I have been a graduate student at an American university for the past two years, and would like to share a few of my experiences/ views,which might be useful for Indian students as well.  When I compare the American and Indian education system, I see that while the curriculum and activities at American schools and Universities promote both academic excellence as well as leadership qualities, with the Indian counterparts mostly focusing  on theoretical knowledge. As a result, the students end up having poor communication skills, low confidence levels and little of  socializing skills.

The statistics of a company which I used to work earlier revealed the they used to get positive comments for the technical strengths of their employees abroad, but negative comments regarding their socializing and communication skills. This is a reflection of how the absence of few must have qualities get carried forward and become ingrained throughout the career. A way to overcome the mentioned problem is to sow the seeds of leadership during the course of the student’s education. Based on my experience as a teaching and research assistant at the university, I would like to point out some things that might be useful for implementation in Indian universities which promotes leadership:

1) Promotion of original thoughts:

In my university, I see that students have to put in their individual efforts to do even day to day homework and assignments. If they use any references, they have to mention the references. Copying from another student(even for homework/ report) or copying from internet results in severe academic penalties. This brings in the originality int their work, which is the key to innovation, for which US is known. This way, they also improve their writing skills.

2) More stress on practical training:

Students usually get multiple chances to go for intern(2-4 months)/coop(6-11 months) which exposes them to real life problems in their field of specialization while they are studying. So they are not just mugging up theory but using that to solve real life problems.

3) Technical societies/Hobby groups:

These provide a good platform to meet with the like minded students and faculty at the university. The students also learn how to manage funds, interact with others, lead for  for association with the society. They have their own by-laws and criteria to be a part of the society. Almost every student is a member of at least one society. I have even seen students being a part of 3-5 groups, and holding officer(executive member, not just a member)
positions.

4) Design teams:

These teams are sponsored by industry to participate in design of green vehicles, solar houses, formula cars, small aero- vehicles and what not. The students work on these projects and get exposure to the latest technology during undergraduate studies only.

5) Research:

The students get a chance to participate in a number of local conferences and get free access to research papers though
university network. This makes sure that their imaginations and ideas are not restricted and they have all the resources to check the progress in the field that they might want to pursue.

Please feel free to add in your comments.

Rajat Pashine

Friends!!
Friends are Forever..
they may be far away ,, but their friendship’s fragrance is close to your heart
they may not be chattering along with you..but say a lot with their silence..
they may be with you for a short time.. but the feeling of togetherness lives forever..
they may be with you for a long time.. and you dont know that they become a part of your soul

they may be happy with you in your joys..and the whole world seems to be with you
they may be the listening ears when you are sad ..and make you feel you are not alone
they may be the crying shoulders when you have lost someone..
they may be the sunshine when there are dark clouds all over..

they may be mad at you,, but their madness makes sense sometimes..
they may be angry sometimes..and give you the loneliest moments ever..
they may be worst at cracking jokes that make you laugh..but the effort is worthy
they may be bad at consoling too..but the feelings come from the depth of heart
they may be the worst ever in expressing their feelings.. but may be they can!!