Experience in Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India by Anukriti

Generally, what is Tata Institute of Social Sciences like?

It was one of the best two years of my life. It is a place to make lifelong friends and carry back plethora of knowledge. It will change the way you think, the way you perceive things. There's a little something for everyone. The institute sees Indians from every background, community, culture, religion and language. And they all put behind their differences behind in their common pursuit of education. It is one of the best known and well respected institutes in India. It is known for being socialist in approach unlike the highly commercialized IITs and IIMs. I love the place for its idealistic ideologies that this generation is too busy to pursue

What are the facilities like?

The campus is lush green, probably the only place with such huge open spaces in Mumbai. There are many hostel and academic building with big spacious classrooms. There is a 5 floor library with a dedicated floor to cyber library. The e resources subscribes to all the major journals and publications. The classrooms are not air conditioned but the library is. There are plenty of hostels and a guest house. There is a centre for conferences and a huge auditorium for functions. There is an amphitheatre as well.

What are the tutors like?

The tutors are renowned personalities in their fields with rich and vast experience. There's a mix of working professionals from the industry to give practical relevance, researchers to foster theories strongly and international speakers to bring in a global perspective.

Are the lessons easy in Tata Institute of Social Sciences?

There are 18 courses in the institute, with easy and tough subjects in each.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

There is always something going on at TISS. There are annual events within each of the 5 schools and an overall annual awards function. There are dramatic and musical events, cultural events, educational events, elections for students union. Participation is open to all and there's an electric feel and energy throughout the year on campus.

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

Yes, definitely. On walks away at the end of two years richer in thought and personality because the teachers not only teach but inspire.

Are there any stories you can share?

Last year, TISS adopted a slum and to further its cause, it was decided to collect data from the households regarding facilities, expenditure and income of the area. For this, it called on all members of the staff, student body and admin to come together for a week and collect data everyday in the slums. It was a massive exercise that everyone took upon themselves and rigorously worked for a week. This is just one example of the umpteen things TISS selfless undertakes but never comes in the NEWS for because that's not the purpose.