Know Your Faculty: ‘Institute-building is nation-building’

She has presented more than 20 papers at various national and international conferences and participated in several workshops and faculty development programmes; a paper of hers was published Journal of Advanced Research in Embedded Systems. And if this was not enough for this educator, she published a book titled Abstract Algebra. Meet Meera Aggarwal, Associate Professor and HoD-Mathematics, Apeejay College of Fine Arts in Jalandhar.

In a candid interview, Aggarwal, whose specialisations are Statistics, Operation Research, Algebra, and Number Theory, talks about her memorable experience among other things.

How important is institute-building for an educator, particularly in a value-based brand like Apeejay?

Institute-building is nation-building. Hence to build a developed nation, the focus must be on the creation and development of quality institutes because only they can create a country. It includes designing infrastructure facilities and resources that enhance educational experiences. In the context of a value-based brand like Apeejay, institute-building takes on an even greater significance.

A brand like Apeejay that priortises this aspect provides educators with the tools and resources they need to create engaging and impactful learning experiences for students. By offering a multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional approach to education, Apeejay aims to provide a comprehensive educational ecosystem that prepares students for various academic and professional pathways. This approach allows students to explore their interests, develop a well-rounded skill set and pursue their chosen career paths with a solid foundation of knowledge and values.

What led you to pursue a career in academia?

My parents’ profession as teachers influenced me to pursue a career in academia. Parents often serve as role models and have a significant impact on their children’s choices and aspirations. Few professions offer the opportunity to have a long-term impact on students’ lives. I grew up in an environment where education and teaching were valued. I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that teachers can have on students and the importance of teaching and learning. I always encourage my students to embrace challenges, learn from failures and continuously strive for personal growth and improvement. As each student is unique and their journey towards becoming responsible citizens will vary, I encourage them to discover their passions and embrace their strengths and find ways to contribute to society in their ways.

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“Each professor’s journey is unique and there are countless memorable and inspiring experiences. The joy of education lies in the potential to impact lives, contribute to knowledge, and inspire the next generation of learners and thinkers”

–Meera Aggarwal, Associate Professor and HoD-Mathematics, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar

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What are some common misconceptions students have about Math?

Many people falsely believe that Mathematics is innate — that some are born with the so-called ‘Math mind’ and not others. This misconception is bolstered by the claim that only an elite group of students possesses the capacity to do Math. However, this is a myth.

The other misconception is that it’s unrelated to the real world. Some students struggle to see the connections between Mathematics and real-life applications. But Mathematics is applied in various aspects of real life ranging from everyday activities to complex scientific and technological advancements.

One other misconception is that it’s about memorisation. Mathematics can be difficult. In school, I was fairly good in Math. I found that helping someone understand concepts was rewarding. Once a student understands the basic concepts everything falls into place. Concepts of logic and critical thinking learnt can be applied to everyday life. When students learn Math through memorisation, they miss out on developing critical thinking skills that are vital to being successful in Mathematics. Students need to have the ability to memorise formulae but also need to understand the concepts.

What advice would you give to students who want to succeed in your class?

Mathematics is a cumulative subject which means that only when your basics are strong you will be able to understand the more advanced concepts. So it’s important to have a solid understanding of fundamental concepts. When you understand the why and how of mathematical concepts you can apply them more effectively and adapt to different problem-solving situations. With dedication, practice, and a proactive approach, you can succeed in mathematics and develop a deeper appreciation for its applications.

Can you share any memorable or inspiring experiences you’ve had as a professor?

Each professor’s journey is unique and there are countless memorable and inspiring experiences. The joy of education lies in the potential to impact lives, contribute to knowledge, and inspire the next generation of learners and thinkers.

I remember the day when a student came to me; she found the subject daunting. Her fear of Mathematics had hurt her confidence and academic performance. I offered one-on-one guidance and breaking down complex math concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. She started achieving better grades which boosted her confidence. In the university exam, she secured the first position. Her journey from fearing Math to earning a top position not only transformed her life but also demonstrated the transformative power of dedication and support in education. Her success story continues to motivate and inspire students who may be grappling with their fear and doubts in the face of challenging subjects.

Any particular reason why you chose Statistics, Operation Research, Algebra, and Number Theory as your specialisation?

Specialising in these areas allows you to develop a well-rounded skill set that combines algebraic manipulation, statistical analysis, and optimisation techniques. This combination of skills can be highly valuable in tackling complex problems and making data-driven decisions.

Algebra provides a fundamental understanding of mathematical structures and techniques used in modelling and problem-solving. Statistics equips with the tools and methods for data analysis, inference, and decision-making.

Operation research focuses on optimising systems and processes using mathematical modelling and optimisation techniques.

Number Theory is fascinating. It has connections to other branches of Mathematics. The study of Number Theory often reveals unexpected relationships and insights that extend beyond the realm of numbers.

What have been your achievements at Apeejay?

I joined Apeejay as an assistant professor and at that time there were courses only related to Performing Arts. Gradually we started courses related to Commerce, Computers, Physiotherapy, Journalism, and Mass Communication. The Mathematics department caters to almost every course. I became Head of the Department. At present, I am Dean of Discipline, Timetable, and a Member Academic Committee.

I am also Member-Board of Studies in the Subject of Mathematics (PG) (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar); Member-Faculty of Sciences (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar); Member-Board of Moderation in the Subject of Mathematics (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar) and Member-Board of Studies in the Subject of Mathematics (UG) (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar).