Beyond the Textbook: How Prof. Dr. Jolly Jose is Leading a Real-World Research | Professor & Chair, Strategic Development, Research & Innovation, St. Aloysius University | Global TV
By NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Much of academic learning stays inside classrooms and research papers end up in bookshelves. But the real study connects directly with people and their everyday lives. Here, the community becomes the classroom, their problems become the lessons, and real change is the only result that matters. Prof. Dr. Jolly Jose, Professor & Chair, Strategic Development, Research & Innovation at St. Aloysius University shares long stories about real research that had created impact at the very ground they have been conducted and implemented.
Across the world, there are plenty of research works that had impacted the society positively. The problems are many times addressed by the people themselves. Dr. Jolly has many stories to share about real studies conducted in scorching sun in Noida, on migrant labour issues during Covid – 19, Children got lost in online life or searching the true meaning of Synodality with real time study at the hamlets of faraway stakeholders. Her work is simple in spirit yet powerful in action. It is not about theories or trends. It is about people, their voices, and their realities.
The Problem with “Mimicry”: Be Real, Not Repetitive
Prof. Dr. Jolly Jose has a clear observation about the academic research framework in India: “Real practice is not happening these days. People mimic what they want.” The reason is in lack of commitment to education and society she says. People are to be empowered and encouraged to do true work in the area of research. They should get exposure to real essence of research, its role in contributing to real knowledge and practice.
She points out that many researchers simply follow what is ‘trendy’ instead of connecting with the real world. For her, research is not for recognition or publication alone. It is for the society and its progress. True research, she says, must go beyond the classroom and touch human life in every form. When we move out of comfort zones, The people at the receiving end will become partakers of your research.
She often says that “football is much more expansive than the football itself.” It may sound unusual, but it carries a deep truth. Every subject, whether it is sports, economics, science or culture, opens doors to a larger understanding of life. It helps us see the links between people, society, and the wider world around us. There is scope for research everywhere there is a scope for improvement. It is plenty in Indian Context.
The Law of Participation: Knowledge Belongs to Everyone
Prof. Dr. Jolly Jose strongly believes in participatory research. She calls it the. a powerful methodology” In her words: “ It is executed on the grounded reality that ‘Every person has knowledge.” This means that everyone has something valuable to share. The researcher is not the only expert. The real knowledge comes from people who live the situation every day. This method begins by asking simple questions such as, “What is your major concern?” This question helps the community identify what truly matters to them.
She listens deeply and creates a map of the community’s reality. This map is not made through surveys alone, but through real conversations and mutual respect expressed by the community. This participatory approach is time consuming and the process leads the community to find solutions for their concerns. The community focused researchers task is to make them think in the right direction and often it can lead them to think that “You have to build it.” Building means forming trust, understanding people’s needs, and finding answers together. She also reminds us that even children can contribute to the participatory research significantly. They often reveal truths that adults may hide for various reasons. Their honesty and fresh perspective can bring light to issues that others choose to ignore.
Impact in Action: From Child Labor to Personal Purpose
Dr. Jolly Jose does not turn away from difficult subjects. She speaks about the issue of child labour. While many say there is no space for children, she observes that they are already working. She listens to what they say. “The children will say that, you know, there is one there.” She values their voice because it holds truth and insight that others may overlook. Her way of working also helps people discover purpose in their lives. She often uses three simple questions:
- What is the purpose of this?
- What do you want to do with it?
- How are you doing it?
These questions help people take responsibility for their own growth. She tells them to “sleep with your reality.” In other words, face your truth honestly before deciding whether to change it or stay with it.
Real Outcomes, Real Change
Dr. Jolly Jose is a guide whose work leaves visible marks on people and places. Her success is not in how many papers she publishes, but in how many lives she helps improve. She believes that research must always lead to real outcomes that people can see and feel.
Her message is clear. Stop copying. Start building. Live your passion for research. Listen to people and the surrounding. They have the knowledge. And always make sure that research walks the right path, the one that leads to a better life for all.
For Global TV, this story is a reminder that the most powerful revolutions do not happen in headlines. They happen quietly, where people like Dr. Jolly Jose continue their steady and sincere work; turning knowledge into action and action into outcome.
