Dr. Mona Kelsikar is presently serving as the Principal at HL College of Commerce, Ahmedabad. A doctorate in American Literature and an expert in Black American Women Studies, she has been instrumental in initiating numerous individual and group activities targeted towards holistic development of students. She has been the Chairperson of Board of Studies for Business Communication, Member of Welfare Board Committee and Board of Sports at Gujarat University. Also, Dr. Mona has presented and published research papers at National and International Conferences and Journals, and has co-authored three books on Communication. 

HL College of Commerce

What are the unique courses/ programs that the college offers?

“Short span courses and modern programs”

Apart from B.com and M.com, we offer some short-term certificate courses which help students prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, GPSC and CAT and for jobs in the Banking and finance sector, and for job interviews as well. We offer courses like Tally Advanced & Intermediate level, English Speaking & Communication, and Finishing School Courses on a regular basis. We are planning to offer Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics courses as well in the near future. 

What are the career options students have after pursuing these courses?

“Dynamic business perspectives and jobs in MNCs”

Our students can work as Accountants in private firms and in the Banking, Finance sector as well as Insurance Companies. They may also become entrepreneurs and become job providers rather than job seekers. We also create awareness about Professional courses like CA, CS, MBA, Actuarial Sciences and others. We have a very good rapport with TCS and with some private banks and we invite industry experts to provide information about various career opportunities and skill sets required for these careers. We have a tie-up with industries and banks for jobs as well. Students are given sufficient information to enable them to make informed choices and take decisions according to their own personal preferences. 

What, according to you, is the greatest strength of college? 

“Embarking students’ overall development and growth”

We help students to develop an all rounded personality. Apart from different courses, we have many extra-curricular activities that help develop leadership, team spirit and sportsmanship among them. These out-of-the-classroom activities help them to groom their personalities and professionalism. HL’ites have no stage fear and they are able to face problems and find innovative solutions. We make sure to hone their talents and skills. Our decentralized structure of leadership and responsibility sharing helps our students to grow up and face challenges.

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As the principal of college, what is your leadership philosophy?

“Appropriate guidance and support for development”

I believe in mentoring and facilitating the students instead of leading them. It is all about the necessary encouragement and guidance students require to develop their inner core strength to become leaders of tomorrow. This is my and the HL Philosophy. We want students to bring their own ideas to the table , develop these ideas and execute them. This is important because only then can they learn important life lessons. 

What changes have you undergone due to the current pandemic situation?

“Online shift for teaching and learning”

The mode of teaching has to move from Chalk & Talk to Digital Modes. For HLCC, the shift to pure online teaching was not a daunting task, as we have been using a combination of conventional and modern teachings like PPT and video presentations for a long time now. All our classrooms are already equipped with AV aids. Even our students have been using our ERP software, hence for them also, the online learning mode was a comfortable transition. Our faculties were quick to adapt to the MS Teams teaching platform which is very user friendly. Education today has changed for the better. I see blended learning as the norm for tomorrow due to its numerous advantages. 

What would you like people to know about your college that they may not? 

“A renowned college with world class amenities and growth opportunities”

In the India Today survey last year, we were ad-judged the Best College in India among all Commerce Colleges on the parameter “Value for Money”. We charge very nominal fees from students. But we provide the best learning experience in terms of education, infrastructure, facilities, opportunities for learning inside and outside the classroom and a wholesome college experience. We offer several growth opportunities as students take the onus of hosting in-numerable events and learn immensely through the experience. We help them to prepare for GPSC and CAT through our in-house coaching and training courses. 

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What suggestions do you have for the aspiring youth? 

“Change is the only constant”

The aspiring youth must understand that they have to be perceptive to change. They must stay motivated and proactive in their approach to achieve their career goals and sustain them. Adaptability is the quality each must possess in this competitive and changing environment. One has to enhance and improve one’s skill sets continuously.