Renowned classical dancer and former Rajya Sabha MP Sonal Mansingh urged students to pursue their passions with dedication and remain lifelong learners.Mansingh was addressing the students at the DY Patil International University in Pune during the Diksharambh - Induction Programme 2026-27 on Friday evening.She said that her own journey had not been easy, but she had never considered an alternative path."It is rare for families to readily support their children in pursuing a career as an artist...It is one thing to pursue technical studies to become engineers, doctors and scientist, but students should also learn humanities. Without 'rasa' everything you do is dry, and dry things crumble apart," she said.Mansingh further underlined the importance of humanities in higher education, saying universities should offer courses in the humanities alongside STEM programmes.Encouraging students to follow their passions with commitment, she stressed the importance of remaining curious and learning throughout life.She added that all-round development was possible only when there is "perfect harmony and unison".Mansingh's address focused on the need for a holistic approach to education, where professional and technical skills are complemented by cultural, creative and humanistic understanding.The programme was organised to welcome the new batch of students and familiarise them with the university's "academic environment, values and vision for higher education".DYPIU vice chancellor Prof Dr Manish Bhalla said the university places strong emphasis on innovation and incubation."DYPIU seeks to prepare students not only to become job seekers but also job creators," he said.Bhalla added that the university was starting the School of Legal Studies, Governance and Public Policy from the current academic year.He also announced plans to introduce Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the next academic year.Tejas Patil, Trustee, DYP Pratishthan, said DYPIU provides students with a globally connected learning environment.He emphasised that the university's approach goes beyond traditional teaching and focuses on innovative teaching and learning practices.This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
