Interview/K. Ganesh, serial entrepreneur
K. Ganesh is a serial entrepreneur and partner in GrowthStory.in—a venture builder platform that incubates and promotes new ventures and entrepreneurs. He is also promoter and founder director at BigBasket, Portea Medical, BlueStone, HomeLane and other technology companies. He is a former member of the board of governors of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, an adjunct professor at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and a visiting faculty at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. An alumni of IIMC and the University of Delhi, he has received the distinguished alumnus award from both institutions. He spoke to THE WEEK about where higher education in the country stands today and what the future could be. Excerpts:
Higher education in India has several challenges.
The quality of education is highly skewed. There is no doubt that top institutions are world-class and can compete with the best universities globally, but they serve only a minuscule portion of the population. Access and admission to top institutes is highly competitive and often requires dedicated test preparation, which only the affluent can afford. Consequently, top-quality education becomes accessible primarily to the well-off, leaving poor students at a disadvantage. However, government initiatives like SWAYAM aim to democratise access to education by offering free courses taught by faculty from top institutions. Students can obtain certificates and transferable credits approved by the UGC for a small fee. IIMB has recently introduced an online BBA programme in digital business and entrepreneurship, allowing students anywhere in the country to graduate without relocating.
What can be done to enhance research and innovation?
Many of the famed universities in the US and Europe are supported by endowments and philanthropic capital. This trend is gaining traction in India as well, for instance the Centre for Brain Research at IISc Bangalore funded by Kris Gopalakrishnan and other philanthropic donors, is an exemplary initiative addressing neurodegenerative diseases.
Where do you see the future of higher education in India?
The higher education sector in India stands at a critical juncture, with the potential to transform the nation’s socioeconomic landscape. By addressing existing challenges and implementing strategic reforms, India can enhance the quality and attractiveness of its higher education system. Fostering excellence, innovation, and inclusivity will not only prepare Indian youth for global employment but also position India as a hub of world-class education. A collaborative effort involving policymakers, educators, industry leaders and students will be essential to realise the vision of a vibrant and competitive higher education ecosystem.