Ujjain: Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) Pune has launched Avantika University, India’s first design university recently. Beginning 2017, Avantika will offer bachelor and master programs in design. Spread over 50-acre state-of-art green campus at Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Avantika will provide the much-needed excellence push in higher education.
Avantika University will foster design thinking mindset by developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. With an objective of resetting the learning pedagogy, Avantika introduces a unique academic structure that will help create the next generation of Design thinkers and Knowledge leaders to drive innovation. Avantika is poised to revive the liberal legacy for Ujjain from the former years. It was an important educational, industrial, spiritual and cultural centre from India. Ujjain was home to liberal minds from Indian culture, including great poet Kalidas, philosopher Maharishi Ved Vyas, and Guru Sandipani.
An MIT Pune initiative, Avantika is conceived and envisioned by Professor Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder, Executive President & Managing Trustee, Maharashtra Academy of Engineering Education and Research (MAEER), Pune. According to Professor Karad, “The objective of Avantika is to change the perspective about higher education and to create change makers who can transform the society as a whole.”
This endeavour is mentored by eminent educationist Dr Sanjay Dhande – Former Director IIT Kanpur and supported by a team of passionate design & engineering professionals and academicians. Elaborating more about this model, Dr Dhande stated, “Avantika aspires to provide a comprehensive education by which, creative and analytical strength of mind is increased, in-depth intellect is expanded, and all-round character is formed; leading to the development of an individual, who can stand on one’s own feet.”
Supported by MIT Institute of Design (ID), the university said that it believes in making learners better individuals and decision makers before shaping them into professionals. The design university will collaborate with world’s leading universities globally to offer students with the best use of the excellent opportunities. Through internships and real life projects, they will develop the appropriate problem-solving attitude. Avantika will have the best of teaching talent from across India and majorly from the USA, UK and other global locations. The unique mix of educators will offer the right exposure and much-needed knowledge guidance to the aspirants.
