New Delhi: In a time of ongoing debates around the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a coterie of prominent industrialists has come together to establish Nayanta University, a visionary institution built on the principles of the 4 Cs: Care, Curiosity, Confidence, and Careers. Set to welcome its first batch of 100 students in August, the university aims to uplift and nurture talent by “looking at merit differently.”

At their convention in Delhi, Naushad Forbes, Farhad Forbes, Dr. Ranjan Banerjee—the founding members of Nayanta University—and Chandrajit Banerjee, the Director General of CII, outlined their vision to a gathering of educators. The leadership team emphasized the university’s commitment to a need-blind, merit-based admission process, designed to shape the young leaders of tomorrow.

What sets Nayanta apart?

Located in Pune, Nayanta University will offer scholarships to 50% of its students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to forward-thinking education. Dr. Ranjan Banerjee, CEO of the Nayanta Foundation, drew a parallel to India’s cricket success: “India’s progress in cricket came only when players beyond major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata were recognized.”

The university’s founders—including Kris Gopalakrishnan, Meher Pudumjee, Nadir Godrej, Naushad and Farhad Forbes, and Satish Reddy—aim to identify and nurture talent through a transformative educational journey. The curriculum will focus on application-based, real-world projects rather than purely theoretical studies.

A unique academic approach

Nayanta University will offer a 4-year integrated course in liberal arts, beginning with a 16-month foundational program. This approach allows students to explore various subjects before choosing a major, enabling them to make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

The application process for scholarships is equally inclusive, allowing students to submit essays and attend interviews in English, Hindi, or Marathi. This multilingual approach ensures accessibility for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Faculty with a difference

The university’s faculty will comprise researchers and industry practitioners, each required to teach multiple disciplines. Beyond the classroom, professors will engage with students on a one-on-one basis, understanding their life stories and aspirations. This personalized approach aims to build confidence and provide contextually relevant guidance.

Reaching out to the underserved

When the founders were asked how they plan to instill confidence among the larger sections of the youth to opt for this program, which strictly avoids science and management subjects in the very beginning itself, Mr. Naushad Forbes explained that Nayanta has already begun partnering with NGOs across the country, and that these collaborations aim to encourage students to pursue their dreams without fear of financial or social barriers. Additionally, the university is developing a pre-admission model to further support aspiring students.

Internships with purpose

While the NEP 2020 emphasizes early internships, Dr. Banerjee noted that many students today pursue internships merely to enhance their resumes. At Nayanta University, besides having signed an MoU with the CII, the university has also partnered with industry-specific companies and government departments to ensure meaningful internship and job opportunities for its students. Every student will have a placement assured.

However, the university’s goal is to provide project-based internships to encourage students to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, equipping them to tackle real-world challenges with resilience and creativity.

A pioneer in multidisciplinary education

By the end of the conclave, it was clear that Nayanta University is poised to become a trailblazer in multidisciplinary education. Its innovative approach has the potential to inspire the establishment of similar institutions across the country, empowering India’s youth to dream big and soar high—unhindered by financial, geographical, or social constraints.