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Dr. Shraddha Arya
Coordinator - DSW Cell VGU, Jaipur |
In contemporary higher education, the emphasis has shifted from knowledge acquisition alone to the comprehensive development of students as balanced individuals. At Vivekananda Global University (VGU), this philosophy is deeply embedded in institutional practice through the seamless integration of sports, academics, leadership development, and student well-being. Inspired by the timeless vision of Swami Vivekananda, who advocated harmony between physical strength and intellectual excellence, the university views sports not as an extracurricular option but as an essential pillar of holistic education.
Vivekananda Global University firmly believes that a healthy body is fundamental to a sharp and disciplined mind. By embedding sports into everyday campus life, the university ensures that physical activity becomes a constructive educational tool rather than a peripheral recreational pursuit. Regular engagement in sports enhances students concentration, memory retention, discipline, and time-management abilities skills that are critical for academic success in a competitive learning environment.
The university supports student-athletes through academic flexibility and institutional recognition, enabling them to pursue excellence in both classrooms and competitive arenas. This balanced approach reinforces the understanding that physical education complements intellectual development, fostering students who are not only academically competent but also physically resilient and mentally focused.
Beyond physical fitness, sports at Vivekananda Global University play a transformative role in nurturing leadership and life skills. Team sports, inter-university competitions, and the organization of sporting events provide students with experiential learning opportunities that extend far beyond theoretical instruction. In these dynamic environments, students naturally develop essential leadership qualities such as teamwork, strategic thinking, decision-making, accountability, and emotional resilience.
Leadership roles including team captains, student sports coordinators, and club leaders empower students to manage diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and perform under pressure. These real-world experiences instill confidence, ethical responsibility, and a growth mindset, preparing students to emerge as capable leaders in their professional careers and social communities.
Student well-being is a core priority at Vivekananda Global University, particularly in an era marked by academic pressure and rising mental health challenges. Regular participation in sports and physical activities serves as a natural and effective stress reliever, contributing to improved mental health, emotional stability, and overall quality of life.
The university promotes inclusive and accessible sports programs that encourage participation from students of all backgrounds and abilities, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community. State-of-the-art sports infrastructure, professional coaching, and structured wellness initiatives support physical fitness while emphasizing nutrition awareness, preventive healthcare, and healthy lifestyle practices. This comprehensive approach ensures that students develop emotional resilience alongside academic competence.
Alignment with National Education Policy 2020 and Quality Frameworks, Vivekananda Global University’s holistic integration of sports, academics, leadership, and well-being aligns closely with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, experiential education, and student-centric development. The university’s model also resonates with national quality benchmarks such as NAAC and NIRF, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable educational practices.
By nurturing physically fit, mentally strong, and socially responsible individuals, the university prepares its students to contribute meaningfully to society. This integrated educational ecosystem reflects the belief that true learning extends beyond textbooks, shaping individuals who lead healthy, purposeful, and impactful lives.
Through its progressive and value-driven approach, Vivekananda Global University exemplifies how higher education institutions can successfully integrate sports with academics, leadership development, and student well-being. Rooted in the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and aligned with national educational priorities, VGU’s holistic model ensures that students graduate not only as skilled professionals but also as balanced, confident, and conscientious citizens ready to face global challenges with strength, wisdom, and integrity.