Employers consistently rank soft skills as the most important criterion when considering candidates for employment. Yet lack of soft skills has been cited as the most critical issue to be addressed for students across all disciplines. Soft skills are those personal attributes that enhance individual interactions, job performance and career prospects.
In an endeavour to remove the skills gaps and with the objective of creating market-ready professionals, Sushant University has embedded soft skills training within the academic curriculum, assigning it weekly classes, mandatory credits and compulsory evaluation for all the Schools across the campus, so as to prepare and empower the students for the professional field and personal life.
Going above and beyond, Sushant University has established a Centre for soft skills in January 2021 as the striking need of soft skills came to the fore more than ever before. The pandemic has challenged our resilience, our strength as humans and our ability to respond. To adapt well and respond swiftly, to enhance skills which are determinants of success today, Centre for soft skills designs and delivers training programs in the most enriching style with effective learning solutions.
In this competitive, uncertain and fast-moving business world, training in soft skills gives the cutting edge to excel and flourish. The key differentiator is not what work you do, but how you work. Strong soft skills ensure a productive, collaborative and healthy work environment.
Centre for soft skills comprises a team of ace professionals and experts who use experiential methodology, tools, techniques that ensure complete transfer of learning. The pedagogy adopted is a unique blend of classroom teaching along with interactive and engaging activities. This training module of Soft Skills has been devised after extensive research, industry feedback and professional experience of the Soft Skills team in a way that makes the learners achieve quick progress.
The students embark on a journey to know themselves better and enhance their confidence to face the professional challenges ahead.
The key focus areas of the trainings include:
- Interpersonal skills
- Goal Setting and Time Management
- Personal grooming and professional Etiquettes
- Communication and Presentation skills
- Team Building
- Adaptability
- Overall personality development
By making soft skills training as a mandatory part of the curriculum, the University strives to enhance students’ employability quotient, personal and professional success.
Centre for Soft Skills also conducts Faculty Development Programs for the different schools of Sushant University.
Centre For Soft Skills team
DR SHAILY BHASHANJALY
HEAD
Associate Professor
Dr. Shaily Bhashanjaly holds qualifications as a Doctorate in Sociology, Post Graduate Diploma in Management as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development. For the past 20 years, Dr. Bhashanjaly has been a visiting faculty in colleges and universities on eclectic subjects such as sociology, organizational behaviour and employability skills etc. Dr. Bhashanjaly has been associated as a subject expert with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and has had her work published in the IGNOU course material. Dr. Bhashanjaly has written popular articles and educational material on topics ranging around gender, inclusiveness and community development. She was awarded a senior fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in 2018.
Apart from academia, as an experienced radio broadcaster with FM Rainbow, All India Radio since 2003, Dr. Bhashanjaly has hosted popular programs like Citylights, Helpline, Sandesh to Soldiers etc. She has also interviewed Honorable Union ministers of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation in her duties as a broadcaster, highlighting socio-economic concerns and civil society initiatives. She has done English commentary on All India Radio for national events such as World Food India 2017, Sardar Patel Run for Unity 2017, BSF Raising Day 2017, and Smart India Hackathon and Hindi Commentary on ‘Antim yatra- Atal Bihari Vajpayee’
Dr. Bhashanjaly has been awarded the 1st World Women Award in recognition of her exemplary contributions. She also serves a Member on the Committee for Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at the All India Chess Federation (AICF).
Dr. INDU PRABHA PATHAK
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in English from Banashali Vidyapith with over 10 years of academic experience. She has authored a book on Thomas Hardy’s Philosophical influences in Poetry. She is an avid researcher and has more than 25 papers published to her credit in various international indexed journals and presented research papers at various conferences and seminars. She has successfully supervised two research scholars for the award of Ph.D. She has been a member of various review committees of International conferences and has been in editorial board in conference proceedings. She has organized many soft and life skills sessions and also organized many faculty development programs. She has completed certificate course in the teaching of English from prestigious English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She is both U.G.C N.E.T and Rajasthan S.L.E.T Professional. She has been a recipient of merit certificate under National Scholarship Scheme by Ministry of HRD Govt. of India and also merit certificate in graduation. She is also a member of English Language teaching association of India. She has been a member of the School research committee and in charge of Soft and Life skills. Her areas of interests include Soft Skills, Legal English and literature. She has passion for teaching and flair for research. Her interest lies in creative writing and poetry.
SAGARIKA GOSWAMI
Assistant Professor
A visionary professional with more than 21 years of progressive experience augmented by a strong academic and professional background in Academics, Media, and Corporate, Sagarikahas done her Master’s in Linguistics from Gauhati University, Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism, with specialization in Broadcast media, from Cotton College, Gauhati. As a student of Linguistics, Sagarika is inclined towards psycholinguistics and this interest led her to be an NLP practitioner and EFT Certified. She is also a TESOL Certified professional with specialization in Leaning Disability.
Sagarika has worked with media, industry and academia. As a media professional she worked as a radio artist, documentary film maker, assistant director for serial, voice over artist, scriptwriter and has interviewed politicians and renowned personalities like Director JanhuBaruah. While working with the industry, she worked in different roles, as Business Development Manager, Learning and Development Manager, Centre Head, Content Developer, Knowledge Consultant in organizations like New Horizons and NIIT, New Delhi. As an academician, Ms. Goswami worked as the Head of English Department, Assistant Professor and Lecturer. She also works as a freelance Blog writer sharing her understanding on various topics.
In 2019, Sagarika was awarded and honoured for her excellence in teaching by an Association in Faridabad, Haryana. Other than teaching, Ms. Goswami encourages her students, on various projects. One of her Project ‘NayaUjjala’ 2010-2013, received International exposure and recognition by UNILIVER, USA, and the other Project’ Kissan Ki Umang’ 2013-2015 was Sponsored by Mahindra Group. She has been the convenor for International Conferences like TEDxitmu and TEDxgdgoenkauniversity, USIEF and American Society for Quality, ITM University Chapter. Ms. Goswami is also a public speaker and was awarded for her session with RYLA 2016 at Manav Rachna International University.
PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS:
- Published article titled “An Insight into Language”; issue related with value of language; published in Mélange a weekly magazine by Sentinel.
- Published article titled “Beyond Bench And Bars”; issue related with law and social justice, published in Mélange a weekly magazine by Sentinel.
- Paper presented on Phylogenesis - the origin and development of language in species, titled “Darwinising Language” in a workshop on Research methodology conducted at Central University, Tezpur, Assam.
- Presented dissertation paper on “Newspaper Journalism In Assam” to Media And Communication Study Center, Cotton College, Assam.
The Centre for Soft Skills Successfully conducted the session on “Between the Lines: Power of Body Language” on 21-3-24 for the students of Sushant university. Ms. Thushara Roy a seasoned academician, a trainer with rich experience and alumnus from IIM Ahmedabad brought her extensive knowledge and experience offering valuable insights in to the non-verbal cues that shape perception. The session was captivating, weaving real-world examples with interactive activities to keep the students engaged. The event was convened by Dr Indu Prabha Pathak.
Centre for Soft Skills has successfully organised a two-hour interactive workshop on ‘THINK WITHOUT INK-GENERAL APTITUDE’ to enhance the Aptitude of the students of B Tech and BCA. The subject expert Mr Tajinder Sharma, was from Triumphant Institute of Management Education (T.I.M.E.), New Delhi.
Aptitude plays a vital role in developing logical reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking skills. It is mandatory for aspiring engineers to develop these skills not only to qualify competitive exams but also for their career growth. Keeping this in mind the subject matter expert emphasized on the importance of Quantitative Aptitude in higher studies and career building. Organisations often use Aptitude tests as a method of screening to identify high calibre candidates. The second, third and final year students of the School of Engineering and Technology participated in the workshop enthusiastically. The interactive session illuminated the students on various tips to enhance their aptitude. The enthusiastic participation of the students made the workshop a successful one. Sushant University, one of the best private Universities in Delhi-NCR, conducts such sessions for the intellectual development of its students to ace in the competitive world.
Centre for Soft Skills, has successfully organised a two-hour interactive workshop on 'Vocabulous -How to Enhance Vocabulary' to hone the vocabulary knowledge of the students. The subject expert Ms Tarannum Raza was from the renowned T.I.M.E Education, New Delhi.
Vocabulary plays a vital role in developing communication skills, competitive exams, and career growth. Keeping this in mind the interactive session illuminated the students on various tips to enhance vocabulary. The enthusiastic participation of the students made the workshop a successful one. Sushant University, one of the best private Universities in Delhi-NCR, conducts such sessions for the intellectual development of its students and ace in the competitive world.
To help students ace interviews, a training session on Interview skills for final year students of Sushant University was conducted under the aegis of the Centre for Soft Skills by the Soft Skills trainer and image consultant, Ms. Himani Mehta who illumined on the various aspects of interview skills such as better understanding of non verbal cues, sample answers for frequently asked interview questions and mock personal interview as well as group discussion. The session marked the enthusiastic participation of students from across the university with more than 100 students’ participation.
To celebrate International Yoga Day, Photo Caption contest was organized by Centre for Soft Skills, Sushant University. The objective of the activity was to increase awareness of Yoga Asanas among youth. Students of Sushant University participated and uploaded the pictures of their favorite yoga asana along with the catchy captions on their social media platforms. The event was organized by Dr. InduPrabha Pathak. Entries are given below:
PragatiRaheja B.COM Honors IV SEM
Seek balance in everything you do, every day
Shikha Yadav B.A LLB Honors VIII SEM
Yoga is a medicine.......that lets us absorb the power of breathand takes us into present, the only place where life exists.
Siddhi Verma B.Tech CSC
The Centre for Soft Skills successfully conducted one-of-a-kind series of interactive sessions ‘Samvaad’- a dialogue with the change-makers of society, who are instrumental in bringing substantial changes in society. Session-I in this series started with the CSR Man of India, Mr. Amit Sachdeva who illumined on various aspects and dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility. In his deliberation he emphasized upon the pertinent need for giving being to the society by being socially responsible citizens. He also asserted that it is not just the responsibility of corporate organizations but at individual level the right foundation from childhood can make a positive impact to the society and bring desirable changes. The resource person also shed light on the etymology of the word CSR and why he is called the CSR man of India. The session was highly interactive and marked by the enthusiastic participation of students. The session commenced with the brief introduction of CSR by Ms. Sagarika Goswami and green welcome of Mr. Amit Sachdeva followed by an interactive question and answer session. The session culminated with vote of thanks and conferring memento to the external resource person.
Centre for Soft Skills successfully conducted International Women’s day Adira on March 8, 2022. The event revolved around the theme of year 2022#breakthebias and to commemorate that Intra university competition such as One minute video challenge, Blogathon, Creative Pro, Poster/ Painting/ Bookmark and Group Discussion were organized. Students participated enthusiastically in all the competitions. The program commenced with lamp lightening and pious chanting of saraswati vandana. Subsequently Dr. Shaily Bhashanjaly, the gender expert and author spoke about women empowerment and the need to eliminate biases, discriminations against women. It was followed by Group discussion competition between two teams on the topic He for she and Creating a Gender sensitive world evaluated by the panel of erudite judges. The event was marked by the gracious presence of the hon’ble vice-chancellor of Sushant university Dr. DNS Kumar who enlightened the audience with his insights on the theme. Culture programs by the students infused fervor to the event. Winners of the competitions were announced on the same day. Distinguished deans and faculty members of different schools of Sushant University also marked their presence. The event was coordinated and compeered by Dr. Indu Prabha Pathak.
The Centre for Soft Skills, Sushant University, Gurugram, as one of its best practices, organized an hour and a half training session on "How to Improve Your Aptitude - Quantitative". The subject-matter experts Ms. Aparna Rastogi and Mr. Sajjan Barnwal were from the renowned Triumphant Institute of Management Education (T.I.M.E.), New Delhi. The subject matter experts emphasized on the importance of Quantitative Aptitude in higher studies and career building. Organisations often use Aptitude tests as a method of screening to identify high calibre candidates. The final year students from School of Management and School of Engineering and Technology participated in the training session enthusiastically.
Ms Apranta Rastogi
Sales Head for Gurgaon and faculty for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, T.I.M.E, New Delhi
Session in progress
Mr Sajjan Barnwal,
Subject-matter expert, T.I.M.E, New Delhi
Centre for Soft Skills organized a one-of-a-kind series of events, school-wise, for the students. Focus of these events was on giving the students a hands-on learning experience. This enabled the enhancement of
- Concrete experience by involvement in new experiences
- Reflective observation by developing observation skills about one's own experience
- Abstract conceptualization by creating theories to explain observations and
- Active experimentation by using theories to solve problems and make decisions.
Students took part with enthusiasm and displayed skills like team building, strategic step building, inquisitiveness and observation skills which enabled them to complete each task and become the winning team.
Out of the 4 teams A, B, C, D, Team A was declared the winner. The winners were- Moksh Garg, Moksh Duhan, Sabhya, Anshika Yadav, Akash Baral.
FDP for the school of Law on ‘Creating synergy’, 15 February 2021 and ‘Enhancing well-being @work’, 20 March 2021 for the school of engineering
FDP for School Of Business on "Together we can achieve more" on 26th March, 2021
Six thinking hats Brainstorming Competition
Centre for Soft Skills conducted “Six thinking hats Brainstorming Competition” on Friday, 16 April for BBA and B.com II-year students of School of Business. The competition consisted of two rounds. In the first round both the teams brainstormed creative ideas on the advertisement of the product. In the second-round marketing campaign ideas were discussed within the respective teams. Team BBA was declared winner of the competition. Both the teams participated enthusiastically. The competition was judged by Prof. Milind, Dean School of Business and Dr. Shaily Bhashanjali, Head, Centre for Soft Skills. The event was in online mode and was organized by Dr. Indu Prabha Pathak.
Six Thinking hats technique by Edward De Bono is an effective technique of problem solving and parallel thinking. Each hat is assigned a different colour and a different thinking approach. It helps individuals as well as groups in making cohesive, effective decision making and encourages innovative solutions from different perspectives.
Report on Panel Discussion
Centre for Soft Skills successfully conducted Virtual Panel Discussion on “Soft Skills for the New Work Place”. Honourable vice chancellor graced the event as the esteemed speaker. Dr. Niva Bhandari Business communication faculty of MDI, Gurgaon and Mr. Virender Singh Chief Manager HR, Fortum were among the Panellists. Dr. Shaily Bhashanjaly and Dr. Indu Prabha Pathak convened the event. The discussion revolved around the emerging need of skill sets such as empathy, agility, and resilience to bounce back in the changed world. The work places are undergoing paradigm shifts and adapting to these changes have become more relevant than ever.
Pictures of the event are below:
Online Certificate Programme by CSS
Centre for Soft Skills, Sushant University successfully conducted two day’s Online Certificate Programme on “Personal Effectiveness at Workplace” for working professionals on 15 & 16 July 2021. The programme comprised of three sessions. Facilitators were Dr. Shaily Bhashanjaly, Dr. Indu Prabha Pathak and Ms. Sagarika Goswami. Dr. Indu Prabha Pathak convened the programme. The emphasis was laid on optimizing the resources to maximize competencies and honing skill sets. Experiential learning methodology was used to promote a greater self-awareness, constructing a personal action plan for effective and sustained impact in multiple areas of life, ability to manage time, influence others, or simply communicate with the right people in the right way, steer with goal focused mindset and be personally empowered with a renewed sense of joy and enthusiasm.
Report on Webinar “ Wellbeing in Life and @ Work”
Centre for Soft Skills Successfully conducted webinar on “Wellbeing in Life and @ Work” on Friday, July 30, 2021. The external resource person was Mr. Kanishk Gaur who highlighted the importance of mental, emotional and digital wellbeing, emphasising the practice of positive online engagement. The session was highly informative and interactive in nature. The webinar was convened and moderated by Dr. Indu Prabha Pathak.
11 steps to build unshakable self- confidence
Centre for Soft Skills is organizing a session on “11 steps to build unshakable self- confidence” on 27-10-21, Wednesday for PG students of Sushant University between 2:30 to 3:30 pm in D-421 auditorium. The external resource person of the session, Ms. Shirin Saluza is a Life coach and mentor who specializes in strategic intervention coaching and has been certified by Robbins Madanes Training, the official coach training school of Anthony Robbins and Cloe Madanes. Her forte lies in talent management, fashion consultancy and style. She has worked as fashion consultant at Shoot talent management, BCCL, managing the career of Femina Miss India winners as well as assisting in grooming and preparing them for intellectual pageants.
A Report on Mock Interviews
Centre for Soft Skills successfully conducted mock interviews for MBA III SEM Students from 13 December to 20 December. The interview panel assessed the communication competence, Resume and body language appropriate for interviews and shared individual feedback with the students. It was a good rehearsal for actual job interview. It was treated as a part of placement related training and continuous assessment of the students. Pictures are given below:
