Leading by example, they inspire and empower students in research & innovation
At Shoolini University, the faculty goes beyond teaching — they inspire and lead by example. Recently, Assistant Prof Ekta Singh from the Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts and Assistant Prof Radha from the Faculty of Sciences received global acclaim for their research achievements. Their contributions have brought international attention to Shoolini, showcasing the university’s academic excellence and inspiring students.
Assistant Prof Ekta Singh from the Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts published her research article in the prestigious UNESCO proceedings titled ‘Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Leveraging Social and Human Sciences for Crisis—Lessons from COVID-19’.
Her paper, ‘The Impact of Push-Pull Factors on the Socio-Economic Status of Migrant Workers in the Neoliberal World Economy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of District Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India’, discusses the challenges migrant workers faced during the pandemic.
Her research explores how economic challenges and limited job opportunities in rural areas force people to migrate to cities. It also examines reverse migration during the pandemic and its impact on the socio-economic conditions of workers.
Asst Prof Ekta Singh collected the primary and secondary data from Pauri Garhwal District for her research. She conducted field surveys and interviews with migrants who returned during the first wave of COVID-19 and used statistical methods to analyse their challenges. Her work highlights important patterns in migration.
“This pandemic showed how vulnerable migrant workers are in a neoliberal economy,” Asst Prof Ekta Singh said. “We need policies focusing on human dignity rather than just market-driven solutions. I hope my research inspires future scholars to work towards creating more inclusive and resilient societies.”
This research offers valuable lessons for students. It encourages them to think about how future policies can better address migration challenges while helping them develop the skills to tackle real-world problems.
Meanwhile, Assistant Prof Radha from the Faculty of Sciences represented Shoolini University at the World Cotton Research Conference-8 (WCRC-8) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The conference, inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, attracted participants from countries like the United States, Egypt, China, Pakistan, and Brazil.
Asst Prof Radha presented her research paper, ‘Enhanced Lignin Extraction from Cotton Stalk Using Ultrasound-Assisted Ionic Liquid Method’, which was chosen for an oral presentation. Her innovative research was showcased to an international audience.
In addition to her academic work, she participated in two competitions and won first place in both. She won first prize in a craft-making competition using cotton and in a traditional dress competition, where she represented Himachal Pradesh in a pure cotton Himachali outfit. She received $200 for her traditional dress and $100 for her craft, which she completed in just 10 minutes.
“As a researcher, it was an incredible experience to present my work on an international platform and to represent both Shoolini University and the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. I’ve gained valuable insights and global perspectives to enhance my teaching and research,” says Asst Prof Radha.
Her participation at WCRC-8 highlighted her academic skills and celebrated the cultural richness of Himachal Pradesh on an international stage.
Shoolini University Founder-Chancellor Prof PK Khosla congratulated the professors on their success. “Our faculty makes us proud by advancing global research and representing Shoolini University and India on prestigious platforms. These achievements highlight how knowledge and innovation can address real-world challenges, inspiring the next generation of leaders and changemakers."
Vaishali Thakur