In accordance with the Ghandi Inspired Student Exchange Programme initiated in 2011 between the University of South Africa and the University of Mumbai, a group of 16 delegates from Unisa consisting of young academics, students and management recently visited the University of Mumbai. The University of Mumbai founded by Dr John Wilson in 1857 is one of the oldest and premier universities in India. The purpose of the visit was to explore research collaborations on commonly agreed areas, to continue the academic and cultural exchange programme and facilitate collaboration on student governance and leadership.
In the true spirit of Ghandi, the Unisa delegates were welcomed with open arms. The hospitality from the University of Mumbai was humbling. In true Indian style we were even invited for supper at the Vice-Chancellor’s house and taken for dinner by Hon Mr Satej D. Patil, the Minister of State for Home, Rural Development and Food and drugs Administration.
The schedule was very busy with visits to university departments for example the Law Department, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Extramural Department, Department of Psychology, African Studies and Nanotechnology Department. A number of institutes affiliated with the University of Mumbai were also visited. These included the Mumbai Education Trust (MET), Welingkar (We School) and the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies (SIMS). These institutes provided an eye opening experience to the UNISA delegates.
MET has a vibrant campus with student activities that goes on late in the night, the campus with its multi-disciplinary culture is holistic in its approach that it even provides staff and students with a relaxation room. Welingkar Institute refers to lecturers as mentors since it is the role of lecturers to mentor and guide students through their studies. What was clear from the visit to the various institutes was the holistic approach enshrined in their academic and daily operations. Although curricula and teaching was the core business of these institutes, they made sure that both the intellectual as well as spiritual and/or psychological aspects of students were taken care of.
Entry to study at the University of Mumbai is extremely competitive with only the best students being accepted. Students from the University of Mumbai were always professional and it was clear that the University of Mumbai fosters hard work, creativity and innovation in all its students. We also had the privilege of visiting the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) which aims to promote equity and excellence in science and mathematics education from primary school to undergraduate college level, and encourage the growth of scientific literacy.
Some of the fundamental lessons learnt from our visit to the University of Mumbai are that Industry plays a big role in academia. Universities have strong working relationships with Industry where high profile industry leaders act as guest lectures and provide training for graduates. Industry plays a crucial role in the curriculum development of certain courses so as to keep the skills that students are equipped with relevant therefore making graduates more marketable.
Apart from all our meetings and the presentations that each delegate from Unisa had to make on their research interests, we also had the privilege of visiting Mani Bhavan, the house in which Ghandi lived after he returned from South Africa. Ghandi did not only preach humbleness, he lived it. The Gateway to India and the Elephanta Caves (a world heritage site located on Gharapur Island about 10 km from Mumbai) exposed us to Indian history and culture. In addition, we were very excited to experience shopping in India and were overwhelmed by the lovely clothes, spices and books. The Indian people strictly observe their culture and spirituality in all if not most areas of their lives. This could be seen everywhere that we went including the University of Mumbai and its various Institutes. In most buildings, one often noticed a sacred corner with spiritual significance where incense and flowers were put to honour Deities and Divas.
Overall, the trip to India was a once in a lifetime experience that enriched our view of life in general but specifically, the role, function and responsibility of a university. We learned a lot and made new friends and collaborative partners. We now look forward to increased collaborations (research and projects) and exchanges with the University of Mumbai and the Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education.
