New Delhi (India), August 4: A student seeking a successful and fulfilling career can find it overwhelming to decide what path to take to higher education. While specialised fields and professional degrees may seem enticing, there’s a growing awareness of the immense potential a Liberal Arts University can offer. In addition to this, NEP (National Education Policy, 2020) emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and liberal arts in a significant way. Students who do not intend to pursue engineering or medical careers may find Liberal Arts to be an increasingly viable option. A liberal arts education has become a popular choice for a career in public relations and a number of new-age communications and social sector jobs as well.
Finding Your Passion and Purpose:
Liberal Arts Universities offer students the opportunity to discover their hidden interests and passions, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Their passion can be ignited, and they feel filled with purpose as a result of the guidance and support they receive. Instead of traditional universities, liberal arts education allows them to explore and find their calling at their own pace.
Vineet Gupta, one of the Ashoka University Founders, aptly says, “Experiences like these are transformative; they have the power to nurture students’ genuine interests and talents, shaping them into well-rounded and enlightened individuals.”
Developing critical thinking skills:
In liberal arts universities, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, as well as multiple perspectives. In order to approach complex problems from different angles, students are not limited to one area of study. They are encouraged to explore diverse subjects and gather a chance to broaden their horizons. These skills are essential in today’s changing world, enabling them to innovate, adapt, and compete internationally.
Fostering empathy and cultural awareness:
A liberal arts degree exposes students to diverse cultures, literature, history, social ideas, and issues. This multidisciplinary approach allows students to develop a genuine appreciation for diversity and inclusion. In addition to acquiring practical skills, liberal arts education can develop an empathetic outlook that makes them compassionate individuals. These qualities can shape them into socially responsible, holistic leaders.
Fostering lifelong learning:
Vineet Gupta highlights, “A Liberal Arts University sparks a lifelong love for learning and knowledge that extends far beyond graduation. It is like planting a seed of curiosity and passion that continues to grow with the students throughout their lives. Even after leaving the university, this learning drive remains, and it helps them climb the success ladder, adapt to the dynamic job market and sustain in the ever-evolving world.”
University of Birmingham in the UK, Wesleyan University in the US, and other top-ranked liberal arts universities have embraced the ethos of the liberal arts, and their graduates have contributed to academia, research, and public service in a variety of ways. There have been a number of alumni who have made a significant impact on global policies and cultural trends in politics, science, and the arts. Ashoka University is a leading higher education institution in India offering liberal arts education. The university focuses on providing a holistic education, nurturing empathy, and promoting cultural awareness. Students at Ashoka University are exposed to diverse perspectives and encouraged to be intellectually curious, which has resulted in graduates who have contributed to societal change in a wide array of fields, from social entrepreneurship to academia to public policy.
A Liberal Arts University offers students a variety of skills that go beyond academic knowledge. In today’s technology-driven world, students need a holistic approach to learning as well as diverse skill sets. An education in liberal arts goes beyond earning a living; it empowers individuals to make a difference, and Liberal Arts Universities are an important part of creating that environment.
As Steve Jobs famously stated, “Apple believes that the combination of technology, liberal arts, and humanities leads to remarkable achievements that resonate with our innermost passions.”
