Anurag Gangal's Story
About Me
Coming from a family of teachers. Even during the time of British rule, some of our ladies were also teachers in schools. My great grand father, grand father and my father and my mother were also teachers, My father was a Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. I always wanted to be a university teacher. My second priority was to be a journalist. I studied at government model schools in Hindi medium at Delhi/New Delhi till 1976. Then I joined Delhi University main campus for doing B.A. (Honours), M.A., M.Phil. in political Science with specialisation in International Politics, New International Economic Order, South Asia and Application of Gandhian Philosophy to problems of international politics. My Ph.D. on "Gandhi and the Establishment of a Peaceful World Order" was obtained from Agra College, Agra University, Agra, U.P., India. I started as a Lecturer in ARSD College, Delhi University in 1984. Joined Jammu Univ: in 1985 as Lecturer; 1998 as Associate Professor; 2006 as Professor.
Most Rewarding Moment
1. When I do not deliberately teach but students are still able to learn in a casual atmosphere through informal interaction. 2. When a number of old students keep in touch with me even after leaving the institution. 3. When, after class lecture, the entire class vocally says "Thank you, Sir" with a sense of self-satisfaction on their faces.
Most Challenges facing by students
They want short cuts, ready-made material and accurate print-outs and Photostat copies instead of reading books in the library. They want immediate results. Mutual faith between students and teachers is also in a state of dwindling base.
My priorities
Class lectures, administrative work, communications, consultation work, self-learning, maintenance of institutional discipline, research guidance, research work, editing research journal, review work, departmental meetings, Board meetings and Council meetings, interaction with civil society, meeting UG and PG students, field work and also media etc. will have to be arranged on daily basis -- depending on the then context of priority. The first priority is generally given to class lectures and research and important meetings.
My inspiring personality
I do not believe in having role models.Yet, there are quite a few exceptional persons and teacher like personalities who have influenced me and still guide me in my life. First, it is my father, Professor S. C. Gangal, my mother, Smt Saroj Gangal, my teacher like friend, Mr Ashutosh Magotra, my teachers Prof. Frank Thakur Das, Mr William Titus, Shri Surendra Kumar and my Gurus of YSS/SRF and their teachings.
My father always said that a teacher has no boss. All my other teachers, Gurus and teacher like friends have helped solve my problems of life and inspired me to live happily. My wife, Dr Renu Gangal, has taught me to live a fuller life with having more patience and bravery too.
Outlook about way to raise quality education
Introduction of ICT to education, infrastructure and human resource up gradation, more facilities to students and teachers and regular updating of curricula and syllabi are welcome features of Indian Educational Policy and priorities. Quality of education can be genuinely maintained only when quantitative aspects are not made the basis of quality education. This has to be given top priority.
Way to motivate Students
Continuous learning, use of ICT, passion for one's own discipline and highlighting the ubiquitous nature of political science alongwith conducting relevant research helps all of us remain motivated.
Unique way of teaching
Teachers must not teach. Instead, they must set examples of self-learning and their own way of life. Students will tend to follow what they see. Yes, teachers can sit and interact with students on regular basis but not through formal class lectures. Natural learning climate and atmosphere and environment is necessary.
Outlook about increase students’ participation
Earn, work and study must go together for all and every student and citizen.
Family Background
Ours is a family of teachers. My great grandfather and great grandmother were teachers. Grandfather was also Principal of a school. My father was a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. My mother was also a teacher in a college of education. My wife is a Principal of a college of education. My son is doing his M.B.A. I am a Professor at Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, Jammu, J&K, India. I am also a Director, Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, Jammu University. Earlier, I was also the Head of Department, Department of Political Science, Jammu University.
My Advice
Every student and teacher of political science alongwith practitioner of politics must be deeply entrenched in political thought. The basic and traditional areas of political science mus be studied religiously despite the emergence of new fields like gender studies, political sociology, political ecology, political economy, modernism, post-modernism, post-post-modernism etc. Indeed, political science is a master science for it is at the apex and base of every other activity.
Important Lesson
High Moral Character is a must in institutions and professional work. Conflict free work culture -- as far as possible -- is required. A mechanism has to be there to resolve matters relating to frustration and conflicts in institutions. Regular promotions must be provided. Honesty, openness, hard work, creativity and innovation and tension free atmosphere must be encouraged. Initiative taking and an attitude of caring for general well being is necessary for the academic and institutional leader and chief executive. Efficiency and excellence must always be there. Best of facilities will have to be provided to all employees for best results. Hard work does not mean no rest and no pleasure.
Strongest Subject
My strongest subject is 'problems of international politics and finding probable solutions' and relating philosophy and political thought to concurrent challenges of life. Being involved with this exercise gives me lot of strength and work satisfaction.
Future of Indian Education System
Paradigmatic dynamism and ubiquity of political science and especially international politics is apparent in political and other type of decision making at local, national, regional and global levels. Example of European Union is emerging for posterity to follow. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) are becoming technologically more fatal for prospective genocides. Yet, efforts for global peace and development are also seeing newer heights. Life is becoming technologically superior but dangerous too. More than 1.3 billion people are still starving in addition to millions of undernourished population of the world. Majority of the people are living the life of a Hell in this spaceship Earth. Nearly 80% human beings are living like this today. When and how will the present-day widening reach of globalisation, liberalisation and democratisation improve the life of the billions of poor people in the world ? These challenges bringing massive changes in the nature and study of politics.
Favorite Non-Academic books
Several non-academic books such as George Orwell's 1984; Bhabani Sengupta's Chief Minister. Books by Mahadevi Verma, Jaishanker Prasad and Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore etc. Short stories by Maupassant etc. Another book by Paramhansa Yoganand, Autobiography of a Yogi. Then a number of biographies and autobiographies. Almost every word written and spoken by Mahatma Gandhi.
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