In this exclusive interview with ETEducation, Vice-Chancellor of FLAME University Dishan Kamdar discusses the evolving intersection of technology, pedagogy, and societal needs. He highlights India’s potential as a global leader in liberal education, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and digital innovation. The conversation also explores trends like interdisciplinary learning, tech integration, and philanthropy's role in fostering inclusive leadership.

The education landscape is witnessing an extraordinary transformation as emerging technologies, interdisciplinary learning, and evolving student needs redefine traditional paradigms. From integrating digital tools to fostering global collaboration, institutions are tasked with preparing students for a future that values both innovation and social responsibility. These changes underline the growing importance of flexible, inclusive, and future-ready education systems that empower learners to thrive in a dynamic world.

In this exclusive interview with ETEducation, we explore these pivotal themes with a visionary leader, Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor of FLAME University who shares invaluable insights into the future of education. The conversation sheds light on the critical role of philanthropy in creating socially responsible leaders and highlights how liberal education in India can serve as a model for the world. Join us as we delve into transformative strategies, emerging trends, and the innovative pathways shaping the next generation of learners.

Q.1 With rapid advancements in technology and pedagogy, how do you envision the role of education evolving over the next five years? What key trends should institutions focus on to remain relevant?

The skills we need to succeed are evolving as a consequence of the world’s rapid technological advancements. In addition to imparting knowledge, education today must equip students with important skills that differ greatly from those taught in the past. Global citizenship (including awareness of the wider world and sustainability), innovation and creativity (including problem-solving and analytical thinking), and interpersonal skills (emotional intelligence, empathy, collaboration, and social awareness) are the three main competencies that the World Economic Forum identified in its Schools of the Future paper as being essential to high-quality learning. As automation changes the nature of the workplace in the future, these innate human, social, and emotional abilities will become critical.

Looking ahead, education will become more interdisciplinary, technology-driven, and adaptive during the next five years, providing more individualized and flexible learning opportunities. Furthermore, learning will place a strong emphasis on teamwork and project/problem-based approaches to better reflect the workplace of the twenty-first century. Institutions will also focus on combining pedagogy with technology like VR and AR to create an immersive, interactive environment.

Institutions must reconsider what they teach and how they teach it to produce leaders who are morally conscious and globally aware. Interdisciplinary education institutions are building a generation ready for the opportunities and challenges of our globally interconnected world through the combination of education with rapid digitization across industries.

Q.2. How do you see philanthropy shaping the future of education in India, particularly in promoting socially responsible leadership? How can we create a future-ready curriculum that integrates Indian culture, spirituality, and sustainability with cutting-edge fields like AI, design, and interdisciplinary education to nurture inclusive, equitable leaders

By enabling institutions of learning to engage in innovative, inclusive, and socially responsible educational initiatives, philanthropy plays an important role in determining the future course of education in India. I view philanthropy as an accelerator that enables us to develop a curriculum grounded in ethical values and combining cultural heritage with modern technological advances. Institutions can create programs that develop socially conscious leaders prepared to tackle difficult, real-world problems with the help of philanthropic support.

According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, everyone should have access to an interdisciplinary education. It advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that is critical to India’s educational advancement. Institutions in India now support this goal, giving students the flexibility to choose majors, minors, and electives from a variety of disciplines, supporting a well-rounded education while also catering to their individual interests.

Beyond academics, philanthropy helps institutions prioritize experiential learning and community engagement, which are critical in developing socially responsible leaders. Programs such as NGO internships and cultural immersion courses allow students to connect theory with practice, giving them a firsthand understanding of India’s socio-economic landscape and cultivating a commitment to social impact. Initiatives that encourage students to address real-world challenges help foster a mindset of innovation and empathy, preparing them to lead with responsibility and inclusivity.

With philanthropic support, educational institutions can continue advancing these goals, creating a future-ready curriculum that intertwines Indian culture, spirituality, sustainability, and cutting-edge fields such as AI and design to nurture globally conscious, equitable leaders.

Q.3. India is emerging as a hub for world-class liberal education. What potential do you see for India to set global benchmarks in this field? How are affordability and accessibility being addressed through scholarships and financial aid to support students in pursuing a well-rounded, liberal arts education?

Liberal education empowers students to address complex, contemporary challenges by developing qualities such as creativity, critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. In today’s interconnected world, these attributes enable students to look at issues from multiple perspectives, providing them the ability to navigate complexity and lead with empathy. Pioneering interdisciplinary institutions in India are embodying this approach, bridging general and professional education to develop well-rounded, capable individuals. By integrating a wide-ranging curriculum with hands-on learning and co-curricular activities, they prepare students for the demands of global citizenship, professional success, and personal fulfillment.

India is in a great position to establish global benchmarks in liberal education. Because of its rich intellectual legacy and the diversity of thought that cuts across cultures and disciplines, India has the potential to lead with an educational model that prioritizes holistic learning and societal impact. The National Education Policy 2020 furthers this mission by making interdisciplinary education a public policy priority, aiming to revive India’s legacy as a global knowledge hub.

To make world-class liberal education accessible, many institutions in India offer comprehensive scholarship programs, including merit-based, need-based financial aid, and emergency tuition support, ensuring that students from various backgrounds can pursue transformative education. This focus on accessibility allows institutions to attract students from across India and even internationally, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.

Through this commitment to accessibility and academic excellence, Indian institutions aim to nurture lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and globally aware leaders who are ready to address pressing global challenges.

Q.4. FLAME University is known for its focus on holistic development. Can you share any unique initiatives or programs that set FLAME apart from other institutions in fostering emotional intelligence, creativity, and essential life skills? What measurable impact have these had on student outcomes?

FLAME University’s holistic approach goes beyond academics to nurture emotional intelligence, creativity, and essential life skills. Programs like the Discover India Program (DIP) immerse students in India’s cultural diversity, fostering teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking. With over 250 projects spanning India, DIP enhances students’ personal and professional growth while deepening their understanding of heritage.

The Developmental Activities Program (DAP) complements this by exposing students to pressing social issues through internships with NGOs. This hands-on experience builds empathy, self-awareness, and social responsibility, leaving students with a profound sense of purpose. Foundation Courses further enhance critical skills like writing, reasoning, and interdisciplinary learning, equipping students to adapt to diverse challenges. FLAME also integrates value-added courses in sports, professional skills, and design thinking to foster creativity and employability. Initiatives like the Story Project and community service campaigns underscore the university’s emphasis on social responsibility, creating graduates who excel in careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Q.5. What do you believe are the most effective ways to integrate digital tools into teaching and learning? How can institutions ensure equitable access to technology for all students, particularly in regions where digital infrastructure is lacking?

At FLAME University, digital tools bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring students are equipped with in-demand skills like AI, data analytics, and prompt engineering. Our state-of-the-art labs, including those for Design, Psychology, and Digital Learning, foster hands-on, interdisciplinary projects. With smart classrooms, financial research labs, and specialized studios, students engage with technology in meaningful ways, making learning dynamic and collaborative. Our comprehensive digital infrastructure, including Moodle and MyFLAME, supports seamless access to resources, while the Vivekananda Library offers extensive academic materials. Courses like Artificial Intelligence for Beginners, designed for non-STEM students, ensure everyone can engage with technology regardless of background.

To address the digital divide, FLAME advocates for partnerships that enhance infrastructure and provide subsidized devices and internet access. We also focus on digital literacy, ensuring all students can leverage technology effectively, bridging gaps and fostering an inclusive, tech-driven educational environment.

Q.6. With education increasingly seen as a lifelong journey, how can institutions support students and professionals in continuously upgrading their skills to meet the demands of an evolving job?

Adopting a philosophy of lifelong learning is essential for supporting students and professionals in developing versatile skills that evolve with industry demands. The approach should be built on flexibility and interdisciplinary learning, enabling students to customize their educational path with diverse subjects that align with their interests and goals. For instance, students in business might work alongside psychology majors on design thinking exercises like ‘journey mapping,’ learning to analyze user experiences from multiple perspectives. Such collaboration encourages critical thinking and creativity, skills that are highly valued in the workforce.

Executive education programs offer short-term, intensive courses that enable professionals to gain new insights, refine their skills, and stay current with evolving industry demands. These programs provide focused learning experiences designed to meet the specific needs of professionals in a range of sectors.

Additionally, experiential learning opportunities, from hands-on workshops and seminars to guest lectures with industry leaders, keep students up to date on current trends and technologies.

Fostering a culture of lifelong learning is a priority for every educational institution. Through flexible curricula, interdisciplinary projects, and practical learning experiences, institutions can empower students to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society well beyond their formal education. This approach equips them to meet new professional challenges and navigate a dynamic career landscape.

In conversation with Economic Times - Education: Prof. Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor, FLAME University.