Book titled ‘Education and Nation Building’ authored by Dr.VRK Prasad, Vice Chancellor, The ICFAI University, Nagaland was released on 11th Feb 2016 by Prof VN. Rajasekharan Pillai, Former Chairman, UGC at a national seminar conducted in the University.
The book is a collection of thoughts, perceptions and views of the author formed over the years of long association with education sector. The book is divided into three parts.
Part I deals with ‘Education in General’ where in the author starts with his views on school education as the foundation for further life then moves on to discuss the issues related to managing students, and consequently the expectations the industry has from them. Teachers are expected to be role models, and mentors to their students and the related issues are highlighted. The need for Case study method of teaching in any discipline is emphasised contrary to the general notion that it has limited applicability. An exclusive chapter on the state of engineering education in our country underscores the issues involved. Further chapters in Part I are devoted to the role of education in our economy, environment, and knowledge creation through research etc. There is a chapter devoted to ‘Higher Education in Nagaland: Issues and Challenges.
Part II totally deals with Management Education in so far it relates to social sciences & humanities, research and consultancy, HR issues pertaining to faculty, quality aspects and finally guidance to management students. Management discipline though comparatively new one in the State of Nagaland, ICFAI University is playing a stellar role in promoting it among the youth of Nagaland.
Part III discusses Leadership aspects of our education system and the critical gaps within. The book emphasises the fact that a leader in an educational enterprise is as important as in any other field.
While identifying the pitfalls, suggestions and solutions where found necessary have also been offered. The book with the’ foreword’ written by Prof Pillai himself covers a broad spectrum of educational activities at all levels, and makes an interesting reading for anyone connected with ‘education’.
Khrieketu Kuotsu
Registrar
The ICFAI University, Nagaland
