Devi Bhandari
General Secretary
OPEN
Devi Bhandari, Principal at Crimson College of Technology, has been elected the General Secretary of OPEN at the 9th Convention, held in Kathmandu. OPEN is an umbrella organization of Pokhara University affiliated colleges. It extends collaboration and cooperation to all the stakeholders in solving the existing problems between the University and affiliated college. It is not a pressure group for the University rather it is an interlocutor. Mr. Bhandari shares that OPEN will go ahead as a facilitator by establishing cordial relation between the colleges and the University.The main objective of the establishment OPEN is to enhance the quality of education. The OPEN is directed to fulfilling its objective with combined efforts. Mr. Bhandari shares his view with College Readers. Excerpts:
In your opinion, how can the contradictory issue of D+ grade for admission in bachelor program be solved?
In my opinion, the D+ issue is a general issue. It can be solved by the decision of the Academic Council. Academic Council can give appropriate solution by a single meeting, but in the context of filing a case in the court, there is no alternative to our wait until the court declares its verdict. I hope the court will give the decision in favor of students and give justice to them. Due to the issue of D+ grade, the number of students has increased in Pokhara University. If the number of students decreases in a large volume, the affiliated colleges cannot sustain since their sustainability depends on the number of students they enroll in an intake.
In your view, how the Pokhara University should move ahead for its better performance?
Pokhara University has made a tremendous achievement in a period of 28-30 years. It has been established as the second largest University in Nepal. Its quality and human resources are tested and have earned trust in the community. Still, the University should do something for its better performance. For moving ahead with the tune of time, the University should improve its drawbacks by extending collaboration and coordination with stakeholders and other like-minded organizations. First of all, the University should take initiative for solving the issue of D+ and prepare to cope with other unprecedented problems.
What are the appealing factors of Pokhara University that attract college hopefuls to get enrolled in its affiliate?
Pokhara University has so many strength and positive aspects. It has launched market demanded and newly emerged courses, such as optometry in health sector and many new programs in management sector. Most colleges of Pokhara University are self-sustained and run by academicians. The provisions of paper presentation and seminar are compulsory to boost the morale, efficiency, and expertise of students. I am sure that no students of Pokhara University will be unemployed after completing their bachelor degree since the University offers timely revised, updated and market demanded courses. Similarly, there is a close coordination between the University and its constituent and affiliated colleges.
Crimson College of Technology has been developed as the leading academic institution in this area. Could you tell us about its contributions to the escalation of academic status of this region?
Crimson College of Technology was established in 2000 AD with the view to impart education regarding information and technology. In earlier days, people had no ideas about the role of information and technology; as a result, it was really arduous for us to sustain amid such mindset of local people. Subsequently, we started management and health programs analyzing the need of the market. Now, many institutions are offering an array of course choices in information and technology. Since Crimson College of Technology is considered to be the pioneer in imparting quality education in information, technology, management and health sector, its contributions are highly praiseworthy.
Could you give us the data of the number of graduates you have prepared so far and how is their performance in the global economy?
Crimson College of Technology has successfully completed its 19 years’ academic journey. Till date, the college has produced more than 4000 graduates, and all of them are employed. Many of them have become entrepreneurs. In addition, our products hold highly prestigious posts in banking, IT and health sector, and some of them have been employed by the Government. More appealingly, some of our graduates have embraced sterling opportunities to work with Microsoft companies.
What are the distinct features of Crimson College of Technology which are rare in other colleges?
We have an umbrella organization that strengthens close link with many like-minded organizations. We have made a provision of internship for our graduates in some of the renowned organizations. Similarly, our college is totally isolated from political activity which is considered to be a troublesome factor for the enhancement of our education system. There is a triadic relation among the students, teachers and the management. In the history of Crimson, any written note by any staff or students showing dissatisfaction with the management has not been filed which shows that there is a good camaraderie with the stakeholders as well. Another distinct feature of this college is that all the staff and the students have generated the intimacy towards the organization. And our final destination is to convert our institution into a medical college. So, we are committed to running a medical college in near future. However, it is only possible with combined efforts of all the stakeholders and well-wishers.
What suggestions would you like to give to ten-plus-two graduates?
First of all, I suggest that students choose a subject based on their interest and capability. Secondly, there are so many colleges outside the Kathmandu valley established for imparting global standard quality education. So, it is not necessary to go to Kathmandu for the same standard of education. Thirdly, I strongly suggest that students should not leave the country in search of quality education. Most colleges of Nepal are fully capable of imparting quality education at an affordable fee structure. And most Nepalese parents cannot afford foreign education. The course which can be completed in Nepal within six lakh should cost around 80 lakh in a foreign land as they need to incur additional amount for accommodation and food. So, students can hardly manage their tuition fee, food and accommodation with their minimal earning in a foreign country. Consequently, their study will be incomplete and they even suffer homesickness. So, ten-plus-two graduates, who are in their teen period, should study in Nepal under parental care and protection. If anyone has strong desire to study in a foreign land, they’d better go there after attaining a bachelor qualification.
