Insights by Dr Jagmeet Madan , Principal @ Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous)

Dr. Jagmeet Madan

Education Institution	Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science

Designation	Principal & Professor

Previous Institutions(s)	Lady Irwin College , University of Delhi

Belongs to (place from)	Mumbai

MADS Interest	Music

Favorite MADS Personalities	AR RAHMAN, ILLIYA RAJA, PANDIT RAVISHANKAR, PANDIT BHIMSEN JOSHI, USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN, ZAKIR HUSSEIN

Life Mantra	BE POSITIVE AND BE GRATEFUL TO GOD EACH MOMENT OF THE DAY !!

I draw inspirations from	MY PARENTS AND MENTORS

Had I not been an Educationalist then	ARTIST

When and why did you decide to take up education as your career?

I was always into serious academics right from the beginning. I was very clear that I wanted to disseminate and share knowledge with different stake holders. Thus, I went for higher education and completed my Masters and PhD in Food Nutrition and Dietetics. Today I am heading one of the premier institutions in this field and also am The National President of Indian Dietetic Association.

As an educationalist, you are touching many human lives directly. Do you think educational institutions can play a significant role in overall development of students by encouraging them to take up co-curricular interests like Music, Art, Dance

Yes, I truly believe that the proactive and encouraging environment of the Education Institution always facilitates overall development of the personality of the student. The opportunities ad platform provided by the institution has made so many of our Alumni doing extremely well nationally and globally.

What are some of the most important initiatives related to co-curricular that you have taken in the institutions you have served?

We have a number of student friendly initiatives like NSS, Community Outreach Initiatives, Student Led Environment friendly Initiatives and projects, Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Placement cell, Alumni Association, earn while you learn scheme, Peer Learning, Mentor Mentee, student Counselling, Gymkhana and Sports activities.

In the days when most people measure success only by academic score, how would you convey to the parents of your students that co-curricular education is not something to be looked down upon?

I think it is not the academic score but the overall personality of the students which matters. It is also the values inculcated towards sensitivity to human beings, society at large and the environment.

If you were to suggest one major change in perspective of co-curricular education, what would that be?

I think students should be given varied platforms to showcase and develop their talents.
Like in academics there should be an additional rating and summary of students’ extracurricular potential also given by the institution.

Please let us know about some key achievements of your institution and/or your student(s) in MADS at national/international level?

Ms. Archana Jain was co-opted as a committee member on the AECED Mumbai chapter. “Khel Utsav-2017-18” “Panchiyon Ka Mela” – an event with a difference.

Participation in Technomania – The Family and Child Enrichment Centre, Human Development Department organized Technomania: Technology&ourLives on January 31, 2018.

Multiple prizes won in Yuva Mahotsav on Sept 15 & 16, 2017 organized by Smt. P.N. Doshi Women's College, Ghatkopar. College won Overall Trophy for Dance and a Medal for Participation.

What are your personal interests in Music, Art, Dance or Sports and how do you continue to pursue them?

I am a Light classical singer and train for the same. Yes, it is always the juggle and balancing act to keep it going. I thank my Mother who gave me this gift and my GURU Kalyan Singh Ji who really inspired me to continue and be persistent!!