The Artistic Alchemy

Unleashing the transformative potential of professional education

- Saumya Kumar

NEHRU famously wrote The Discovery of India while imprisoned between 1942 and 1945 at the Ahmednagar Fort. The Discovery of India chronicles not just the history, but also the culture and philosophy of an ancient nation. It references the Upanishads and the Vedas and also documents the Indus Valley Civilisation. It shares history with much ease as it comments on the sociopolitical scenario of the times. Nehru, however, was not, strictly speaking, a historian. He was a lawyer by training and a statesman, freedom fighter, and later a politician, by choice. His erudition though, went far beyond the hats he wore. He was well read and each of his roles informed the others.

In the decades since, the landscape of education has evolved vastly. And for the better in most parts. There are a host of choices available and opportunities have proliferated. Specialised courses exist in all disciplines imaginable. You could think of a course, and someone somewhere is likely to be teaching it.

However, in a world where professional courses often emphasise technical skills and specialised knowledge, I have had a growing realisation that a more holistic approach to education can unlock untapped potential. As a strategist who has worked with start-ups, recruitment companies and incubators for start-ups, and also as an ardent believer in the transformative power of the arts, I feel compelled to advocate for the integration of the arts like music, theatre, fine arts, and more into professional courses. Through the course of my professional journey, I have given more than just a thought to how the infusion of artistic disciplines can enrich the lives and careers of individuals pursuing professional education. I've tried to summarise how I believe the arts can add tremendous value to those pursuing professional courses.

Unleashing Creativity and Critical Thinking