Beyond Academics The Holistic Development in Polytechnic Colleges in Haryana — A Look at Seth Jai Prakash Polytechnic College (SJPP)

Beyond Academics: The Holistic Development in Polytechnic Colleges in Haryana A Look at Seth Jai Prakash Polytechnic College (SJPP) There s not much better sieving mechanism than career polytechnic colleges as they inject the much-needed technical skills and knowledge aligned more towards industry needs. While all agree that performance at examinations is primal still the

idea of all-round development is becoming even more prominent in modern day educational institutions. In this context, this paper seeks to explain how polytechnic colleges in Haryana , in particular Seth Jai Prakash Polytechnic College (SJPP), nurture areas apart from core academic learning so as to develop the individual as a whole within the members of their student population. Increasing Need for Holistic Development in Polytechnic Colleges There is a trend in the last few years where the teaching at polytechnic colleges has been changed from being narrowly academic to teaching more of the theory and practice of all aspects of personal and professional development. The importance of a more comprehensive approach to education has long been recognized. This integrates academic achievement and all-round development of life skills, social and community service, ability to lead, fitness and emotional components. As a result, students are not only experts in their area of specialization but can also face the realities of practical situations. Seth Jai Prakash Polytechnic College: A Framework for Integrated Learning Seth Jai Prakash Polytechnic Colleges in haryana , is a key technical institute considering the education its students receive while at the same time being concerned with a graduate as a whole. The synergistic development of subjects alongside extracurricular activities contributes to the student s overall development in multiple areas such as creativity, critical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and much more as well.

1. Ongoing Collaboration with Industries. SJPP emphasizes the combination of theoretical study with skills oriented practical experience. The college has diploma programs in engineering, electronics, information technology and a wide variety of programs. This has been achieved by preparing an academic program that reflects the movement of industries and equipping students with real-life challenges. Apart from the theory lessons in the class, the college needs to integrate a step further and also holds industry tours, industry speakers, and industrial attachments. This creates a platform for the students to witness the correlation between what they learn in class and its actual application in the field helping them get a realistic balance between the two. 2. Personality Underdevelopment Control Personal growth process is also recognized by SJPP, and it also gives weight to it as well as academic growth. Various personality development workshops and soft skills trainings classes are also incorporated in the college. Such skills include, but are not limited to, the ability to communicate, work as a part of a team, lead and manage time critical skills in the modern corporate world. These workshops do enhance the student s soft skills but even more importantly they enhance the students interview and group discussion related skills and instill confidence in them thus enhancing their chances of getting employment. 3. Sporting Activities and Physical Wellness

Physical fitness and sports as well is included in the whole package of development. SJPP is fully aware of the important role playing sports and keeping physically fit has on development of well-rounded growth. The college offers indoor and outdoor sports and encourages students to participate in a wide range of sports. College sports facilities are modern and regular sports days are conducted to promote participation and talent. Not only do sports help in promoting the student s health but they also impart lessons on working in a team, self-discipline and never giving up. 4. Pals and College Events Societies assist in molding the character of a student and the SJPP gives students the opportunity to excel in society through drama, music, dance and art relating cultural activities. This not only helps students hone their creativity but also helps instill confidence in them, and appreciation of different cultures. Art and culture appreciation goes beyond the artistic sense; hence by encouraging participation in these activities SJPP guarantees that the students are exposed to and develop a multidimensional aspect, which is vital for the students later professional and personal life. 5. Being Part of the Society Apart from curricular and physical growth, SJPP believes in giving back to the society. The college really motivates the students to go out and get involved in a number of social causes including environment protection, awareness campaigns and social work.

This in return affords students a sense of compassion, enhances their leadership skills and gives them the opportunity to add value to society. Emphasis on it encourages community involvement and creates a sense of responsibility and awareness of the individuals about the community they live in. 6. The Importance of Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence Mental health and how one approaches life is another area that the SJPP college looks to incorporate as part of the overall development. The institution has professional counselors to assist students as they adjust to the new environment in college and tackle stress, anxiety and other emotional challenges. Provision of regular workshops and seminars which aim at enhancing the mental condition of the students allows them to be able to adequately control their outbursts of emotion. One s ability to manage his or her emotions and adapt them is fundamental to the development of productive social relations, coping with everyday demands or challenges in the workplace, and emotional resiliency. Thus, why counseling professionals are so significant to students and why the resources provided by SJPP are beneficial because they allow one to be focused and ready of work or class. Conclusion The example of the Seth Jai Prakash Polytechnic College (SJPP) in Haryana shows that the role of a polytechnic in education is not only to provide an understanding of the syllabus, but to develop the person in full form for career and private life. A concentration on personality skills, physical exercises, sporting, volunteering and mental health enables the students of SJPP to be future ready in a way that

classroom based teaching approaches hardly achieve. This not only gives them the technical know-how that is needed in the workplace, but also personality qualities that succession will require in such times of uncertainty. For learners looking for an all rounded education qualified to develop their intellect as well as their personality, SJPP is still the best school offering polytechnic college in Haryana.