Shaping Minds, Building Futures: A Conversation with Dr. Soheli Ghose

Dr. Soheli Ghose, Dean, Department of Commerce (Evening) at St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata, speaks to Corporate World about education, research, leadership, and lifelong learning.

In a quiet corner of Kolkata’s academic legacy, Dr. Soheli Ghose brings in a rare blend of wisdom, warmth and unwavering dedication. As the Dean of the Department of Commerce (Evening) at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata, she carries with her over two decades of teaching experience, a deep reservoir of research, and a heart firmly rooted in nurturing young minds.

With 13 books, over 60 research papers and multiple awards and recognition to her credit, Dr. Ghose has never stopped learning—and that is exactly what she passes on to her students. From mutual funds to inclusive finance, her academic journey has always been anchored in relevance and empathy. In this insightful conversation with Corporate World, she opens up about her leadership philosophy, the evolving landscape of commerce education, and what keeps her inspired, year after year.

Q.   As the Dean of the Department of Commerce, what key priorities guide your leadership strategy for the department?

My teaching philosophy is a blend of both modern and traditional pedagogy. I believe that the teaching and learning process cannot always be rigid and should instead be tailored to the needs of each student.

My teaching emphasises on the assimilation of knowledge and also joyful experiential learning. I follow a student-friendly curricular transaction which engages the students in the appropriate manner and focus on enhancing knowledge, critical thinking, and curiosity of students as these are the fundamental building blocks of higher education. Teachers should create an atmosphere where students can meet their full potential and blossom into the best version of themselves. Engaging the students in a dynamic and holistic curriculum is the best way to do so and is the foundation of my overall strategy.

Q.   How do you ensure that the academic programmes remain relevant and aligned with industry trends and future job markets?

To ensure that the academic programmes stay relevant, I actively monitor industry trends, engage with stakeholders and adapt curricula accordingly. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasises on regular reviews, incorporating industry feedback and fostering partnerships for real-world learning experiences.

From industrial visits to case competitions; research paper writing, mock trading sessions in the stock market to real-time portfolio building exercises, I strive to create a holistic learning environment for youngsters. Emphasis is also placed on soft skills through classroom discussions to prepare students for a dynamic job market.

Regular feedback from students and industry professionals helps in understanding evolving needs and expectations, which I then integrate into my teaching whenever possible. Practical, hands-on learning activities—such as case studies, simulations, and real-world projects—are central to ensuring students are workplace-ready.

Q. You have authored 13 books and published over 60 research papers on Indian financial markets and related topics. Which research area or project has been particularly meaningful to you, and why?

I have explored capital markets, mutual funds and derivatives extensively not only from the point of view of a researcher but also to understand the underlying issues pertaining to these areas. My research in mutual funds has been particularly meaningful as I have been able to decipher the patters of investments in mutual funds over the last 15 years and how this avenue of investment has been able to mobilise savings of investors falling in the mid income group.

Another area of research which has been of special interest to me is the investment pattern of the transgender individuals in our country. The path to their financial inclusion is still interspersed with many obstacles. I intend to understand and continue doing in depth research in this area as well.

Q.   What qualities do you believe are most important for today’s educators to effectively engage with students in commerce and finance?

I believe the primary role of an educator is to encourage our young minds to understand the importance of inclusivity and sustainability. Preparing young learners for a technology driven future is the need of the hour. There is a huge untapped realm of ‘fintech’ which should be explored. A strong understanding of ethical principles and their application in business is also crucial.

Fostering a sense of community and social entrepreneurship is another area where we should focus on. Educators today should equip their students with strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, along with a solid foundation in financial literacy, ethical decision-making, and technological proficiency. The business world is constantly evolving, so students must be able to adapt to new technologies and market conditions. These skills should be fostered in them by the educators.

Q.   What advice would you give to young scholars and aspiring educators who hope to follow a similar path of academic excellence and leadership?

Teaching and learning in an online and hybrid format is the future of education. Technology will enhance if not replace traditional classroom learning with new ways to explain topics. As educators we have to track, support, engage, and empathise with our students thereby encouraging them through self-guided high-quality content and pedagogical tools. There is a trend of specialization and customization in teaching which is gaining ground. Thus flexible content, better designed modules, self – paced learning are the needs of the hour. Interdisciplinary studies are more compelling and relevant for many subjects and students.

I also believe that young scholars and educators should continuously upgrade themselves in their respective domains to remain relevant in this dynamic academic environment. They should find new and innovative tools to motivate themselves as well as their students. As educators we must understand the importance of lifelong learning and research.

Q.   What keeps you motivated and passionate about teaching and research after all these years?

My passion for learning and sharing knowledge is the primary motivation which keeps me going after so many years. I have been teaching since the year 2003. Witnessing my students grow day by day and helping students achieve their potential has been an incredibly rewarding journey. A strong sense of purpose in contributing to society by shaping the next generation and fostering lifelong learning has been my driving force. I proactively seek out positive interactions with students, colleagues, and parents to reinforce my continued passion for teaching.

A natural curiosity to explore the unknown and understand the dynamic world around me has always been a driving force. There's a deep desire to find practical solutions, particularly in areas like financial inclusion, market dynamics, and investment patterns. My research is guided by a commitment to addressing social issues as meaningfully as possible. Over the years, I’ve strived to ensure that teaching and research complement each other in a holistic and purposeful way. The journey toward lifelong learning and self-actualization remains a path I look forward to continuing for many more years.