If the purpose of education is to replace an uncritical mind with an open one, inclusive education seeks to ensure that those open minds are unhindered by diversity in socioeconomic background, linguistic proficiency, gender and hierarchy. Inclusivity recognises the value that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to a classroom, and puts resources, skills, time and effort into making that classroom a level playing field.
In India, private universities are increasingly recognising the importance of creating such inclusive learning environments. This approach gives everyone access to quality education and creates a supportive environment where diversity isn’t just practised but also celebrated. It makes every student feel seen, heard and valued. In a diverse nation like ours, inclusive education is particularly valuable, as it can trigger important elements of social change, innovative thinking and global competitiveness.
Contrary to the popular perception of being hotbeds of elitism, India’s private universities are working on multiple fronts to remove barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all their students. They often have the flexibility and resources to set up the gold standard in these initiatives. Several such universities have put in place holistic admission processes, financial aid for the less privileged and supportive systems for students with differing abilities. On campus, they’ve created a caring environment that makes all students feel encouraged to thrive academically and socially.
Admissions: Private unis use the admissions process to gauge potential beyond scores on report cards. They look at academic performance, of course. But they also study the applicant’s interests and experiences, personal achievements, and extracurricular activities. Many recruit students to a general pool, without a commitment to a major or honours programme in the first year. This approach ensures that their students are drawn from diverse backgrounds, not just in India but from across the world.
Financial aid: Recognising the financial impediments that many students face, universities offer scholarships and aid packages to help them gain access to quality education. Financial aid (47% in Ashoka University, for instance, with 20% full scholarship) covers students’ tuition, meals and residence costs as well as an additional stipend.
Enabling disabilities: 15-20% of students in India are said to have some form of disability that prevents many of them from studying beyond high school. To bring these students into the higher education system and support them with their needs, several private universities have gone beyond their usual remit and set up unprecedented infrastructure, together with dedicated offices, to enable such students to become fully-functioning members of the community.
Neurodiversity should be celebrated, as should support to students with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences. This ensures that all students, regardless of their neurocognitive makeup, have the tools they need to excel, including assistive technologies, accessible classrooms as well as specialised tutoring.
In my foundation course at Ashoka University last year, I taught students how the sky became enmeshed in our folklore and seasonal tradition, and how our ancestors found their way on dark nights using the stars. A visually challenged student, with the right support, could very well grasp the principles, and ended up being one of the top performers in the cohort.
Azim Premji University currently provides disability support services to 43 students on its Bengaluru campus. Students are also provided with rooms that factor in their special needs, with disability-inclusion volunteers residing on the same floor as the students for daily assistance.
Research shows that the diversity practices of educational institutions provide social, academic and societal benefits for students as well as communities. When students from different backgrounds and abilities come together in an inclusive environment, they are exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences. This exposure enriches classroom discussions, encourages critical thinking and promotes creativity, open-mindedness and innovation.
When teachers and staff make an extra effort to include, encourage and support students, the latter’s confidence and determination increases significantly. They participate more wholeheartedly in class activities and end up improving their overall academic performance.
Also, by directly addressing the sociocultural challenges present in society, inclusive learning helps bridge the equity gap between students. By creating a safe environment for everyone on campus, universities encourage frank dialogue and promote social harmony. They empower students to challenge social mores and become agents of change.
Exposure to diverse cultures and viewpoints helps students develop a broader world view and prepares them to succeed in a globalised world. In today’s connected world, cross-cultural understanding and collaboration are essential. As is the need to celebrate the cultural mosaic to explore the Indian identity.
