Education For An Uncertain World

In a time when technology is rewriting the rules of work and learning, Prof Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor, FLAME University, believes the true power of higher education lies in nurturing adaptability, empathy and purpose-driven leadership 

In this exclusive conversation, Prof Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor, FLAME University discusses how FLAME’s interdisciplinary model and the FLAME 2.0 vision are preparing students to navigate complexity, drive innovation and lead with humanity in a rapidly changing global landscape. Edited excerpts:

How do you see the liberal education model evolving in response to the changing aspirations of students and the demands of a rapidly transforming job market?

Liberal and interdisciplinary education is evolving to match the aspirations of a new generation that seeks flexibility, purpose and cross-disciplinary exploration. Students today are not chasing linear careers but aiming to solve complex global problems.

At FLAME, we see a growing demand for hybrid skill sets - where a student majoring in psychology or economics also studies AI, sustainability or entrepreneurship. Our model nurtures adaptability, systems thinking and ethical leadership through courses in emerging fields like data science, design thinking and digital humanities.

FLAME’s flexible curriculum, career academies and FLAME-ME360 module bridge academia and industry while emphasising self-discovery, employability and purpose. Combined with a strong foundation in critical thinking and creativity, our approach ensures students are not just job-ready but life-ready.

You’re currently leading FLAME 2.0, the university’s next phase of growth and internationalisation. Could you share the key pillars of this vision and how you plan to position FLAME among the world’s leading higher education institutions?

FLAME 2.0 is our roadmap to position the university among leading global institutions while staying true to Indian values. The initiative rests on four pillars — academic innovation, global collaborations, research and thought leadership and student wellbeing and mentorship.

We are expanding international partnerships, strengthening our 12 research centres and investing in digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship support. With India-led research on themes from AI to climate change, FLAME 2.0 aims to be a model for interdisciplinary education in Asia.

Having taught at institutions like ISB and Wharton, how have these global experiences influenced your leadership style and the academic culture you are nurturing at FLAME?

Teaching at ISB and Wharton shaped my belief in transformative education that goes beyond metrics — fostering curiosity, collaboration and reflective leadership. These experiences taught me the power of empowering faculty and students alike.

At FLAME, I strive to create a culture where questioning, innovation and dialogue drive collective growth. Excellence here is a mindset — one that values intellectual courage, ethical clarity and the confidence to navigate ambiguity.

As a teacher and executive coach, you often emphasise the power of negotiation, decision-making and influence. How do these principles translate into your approach to institutional leadership and student development?

Negotiation, influence and decision-making are vital to leading any institution. They help align diverse stakeholders and enable strategic choices amid uncertainty.

At FLAME, these principles are embedded in our pedagogy - through case-based learning, simulations and leadership labs. Students learn to influence ethically, collaborate effectively and lead decisively. True education equips them to balance competing interests, act with empathy and create meaningful impact.

How does the university ensure that students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop the critical thinking, empathy and adaptability needed for future leadership?

FLAME’s interdisciplinary framework encourages exploration across five Universes of Knowledge - Humanities, Social Sciences, Design, Fine & Performing Arts and Physical & Natural Sciences. Foundation Courses like Critical Reasoning, AI Literacy and Applied Ethics sharpen analytical & ethical thinking.

Experiential learning is core to our model - from the Discover India Programme (DIP) to Developmental Activities Programme (DAP) with NGOs. These experiences deepen cultural understanding, empathy and civic responsibility.

Mandatory value-added courses and design-thinking labs further boost creativity, teamwork, and employability, ensuring students graduate as adaptable, socially aware leaders.

As a passionate educator and mentor, what message would you like to give to young learners and educators about the true purpose of higher education in today’s world?

Education must be a journey of self-discovery - not just a pathway to employment. It should foster critical thinking, integrity and resilience.

My advice to students: stay curious, embrace discomfort and seek learning that transforms you. To educators: inspire students to question, empathise and build character.

In a world shaped by technological and social disruption, human values like empathy, collaboration, and ethical responsibility must remain at the heart of education. That’s what will define the true leaders of tomorrow.

Author: Prof. Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor