Ashoka Reflections - August 2024
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Eight Years of Bridging
Governance and Community
Ashoka
Reflections
AUGUST 2024 EDITION
Ashoka University is India’s premier interdisciplinary research and
teaching university located in the National Capital Region, New Delhi. It is
built on the finest global best practices of institution and university
governance.
Accomplished
leaders,
philanthropists,
thinkers,
and
academicians with expertise in varied fields have come together to create
the university. It brings the best contemporary values and practices in
higher education, in the tradition of the world’s leading universities, to
India. With a strong emphasis on multi-disciplinary learning, development
of skills and leadership attributes for the 21st century, Ashoka is preparing
students to be critical thinkers and ethical leaders in an increasingly
diverse world.
A B O U T
Ashoka University
A S H O K A R E F L E C T I O N S
Table of
Contents
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09
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ASHOKA REFLECTIONS
Feature Story
10 Years of
Excellence
In Focus
In Other News
In the Media
66
Latest Happenings
Feature Story
Celebrating CMGGA's Journey: Eight Years of
Bridging Governance and Community
The Chief Ministers' Good Governance Associates
(CMGGA)
programme
recently
celebrated
significant milestone: eight years of impactful
initiatives in Haryana and the convocation of its
seventh cohort. The event was graced by Union
Minister of Power, Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri
Manohar Lal Khattar. In addition, the event also
saw active participation from various senior
bureaucrats and officials from the Haryana State
Government, including donor partners, program
alumni and various members representing Ashoka
University leadership including Vice-Chancellor
Somak Raychaudhury, Chairperson Pramath Raj
Sinha, Founder and Founding Pro Vice-Chancellor
Vineet Gupta and Pro Vice-Chancellor Rama Malik.
In the inaugural address, Dr Amit Agarwal,
Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister
of Haryana and Project Director of the CMGGA
Programme expressed his immense pleasure and
pride in welcoming Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, who
The CMGGA programme began eight years ago, and since then, over 140
associates have contributed in numerous rural governance initiatives.
has been the chief inspiration and architect and
the very heart and soul behind this impactful
programme.
He
also
extended
heartfelt
gratitude on behalf of all the associates and the
programme team for the former Chief Minister's
unwavering support throughout these eight
years.
The CMGGA programme began eight years ago,
and since then, over 140 associates have not
only contributed but have also been full-time
participants in numerous rural governance
initiatives
conceived,
launched,
and
spearheaded by the then Chief Minister of
Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. Dr Agarwal
highlighted that the programme course was
designed to make the youth of the country an
active part of governance, bridging the gap
between the government and the people. He
stated that this vision would not have come to
fruition without the able assistance provided by
Ashoka Reflections | Page 03
Feature Story
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the team led by Dr Rakesh Gupta, the then
Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief
Minister of Haryana, along with the support of
Ashoka University and Samagra.
The collaboration culminated in a one-of-its-
kind programme that demonstrated immense
success in various initiatives. One notable
example was the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
campaign,
which
saw
a
remarkable
improvement in Haryana's sex ratio from 830 in
2011 to 922 in 2020. Additionally, the Antyodaya
Saral initiative, which onboarded over 600
citizen-centric services, has delivered more than
10 crore services, earning it the prestigious
platinum
award
for
excellence
in
rural
governance from the Hon’ble President of India
in 2020. The associates also made significant
contributions to other initiatives in Haryana,
notably the implementation of the e-office and
the upgradation of around 2000 anganwadis to
modern playway schools.
Rakesh Gupta, now Additional Secretary to the
President of India and former Additional
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of
Haryana, reflected on the CMGGA programme's
journey in his speech. He expressed nostalgia
and pride, emphasising the unique challenges
and successes that marked the programme's
evolution. He attributed its success to the direct
involvement and leadership of the Chief
Minister, who personally monitored progress
and provided guidance.
The Chief Guest and Hon’ble Minister of Power,
Housing & Urban Affairs and former Chief
Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar,
recounted the programme's inception and its
transformative impact. He highlighted the
programme's role in addressing policy paralysis
in the state and its innovative approach to
involving youth in governance. He expressed
pride in the programme's achievements and its
contribution to public service. He commended
the enrolment of talented and dedicated
professionals, selected solely on merit, and
credited
Ashoka’s
team
for
guiding
the
programme forward.
On the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister released a
film and a coffee table book showcasing eight
eight years of CMGGA’s work. Sh. Manohar Lal
also presented appreciation certificates and
mementoes to CMGGA posted in various
districts.
Vineet Gupta, Founder and Founding Pro Vice-
Chancellor of Ashoka University, shared insights
into the initial apprehensions and eventual
success of the CMGGA programme. He praised
the collaborative effort with Samagra and the
seamless integration of the first cohort in 2016.
Gupta noted that the programme had produced
160 graduates, including the current cohort of
22 associates, with many pursuing impactful
careers in public service and social impact
organisations.
Feature Story
Publication name | Page 00
Alumni Reflections
Mohit, a 2016 CMGGA alumnus and the
Chief
Coordinator
of
the
CMGGA
programme, reflected on the unique nature
of
the
initiative.
He
described
the
programme as a question of how to
transform the system and highlighted the
dedicated efforts of all involved.
Ankit Jain, a CMGGA alumnus and Founder
of GDI Partners, reminisced about his
journey that began in 2016 as part of the
first-ever CMGGA cohort. He expressed
gratitude for the transformative experiences
the programme provided over the years and
the work satisfaction he received while
working in the sector.
Shruti Sharma, a member of the 2023
CMGGA cohort, likened her experience to a
thrilling T20 World Cup final.
She reflected on the ups and downs of the journey,
the performance pressure, and the sense of
achievement and success at the end. Sharma
emphasised that one of the primary objectives of the
programme was to improve governance and scheme
delivery in the state, and what made it unique was the
opportunity it provided to young minds from across
the country to engage with the community and make
a tangible impact.
As the CMGGA programme celebrates eight years of
transformative impact, it stands as a testament to the
power of youth engagement in governance. The
convocation of the seventh cohort marks another
successful chapter in this journey, with associates
poised to continue contributing to public service and
social impact. The programme's legacy of innovation,
dedication, and excellence aims to leave a lasting
impact on the rural governance of Haryana.
Feature Story
Ashoka University has secured the first position
among
private
universities
in
the
Indian
Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2024. The
university was placed at the top based on criteria
including
placement
performance,
teaching-
learning resources & pedagogy, research output,
industry income & integration, future orientation,
and external perception & international outlook.
IIRF ranks more than 1,000 institutions across the
country
(300+
universities,
350
engineering
colleges, 150+ B-schools, 50 law colleges, 50 design
schools, 50 architecture colleges, and 100+
undergraduate colleges for BBA & BCA).
Commenting
on
the
achievement,
Somak
Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University
stated, “We are elated to hear about the
announcement of securing the top position among
private universities in the latest IIRF ranking. It is a
notable achievement for a young university, a
testament to our excellent faculty and researchers,
quality
education,
benchmark
placement
performance, and the global opportunities that we
offer. As we celebrate our first decade, we remain
even more committed to our mission of building a
world-class,
research-focused
educational
institution in India, dedicated to developing
conscientious leaders for tomorrow.”
In a short span of time, Ashoka has developed
partnerships with over 50 leading colleges and
universities
across
the
world.
Prestigious
scholarships and fellowships received by Ashoka
students include Fulbright Scholarship, Rhodes
Scholarship, Inlaks Scholarship, Charles Wallace
Fellowship, Felix scholarship, Knight-Hennessy
Scholarship,
Schwarzman
Scholarship,
Quad
Fellowship and McCall McBain Scholarship. It
achieved the 88th rank (university category) in
NIRF 2022, being the youngest university in the
NIRF Top 100.
In the Overall Central Universities IIRF ranking
2024, Jawaharlal University (JNU) secured the top
position, followed by University of Delhi (DU),
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Millia
Islamia (JMI) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Links to the latest IIRF Rankings 2024:
Overall Central Universities Rankings:
https://iirfranking.com/ranking/top-universities-in-
india
Overall Private Universities Rankings:
https://iirfranking.com/ranking/top-universities-in-
india
Ashoka University Secures First Position
Among Private Universities in IIRF
Rankings 2024
The IIRF ranks more than 1,000 institutions, including both private and
government universities and colleges, across the country.
It is with great sadness that we
announce the passing away of Rajesh
Garodia, who served as the Pro Vice-
Chancellor of Ashoka University from
2019 to 2022. He passed away on 6th
July 2024, leaving behind a legacy of
dedication
and
many
significant
contributions to the university's growth
and development.
During his tenure as the Pro Vice-
Chancellor, Rajesh Garodia played a
pivotal role in shaping the future of
Ashoka
University.
He
was
instrumental in the planning and
execution of Ashoka's second phase of
growth, including the development of
the new campus.
His interventions in operations, HR,
finance and various projects led to
notable improvements in processes
and
performance,
driving
the
institution forward in a very important
phase of its growth.
Rajesh Garodia was deeply committed
to Ashoka's mission and vision. His
relentless
energy
and
meticulous
attention to detail were evident in
every aspect of his work. Beyond his
professional achievements, he was
known for his positive and cheerful
personality,
easily
forming
warm
relationships with his colleagues. The
profound sense of loss felt by the
Ashoka community is a testament to
the deep connections he created.
Our thoughts are with his family during
this difficult time. The Ashoka family
will always remember Rajesh Garodia
with affection and gratitude, honouring
him as an institution-builder and a true
Ashokan in both word and deed.
Remembering Rajesh Garodia,
Former Pro Vice-Chancellor of
Ashoka University
Rajesh Garodia was deeply
committed to Ashoka's
mission and vision.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 08
Ashoka’s
Remarkable
Journey of a
Decade
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