Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar
Principal Director, Symbiosis Group
Are you satisfied with the importance given to education on the national development agenda?
No. Health care and education should be the topmost priorities of all developing nations. Unfortunately budget allocations for both tend to be inadequate.
How best to upgrade government colleges?
Upgradation of colleges is not just about upgrading physical infrastructure. It’s about upgrading syllabuses and curricula, and faculty development, so that graduates coming out of colleges are employable.
Thinker/philosopher you admire most.
My father Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, who established Symbiosis.
Your favourite Nobel laureate.
Amartya Sen.
Your leadership style.
Delegation and decentralisation of work, so that you empower team members to take decisions.
Your favourite book on education.
Power Shift by Alvin Tofler where he predicts that the 21st century will be ruled not by physical or economic, but knowledge power.
For or against a 25 percent reservation for under-privileged children in private schools?
For. All education institutions should be inclusive.
Should education outlay be doubled by cutting defence expenditure?
No, defence expenditure is equally important. However public expenditure on education must be increased.
How satisfied are you with the progress of Symbiosis International University?
Very satisfied. Students from 81 countries and all states of India study in Symbiosis International.
Pessimistic or optimistic about Indian higher education?
With three young and dynamic education ministers in the HRD ministry, very optimistic.