Mr R Upendra Shetty is the Chairman at Universal Group of Institutions, Bengaluru, Karnataka. He is a renowned name in the education field and business. He has a Masters degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, Diploma in Film Direction and PG Diploma in Computer application. His talent and expertise have made him a young business leader. He is also the founder trustee for Universal Charitable Centre (UCC) and has empowered around 7000 UCC students. He has bagged several awards for his contribution in many fields and he is a major contributor to CSR Activities.

Universal Group of Institutions

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“Being empathetic and inclusive for the betterment of workplace conditions in my Institute”

For me, leadership doesn't only mean directing or ordering but also motivating students to achieve their goal. I work towards understanding myself to strengthen every component of leadership. I also believe in influencing students with logic, emotion and cooperative character so that the students learn and build leadership qualities which will be helpful for them to build their personality.

How does the curriculum of Universal Group of Institutions ensure the best practice of industry?

“Our curriculum is planned to meet academic excellence and provide training to young civil service aspirants”

 While UCC offers classroom coaching and guidance for IAS/IPS/IFS at a post-degree stage, USA provides an Integrated Course which is a unique blend of a Graduate course (BA, B.COM and BA LLB 5 Year Course) and Civil services mentorship program. Our mission in the USA is to provide a focussed, fast-tracked and well-structured program so that students can enter into the elite 'Top-100' category in competitive exams like IAS /IPS/ IFS by polishing their skills and honing personalities.

What do you think should be the Institute's top priority over the next 10 years?

“Providing students with a platform to guide them in preparation for Civil Service exams”

I would want more and more students to identify their goal for serving the nation at a very early age. 10 years down the line, I want a maximum number of students to join our institution so that we get an opportunity to help shape their future. We are planning to introduce online certificate courses in the subject of Management, Environment, Leadership and Human Rights. The introduction of these courses online will help students to get certification through online mode. Planning is also going on for introducing one of the important courses of civil service exam i.e. 'Ethics and Integrity.

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What has been your vision for the institute?

“Earnest desire to build up an institution where education is blended with colours of human values”

The vision at Universal Group of Institutions is to offer holistic development to students. Giving them an environment with versatile exposure towards competitive examinations conducted by central and the state governments like IAS & IPS, SSC, KAS among others. Apart from this, the vision is also to make UGI the premier hub for training, coaching and producing skilful youth. 

The ultimate goal is to produce a new generation with critical minds and champions of change who can contribute to the policy-making of the country.

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

“Helping aspiring students crack the civil services examination and allowing holistic development”

Very few educational institutions in our country have given importance to integrated education with training for civil service after higher secondary. Preparing for one of the toughest exams need patience, perseverance and determination. Our institution inspires students to achieve these goals without having to compromise their graduation degree. In addition to this, the institution also takes care of students' passion and hobbies which are essential prerequisite for a healthy life. 

What do you see as Universal Group of Institutions' greatest strengths?

“Competent faculty and state-of-the-art infrastructure are the key strengths of our institute”

Integrated concept is the strength of the Institution. Our experienced faculties and administrative teams are our greatest strength. Continuous evaluation of students through the mentorship programme, regular test series and other co-curricular activities are also our strengths. 

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What are some of the biggest challenges for higher education?

“The originality in research in higher education has been seen to be deteriorating” 

 As the world is moving very fast, there are perks of living in an environment dominated by technology but the flip side it has bought cannot be ignored. In the education field, the search for knowledge has comparatively diminished due to the easy availability of resources. We can see students lacking critical thinking due to the easy availability of the reading materials and assignments. They do not push their innate capabilities for true research and analysis. This is the biggest challenge that can be witnessed in higher education. Another biggest challenge is that students are in a race to reach the goal without wanting to go through any difficulty or pressure. 

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“The youth today should generate intense interests to enhance their knowledge”

 APJ Abdul Kalam once said, "Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success". There are a lot of distractions today due to which the youth is unable to decide the right path for themselves. The youth needs proper guidance and direction. I would like them to know that ‘all of you are special’ and everyone has the unique potential to fulfil their aspirations.