IASE University that promises blooming careers

Churu (Rajasthan), Dec 29: Education is the bedrock of rural development and perhaps the best possible way of coupling villages to the mainstream.

Institute of Advanced Studies and Education (IASE) in Rajasthan's Churu district has emerged as a milestone in this regard , which has successfully achieved these twin goals, thereby proving the two are interdependent and growth of one is essential to meet the other end.

Gandhi Vidya Mandir (GVM), parent organisation of the IASE, was founded by the late visionary Kanhaiya Lal Dugar in one of the harshest and most backward terrains in Sardarsahar tehsil of Churu district, stone for which was laid by first President of India Rajendra Prasad in 1955. Following Gandhian ideology of 'ahimsa' and no discrimination along the lines of class, creed and caste, the varsity's effort is commendable.

'' Rural development,'' says Milap Dugar, Vice-Chancellor of IASE, '' anywhere is not possible without education. It plays a key role in the uplift of downtrodden and the villages as a whole.'' Spread on a 1200-acre piece of land, IASE offers courses in myriad fields which include Ayurveda, Paramedical, Life Sciences , IT and Management, among others.

The Basic Teacher's Training College, which is now in its 53rd year, helped the university with its exemplary work metamorphose into a deemed university in 2002 under the UGC Act.

Today, it offers a doctorate programme in education and is a premier institute in facilitating teachers training.

GVM-run Shri Bhawan Lal Dugar Ayurveda Vishwa Bharti is another prominent feature. The courses here are affiliated to Central Council of India. The degree is provided by the Jodhpur University.

In-depth training in this discipline has led to the creation of a large talent pool which is the lynchpin of rural medical service throughout the state and the country.

To meet the burgeoning demand of the Information and management sectors, the college imparts training in various fields in the discipline, which has great job potential.

Besides, specialised programmes are also offered at College of Paramedical Sciences, which was established two years ago as a constituent college of the varsity.

''There are many takers of the students after they complete their studies in the country and abroad. The internship programmes are highly helpful,'' a student here says.

The college until now offered only diploma courses in different fields of engineering, but degree courses are slated to start next year as also the future plans include introduction of post graduate courses and research work in Ayurveda along with spreading the wings to other states. The college runs several study centers across the country.

''The infrastructure and faculty for the degree courses in engineering are ready and the course will kickstart in July next year,'' the Vice-Chancellor informed.

The fee structure for all the courses is one of the lowest in the country.

''The varsity aims at giving a push to education and hence fees are kept nominal.'' ''The students also avail themselves of the well-equipped laboratories, libraries, auditoriums and well-qualified and experienced faculties.

The university also has its well laid out and developed hostels,'' says Dr Dinesh Kumar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, IASE.

Time-to-time on-campus personality development projects, workshops and training programmes are conducted to hone the student's communication skills and help them succeed in interviews.

''There are many job-oriented courses that are beneficial for the students. But the information is not reaching the public,'' regrets Mr Dugar.

A one-time advertisement in newspapers about courses does not always reach the students, he adds.

The university does not receive any government grant either from the Centre or the UGC as it is not registered under clause 12 (F) of the UGC Act.

According to the registrar, IASE, R S Surolia, ''The college was on the brink of collapse a few years ago as grant-in-aid were not provided to the college. The concept of self-supporting courses were then conceptualised which helped its sustenance. The college also gets funds in the form of donations.'' Says Mr Dugar, ''The two-crore grant promised by the Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh is still being awaited.

Help from the Centre will boost our energies which will be utilised for the development of one of the remotest parts of India. But the delay in releasing the grant has not dampened our spirits and we our committed to the cause of alleviating backwardness through education.'' The university has become the lifeline of Sardarsahar providing employment opportunities, education and water supply to the people of surrounding villages.

The varsity also assumes significance as it is taking forward the legacy of 'universal humanism' forward aimed by the founder. The importance of value inculcation is evident in the students.

''The students reach out to serve the suffering masses whenever natural calamities like tsunami, floods, droughts and quakes happen.

Thus, they not only indulge in humanitarian service but are also ingrained with the values of compassion and volunteerism,'' adds the VC.

The university is gradually making a name for itself with good academic standards and fast-growing student population.

UNI