transformational tool.

The politician has not changed much. Promises outpace real change.

Corporates rule the roost-though a different set.

Wars remain, fought for any stupid reason. 

Differences

Technology has enabled Work From Home, Travel (simulated), conversations across the globe, digital photography

Families are getting smaller in size, at least urban families

Agriculture is losing out to Services in contribution to the GDP.

Careers other than engineering have gained traction.

Globally, wars are supplemented by shootings, and more suicides than before.

Blast From The Past

 Yet another pleasant one came yesterday in the form of former PES student Pooja Varun, a very accomplished young lady who is entrepreneurial, and sensible. Not only is she aware of many facts of Indian rural life, but tries to do something useful in the direction of improving the visibility of farmers who live there and adding value to what they produce. As I said, not many of us are aware of issues related to those who live in non-urban settings. What is commendable is that she also manages two Food Parks in Karnataka state, in a JV with the state govt. And wants to do much more! I had a long conversation with her about some of these plans. Nice catching up, Pooja.

Pooja Varun and me, at Milkshake pe Charcha ..