Post-COVID, I am often asked, “What is your biggest takeaway from the pandemic?” or I encounter questions like, “What leadership strategy helped you cross the hurdles?” and my response has always been the same– the commitment to excel at all circumstances, and passion for my job as an educator, edupreneur, and the eldest member of REVA family.
However, when I look at the challenges that came our way, especially at the start of the pandemic in early 2020, I feel we have come a long way with our sustained and dedicated efforts, and we were able to achieve this as a result of multiple factors. This includes:
1. A Long term Vision
I have personally believed in preparing and working for the future, and early preparedness proved to be extremely crucial for us. For instance, in 2016, we laid a foundation to become a 100 pc digitized campus, and the five-year plan was executed by 2020. In less than 3 days, REVA University was able to transit from offline to online classes and we were one of the few universities to conduct virtual events. our first large virtual event was an online convocation ceremony. A long-term vision must direct our journey and all our efforts must be aligned to achieve the goal.
2. A Positive Approach
It’s important to remain positive in all circumstances and this was big learning to many of us. I considered the pandemic and the challenges that came along with it as positive challenges that are helped us explore our potentials, strengths, and areas where we could improve. Accepting challenges positively changes our approach towards finding solutions and solving problems.
3. Support of the Community
Another key takeaway is to work with a community and get their support and confidence. At REVA, we consider students and staff as REVA family members, and the support of our stakeholders is significant in our success. To be able to grow, one needs the trust of stakeholders and their confidence can make big difference.
4. Work for a Larger Cause
All our actions at REVA are dedicated for the larger benefit and overall development of society. Holistic nurturing of students who can make transformational changes to society and drive growth is our mission at REVA and all our initiatives are adopted in this direction. Finally, when we win, society wins, and if society fails, it’s our failure too. As higher education institutions, we must not only be committed to our personal growth, but an entire society and nation’s growth.
Celebrating Women, this Women’s Day, and Everyday
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year, and in view of this year’s Women’s Day, I wanted to share some of the unique initiatives REVA University has adopted to empower the women at REVA. Recently, Unnati, a forum for women, a wing dedicated to the welfare of female students and employees at the university, and the NSS unit at REVA conducted a self-defence workshop for women.
More than 200 students participated in the workshop and became skilled in self-defence techniques. It was heartening to see so many students become mentally and physically fit to look after themselves, and be prepared to fight back in extreme hours of distress. Being a part of such workshops is important for every girl child and woman across the globe. Self-defence instills confidence in women and helps them stay aware of their surroundings.
As important as it is to be emotionally and intellectually strong, it is equally important for women to be aware that they can fight for themselves if the need arises.
I suggest all my female readers, followers learn self-defence techniques to be able to protect themselves, and urge the men to motivate and inspire women in their family and female friends to enroll in self-defence classes.
Wishing every woman at REVA University and outside, a very Happy Women’s Day in advance.
