Page 12 - EW February 2026

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academic mission. While debate and engagement, helping students build
dissent are integral to university life, strong profiles well before applica-
JNU’s campus culture seems increas- tion deadlines. Authors Sheila Baeur
ingly defined by political activism and Raymond Ravaglia clearly
rather than scholarship, academic recommend development of personal
excellence, and research output. narratives and strategic planning
Frequent protests, divisive stu- over short-term tactics, empowering
dent politics, and ideological clashes learners to make informed decisions
divert students’ attention from aligned with their goals.
education and intellectual growth. At Kiran Malhotra
a time when Indian universities must GURUGRAM
compete globally, JNU students
would do well to recalibrate their
priorities and re-establish JNU’s Compelling case
reputation for its academic excel- YOUR SPECIAL Essay ‘Case for post-
lence rather than political activism. study ‘S’ visas’ (EW January) makes
JANUARY 2026 Dhireen Mishra via E-MAIL a compelling and strong case for
introducing post-study work visas in
India to allow international students
Commendable opposition Wonderful curation extended stay and enriching work
YOUR COVER story on Jawaharlal I ENJOYED reading your Special experience after graduation.
Nehru University, Delhi (EW Janu- Report ‘25 books all educators With US President Donald Trump
ary) highlights how students — even should read’ (EW January) which tightening student visa procedures
if not the administration — of this was thoughtfully curated and recom- which have created uncertainty over
iconic liberal arts university continue mended inspiring titles for teachers postgraduation work options in the
to uphold JNU’s vibrant intellectual and school leaders. US, this is a good time to attract
traditions and a deeply democratic Covering a wide range of genres foreign students to India by offer-
culture. — from educational theory and ing post-study work visas to work
JNU students’ political literacy classroom practice to psychology in Indian industry. This will attract
and strident stand against right wing and leadership — the list encourages foreign students to India’s colleges
Hindu extremism is commendable educators to expand their horizons and universities.
as is the university’s tradition to and evolve continuously. Whether Shamitha Shetty
question, analyse, and engage with you are a seasoned educator seek- MUMBAI
national and global issues. Rather ing new insights or a novice looking
than undermining education, this for guidance, this compilation offers
tradition has nurtured generations something valuable for every stage Exemplary applied research
of eminent scholars, policymakers, of your journey and reinforces the I READ with great interest your
and intellectuals who have cemented importance of lifelong learning in Education News titled ‘Chitkara
JNU’s position as one of India’s most education. University’s research breakthrough’
influential universities. The victory Bhoomi S. (EW January). It highlights the
of the Left students union in the re- MUMBAI university’s innovative efforts to
cent student elections is welcome at address Delhi’s annual AQI (air qual-
a time when the country is in need of ity index) problem. At a time when
a strong opposition to challenge the Practical roadmap research increasingly needs to dem-
BJP/NDA Central government. YOUR INSIGHTFUL Teacher- onstrate real-world relevance, it is
Divyanshi Shah 2-Teacher essay ‘Six-year plan to heartening to see Chitkara University
HYDERABAD university admission success” (EW has accepted the challenge of provid-
January) offers a practical roadmap ing solution-driven research.
for students navigating the increas- I hope this development reflects a
Declining scholarhsip ingly competitive university admis- broader shift within India’s research
YOUR JANUARY cover story sions journey. ecosystem, positioning universities
shines a much-needed spotlight on The structured long-term strategy as key drivers of innovation and
a troubling reality: JNU’s growing emphasises thoughtful self-assess- social transformation.
preoccupation with political ideology ment, continuous academic growth, Narasimha Rao
that seems to be overshadowing its and meaningful extra-curricular HYDERABAD

12 EDUCATIONWORLD FEBRUARY 2026