It is perhaps too well known to students, parents and educators alike that the Indian higher education system is highly competitive. While some competition may be unavoidable, the question is - are some aspects of this competitive environment unnecessary, or even toxic? In this article, biology researcher and educator Anil Kumar Challa, from the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi NCR presents a perspective on why a collaborative environment is better than a competitive one.

Students face many dilemmas and uncertainties as they commence their journeys towards a fulfilling career. A little guidance from someone who had once been in their shoes might be just what they need to get started in the right direction. In this article, educator Charu Dogra Rawat and student Gunwant Singh Atwal from Ramjas College, University of Delhi, write about an initiative with a similar purpose – an alumni-student mentorship programme that they and their colleagues started in the College.