Dr. Safia Farooqui’s educational and career graph has never been a straight line. She was a scholar in academics during her schooling period but in college, she shifted more towards a society enthusiast who wanted to bring some change in society. During her graduation, she was more inclined towards college events, fest, and societies, and eventually, she chose certificates and experiences over marks and grades. She was also selected as Ms. Fresher during her Post Graduation MA in English under the Faculty of Arts, BHU.

Currently, she is the professor and director at Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Centre for Online Learning. Dr. Safia Farooqui engages in an exclusive interaction with the Women Entrepreneur Magazine.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience.

My educational and career graph has never been a straight line. In fact, it has so many highs and so many lows. From being a scholar student at School to becoming a society enthusiast at university, things have changed obviously. During my graduation, I was more inclined towards college events, fest, and societies and eventually, I chose certificates and experiences over marks and grades.

But above all, I have always managed to balance my hobbies and academics, and that's the reason I have earned a First Division Position in MA as well as in MBA despite all the social work and responsibilities. Looking back at my journey, I always feel proud and grateful for everything I have achieved so far.

What are some key business lessons that you learned through your prior experience? How has your Alma Mater, BHU shaped you as a business leader?

College life provides stability to the mind in making choices that were missing earlier. School days had a swinging mind, minds swing between choices like one day decided to choose this as a carrier other day choice was totally different. This is clearly a result of a lack of clarity and stability. But college life provides this stability in choices and hence gifts one with perseverance. Small successes make one feel I know everything. This makes you like people who praise you, pampers you in your comfort zone, and makes your living zone smaller. But college life makes you realize you alone cannot have all the talent and in fact, others have mastered those talents but still are not recognized.

These are the inevitable lessons taught in one’s college life and the impact may vary but these changes cannot be avoided. Though these changes do happen in college life as mentioned lucky ones feel and recognize them. If they are recognized it actually makes you realize yes you can change, you are ready for changes and that’s the ultimate requirement.

Tell us about some of the most critical challenges you have had to face as an educator. What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks that you encounter?

There’s no doubt that it’s harder to keep Staff members focused and energetic during today’s economic climate. The motivation of staff becomes challenging especially when the organization has considerably changed the job roles of the staff or has lessened the levels of hierarchy.

"Be Fearless Because Fear Stops Us From Achieving Our Dream"

What would be your advice to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

The most important piece of advice I would like to give fellow females is to have confidence and move quickly with your ideas. You are only going to live once therefore always do your best. Think fast and talk slowly. Be fearless because fear is what stops us from our dreams and never let that stop you. I learned this from my energetic inspiring boss honourable respected Dr. Smita Jadhav madam. Her values of compassion and understanding as well as determination inspired me in my own struggle and continue to be a source of inspiration for me today.

Dr. Safia Farooqui, Professor/Director, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Centre For Online Learning

Dr. Safia Farooqui has decades of experience in teaching and Learning. She has spent a lot of time researching how to become an effective teacher and ultimately, she became the one. She believes that her responsibilities are not just curriculum & teaching but also managing classrooms & learners’ engagement.

Quick facts:

• Educational Qualification:

• MA in English, LLB, LLM,

• MBA-HR & IT, Ph.D.

• Diploma in Japanese Management.

• Certificate in Business Analytics.

• Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing.

• Headquarters & Other Office Locations:

• Director Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Centre for Online Learning, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri- Pune-411018

Awards of Recognitions won so far:

• India Prime Award 2022 Best Education and Social Leadership award 2022.

• International Society for Scientific Network Awards.

• International Best Researcher Award 4th June 2022.

• Global Faculty Award 2021 International Faculty Award 2021.

• Global Faculty Conclave Awards on 15th January 2022.