Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder of Ashoka University, believes deeply in the transformative power of higher education. His passion is rooted in the profound impact education can have on an individual’s life path. While he describes educators as mere enablers, he finds immense fulfilment in contributing to someone’s journey toward a better future through access to quality learning.
Sinha underscores the crucial role of development management in advancing higher education, particularly in India. He explains that top-tier institutions are typically non-profit entities that depend heavily on philanthropic support, scholarships, and donations. In this context, essential functions such as fundraising, institution-building, and community engagement fall squarely within the scope of development management.
In India’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, where private philanthropy and individual contributions are becoming key drivers of institutional growth, development management is not just important—it is foundational. It plays a central role in establishing and sustaining impactful centres of learning.
Speaking about the involvement of youth, Sinha observes that young people have always been naturally inclined to address societal challenges. Driven, idealistic, and motivated to make a difference, they are well-positioned to play a role in development management. The key, he says, is to help them see the wide range of opportunities where their passion can translate into meaningful, long-term impact.
Reflecting on global comparisons, Sinha notes that while aspirations and approaches to development management are broadly aligned across countries, India’s scale and complexity make it uniquely challenging. Here, solutions must often address problems affecting millions, not just thousands—demanding innovation, agility, and action at an unprecedented scale.
On the issue of employability, Sinha emphasizes the need for educational institutions to continuously adapt to shifting market needs. He advocates for integrating practical learning, industry exposure, internships, and practitioner-led instruction to ensure students are better prepared for the workforce.
Yet, he is clear that education should not be reduced solely to job readiness. For Sinha, higher education must also nurture intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning. Not all knowledge will have a direct career application, and that’s precisely why higher education must also serve the broader goal of enriching human potential across a lifetime.
At its core, Sinha’s commitment to higher education is both personal and visionary—rooted in the belief that learning is not just about careers, but about creating opportunities, expanding horizons, and enabling individuals to lead more meaningful lives.
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