The soul of a university lies in its creative spirit

Universities have always been viewed as sanctuaries of knowledge, guardians of intellectual heritage, and catalysts of social advancement.

- BIJU DHARMAPALAN

However, underlying these functions is a profound obligation-universities are fundamentally creative institutions. They are not simply stores of information or vocational training centres, but dynamic environments where creativity is fostered, curiosity is appreciated, and novel opportunities emerge. Creativity is not a supplementary aspect of the university ethos; it is its fundamental core. In its absence, colleges fear transforming into sterile credentialing factories, yielding graduates who may possess skills yet lack genuine education.

Transcending knowledge dissemination

The prevailing view of universities frequently centres on their function in disseminating knowledge. Students enrol to gain knowledge from faculty, develop subject-specific proficiency, and graduate with degrees that assure employment opportunities. This role is essential, yet inadequate. In an era where knowledge is readily accessible through online repositories and artificial intelligence tools, institutions must provide more than mere information dissemination.

That 'something' is creativity-the capacity to enquire, to link concepts across borders, and to reconceptualise problems and their resolutions. Creativity transmutes raw knowledge into invention, art, critical thought, and societal transformation. An institution that confines itself to rote memorisation or mechanical skill acquisition undermines its fundamental mission. Creativity empowers students and researchers to not only comprehend the world but also to re-envision and transform it.

The university as a creative ecosystem