The Higher Education Review

Ayurveda, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of India, holds profound relevance as a holistic system of medicine and lifestyle. In Indian culture, Ayurveda is not merely a medical system but a way of life. In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence in interest among learners towards pursuing Ayurveda education in India. Shobhit University, situated in Gangoh, Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), stands as a testament to this evolving interest in Ayurveda education.

Founded with a vision to empower rural communities through education, Shobhit University has expanded its offerings to include Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Centre. This institution not only imparts education in Ayurveda but also contributes to research and healthcare delivery in rural Uttar Pradesh. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Chairman Dr Shobhit Kumar and Hon’ble Chancellor Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, Shobhit University has established itself as a center of excel-lence in Ayurveda education.

The university's commitment to quality education is evident in its comprehensive curricu-lum, which blends traditional teachings with modern scien-tific advancements. This approach ensures that students not only understand the ancient principles of Ayurveda but also gain proficiency in its practical applications. The integration of Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Centre within Shobhit Uni-versity's framework signifies a holistic educational environ-ment. Students benefit from a diverse faculty drawn from across India, bringing regional expertise and enhancing the learning experience.

The bilingual curriculum, taught in Hindi and English, caters to the local context while prepar-ing students to engage globally in the field of Ayurveda. Moreover, Shobhit University's ecosystem supports col-laborative research initiatives through its affiliated Pharmacy College and Schools of Yoga, Naturopathy, Law, and Educa-tion. The university's commitment to rural healthcare is ex-emplified by the Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra Ayurvedic Medi-cal College's upgraded hospital facilities. With 200 beds and a focus on community health, the hospital not only serves as a training ground for students but also provides essential medical services to the local population.

Unique Approach to Learning
The majority of students enrolled at Shobhit University hail from rural areas. In addition to imparting Ayurvedic knowledge, the university organizes workshops focused on enhancing English language proficiency and conducting personality development sessions.

These initiatives are aimed at equipping students to com-pete effectively in the contemporary professional community. Practical exposure across various subjects, coupled with a deep understanding of Ayurvedic Science, prepares students to excel as proficient Ayurvedic professionals.

“At KSVAMC and RC, over 60 teaching faculties currently contribute to educational endeavors, representing diverse regions across the country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. Each faculty member brings unique perspectives on the practical applications of Ayurveda prevalent in their respective regions.

Regular Con-tinuing Medical Education (CME) sessions, teaching-learning methodology programs, and personal development workshops are conducted periodically to further enrich the skills and knowl-edge of our faculty members”, shares Dr Vikas Kumar Sharma, Principal.

”Shobhit University boasts a comprehensive infrastructure tailored to support rigorous academic & research pursuits across various disciplines”

Facilitating Best Education
Shobhit University boasts a comprehensive infrastructure tailored to support rigorous academic and research pursuits across various disciplines. The institution features a well-established Animal House crucial for pre-clinical research, complemented by fully function-al laboratories in the Department of Roganidana and Kriya Sharir.

Additionally, the Department of Rasa-Sastra hosts a teaching phar-macy, while a Dravyaguna museum, laboratory, and herbal garden enrich the learning experience within the institute. The university's medical facilities are equipped with both minor and major operation theatres, facilitating a wide range of surgical procedures, alongside dedicated sections for labor and pediatric care.

Each of the university's 14 departments is furnished with static and working models, enhancing practical learning opportunities for students. Furthermore, there are ongoing efforts to establish a sim-ulation lab aimed at further refining the practical skills of its student body.

In parallel, Shobhit University demonstrates a strong commit-ment to fostering academic excellence and inclusivity through its diverse scholarship programs. These initiatives include the Adarsh Women Empowerment Scholarship, providing tuition fee waivers to female candidates achieving over 60 percent marks, and Academ-ic Merit Based Scholarships, rewarding high achievers with reduc-tions ranging from 25 percent to 100 percent on tuition fees based on their academic performance.

The university also recognizes and supports students excelling in sports, offering scholarships to those achieving positions at state, national, and international levels.

Moreover, special provisions are made for wards of defense personnel and proud alumni through specific scholarship schemes. "Shobhit University not only exemplifies excellence in academ-ic and research infrastructure but also stands out for its proactive measures in promoting accessibility and excellence in higher edu-cation through robust scholarship support.

Situated in a rural area with a historical shortfall in higher education opportunities and job prospects for youth, the institute strives to address these challenges by actively supporting eligible students with financial aid. This initia-tive is aligned with the institution's broader mission to uplift the ed-ucational landscape in its region, as evidenced by its ongoing efforts and impactful scholarship offerings”, adds Dr Vikas Kumar Sharma.

Enhancing Professional Pathways
In the Ayurvedic industry, professionals are categorized into practi-tioners, teachers, and researchers. Practitioners specialize either in disease-oriented clinical practice or wellness-oriented approaches. Shobhit University guides and supports students based on their in-terests and capabilities, encouraging them to excel in either path.

After completing the undergraduate curriculum, motivated stu-dents are prepared for the NEET examination to pursue specialized postgraduate studies. For those inclined towards teaching, the university provides comprehensive training in teaching-learning methodologies during postgraduate studies, ensuring they become adept educators in Ayurveda.

Research opportunities abound on campus, facilitated by collaborations with the Pharmacy College, Naturopathy, and Yoga College, fostering interdisciplinary research initiatives. “We are providing placement opportunities to our students through campus interviews from leaders of the Ayurveda industry.

We are absorbing our own graduates to join our workforce, as both clinicians and ac-ademicians”, adds Dr Vikas Kumar Sharma. The university's manufacturing unit supplements academic learning by providing practical insights into production processes and their maintenance. Moreover, Shobhit University integrates specialized workshops into its pedagogy, covering areas such as clin-ical practices, research methodologies, wellness center operations, herbal drug cultivation, drug manufacturing, and identification.

These initiatives are designed to equip students with practical skills aligned with industry standards, preparing them effectively for pro-fessional roles in the diverse sectors of Ayurvedic practice, teaching, and research. For future, its aspirations include achieving NAAC certification and positioning Shobhit University as the leading insti-tution in rural education in India.