The Founder of Ashoka University Pramath Raj Sinha, says that his passion for higher education stems from the profound impact it can have on individuals’ life trajectories. While he modestly acknowledges that educators are merely enablers, he emphasises the deep sense of fulfilment that comes from being part of someone’s journey towards a better future through access to quality education.
Development Management
Sinha highlights the critical importance of development management in advancing higher education. He points out that high-quality higher education institutions are typically non-profit and rely heavily on philanthropic funding, scholarships, and donations. In this context, managing such institutions—whether through fundraising, institution-building, or outreach—essentially falls under the umbrella of development management.
He notes that in India, where private philanthropy and individual contributions are increasingly driving the growth of educational institutions, development management sits at the very heart of establishing and sustaining these centres of learning.
Engaging Youth
When it comes to involving young people in development management, Sinha observes that the youth have always been naturally inclined towards addressing larger societal challenges. They are driven, idealistic, and eager to make a meaningful contribution. He believes that the first step is to help them recognise the breadth of opportunities available—opportunities to make a real difference and leave a lasting impact through their work.
Development Context
Comparing development management in India to global approaches, Sinha reflects that while the aspirations and methods are broadly similar across geographies, India’s scale and complexity set it apart. The challenges faced here often affect millions, not just thousands, which adds a unique dimension to development efforts and demands solutions at a much larger scale.
Education and Employability
Addressing the disconnect between higher education and employability, Sinha stresses the need for educational institutions to evolve continually in response to market demands. He advocates for the integration of experiential and practical learning, internships, industry collaborations, and practitioner-led teaching.
However, he is also clear that education must not be reduced to merely a tool for job-readiness. According to Sinha, higher education should also serve the intrinsic purpose of knowledge-building and personal growth. Not all learning will have a direct link to employment, which is why he underscores the importance of ongoing, lifelong learning to support evolving career paths and broader intellectual development.
