By Kunal Vasudeva
India stands at the crossroads of an educational revolution. As the Co-founder of theIndian School of Hospitality (ISH), I believe it is our collective responsibility to hold academia-industry partnerships that cater to the evolving industry needs.
The New Education Policy (NEP) accentuates this urgency for a paradigm shift, prompting us to merge conventional educational methods with a model that encourages industry collaboration. This transformation, however, calls for resolute action and must be executed at a scale conducive to systemic change.
At ISH, we’ve pioneered transformative platforms through strategic alliances with industry leaders, the likes of which include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, ICEX Spain, and the Leela Group as illustrative examples. These alliances provide students with real-world projects, igniting critical thinking and equipping them to solve complex industry issues. They’re not just assignments but actual industry challenges our students tackle, fostering a problem-solving aptitude. From customised internships to exposure to international culinary practices, these collaborations infuse real-world perspectives into academia.
On a broader scale, they strengthen our institution, allowing us to innovate and keep our curriculum aligned with global industry trends. At a national level, these partnerships serve as a beacon, outlining the path toward academia-industry fusion, thereby enhancing the stature of our graduates and propelling India’s economic growth. This blend of industry and academia is crucial to India’s ambition of becoming a global knowledge powerhouse.
Yet, this synergistic model is far from universal. A broader adoption by educational institutions is needed to witness a seismic shift in our education landscape. The challenge lies not in crafting policies or conjuring intent but in executing these changes with resolve and urgency.
Our vision at ISH is establishing ourselves as the ‘School of Reference’ in the hospitality sector. This is anchored not merely in our academic prowess or extensive collaborations but in the tangible, real-world value we infuse into our students, faculty, and the broader ecosystem. We are shaping the next generation of industry leaders who are technically competent, globally minded, and possess an adaptive mindset to navigate change. Our faculty’s industry engagement ensures that our curriculum remains innovative, relevant and effectively caters to the evolving industry requirements.
As we step into the future, I urge the wider education sector to seize this crucial moment. Let us champion academia-industry partnerships at scale and redefine the contours of education. Let’s take advantage of this chance of a lifetime to redefine education in India. It’s not just about the future of our education system but the future of India itself.
The author is co-founder and managing director of Indian School of Hospitality. Views are personal.