A Vision for the "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University (TSU): Embracing Innovation, Collaboration,
and Humanity for Strengthening and Rejuvenating Cooperative Movement
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the "Tribhuvan" Sahakari University (TSU).
As you may know, the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) has been transformed into "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University as an Institution of National Importance (INI) through an Act of Parliament. IRMA will continue to exist as a school of TSU. "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University was created with a vision of triggering transformative changes in the cooperative ecosystem within the country and impacting the cooperative movement worldwide by nurturing intellectual curiosity, global collaboration, and social responsibility. Leveraging the excellence of IRMA nurtured over its 46 years of journey, it is creating futuristic models of cooperative and related management areas by embracing the latest technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cooperatives around the country. As a pioneer of rural and cooperative management institutions, IRMA introduced Indian society, polity, culture, and economy as compulsory subjects for students since its inception. Thus, TSU's education, training, and consulting activities, while being rooted in the traditional Indian knowledge systems, are poised to break barriers that are aimed at transforming cooperatives and collective enterprises of all types, with a special emphasis on rural India. Through a hands-on educational programme, it will enhance learning experiences and create solutions to the cooperative's most pressing problems.
At its core, this University isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about shaping the future by empowering students to innovate, connect, and lead. True to the letter and spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, TSU is envisaged to emerge as a truly interdisciplinary University which will foster a culture of collaboration rather than adhering to rigid academic silos. The walls between disciplines are broken down at TSU, allowing students from diverse fields to work together on real-world problems while interacting with the practising managers who will be part of TSU's outreach programmes. Courses are designed to be interdisciplinary, enabling students to gain a holistic view of challenges and opportunities. For example, a project on climate change might involve students from environmental science, technology, economics, and political science working together to create innovative solutions.
Poised as an academic institution of excellence, TSU has emerged as a confluence of inquisitive students, quality teachers, and a community of stakeholders eager to absorb the benefits emanating from the continuous interaction of all stakeholders. TSU is a new-age Gurukul where teachers, students, and practitioners not only exchange ideas and enrich each other but also exist under the same sky and create an enlightened community of practice. TSU organically connects with all stakeholders through representations on its various councils and committees, as well as its outreach programmes like the Industry Connect (ICON) Talks, and the Thursday Academic Seminar Series (TASS). It collectively develops and disseminates knowledge, ideas, and values. TSU fosters an enabling climate for faculty members and students to enjoy academic autonomy and growth as scholars and create a sense of belongingness. The faculty members at TSU strengthen the knowledge application culture through constant interaction with industry and communities. I invite all of you to join and help us achieve the vision of TSU.
Prof. Saswata Biswas
