Prof. Dr. Nirmal Kumar, J. I is presently working as Principal of the Institute of Science and Technology for Advanced Studies and Research (ISTAR). He also teaches a Post-graduation course in Environmental Science and Technology and Ph. D-courses and guiding research projects at Ph.D. and Masters Level. He completed 31 years in research and 28 years of teaching experience, 12 major research projects, guided 18 PhDs ( Sardar Patel University) His fields of interest are Wetland Pollution Monitoring, Bioremediation & Biodegradation, Nanoscience, Biodiversity, Restoration Ecology, Forestry. He has published about 200 research papers in National and International peer-reviewed journals.

ISTAR Vallabh Vidyanagar

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“We ensure fair, multidisciplinary, and quality education to the students and satisfaction and job placement of students”

Teaching and research are my passions. Since finishing my Ph.D., I’ve been related to the education sector. As a teacher, I don’t just teach students, I even have to stay upskilling and learn the present trends. Ensuring fair, multidisciplinary and quality education, Learning From Best Practices, New Quality Assessments are some of the key factors that keep me connected with the education sector. 

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“I am a sincere team leader who knows the way to admire and respect others”

 I prefer to remain involved and encourage my faculty by showing that I’m working hands-on to assist them, too. I’m a Team Leader who knows the way to respect them. So I can proudly claim my style as ‘Participative Leadership’. My vision is to “Prepare all students for successful future Citizens of India”. As an academic leader, I even have a responsibility to line high standards for teaching and learning. These standards are set through the vision. 

How do you plan for the marketing and administration of your college?

“Programs focus on international, national and industrial exposure”

The aim of the strategizing is to develop a program that provides technical skill learning and equal access to quality education to prepare each individual for future life, promote employment in industrial sectors, personal and professional development. Besides, special attention is paid to develop entrepreneurial skills, promoting intellectual, extra and co-curricular activities, active learning, popularization of a healthy lifestyle, etc. 

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What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institute?

“Personal Development, Communication Skills, Creativity”

We have compiled an inventory of the best skills or inbound gain of students learning outside of the classroom mentioned below.

  1. Improving Project Management Skills: Participating in internships and training, students gain project management & technical skills which will only be learned through practical experience. Students need these skills because they’ll use them life-long, on the work and off.
  2. Personal Development: Personal development does not stop after graduation, but the years spent in college are critical for individual growth such as communication skills, interpersonal communication, listening & speaking, multitasking, confidence building, etc are great opportunities for personal growth and development.
  3. Communication Skills: If there is anything that comes close to being as important as education, it is students' communication like soft-spoken, listening, present, undertaking others, effective public speaking, effective writing skills, etc.

How does the curriculum of the institution ensure the best practice of industry?

“Our curriculum of all courses is a blend of theory and industry practices”

We use business simulations, real-time case studies, live projects, industrial practices, and pedagogical practices like multiple learning systems and proper evaluation to make sure our students are well equipped to become industry managers and leaders. ISTAR focuses on many areas namely post-graduation teaching and learning, experiential labs, multidisciplinary learning, research and development, entrepreneurship, analytics, etc. 

How could your institute be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

“Diversity is connected to how warm the administration and faculty are”

First, we need to recognize that diversity comes in all different ways; socio-economic, race, religion, sexuality, gender, and many more. As educators, we always want our programs to expose all students to varying perspectives and ideas. These multidisciplinary and diversity programs as mentioned above invite students from different states of India (about 125) and students from other countries to break out of their comfort zone and explore M.Sc. programs in our institute. The Government of Gujarat also provides scholarships to socially backward and economically backward students (SC, ST, OBC), so more than 300 students every year from economic backgrounds pursue M.Sc. programs in our institute.

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What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the institute and the students are?

“It is my responsibility to look after all higher-level operations in a college”

Overall, my responsibilities include:

  • Administrative arrangements for students’ classroom teaching 
  • Directly dealing with the management, attending meetings, and implementing policy given by management
  • Comprehensive understanding of the national education system and its regulations 
  • Ensure a safe and clean environment for the campus (e.g. implementing hygiene rules)
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities 
  • Foster a healthy learning environment for our students 
  • General administration and overall supervision of all teaching programs
  • General Administration of College