We decided that none of our graduates should be unemployed; they should enter the job market with skills that are in demand.  We have five BSc programs in allied health sciences: medical lab technology, medical imaging technology, surgical technology, optometry and physician assistant.  Besides these we have BBA, BCA, BSW, MSW and MSc in counselling psychology. Details of these courses can be seen at www.mlcuniv.in
EP:  Does MLCU have a different approach to the syllabus and teaching methods?
VC:  Yes, we have formulated a competency-based curriculum that emphasizes the acquisition of hard and soft skills that will turn students into productive professionals who will immediately be absorbed into the workplace. We have de-emphasized examinations and ranks, choosing instead to focus on the individual learning needs of students.  During the course, each student will construct a portfolio of his/her learning accomplishments and put together a profile of their personal and professional attributes.
EP: Apart from offering market-driven courses, what else is distinctive about MLCU?
VC:  MLCU is a development university.  We wish to align our objectives and priorities with the development needs of the state and region.  Aside from training students for gainful livelihoods, the university engages in research and projects that will benefit the community.  We are already conducted several surveys in the rural areas using tools such as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to determine priorities for local development.  Such exercises are necessary, because rural India is not a homogeneous entity. The needs and problems in every village are unique to that community.
EP: This would mean that local culture and traditions are important aspects to consider?
VC: Yes, very much so.  The traditional knowledge of India’s tribal societies is an untapped reservoir of know-how and wisdom.  Modern India benefits from the classical systems of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani but has failed to explore the rich oral traditions of tribal healers. Our surveys have shown that almost all rural families use traditional medicine, yet seek allopathic medicine when it is needed.  MLCU recently received a grant from the Union Ministry of Health for the documentation and promotion of Khasi traditional medicine.
But this is just one example of traditional knowledge.  We need to document and utilize the knowledge of our elders in agriculture, natural dyes and preservatives, child-rearing practices and above all, environmental protection. We have started an MA in traditional music.  A major activity in this department is the research and documentation of hand-crafted musical instruments.
We would like to prepare our students for careers that may take them back to their villages or on the other hand, propel them into multinational corporations.  They will be well-balanced individuals, combining the richness of their heritage with the modern-day skills required in a global economy.

EP Desk