JLU School of Humanities and Social Science hosts National Seminar on "Good Governance: Engaging with a Policy Metaphor"

Since the launch of the ‘good governance’ discourse, it has been striking to see how in virtually no time the term ‘governance’, retrieved from a lingering, obscure existence, became a household word figuring on top of the list of concerns of aid agencies, governments, researchers and the media. Albeit, it rapidly appealed to the imagination of analysts as well as practitioners and became a focal point for intellectual as well as for policy discourses.

To define the parameters and dimensions of good governance, to identify the major existing lacunas in the universe of governance and prepare a better roadmap for the future, JLU School of Humanities and Social Science organized a National Seminar on "Good Governance: Engaging with a Policy Metaphor" on 25th January 2019.

It is evident that even as far as the literature on good governance discourse is concerned, one finds two well-established bodies of literature; democratization literature and development literature. Scholars in the first camp frequently focus on the relationship between democracy and economic performance; whereas researchers adhering to the second camp often attempt to establish the link between good governance and sustainable economic and social development. However, both groups fall short of systematically linking the effect of democracy on good governance.

Primarily focusing on India, the seminar also intended to focus on this gap by examining whether democracy and democratization lead to more responsible and effective governance. Along with intended to dwell upon the question as to whether a state’s move toward democracy immediately triggers improved governance practices.

The seminar was honoured by the presence of reputed IAS officers, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla and Shri Ajit Raizada. The motive of the seminar was to give participants a more holistic idea about the world of governance and to bring about awareness regarding the importance of good governance in a democracy also to identify the initiatives taken in the field.

Jagran Lakecity University supports first ever Bhopal Literature & Art Festival as an Academic Partner.

National & International fame celebrated authors, writers, poets and creative thinkers descended in Bhopal between 12^th to 14^th January 2019 at the first-ever Bhopal Literature and Art festival. The venue at Bharat Bhawan which was aesthetically decorated in tribal motifs and colourful tapestry served as a platform for convergence of some very well known names in Indian and International literature and arts around diverse genres of writing.

Jagran Lakecity University was designated as the festival’s academic Partner. Students from JLU’s various schools i.e. Jagran School of Journalism and Communication, JLU School of Hospitality and Tourism, JLU School of Law, Jagran Lakecity Business School, JLU School of Humanities and Arts, JLU School of Engineering and Technology and JLU School of Commerce and Economics participated proactively in the various events scheduled over the span of the 3 day Festival collaborated to curate & write synopsis for the books, anchored the sessions, documented various sessions and interviews of authors through still and video shoots, managed guest relations & registrations at the venue.

Amphitheatre 'Bahirang', which has the famous Lake of Bhopal as its backdrop was the venue for the inaugural show. The dais and its surroundings were draped with flowers and colourful silk streamers, as the warm winter sun and the gentle breeze from the lake welcomed us all. Raghav Chandra, the President of Bhopal Litfest in his inaugural speech, invoked Gandhi's message, on his 150th Birth Anniversary, and said that his thoughts, will be central to the theme of this festival.

The festival began with mesmerizing classical Dhrupad singing performance by the famous Gundecha Brothers who sang their classical compositions such as Toote Sakal Banga and more along with Saraswati Vandana. The dignitaries comprised of Vijay Lakshmi Sadho, Cultural Minister of MP, Pawan Verma, Amitabh Kant from NITI Aayog,  John Bowles, Art Collector from USA, Anthony Desa, Raghav Chandra, Director of BLF, Meera Das, co-director of BLF, Renu Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Alphons Kannanthanam, member of Rajya Sabha cum author of book, India 2017.

Sushila Devi Award organised by Ratan Lal Foundation was given to Namita Gokhale for her book, Things To Leave Behind (The story of Kumaon). She was also given a reward of Rs 2 Lakhs. She was awarded by the Chief Guest of the event, Alphons Kannanthanam and Vijayalakshmi Sadho.

The festival culminated with a spellbound cultural night which left the audience wanting for more. Jagran Lakecity University’s credo “Igniting Minds, Changing Lives”, came alive, as the student volunteers from JLU actively contributed to this much-awaited festival of literature and arts in Bhopal.

JLU hosts two-day Regional Workshop on “Biodiversity Law and ABS”

‘Biological diversity or biodiversity' means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Jagran Lakecity University organized a two-day Regional Workshop on “Biodiversity Law and ABS” on 16th & 17th January 2019 under the UNDP-GEF (Global ABS Project) on “Strengthening Human Resources, Legal Frameworks and Institutional Capacities to Implement the Nagoya Protocol”. This was done in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. 

Leading experts, practitioners, policymakers, researchers and academicians from across India attended the workshop, deliberated & discussed their expertise and experiences on aspects such as; Biodiversity Issues, Sustainable Development and Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS). Prof.(Dr.) V.Vijayakumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, NLIU, Bhopal was the Chief Guest while R.Sreenivasa Murthy, IFS, APCCF & Member Secretary, MPSBB was the Guest of Honour in the inaugural session. Prof.(Dr.) Sairam Bhat, Professor & Coordinator, CEERA, NLSIU, Bengaluru delivered the keynote address. Valedictory session was graced by Shri.P.C.Sharma, Hon’ble Minister, Madhya Pradesh and Dr.Pankaj Shrivastava, Director, IIFM, Bhopal.

The first day of the workshop was dedicated to the key topics of Biodiversity Conservation, Biological Act, 2002 and Madhya Pradesh State Biodiversity Rules. The second part of the workshop was dedicated to Access and Benefit-sharing and various case laws related to ABS followed by discussion and exchange of ideas on the role of the Biodiversity Act and its provision. Participants were unanimously suggesting some key points related to the BD Act and implementation of ABS.

During the discussion of ABS provision and its implementation, participants acknowledged and appreciate the role of UNDP and the NBA’s effort in creating awareness and sensitize the stakeholder to better execution of the Biological Diversity Act and ABS provision. Achieving financial sustainability in biodiversity conservation was also discussed in the workshop. There was a consensus about the strengthening of Biodiversity Management Committees and its role in the conservation of Biodiversity.

The participants made several specific suggestions on possible approaches to strengthen ABS provision to benefit the indigenous resources and knowledge. Workshop Participants suggested several modifications in the existing Biological Diversity Act. There are few recommendations emerged  

·   Provision for monitoring and tracking of illegal access of biological resources may be included in the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

·      It is suggested that the term ‘Prior Informed Consent’ (PIC) and ‘Mutually Agreed Terms’ (MAT) be defined in the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. 

·    It is suggested that effective disclosure norms regarding the purpose, method and the resource accessed be made a requirement at the time of application and mentioned in the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

·  Provisions regarding bio-safety measures (bio-safety clearance, risk assessment for biohazard in consonance with Cartagena Protocol) by applicants for access be included in the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Coordination between the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and the Nation Biodiversity Authority may be established in this regard.

·      It is suggested that a provision regarding opportunity being given to the applicant to be heard before the rejection of an application to be included. This should be done taking into account the interest of the researcher and research institutions. The authority can raise objections to the application of access and communicate the same to the applicant upon which the applicant can respond to the objections within a period of one month from the date of receipt of the communication. In case the objection to the application still persists, an opportunity of a hearing may be given to the applicant.

·       It is suggested that the criteria for identifying the benefit claimers of the process of benefit sharing be clarified under the Act. A Social Impact Assessment may be conducted in this regard to ascertain the same.

·      It is also suggested that the channel of sharing of benefits from the NBA/SBBs to the BMCs and from the BMCs to the benefit claimer be enunciated clearly under the Act for monitoring and compliance purposes.

·   It is suggested that under Section 4, 6 and 7 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, ‘Traditional Knowledge/Associated Knowledge’ be incorporated.

·     It is suggested that the status of ‘by-products’ and ‘value-added products’ in relation to Normally Traded Commodities be clarified. The term ‘by-product’ may be defined distinctly.

·       It is suggested that a provision for the establishment of Biodiversity Enforcement Cell (like in the case of Madhya Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, Rule u/d G. O.2017/34) with powers of search, inspection and seizure in instances of illegal access of biological resources be included for effective implementation of conservation measures under the legislation.

Finally, participants stressed the importance of such workshops and UNDP and NBA’s continued support to research institutions in developing legal framework and capacity building. 

The workshop culminated with the signing of Bhopal Declaration for Biodiversity, which aims to pave the path for future workshops. The faculty and students of Jagran School of Journalism and Communication & JLU School of Law collaborated to make this one of the most successful workshop in the current academic year. 

Special Lecture on ‘Law of Contract’ by Prof (Dr.) Silla Ramsunder, ADAMAS University

Jagran Lakecity University, JLU School of Law organized Two Day Special Lecture on ‘Law of Contract’ by Prof (Dr.) Silla Ramsunder, Professor of Law, ADAMAS University, Kolkata for the First Year students of undergraduate students on January 7 & 8, 2019. Prof. Ramsunder is also a representative at the prestigious Tuning Academy Project.

He delivered lecture on special contracts which includes Bailment, Pledge, Indemnity and Guarantee, Contract of Agency, Partnership, etc. During his interaction with students he emphasized on Bailment, the rights and duties of Bailor and Bailee. He also discussed right to recover expenses incurred on bailment through various practical examples and enriched students with his knowledge and practical inputs.

We are thankful to Prof. Ramsunder for sharing his valuable knowledge with the students and giving them a lot to think about significant aspects of the subject.   

From Jagran School of Journalism and Communication to London College of Communication, UAL Spring term study.

Jagran School of Journalism and Communication’s Global Immersion Programme is an amazing study abroad programme under which students get to study overseas and collect experience with a long-term impact. It is a fantastic way for its students to discover a world full of opportunities, experience new cultures, make friends from all over the world and gain a competitive edge.

Jagran School of Journalism and Communication has 4 major partner universities across the United Kingdom and is part of the Global Google News Initiative University Network. Under its academic association with London College of Communication, University of Arts London, four of our second-year JSJC students of BA (Hons) Advertising & Public Relations programme joined the full spring term study at London College of Communication in their BA (Hons) Advertising and BA (Hons) Public Relation programmes.

Sejal Katakwar, Tarishi Srivastava, Akshita Jain and Archita Joshi have already started their classes in LCC London and taken a big leap towards a global communication career.

"Social Responsibilities and Ethical Framework" - A Special Programme Organized by JLU School of Humanities and Social Science

Social responsibility is an ethical theory, in which individuals are responsible for meeting their civic duty; the unfolding of an individual must benefit the whole of society. In this way, there must be a balance between economic growth and the welfare of society and the environment. If this equilibrium is maintained, then social responsibility is accomplished.

A program on social responsibilities and ethical framework was organized by JLU – School of Humanities and Social Science on 9th January 2019. The program was conducted with the mission of enlightening the students regarding their social responsibilities to bring forth a better youth.  Various NGOs working within Bhopal on multiple social causes were invited to the university precinct to interact with the students studying the disciplines of English Literature, Psychology, Public Administration and Political Science. They pointed out the significance of social responsibilities.

Moral values that are inherent in society create a distinction between right and wrong. In this way, social fairness is believed (by most) to be in the “right”, but more frequently than not this “fairness” is absent. Every individual has a responsibility to act in a manner that is beneficial to society and not solely to the individual.

NGO’s like Kartavya and Peoples for Animal, which is also known as PFA, India's largest animal welfare organization along with Ms Riddhi Paliwal and Mrs Swati Bhadoria and her team of diligent and vigilant volunteers came from across the city informed the students about the challenges of establishing and running an NGO.

During the program, the questions were flooded by the students to the speakers with queries and internship requests. They were presented with a memento by the Director of the School to thank them for their valuable contribution in the society.

From the Dean’s desk: Dr. Nilesh Khare, Dean Jagran Lakecity Business School, Exe Education and Head IQAC Prof. Of Strategy.

I have interacted with Lakecity Brew Readers before, it is my pleasure to do so again.

What makes a business school internationally benchmarked in quality education?

Programme design, syllabi, pedagogy, experiential learning, committed and engaged faculty and students, rich conversations and experiences, and executive functioning skills that students can walk away with. Not only just a degree, or the first job from campus, but also the ability to learn and build a career and succeed in life whether as a manager, leader, or an entrepreneur.

I am delighted to share with Lakecity Brew readers that Jagran Lakecity Business School has been on the path to be internationally benchmarked in quality management education.

You would be proud to know that:

• We bring international quality content, experience and pedagogy.

o Our newly revamped curricula and partnerships with Harvard Business Publishing (HBP), access to HS talk video series https://hstalks.com/, E&Y and Wadhwani Foundation’s National Entrepreneurship Network brings world-class content and allows our classroom to be flipped. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flipped_classroom

o HBP, E&Y, Wadhwani foundation also offers an opportunity to earn add on certificates. For example, students in MBA and BMS programmes can earn course completion certificate in up to 6 courses from HBP.

o Last semester our MBA and BMS students had business simulation from a world’s leading firm (https://www.cesim.com/simulations/cesim-global-challenge-international-business-strategy-simulation-game) as a part of their strategy class. This adds to the virtual experience in managing a business, forming guiding policies, collaborating in a team of managers, and taking decisions. We will soon have a workshop from AIMA on another simulation.

•    Our academic partnerships are strengthening our global quotient.  

o We have expanded our professional partnerships and offerings. In addition to BBA Honours (Strategic Finance) in association with CMA, USA, we now bring BBA Honours (Accounting) with ACCA of UK (a body similar to ICAI in India).

o Our efforts are paying off. We are in the final stages of a partnership with California Baptist University (CBU), LA, USA https://calbaptist.edu/.

 CBU has agreed to offer our UG students’ access to admission to 1 year accelerated MBA, or 2-year programme leading to MBA. This admission will not require either GRE or GMAT. It will simply be based on English Proficiency tests, performance at JLBS and, admission norms at CBU.

 Please note that usually, it requires 4 year UG degree for PG admission in the USA.

 There are other universities in the US, and other countries including in Dubai, UAE that are currently under consideration for similar tie-ups. 

o Similarly, ACCA will offer waiver in 6 courses, and further progress with ACCA courses will lead eligible candidates on a path to not only ACCA qualification but also to a PG from the UK.

• Choice based credit system now allows MBA and BMS students to earn specialization, or a combination of majors and minors across HR, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and soon Business Analytics.

• We have improved our industry interaction; CXO visits and access to them is more frequent now.

• We will also begin to offer MBA and PG Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Family Business in evening/weekend the only mode.

• Our enhanced partnership within JLU will bring joint programmes with Hospitality School and elective courses from Media school.

• Our faculty colleagues have been preparing on the material recently included in the programme. Some come from institutes of national repute. Faculty also have a pool of international faculty ready to mentor them. Indeed as I write this we are gearing up to host a German Professor who would teach with us for 15 days in February.

• Last but not the least we are increasingly getting to hear from recruiters who are willing to visit us, and offering better jobs and starting to our students.

But most importantly our culture is shaping up in the direction that makes international quality. All our key stakeholders—students, faculty, University administration, and parents— understand and seem more committed to a higher bar on academic rigour and quality, collaboration, transparency and fairness.

We are not alone in this journey; we get tremendous support from JLU community, fellow JLU schools, and management. Enthusiasm and understanding that JLBS community—students, parents, staff and faculty— bring every day is our strength. I am personally grateful to everyone and continue to count on your feedback, support and guidance.

JLBS has travelled some distance and has miles to go. Given the support, understanding, conviction, enthusiasm and passion, I am sure we all will make JLU proud.  

Welcome Back to the Start of a New Year & New Semester : 2019!

Welcome back to the start of a New Year and a New Semester! We hope each of you enjoyed your holidays, semester break and the opportunity to be with your family and friends. This semester promises to be a productive and exciting one as well as we strive to make further headway in realizing our vision as a “global university.”

To kick start this semester, JLU Student Service Cell and Student Engagement organized an exciting event on 11th Jan'19 at JLU Mugaliyachhap Campus and on 15^th Jan at JLU SEH Campus. This event was conducted to amp up the energy at the campus where students got to rejoice with their batchmates and faculty, participate in the Kite festival while trying their luck in several games and winning giveaways!

For some of you, this is a start of a new stretch of marathon called career, while for some it may be an effort to dive back into university mode after the delightful, cosy winter holidays. 

No matter which bucket you feel you are in at the moment, it is imperative at the inception of the semester to get a bit organised, make a layout & pathway, plot the extracurricular touch points, so that it may your studies, so that it may serve with your social and academic life. We are glad to have you back as you continue your journey to the graduation and post graduation stage.

For all our returning students, we encourage you to make the most of your time here. Your university experience will be what you make it, and your opportunities will only be limited to the limits you lay on yourself. As you start a new year and a new semester, take advantage of many services available to help you achieve your full potential.

Another significant thing to remember at university is to get involved, participate and take advantage of every opportunity initiated at your school level and university level. We have framed the JLU Advancement Office anew, especially our two main departments; Student Services and Student Engagement.

Time management is no new concept, but a vital part of winning at university, and not only that but life in general. It doesn’t always have to be a terrifying task we make it seem to be, you can begin small, get a journal and cite when all your assessments are due, and block out deliberate time to work on that task. Unfortunately, assignments don’t write themselves. Remember that time is the currency of life, so spend it wisely!

Being a university student should also be a social experience. You can meet new people and form friendships with individuals who have similar interests to you. Don’t be afraid to get involved! Become part of the university community, and we guarantee it will make your whole university experience that much more enjoyable!

This directs us to our final piece of guidance: be conscious of yourself. Self-care is important. Know your limits, and make sure that you take care of yourself. If you start to struggle with this at any point, we have numerous services available to assist you. That is what they are here for so don’t feel bad for accessing them, it is understood everyone needs assistance from time to time and we are more than willing to assist you.

"Reflection on my Internship experience & the lessons I learnt", Aadya Jaroliya, B.A LL.B (Hons) VI Semester, JLU School of Law.

I’m pleased to share that this experience expanded the foundation of my ambitions. The practicalities of a law firm, the education required, and the etiquette that should always be displayed were a couple of the things that I learned. Most importantly, in this position, my lifelong goals were affirmed.

Working under honourable Chief Justice Hemant Gupta in Principle Seat of Madhya Pradesh High Court enabled me to understand various aspects of being a successful judge as well as an advocate. The first thing I realized was the trick of communicating things to others. Whereas on the other hand I also played the role of multi-tasker and there I met with the pros and cons of working with my court seniors. Accepting that I faltered while performing a few of my duties, regardless my seniors apprised me with the art of getting work done in court. It's not just about working hard but rather working smart.

On the last day of my internship, I was honoured to meet Justice Hemant Gupta, as I was under his surveillance. He appreciated my work and also admonished for my errors. He marked his meeting by saying, "Every case has a different experience. It's all about what you learn from it and how you deal with it." I recollect his words whenever I start working on a new case.

Talking about professional endeavour this experience prepared me in a number of ways from court etiquette to working on a deadline and gaining knowledge from hands-on training and plenty more. I have learnt how a court of Chief Justice operates, who oversees what and how to network with different departments.

Finally, I would like to share with aspiring interns that always be passionate about the work you've been assigned. Make sure to be calm and composed while meeting the deadlines. Keep a positive attitude and be pleasant while greeting. Do not hesitate to raise a question or voice your opinion because it will show your willingness to learn and adapt.

SAP University Summit Goa 2018: It's time to evolve and compete globally!

The world is changing enormously especially in digital and education still has a big step to jump. We need to rethink the workspaces, the classrooms. Foster collaboration, interaction, exchange of ideas, work autonomously initiative, has access to personalized courses. These tools are used to promote creativity, through increasingly ultra-portable products. With all these means, education is undoubtedly the most important thing in this world. It is also one of the sectors that need innovation the most.

With this vision, Mr Dileep Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor, JLU School of Engineering & Technology, participated in the SAP University Summit 2018, held on 27th to 29th November-2018at Taj Fort Aguada, Goa organized by SAP India Pvt limited. The event focused on the digital transformation in the education space with the collaboration of the SAP, Wipro and the Times professional learning.

The event supported the concept of “imagining a workforce with unstoppable momentum”, meaning the best of human creativity and flexibility, in partnership with the power and depth of digital workforce technology. SAP’s global products and solutions, enable and help many universities to execute and deliver their mission successfully.

Mr Dileep had a positive conversation with Mehroon Manalody Chairman and Managing Director of G-Tech on latest trends and new job opportunities along with challenges on adoption of SAP framework on new business processes and startups. He had also got chance to interact with G. Chandra Mouleeswaran, Head – Strategic Learning Services, SAP Education, along with Mr.Rohit Bhalla working as a Sales Director of SAP India Pvt. Ltd. and with Mr Aaditya Razdan positioned as National sales Head SAP.