ABSTRACT
Research in academics, particularly in higher education, needs to remain vigilant about changes in the environment related to its domain. By conducting formal research on variations from the perspective of different stakeholders and incorporating multiple paradigms, a continuous stream of outcomes is derived, making research an ongoing and evolving process. For an academic, research is a passion, a comprehensive exploration of subject domains from all angles, aimed at expressing outcomes in a simplified and impactful manner. This process has played a vital role in the progress of humanity. Recognizing this, apex bodies and regulators of higher education in India, like the University Grants Commission (UGC), have consistently promoted a research culture across the country. Alongside the UGC, many institutions have funded a wide array of major and minor research projects. Simultaneously, these institutions have prioritized the development of a proper orientation toward the conduct of research through their Research Capacity Building (RCB) programs. Academic Staff Colleges of universities – now renamed Human Resource Development Centres (HRDCs) and recently rebranded as Malaviya Mission – Teacher Training Centres (MMTTCs) – have been organizing refresher programs and short-term courses to keep the teaching community abreast with research advancements relevant to their domains. However, earlier, access to such programs was largely limited to professional teachers, making it difficult for research scholars aspiring to enter academic research to benefit from them.
