Dr. Phalguni Gupta is currently serving as the Vice Chancellor at GLA University, Mathura. Having a rich experience in teaching, academic administration and management, he has been working for the development of higher education with extensive leadership and dedication. He started his career in 1983 by joining the Space Applications Center, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a Scientist and was involved in the software development for the first Indian remote sensing satellite. In 1987, he joined at the Department of Computer Science & Engineering of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and superannuated as a Professor in 2019. He worked as the Director of National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Kolkata for six years. 

GLA University

How does the curriculum of GLA University ensure the best practice of industry?

“Keeping academic component imbibed with training and skill development”

We have internship programs; value added courses and many other activities that keep the vigour of the institution high. A student is provided with a mentor to look after his day-to-day issues inside the campus, and students and faculty get together to work on innovative projects and research activities. Seminars, workshops and industrial training act as facilitators to reduce the skill gap to make students ready for the job. We have various interest clubs run by students where they can work on interpersonal and team building skills as well. 

What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

“A new plan to improve freedom of choosing subjects”

Major and minor subjects are planned to be introduced in technical courses like B. Tech. A student who is studying electronics as a main subject would get an opportunity to learn Computer Science so that he has good chances of getting not only into the IT industry but also of working opportunity in inter-disciplinary programmes. Thus, getting better opportunities and a high number of job availability on campus through this unique pedagogy. 

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What are some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education?

“Better professional outcomes and industry collaborations”

Unemployment levels are higher than ever. In my opinion, what needs to change is the job mentality of students as well as parents. The spirit of entrepreneurship should be inculcated from the very beginning because in this world where the face of the industries is changing every day, it will be difficult for someone to survive solely on skills he learnt in college/university. More focus should be on hand-on and practical learning. Also, a major challenge for institutions of higher education is to maintain strong ties with the industry and training. 

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“Giving back best to the society”

An academic leader should be inclusive and should look after the welfare of everyone in the society. As an educationalist, I wish to inculcate a strong foundation of educated youth to lead this nation. A leader must not only look after the basic requirements of students and staff, but also provide them with opportunities to seek leadership themselves in small teams and groups, and develop values to serve the community.

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 05 years?

“More industrial alliance and fetching professional experts to educate students”

For the next five years, we aspire to have good relations with the industry, especially the smaller and medium businesses, so that we can prepare our students according to the jobs in demand. I strive to include GLA University into the list of well known and recognised universities in the country with a strong intellectual background. Also, my aim has been to focus on getting young and passionate faculty with specialized qualifications that can engage with the students and bring newer perspectives to the table.

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the aspiring students?

“Be innovative in your own way”

I would advise not only the student but also the faculty to not be blinded by having a job. Use more of your brains and increase your analytical abilities, be more research oriented and see how happy it makes you when you solve a problem on your own. Creativity is your most personal asset; imply it in your own way.