There's a huge gap between industry and academia. Industries have their own mindset and they often complain that graduates are not industry-ready. One of the biggest reasons for this disconnect is that both these pillars of society lacksprofessional interaction. Dr. Sandip N. Jha (Chairman, Sandip Foundation) initiates to break the tradition for the betterment of both academia and industry. He has taken the responsibility to mould youngsters not only into millennium leaders in Technological & Scientific fields but also to nurture and strengthen Skill development and humane nature in them. Being true to his vision of building ‘India 2020’, Sandip Foundation (SF) is rendering selfless & dedicated services to higher education in the field of Engineering, Science, Arts, Management Studies, Polytechnic and Pharmacy. Since only 12 years of inception, Sandip Foundation has emerged as one of the most preferred education-centers in Maharashtra. SF achieves 100 percent placement in MBA and over 60 percent in Engineering.

“Within the tertiary education system- education & research institutes must play a critical role in training the professionals, scientists and researchers needed by the economy and generating new knowledge in support of the national innovation system, and that is our mission,” asserts Dr. Sandip. Dr. Sandip believes the gap can be bridged keeping in mind the experience of Industry and expertise of young students. Leadership can be developed by teaching, training & observation. Along with carving valued professionals, sir is well determined to nurture these professionals to be ready to face future challenges.He has adopted two models for his students to be Industry-ready. One is ‘Industry–Institute-Interaction Cell’- the platform for students' interaction with industry delegates in terms of SIPs and Placements, and secondly ‘Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Cell’- providing full time support and platform for student’s project ideas, its executions and commercialization.

“Government of India has funded this initiative with Rs.46 lakhs,” approves Dr. Sandip. These entrepreneurship and leadership development programmes under IIIC, IEDC and EDC, prepare students with basic critical skills expected by any employer and also develop abilities to deal with conflict, communicate & negotiate effectively, create networks, lead meetings, manage projects, influence others, work collaboratively, take decisions and lead teams.

Making His Own Path

Prolonged academic years of Electrical Engineering, from B.Tech,M.Tech and Ph.D. in the same discipline had made one thing clear to Dr. Sandip that the typical textbook-oriented educational system of our country is running parallel to the distinct & practical requirements of the industry, where ends would never meet. But sir thinks differently. He wants to take the young minds out of these antiquated curriculums and outdated teaching paradigms. “My father is my motivator. His leadership skills and zest towards education has inspired me to on-board this journey of providing high quality and low cost education to deserving students,” adds Dr Sandip. He incepted Sandip Foundation in 2005 as a Center of Excellence,which has emerged into a magnificent and mighty launch pad to turn out technological gains.“I have been blessed with a family that never lets me down in my bad times. The eternal contributions and support of them are my strong pillars, then, now& always,” says DrSandip.Working 24x7 for SF, his appreciation & regards towards his family is top most.

“One of the major challenges was to find a proper location for college,” Dr. Sandip recalls those days. The challenges compiled a huge index, from highly educated & experienced faculties and supporting staffs to compliances with different government agencies and quality students.

Moreover, he had to establish & maintain the values of SF through various promotional activities. A strong follower of Acharya Chanakya’s life and deeds, Dr. Sandip started building SF block by block.“We could make everything possible with the help of ‘Local Agencies’,” asserts Dr. Sandip. He had references from educational field to fulfill the requirements of quality faculties and staff. The next milestone was to admit quality & deserved students, which he along with his team, fulfilled through conducting seminars, career guidance symposiums and one-to-one parent and student counseling. The online/offline promotional activities ranging from digital marketing to distribution of printed advertising materials also helped in the process. Asthis200-acre campus is approximately 13 km from Nasikcity, the provision of bus facility has been arranged for students and staffs at moderate costs. “We have also started campus residential facility separately for boys and girls with activated security systems including security guards and CCTV cameras for surveillance,” proclaims Dr. Sandip. He is pledged in focusing more on students’ overall development, which the institute develops through Employability skill & personality development trainings, seminars & workshops on latest technologies in addition to taking a keen interest in placements.

Dr. Sandip believes the gap can be bridged keeping in mind the experience of Industry and expertise of young students

It has been a norm that education has becomes business oriented. But SF is a rebel to these educational paradigms with Dr. Sandip’sbroader vision of comprehensive career development. The recruiters like Wipro, TCS, Bajaj Capital, HDFC and Bosch and many more find their perfect candidates from SF.Every parent dreams of his child getting quality education along with good placement and this inspires them to seek SF for their children’s Engineering, Pharmaceutical or Management education. “Student-mentor scheme helps me to find out the difficulties of students and obstacles they face. I listen to the students and their parents personally if my special attention is needed. Most of the time Principals and HODs solve their problems to a great extent,” adds Dr. Sandip. Sir takes personal vigilance of students’ progress, in addition to supporting them with Copyrights & Patents, percentage based corporate and government scholarships and personal counseling. No wonder, a gamut of awards & recognitions came in search of him.

Engaging Students & Mentors

Under scholastic leadership, SF works in proximity of industry to learn the changes and challenges that brings about industry and job market. It on-boards a range of student engagement programs which includes CII seminars, industry institute symposiums, expert lectures of industry delegates, consultancies & projects, summer internship programmes, membership of associations, interaction with government agencies for entrepreneurship development. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is one such excellent student engagement program which does not focus on problem solving with a defined solution, but allows for the development of other desirable skills and attributes.

DrSandipunderstands the need for knowledge based up-gradation of the mentors, hence innovative program is projected which has long term benefits – Train the Trainer. He elucidates, “Train the Trainer builds self-confidence in the trainer and helps them feel comfortable in managing tough topics”. As faculties and staff members become comfortable in sharing information, he perceives that this program also helps to improve the employee retention to a great extent. Furthermore, Dr. Sandip cares to have frequent interactions with fellow peers, listen to their difficulties and suggestions and provides solutions to their queries and also guides themin the light of his experience. Staffsare often inspired by his listening ability, problem solving techniques, visionary approach and positive personality traits. Additionally, he has also deployed an ERP software (incorporates online students attendance & SMS system), advanced video conferencing & 24x7 internet facilities, biometric thumb attendance for faculties, digital library, EPABX & intercom system, App based messengers and RFID parking system &many more. Dr. Sandip has created SF as a destination not only for deserving & quality students but also for highly educated and experienced faculties. “Vision 2021 is to have 100 percent faculties with Ph.Ds including faculties from NITs and IITs, international faculty &student exchange programme being the priority,” Dr. Sandip concludes.

Panel:
Dr. Sandip N. Jha, Chairman
Ph.D. holder in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Sandip is a visionary educational leader pledged in carving industry-ready professionals. Through Sandip Foundation, he equips all professionals to face the future challenges.

Awards & Recognitions:
• Yashokirti Award by computer society of India
• Educator Serving the Community in India Award by ET Now
• Outstanding Contribution towards Society Award

Sandip Foundation:

Ratings and Accreditations

ISO 9001-2008 certified Sandip Foundation has been rated by the CRISIL. It is also approved by AICTE, New Delhi among the affiliations.

Programs:
Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Polytechnic and B.Ed