An interview with

Ms. Anuroopa Dixit,
Programme Co-ordinator, DAAD

Bhoomika: Tell us something about your association with JNU. When did you join, which centre, etc?
Ms. Anuroopa Dixit: I joined JNU in 1986 in the 5 years Integrated M.A. course in German in the Center of German Studies, School of Languages. After my Master's I continued to do my M.Phil. I came from a science background. Literature and history were altogether new subjects for me. Although it was a new line, it turned out to be very interesting. I went to Germany during this course with a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), where I am currently employed. This further helped me to acquire more skills and confidence.

Bhoomika: Tell us something about your work.
Ms. Anuroopa Dixit: I work with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). DAAD is a joint organisation of German institutions of higher education and student bodies. The main aim is to promote academic co-operation world wide, especially through the exchange of students, scholars, academicians, and scientists. I work here in the capacity of Coordinator Programmes. I am responsible for the flagship scholarship programmes of the DAAD.

Bhoomika: How has JNU shaped your perception in relation to your profession?
Ms. Anuroopa Dixit: I am proud to say that my current professional and personal being has been shaped entirely by two important parts of my life. First my parents and then the educational institutions I have attended namely my school Kendriya Vidyalaya and Jawahlarlal Nehru University. I must say that JNUites do well in all walks of life and profession.

Bhoomika: Is there anything in your life which can be dedicated to JNU?
Ms. Anuroopa Dixit: There is a lot that the university has given me. The sense of propriety instilled by the institution takes an individual a very long way in life. As someone has said education is that shadow, which always follows you. There always is a bit of JNU around me. JNU's values have stayed with me.

Bhoomika: Which aspects of JNU do you like the most?
Ms. Anuroopa Dixit: The clean environs, the friendly political processes. Furthermore the continuous evaluation system and the informal teaching are the aspects that are most appealing to me. I met my husband (my friend, philosopher and guide) in JNU. I think that is the best gift JNU gave me!

Bhoomika: Have you visited JNU recently? What changes did you notice?
Ms. Anuroopa Dixit: I was in JNU thrice this year. I attended the Alumni get-together. I was also present for the two DAAD Info Sessions in held May and August. The campus looked as beautiful as ever. There are a lot more cars, which does not do a lot of good to the campus environment. I noticed that there are many more buildings. The class rooms look very different now. There is more technology too. There is a lot more security. In all the campus has lost some of its quiet atmosphere.

Bhoomika: What message would you like to give to the JNU students?
Ms. Anuroopa Dixit: Imbibe as much as you can from the university. JNU is a premier educational institution of international repute. Make the best of it. Student life is for shaping your future. Do not waste this valuable time.

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