Students First’ Initiatives Must Do For A College

The NorthCap University (NCU) has around 4000 students studying in various schools and departments. We have set high standards of performance in every sphere of work area. We see the academics from the students' eyes. We provide them ample opportunities to develop and learn. The student is our core process. He is our most valuable stakeholder. He remains firmly in our focus and is central to every activity we undertook at The NorthCap University.

We truly believes that our students' comes first. We are students-centric and give them our best experiences for their money and not a lip service. Everything else follows. We at NCU believe more in keeping our existing students happy than attracting new ones. We make things easy for them and let them call the shots. Once they have a great experience studying at NCU, it pays off, they automatically become the brand ambassadors of the University and works to its advantage by positive word of mouth and referrals.

Student's perception about the Institution is important to us. They are key to the success of the Institution. We don't dictate them what to or not to do. We are committed to listen to students' VOWS and are connected to them in every possible way including social media. We understand them, their ideas and 360 degree feedback and tailor our response to individual students so that have WOW experience. In the process we keep improving ourselves and innovating.

NCU values and sustains its life-time relationship with its students through strong alumni network designed to maximize their happiness.

Nitin Malik

Associate Professor, Department of EECE, The NorthCap University

Why one of the top private universities in India regards plagiarism very seriously

Creativity, innovation and research are buzzwords today, like never before. They are the products of the human mind and are not tangible but still form the personal assets or the Intellectual Property (IP) of an individual, company, organization etc. and have to be safeguarded from being used / copied / plagiarized without the owner’s prior permission/acknowledgement/monetary compensation etc. similar to an individual’s personal physical property. Plagiarism is the representation of words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic work. It is ‘academic theft’ and theft of any type is a crime and punishable under the law.

Plagiarism kills creative thinking and research which are essential for finding solutions to the many complex problems facing the world today. Creativity and innovation are essential for growth and development of the individual and society at large. In the words of Albert Einstein, “ Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Scholars, in their pursuit of new knowledge, are committed to intellectual honesty. Educational institutions have a serious responsibility of inculcating good values in their students and not condone theft of any nature.

 One of the top private universities in India, The NorthCap University (NCU), Gurgaon is an institution that strives to instill qualities of honesty, integrity, quest for innovation, concern for others in its faculty and students. NCU regards plagiarism and any other form of academic/ intellectual cheating as a grave academic misconduct and seeks to ensure academic standards by condemning copying and uses an anti- plagiarism software called ‘Turnitin’ to check it.

NCU has a vibrant academic ambience for innovation and research and its mission is to focus on quality of learning and innovation in all programmes with rigour and relevance. NCU offers challenging situations to its scholars to step outside their comfort zone and encourages them to come up with original and exciting ideas and to test and transform them into reality. The Central Research Facility and the Centre for Creativity, Innovations and Entrepreneurship are initiatives in this direction. Besides awards and recognitions for projects, research publications etc., the Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation Fund aims at accelerating the process of constructive research by promoting competition amongst different departments/ faculties/ scholars and seeding research at the University. 

NCU prepares its scholars to:

•  Learn, observe, discuss and come up with a fresh perspective

•  Develop own views, opinions and speak their own mind

•  Quantitatively analyze a problem in its entirety

•  Think critically and qualitatively and then find solutions

•  Develop leadership skills to help climb the ladder of success in the emerging complex and hyper-connected world.

The Centre for Intellectual Property Rights Advocacy, Research and Training (CIPRART) Cell in the School of Law at NCU promotes awareness on intellectual property rights, provides training, project guidance and facilitates in the preparation and filing of patent applications by staff and students of the University.  CIPRART also provides assistance to industries and the local community in idea screening and offers consultations to potential patent holders, on an honorary basis.

The Centre for Intellectual Property Rights Advocacy, Research and Training (CIPRART) Cell in the School of Law at NCU promotes awareness on intellectual property rights, provides training, project guidance and facilitates in the preparation and filing of patent applications by staff and students of the University.  CIPRART also provides assistance to industries and the local community in idea screening and offers consultations to potential patent holders, on an honorary basis.

Every business requires creative thinkers and those with the ability to ‘think outside the box’ will lead the future and soar to new heights.

Post your comments or contact us for at http://www.ncuindia.edu/                
Written by Rekha Mathur

Why Students joining college still find Engineering as a first and preferred career choice?

Shiv Manjaree

Assistant Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY, Gurgaon

‘Engineering’ is defined as the application of mathematical and scientific concepts to finally get a user-friendly system through various innovations, ideas, design, manufacturing etc. The various branches of Engineering are Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology and other multi-disciplinary areas. It’s a professional programme and helps in the expansion of analytical thinking and logical thinking, but,‘Why do students joining College/University still find Engineering as a first and preferred career choice?’ The answer to this question can only come by introspection towards the mindset of passing out school students, their parents and the society perspectives which play a major role in their career choice. Past trend shows that professional programmes are the major career choices for any aspiring student. The passing out school students (better termed as ‘freshers’) still want to be either doctors or engineers as a first choice.One of the important factors is that in India the decision of a student’s career choice is shaped in most of the cases by his/her parents. Some of the various other key reasons impacting forthe selection of ‘Engineering’ as a preferred career choice are possibly: 

1. In the present Indian scenario with the concept of ‘Make In India’, ‘Engineering’ will definitely rebound as a preferred choice for our youngsters. This campaign actually focusses on the development of both industrial and infrastructural requirements of India. In other words, technical minds and technical skills are needed at large to meet national goals in coming years. This point also opens up the way for the overall growth (in terms of high salaries and status in society) of middle class families who aspire their children to train as engineers. 

2. In last few decades, India has witnessed the Information Technology boom leading to the formation of IT Parks in major cities. This has also directly helped our youngsters to retain ‘Engineering’ as their preferred career choice as it has led to more employability and financial stability. 

3. ‘Engineering’ acts as a launch pad and provides flexibility to various higher studies in different fields such as M Tech, MS, MBA or Civil Services and other programmes either from India or abroad. 

4. Opening up of large number of Engineering based Educational Institutions have also played an important role in decision making for ‘Engineering’ as a preferred career choice even for lower merit students, who see a good future for themselves. 

However, in the last few years, it has been seen that many students opt for courses other than Engineering as a plethora of options are open to them. Having said so, ‘Engineering’ still remains the prevailing and preferred career choice by a vast majority of Indian students.

THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY steps forward in reducing the carbon footprint

Increasing pollution and carbon footprint has become a serious concern of the present time. A major source of this is the emission of harmful gases from the vehicles. The government is taking different initiatives in this regard. Being one of the most reputed universities in the northern India, THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY understands its responsibilities and has contributed its efforts in reducing the carbon footprint.

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emission caused by an organization, event, product or individual. To support the national cause of reducing the carbon footprint in the environment, the University has taken various initiatives in the past. It has constructed solar panels which help in reducing the consumption of electricity from conventional sources. The University has also replaced all incandescent lights by LED lights resulting in lesser heat generation and more efficient lighting. The University has facilities of sewage treatment plant, recycling of treated waste water for irrigation, rain water harvesting pits to recharge aquifers and ensure zero storm water discharge out of the campus and much more.

Recently the University has taken a major step in direction of contributing towards a green environment by proposing the ‘odd-even’ rules for vehicles coming to the University despite the fact that we are located in Haryana. It now permits vehicles inside the University campus based on their registration numbers. The odd number vehicles are permitted on the odd dates and the even number vehicles on even dates. The University faculty and staff have come forward and supported this green initiative. They have done so by pooling vehicles with the colleagues or using public transport facilities, helping control the emission of hazardous pollutants in the environment. The staff and faculty residing in the nearby vicinity are also being encouraged to use the vehicles as less as possible while commuting to the University.

The University faculty, students and staff understand their collective responsibility of contributing towards maintaining a sustainable environment and their obligations towards the society. THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY being one of the leading universities for Engineering, Management, Law and Sciences in the North India including NCR, is a pioneer in the region to take this step which can be a source of inspiration for others to follow. 

‘YOU ARE NOT YOUR BRAIN!’ A TALK AT ONE OF THE BEST ENGINEERING COLLEGES IN HARYANA

A talk at one of the best engineering colleges in Haryana, THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY, on 23 November 2015, on a unique topic ‘You are not your brain’was delivered by Brother Neville Hodgkinson, former medical and science correspondent of several national newspapers in the UK, including The Sunday Times, Sunday Express, and Daily Mail. He is now a student and teacher for more than 20 years with the Brahma Kumar is World Spiritual University and Chairman of the ‘Janki Foundation for Spirituality’, a UK-based charity.

Br Neville’s interest in mind-body medicine led him to take up the practice of meditation and spiritual study in the early 1980s.  He said that science is supportive of spirituality and to support his statement he quoted several research studies. Br Neville observed that just because we cannot see the spiritual aspect of reality with our physical eyes, it does not mean it is not there. You cannot see radio waves, but you can listen to the radio. It is the same with our brains. We can experience spiritual vibrations internally, and send them out to the world. 

In the field of Neuroplasticity scientists have discovered that the brain changes with every thought and feeling. It is believed that the left side of the brain controls positive thoughts and the right side, negative thoughts. “You are what you think! Whatever you are -changes your brain and it keeps changing all the time, with every thought. So in effect, you are the master of your brain and you must nourish your brain with positive thoughts”, says Br Neville.

The energy of the human mind is one of the greatest but the least understood energy resource of the universe. When we understand and harness this energy, we possess the key to happiness and contentment.Discoveries in the fields of brain science, quantum physics, mathematics and biology are enabling us to explore consciousness in greater depths. Consciousness is a universal phenomenon which is guiding the brain to learn ways of the materialistic world. This theory is supported by near death experience and meditation of yogis and he quoted from the book ‘Consciousness Beyond Life – the science of the Near Death Experience’ by Dr Pim van Lommel.He said that we never lose consciousness, even when in coma or deep sleep.

Silence and meditation can be a wonderful tool to reconnect with one’s self. “Silence is when we allow the mind to be still, loving and peaceful. This helps us to develop awareness of the flow of the spiritual dimension and its unique strengths and powers.” He said that successful scientists have been able to strike a balance between public discussion followed by withdrawal and contemplation. 

The audience was deeply interested in Br Neville’s talk as was evident from the interactive session that followed. A practical meditation session was later conducted by Sister Urmil to give an opportunity of feeling the power of silence. NCU’s student Akanksha, a follower of the Brahma Kumar is, rendered a beautiful song to the accompaniment of music which mesmerized the audience.

Post your comments or contact us at http://www.ncuindia.edu/                                        

Written by Rekha Mathur

HOW SWACHH CAMPAIGN IN AN ENGINEERING COLLEGE IS HELPING ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE

We clean, discard the redundant, put things in order and make our place clean, pleasing and swachh at Diwali. If places of learning keep their place in order and swachh every day they will be able to enhance the productivity not only of their students but thereby raise the productivity of their institution as a whole. One such institution is THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY (NCU) which recently organized a ‘swachh department drive’ or as the Japanese say5S system (seiri, seito, seiso, seiketsu, shitsuke).

It is a methodical way to organize the workplace and work practices so that there is continuous improvement of the working environment, leading to enhanced competency of each individual, department and thereby of the institution. The Japanese introduced the system in the 1970s and found it of enormous benefit. It came to India in the1980s, but we still have a long way to go.  The recent call of Swachh Bharat by the Government has certainly focussed the attention of the nation on this important aspect but see how the Japanese achieved it.

‘To change things we have to do things differently’
5S is the foundation for any improvement culture in the work area, whether it be the manufacturing industry or the education industry. It works at five levels.

Level I: Seiri or Sort: Identify and separate the needed from what is not needed. Discard what is not required and remove the clutter. This will save precious time later, when finding something.

Level II: Seiton or Simlify:Needed items stored according to frequency of use, systematically, ‘A place for everything and everything in place, clean and ready for use’. Simplifying arranges the workplace to ensure safety and efficiency. As tools and equipments etc. are limited in the work area and are project-based there is no wastage of time in finding the required material quickly.

Level III: Seiso or Shine: Work area, equipments, files, storage area etc. cleaned and labeled for visual control. Inspect and clean the work area and equipment daily, corrective and maintenance actions should be taken forthwith and performance level of items documented.

Level IV: Seiketsuor Standardize: Make routine check sheets and manuals that are standardized and easy to understand.

Level V:Shitsuke or Sustain: Everyone should be involved in the 5S methodology to prevent backsliding and to foster continuous improvement. This brings in self-discipline and a sense of responsibility and belongingness amongst all the individuals of the institution.

5S is outcome based and, therefore, measurable and what can be measured is achievable - leading to excellence in all teaching-learning processes in an engineering college. It infuses energy, builds team spirit, inculcates discipline, gives clarity of thought and satisfaction of a job well accomplished. When the team addresses problems, they improve the sustainability of 5S and, more importantly, they improve safety, morale, and productivity of all processes. When people see that they have eliminated wasteful practices, removed the clutter, simplified processes, and what they do makes a difference, their pride grows. As they say, “Successful people don’t do different things, but do things differently”. It makes life simple. This is perhaps the greatest benefit of 5S, as a first step in India – Swachh Bharat.

Written by Rekha Mathur

HOW INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA COLLABORATE AND INNOVATE IN ENGINEERING COLLEGES IN INDIA

Creativity and innovation are buzzwords today and multidisciplinary, socially relevant projects meeting industry needs are highly encouraged in premier engineering colleges in India. One such institution is THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY (NCU). With the Government’s ‘Make in India’ policy gaining momentum, industrial collaboration will greatly facilitate academia in knowing what is happening new in the industry as they are in direct contact with the market/customer. The industry is the biggest source for the application of the latest knowledge, tools and techniques. Today’s manufacturing has become highly-automated, IT-driven and‘smart’ along with prime focus on energy conservation, emission reduction and environmental protection.

Project competitions by the industry encourage innovation, promote application of scientific and technological knowledge in students. They offer opportunities to apply theories into practice, showcase their talent, find solutions to problems by pooling different disciplines together and arriving at a holistic approach in terms of practicality and ingenuity. It is also a time to identify and fill the gaps between the professional skills of students and industry requirements. Industry collaboration enhances student employability and also builds their confidence for entrepreneurship - a bridge between the classroom and the real world. For the industry, collaboration through competitions brings in fresh innovative ideas and a time to shortlist prospective employees, on the basis of their potential. It’s, a win-win situation for both!With this objective, Mitsubishi Electric India launched a science and technology competition ‘Mitsubishi Electric Cup’ a national level automation competition for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Mr Makoto Yokoyama, Director and Division Manager, Mitsubishi Electric India says, “As a prominent player in Factory Automation in India, it is our duty to transfer knowledge and share information with students in the technical domain. Through this initiative, we aim to introduce them to the latest technology and knowledge, based on practical application.”

NCU’smultidisciplinary team ‘Electrotech’ has been shortlisted in the top 24 teams from amongst 100 teams across India after having clearedthe First Stage ‘Basic Knowledge Test’ (a closed-book exam with group discussions),Second Stage ‘System Design and Presentation’.The team comprises of four students: Chaitanya Jhanji and KulbhushanGogia (Dept. of Mechanical Engg ) Sahil Saini and Karan Malhotra (Dept of Electrical and Electronics Engineering), faculty members: Mr. Pradeep Rohilla, Principal Advisor & Coordinator (Dept of Mechanical Engg), Ms Anjali Garg, Co-Supervisor (Dept of Electrical, Electronics &Communication Engineering).‘Electrotech’ will competein the Finals at Pune from 10-13 February 2016.

‘Electrotech’is developinga working model of an automated car parking system for efficient utilization of the car parking area to address the topical issue of shortage of vehicle parking area in the metropolitan cities like Delhi. The project is socially relevant as it will provide a cost effective automated car parking solution for the benefit of society (India is projected to be theworld’s most populous country by 2050. It is also estimated that India’surban population will constitute nearly half of the country’s total population,straining an already stressed infrastructure.In context to the urbanization the number of private vehicles in India is expectedto grow by more than 3 times by 2021by a Survey Report by IBM).

Today it is efficient energy use using Smart, Safe and Sustainable Manufacturing, what will it be ten years hence?

A schematic diagram of the proposed project is shown below:

Written by Rekha Mathur

WHY ONE OF THE TOP PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA EMPOWERS THE POWERLESS

Social service or service to humanity is what differentiates us from animals.Our mission should be to help the vulnerable, powerless and the neglected and empower them to lead an independent and dignified life.In India, Government policy, legislative actions, schemes and provisions are in place to protect human rights and offer equal opportunities to all. But,unless it is a mass movement, not much change can be brought into the large sections of society that are under-privileged, marginalized and require help to join the mainstream and lead a productive life.

What does the University do?

Education is a powerful tool in fostering social change and creating a more hospitable and tolerant world.Colleges and universities have the potential to inculcate social values in the youth. The goal should be to have students go back to society and create value for themselves and others; students with a strong intention to make a difference in the lives of the less privileged and help them to live with dignity.
 
The social service club of THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY (NCU), one of the top private universities in India, considers it an essential part of education to help the sick, aged, deprived, disabled and the needy. It aims at the well-being of all Indians, irrespective of their religion, race, caste, creed or sex, so that they may lead a respectable life. It focuses on spreading happiness amongst different sections of society by regularly organizing activities such as:

• Blood donation camps on the University campusfor the benefit of the sick. 

• Slum Childrens’ Day through competitions (painting, singing, dancing etc.); movie shows; gifts; refreshments etc. 

• Invite young students of Government schools tosee aUniversity and get inspired topursue higher education. On one such occasion, on being asked what she wanted to do when she grew up,a girl replied, “Now I definitely want to become an engineer!”

• Student volunteers take forward the ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign for a clean and healthy India and thereby a more productive India.

While most of us grumble about the lack of cleanliness and hygiene in our city or the absence of civic sense, how many of us take a lead to change the way things are? 

NCU’s Pro Chancellor, Professor PremVrat says, “As an educational institution of higher learning, we do not simply focus on academics but also in grooming responsible citizens for our country who possess good social and civic values. We are proud that our students not only recognize their duties as responsible citizens but put up compelling contribution by setting personal example.”

• Distribute clothes to the economically weaker sections through the Vastradaaninitiative.

• Provide basic amenities, medicines etc. to the old and the disabled inmates of the Old Age Home.Spend time with them, be empathetic listenersand make them feel wanted 

• Invite children from the orphanage and encourage them to participate in cultural programmes in the University. It’s a treat to see them happy and wanted!

Put your ego to one side and open yourself up to new experiences. It's worth thinking about the aged and the deprived. India has the largest youth population in the world. What if each one volunteers to give a little of their time every week to empower one needy person? NCU’smantra is ‘Empowered individuals make an empowered Nation’.

Post your comments or contact us at http://www.ncuindia.edu/ 

Written By: Rekha Mathur

How the best Engineering College in India went eco friendly

How we use water, energy, dispose waste, promote efficient use of resources, can make an enormous difference to our development in a sustainable way. Educational institutions have a role to play both in sensitizing students in this regard and demonstrating the eco-friendly way. The future of the world lies in the hands of the youth and it is imperative for them to realize the importance of protecting the environment and of bringing science into their everyday life.

How can we help save our planet?

Colleges and universities are leaders of innovation in our society and have the potential to inculcate sustainable principles in the youth through their day-to-day deliberations.

THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY, one of the best Engineering colleges in India is committed to the green movement. Campus-wide initiatives at reducing, reusing and recycling are helping it achieve a green code of living:

• Energy Conservation: LED lighting, false ceilings to reduce heat load, as well as abundant natural light help make the building energy efficient.

• Use of renewable energy: Based on green audit, installation of 150 KW rooftop solar PV system with net metering facility - possibly the first and only university to install it.

• Water harvesting: Five rain water harvesting structures with pipes going to 300 feet below ground.

• Sewage management: Garbage handed over to MCG for proper disposal. No hazardous waste produced on campus. 100 KLD sewage treatment plant to ensure zero discharge to municipal sewer line with plans to use treated water for horticulture.

• Efforts for Carbon neutrality: Green foot print through 6 acres of green area out of 10 acre campus area.

• Plantations: Lush green gardens all around the campus. 14th consecutive year NCU a winner of HUDA garden competition in Gurgaon.

• E – waste management: Segregated and reused where relevant or  recycled to external vendors for proper disposal.

• Paper recycling: Reduced usage of paper by using electronic medium of communication. Tie up with vendors ensures recycling of newsprint.

• Social service: Gifting necessities to the needy.

• Programmes, conferences impart skills in sensitizing and mobilizing community participation.

NCU’smantra is ‘Live and let Live’ for a healthier tomorrow!

Small things make a big difference

Don’t forget the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! 

• Reduce usage:  Don’t waste – Save 

-Electricity: Substitute with something that doesn’t use that much energy like a fan for an AC, false ceilings to reduce heat load, building designs that allow natural light. 

-  Fuel: Wherever possible cycle, travel by public transport, use renewable sources of energy. 

- Water: Use as much as required. Repair drips and leaks.

• Reuse whatever you can.
-  Water for gardening
-  Paper for rough work
-  Give things you don’t want any more, to the needy
-  Use E-waste where relevant  

• Recycle: Rain water harvesting is a great way to recharge the water table.

Composting and using organic manure instead of chemical fertilizers thereby reduces carbon footprint. 

Grow more plants and trees: Tree planting helps tackle climate change -  absorb carbon dioxide and are vital carbon sinks. The world’s forests store an estimated 300 billion tons of carbon, the equivalent of 40 times the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions (source: Time, Nov,’09).

Post your comments or contact us at http://ncuindia.edu/ 

Written By: Rekha Mathur

THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY, Gurgaon steps towards green environment

Being one of the best universities in Delhi NCR, THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY, Gurgaon is an environmentally sensitive university. It has a zero discharge campus with rain water harvesting and water recycling procedures. The University is possibly the first and only university to install a modern and efficient 150 KW solar power system with a net metering facility. It has taken a few initiatives to make the campus eco-friendly. 

• Energy Conservation: The new block of the University is equipped with LED lighting. The old workshops and buildings have been renovated with false ceilings to reduce heat load. Renovation of existing classrooms are being planned to have the LED lighting system.

• Use of renewable energy: Based on a green audit, installation of 150 KW rooftop solar PV system is underway at the University parking area.

• Water harvesting:Five rain water harvesting structures have been constructed within the University premises. The pipes go to 300 feet below ground and are of 8 inches diameter so as to reach the aquifers and ensure ‘Zero discharge’ of rain water beyond the campus.

• Sewage management: The University garbage is handed over responsibly to the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) for the proper disposal of the same. No hazardous waste is produced in the campus.A 100 KLD sewage treatment plant is being installed in the campus to ensure zero discharge to municipal sewer line with plans to sustain our water irrigation requirements of horticulture from treated water.

• Efforts for Carbon neutrality: The University has ensured a green foot print of 6 acres of green area out of the 10 acres of campus.

• Plantations: A very vibrant and green garden is maintained in the University, with ample trees/ shrubbery. It has been the consecutive 14th year winner of Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) competition in Gurgaon.

• E – Waste management: E – waste is segregated and reused where relevant or else the e-waste is recycled to external vendors. A tie up with Hindustan Times has ensured our paper recycling for their newsprint requirements upto 2014 till the scheme lasted. The University also has association with Attero Recycling Pvt. Ltd, India's largest E-waste management company for proper disposal of e-waste materials.

The judicious and eco-friendly initiatives by THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY have helped in  making it the leading university in Delhi NCR the efficient and environmentally sensitive.