Hyderabad, June 7 (Hydnow): English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) is first Central University in country to have successfully conducted end-semester examinations online during lockdown.
This was possible due to the proactive, visionary, and dynamic Vice Chancellor, Prof. E. Suresh Kumarand his student-friendly policies. Students pursuing various undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher education courses and PhD at the University headquarters in Hyderabad and at the Regional Campus in Lucknow appeared for their end-semester examinations online.
Exams are in progress in the Regional Campus of Shillong through online mode with student-friendly formats. On this occasion, Prof. Suresh congratulated the teaching staff on the successful conduct of the end-semester examinations through online mode. The University is also probably the first in the country to have online viva voce examinations of PhD Scholars beginning as early as March 19, and ensured that the lockdown did not come in the way of their careers. Fifteen viva voce examinations have been conducted so far with more already scheduled.
The University followed up its academic achievements with successes in social responsibility and service. The Vice Chancellor, with his rich experience as an administrator and teacher, has always been deeply committed to bringing a social dimension to academic achievements. Through his unique idea of University Social Responsibility (USR) the EFLU-University Social Responsibility Endowment Fund (EFLU-USREF) was created. Generating an initial fund from contributions by the staff, the University strengthened the hands of the Government in a humble way in spreading awareness on COVID-19 through jingles broadcaston FM Radio, Hyderabad.
On April 23, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal“Nishank”, Union Minister of Human Resource Development, launched theshort-films, produced by EFLU as a part of an awareness campaign against theCoronavirus. These films were brought out in Hindi, English, Telugu, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish languages on the themes ‘Washing Hands’ and ‘Maintaining Social Distance’. They were shared with the countries of the respective foreign languages.
For learners devoted to acquiring foreign languages, the University is going to offer specially designedfree online Open Educational Resources in English, Sanskrit, Hindi, Russian, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Persian. EnglishPro, a free mobile app is ready for launch to help those around the SSC/Class X level in improving their English pronunciation in Bharatiya way.
The recent COVID-19 crisis has shown the resilience of the University as it acted swiftly to protect the students’ lives and careers. The University has made all possible efforts in equipping the faculty and students with e-resources allowingaccessto materials online. Extensive online training for the teachers about online pedagogyand online classes for the students have helped save the academic year. Further, the physical and mental well-being of foreign students who had to stay backin the hostels is being monitored regularly.
While the University is happy with its accomplishments, it is aware of the challenges the future holds, and is gearing for them. The EFLU has been serving the nation academically since 1958. It has expanded its vision to include social responsibility and it will continue to serve the nation in ways that are in accordance with its mandate, and in the fulfillment of its responsibilities towards the society, as a Central University.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the students, teaching and non-teaching staff of the University at the headquarters in Hyderabad and the Regional Campuses in Lucknow and Shillong for their support and contribution in combating the Coronavirus pandemic and successful completion of the academic year. Wishing the students, a bright and prosperous career, he emphasized that the highest priority for everyone is health, safety, and well-being with all energies devoted to academics and careers. (Hydnow)