For Avanti Prabhakar, Professor Department of Home Sciences, SIET College, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence's (SNIOE) outreach at Chennai was a game-changer for her son Arnav. "We were in two minds to get him admitted to a foreign university, but this interaction has helped us decide to send our son to SNIOE. We were able to speak to the faculty directly and clear our doubts. The university we applied to abroad just had a website for us to know what they offer. We are yet to hear from them about the queries we sent," says Prabhakar.
Avanti was among the over 400 people who attended the outreach to hear from nearly 20 faculty members about the university's research and vision on April 15.
Nisha, an entrepreneur who had come with her son Ashwit, says, "It is not easy for us to travel to Delhi to get an idea about the university and its research facilities. This event enabled an open interaction, which was extremely helpful. What we liked the most was the university's uncompromising efforts to ensure top-quality education. Besides, there is a tough test to pass to get admission. I think this is something any parent would look for. Also, this tells a lot about SNIOE as an institution."
The interaction at The Park Hotel was kicked off by Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Associate Dean, Academics, who explained the university's values and core commitments to sustainability, diversity, teaching research, and institutional practices.
For Vara Mitra, a Class 11 student from Kendriya Vidyalaya School, Anna Nagar, the interaction, as she said, was an "eye-opener." Mitra, who attended the event with her mother, says, "I am a science student and have decided to study at SNIOE. My dream is to do my bachelor's in computer science engineering, and SNIOE is the only place I want to get the degree from. I am very focused and clear about it."
The program saw faculty engage with parents eager to know about research and campus life at SNIOE. "The faculty answered all my questions patiently. It was an unforgettable experience, and this interaction has helped us decide where to send our son," said Ramesh Kumar, a senior consultant with Ramco Systems.
The university's multi-disciplinary approach was the big draw for Ponmalar Inbam, Business Finance Manager at Tata Consultancy Services. "I have come here for my son. He is interested in both Computer Science and Management. SNIOE allows him to pursue both his interests as it offers major and minors; no other institution in this country offers this combination." Imbam's son Sanjay added, "I know there are many popular institutions near home, but I will never get the freedom to pursue a combination of management and computer science. SNIOE is my obvious choice."
Kartikeyan Kumar, Miyon, and S. Neduncheliyan from NSN Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chromepet, have their task cut out and their choices opted for. "We are classmates and share a common interest in Data Science and computers. We plan to pursue our higher education at SNIOE, and the electives we saw on the website and heard from the faculty during the interaction have gladdened us. We will be able to plan the topics of our specialization and pursue our interests," says Miyon.
Complimenting SNIOE's core focus on "learning by doing," Selva Murugan, a software professional who wanted to learn about economics and management courses, said, "I have been looking for universities for my son. I have explored over half a dozen universities in India, but SNIOE is the only place where education does not stop with teaching just theories. The university also lets students practice what they have learned while studying. The Venture Laboratory initiative explained by Dr. Shalu Kalra has opened a new approach."
The response to the university's outreach in Chennai was an experience to remember for the faculty who spoke to parents and students. This will help the university chart bold new imaginaries contributing to a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive society.
Admission to the university is currently open for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. degrees at all its five schools.
