Is MBU Leading the Charge in Inclusive Education on a Global Scale?

New Delhi, June 3 (NationPress) Mohan Babu University (MBU) is pioneering inclusive education and has broadened its scope from regional significance to global impact, stated Vinay Maheshwari, Executive Director and Trustee of MBU, on Tuesday.

During a recent interview, Maheshwari elaborated on the university's journey, its collaboration with Pennsylvania State University, impressive placement statistics, and future initiatives and growth plans.

Interview Highlights:

IANS: How has the vision of Mohan Babu University transformed over the years?

Maheshwari: MBU embodies the journey from aspiration to achievement. Originating as Sree Vidyanikethan Engineering College (SVEC) 33 years ago in Rayalaseema, MBU has championed inclusive education, particularly benefiting first-generation learners and female students.

However, our narrative is not solely about accessibility; it is also about excellence. Transitioning to a state-private university in 2022, MBU has developed into a dynamic academic environment where innovation aligns with impact. Our ambitions have expanded from regional empowerment to international relevance.

We now tailor our programs to align with India's digital-first, industry-centric growth, while fostering empathy, creativity, and leadership. Our goal is not just to produce graduates; we aim to nurture changemakers.

IANS: What strategies does MBU employ to ensure students are adequately prepared for today's job market?

Maheshwari: We view employability as integral to our teaching philosophy, not an afterthought. MBU employs a three-pronged strategy: curriculum, capability, and commitment.

· Curriculum: Our Fully Flexible Credit System (FFCS) enables students to customize their education with industry-relevant electives. We incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as AI, data science, and blockchain, with certifications from AWS, Google, and NASSCOM.

· Capability: Initiatives like Academy to Industry (A2I) and Top Gun bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students participate in hands-on projects, research labs, and internships with corporate partners. Our AICTE IDEA lab and V-Hub foster entrepreneurial spirit.

· Commitment: We enhance soft skills and English fluency through TEP (Training for English Proficiency). Additionally, our Continuous Evaluation Programme for Placement Readiness (CEPPR) identifies and addresses learning gaps early by minimizing subjective assessments and tailoring remedial actions.

The outcome? Confident, skilled professionals ready for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

IANS: How has the partnership with Penn State University benefited students and faculty?

Maheshwari: This collaboration is more than just an alliance; it’s a gateway to global opportunities. The 2+2 undergraduate model and 1+1/4+1 postgraduate formats allow our students to gain international exposure, cross-cultural experiences, and prestigious degrees from a leading US university.

Our faculty also benefit from this partnership, engaging in joint research, co-authoring publications, and applying for international grants. We are exploring Fulbright scholar exchanges, collaborative MOOCs, and shared innovation challenges. This partnership not only enhances academic excellence but also fosters global citizenship—an essential skill for the workforce of 2030.

IANS: What initiatives at MBU promote entrepreneurship and student-led innovation?

Maheshwari: At MBU, we believe that change begins with an idea, develops through thought, is motivated by passion, is structured into a plan, solidified by habits, reinforced by commitment, and eventually becomes a way of life.

This philosophy is institutionalized through:

· V-Hub Incubation Center: A platform for startups offering mentorship, access to seed funding, and prototyping labs.

· AICTE IDEA Lab: Promoting innovative thinking through practical engineering and design projects.

· Innovation Fellowships: Recognizing student projects that tackle real-world challenges.

· Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Connecting students with venture capitalists, industry experts, and successful alumni entrepreneurs.

From hackathons to business model presentations, our ecosystem empowers students to transition from job seekers to job creators.

IANS: With a 90% placement rate and offers reaching Rs 60 LPA from Google for three consecutive years, what is the secret behind MBU's remarkable placement success?

Maheshwari: We don’t merely pursue placements—we prepare for them. Our successful track record arises from aligning capabilities with opportunities.

· CEPPR ensures ongoing feedback loops to boost employability.

· Top Gun Programme prepares high-potential students for prestigious roles, blending intensive technical training with personalized coaching.

· A2I emphasizes instilling real-world skills early, including programming (Python, Java), project management, and client interactions.

· TEP guarantees that our students communicate effectively in the language of global business.

· A robust Career Development team supports over 200 recruiter relationships across various sectors.

When preparation meets opportunity, achieving Rs 60 LPA offers from Google becomes the norm rather than the exception.

IANS: What future initiatives or expansions are in the pipeline for MBU that excite you?

Maheshwari: We are in the process of building the University of the Future, which requires bold, visionary steps.

· MBU Online: A comprehensive online university aimed at providing quality education to the most remote regions of India and beyond.

· Technical Knowledge Processing Outsourcing (KPO) Center: A live-industry lab where students engage with real client projects throughout their academic journey.

· Global Campus Expansion: We are actively considering the establishment of an overseas campus.

· AI Research Hubs: With AI transforming industries, we are launching advanced research clusters focused on generative AI, ethical AI, and human-AI collaboration.

We are also aligning our curriculum with the World Economic Forum’s 2030 Skills Outlook, emphasizing complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and systems thinking.

Our mission is clear: to position MBU as a global benchmark for academic innovation and societal impact.