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| Shaping Futures: A Conversation with Ms. Neena Sharma, Officiating Principal, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh | | |  As India’s higher education system stands on the threshold of transformation under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, institutions across the country are reimagining their roles. Among them, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, is emerging as a torchbearer of change. At the helm is Ms. Neena Sharma, the Officiating Principal, whose visionary leadership is steering the college into an era defined by innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. In this exclusive conversation, she shares her insights on the NEP, her forward-looking mission, and the college’s roadmap for empowering future-ready women.
Question: Ms. Sharma, the NEP 2020 is often described as a transformative moment in Indian education. How do you interpret its vision, particularly for higher education?
Ms. Neena Sharma:
The NEP 2020 is a bold and timely step towards reshaping our educational narrative. It shifts the focus from content-heavy, exam-centric learning to a more flexible, learner-driven model that values creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. For higher education, this policy represents a cultural shift — encouraging interdisciplinary exploration, research orientation, and skill development. It’s not just a policy; it’s a blueprint for building an education system that is future-ready and globally relevant.
Question: What steps has MCM DAV College taken to implement the NEP in both spirit and structure?
Ms.Sharma: We are approaching NEP implementation with both enthusiasm and clarity. A significant step has been the introduction of bridge courses designed to ease the transition from school to college. These short-term, focused modules help students adapt to the academic rigour and independence expected at the higher education level. Additionally, we are redesigning our curricula to include greater academic flexibility and multidisciplinary subject baskets, allowing students to tailor their education to their strengths and aspirations.
Question: Could you tell us more about these subject baskets and how they support holistic learning?
Ms. Sharma: Absolutely. The traditional compartmentalization of disciplines is being reimagined. At MCM DAV, we now offer students the opportunity to explore a diverse array of subjects across streams — for instance, a science student may opt for courses in psychology, media studies, or entrepreneurship. This fosters a more well-rounded academic experience and reflects the NEP’s call for holistic and integrated education. Our aim is to nurture not just employable graduates, but responsible, adaptive, and empathetic individuals.
Question: How do you envision the future of MCM DAV College in light of these changes?
Ms. Sharma: My vision is to transform MCM DAV into a model institution that seamlessly blends academic excellence with human values. We are building a campus culture rooted in innovation, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. Over the next few years, we plan to strengthen international collaborations, invest in cutting-edge research infrastructure, and promote entrepreneurship. Most importantly, we will continue to be a space where young women are empowered to think independently, lead confidently, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Question: What measures are being taken to ensure a smooth transition for faculty and students during this reformative phase?
Ms. Sharma: A reform of this scale requires thoughtful execution. We have set up dedicated NEP Task Forces comprising faculty and administrators to guide the implementation. Regular faculty development programs, peer-learning sessions, and open student forums ensure everyone is informed, trained, and heard. Technology is being integrated meaningfully — not just for remote learning, but for interactive, personalized education. The goal is a transition that is inclusive, sustainable, and empowering for all stakeholders.
Question: MCM DAV has long upheld a legacy of academic and cultural excellence. How do you plan to sustain this legacy while embracing innovation?
Ms. Sharma: A legacy is not meant to be preserved in isolation — it is meant to evolve with purpose. At MCM DAV, our enduring values of academic integrity, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence continue to define us. What we are doing now is reinterpreting these values to meet the demands of a rapidly transforming educational landscape.
We are consciously creating a synergy between tradition and innovation. One of our key priorities is strengthening the industry-academic interface, enabling students to engage with real-world experiences through internships, expert interactions, live projects, and skill development modules. This alignment ensures that education remains not only intellectually enriching but also professionally relevant.
At the same time, we are cultivating a culture of research-based learning and academic inquiry. Our focus is on encouraging both faculty and students to go beyond textbooks — to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and contribute to knowledge creation through meaningful research. Interdisciplinary exploration, experiential learning, and digital innovation are being seamlessly woven into our academic fabric.
In essence, we are not just sustaining our legacy — we are expanding it. By staying rooted in our core values while embracing forward-thinking practices, we are preparing our students to lead with knowledge, confidence, and purpose in an ever-evolving world.
Question: Finally, what message would you like to convey to the college community as you lead them through this dynamic phase?
Ms. Sharma: To our students — this is your time. Embrace this new chapter with curiosity, courage, and commitment. Explore widely, learn deeply, and lead with compassion. To our faculty — let us continue to be mentors who inspire, guide, and adapt. And to all stakeholders — let’s move forward together, united by a shared purpose. Education is no longer confined to the classroom — it is a continuous journey of discovery. Let’s walk it together, with vision and conviction.
Under Ms. Neena Sharma’s transformative leadership, MCM DAV College for Women is not only responding to the changing educational landscape — it is helping shape it. With its focus on bridging tradition and innovation, the college continues to empower generations of young women to lead, learn, and inspire. |
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