Himgiri Zee University

Dr. Rakesh Ranjan is the Vice Chancellor at Himgiri Zee University, Dehradun. Dr. Rakesh Ranjan holds the degree of B.E., M.EPh.D. from BITS Pilani and has more than 28 years of teaching and research experience at Indian and foreign Universities. He brings the diverse learning experience with him to share it with his students and help them uplift their learning standards. Read here what he has to say in his interview. 

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

“Teaching and learning have been an age-old noble profession in India”

The education sector has been more challenging and satisfying than ever, in recent times, due to innovation and technological development. Keeping pace with changing scenarios and growing aspirations, grooming young ones to be technologically competent, pragmatic, ethical, and good human beings keep you connected with the education sector. Nothing can be more satisfying than seeing a smile on the student's faces when they understand the concepts when you try to transfer knowledge in the classroom.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

"Knows the Way, Shows the way and Goes the way"

The goal is set for the University, Faculty, and staff to achieve milestones and goals with the freedom to experiment by choosing their path. Remote monitoring to feedback for the corrective measures is embedded in our philosophy for the ease of achieving goals.

How do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your school?

“We ensure to create a well-planned structure in every vertical”

While strategies for the university's critical programs are driven to meet the demand and supply, specific programs are planned for society's long-term effects. Such programs are envisaged to change the thinking of society and bring prosperity in general. Marketing strategy is embedded for effective teaching. It is thought that the word of mouth publicity is long-lasting and is more credible. However, marketing during admission time is planned to make an immediate impression through digital, print, and Social media among the prospective audience. 

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How does the curriculum of Himgiri Zee University ensure the best practice of the industry?

“Students learn by practically implementing what they have learned in the classrooms”

The academia-Industry interface ensures to receive feedback from industry professionals and try to fit in the curriculum. Regular industry visits and lecture series of industry people make the students familiar with industry requirements and bridge the gap between aspiration and reality.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

“We believe diversity brings vast learning opportunities”

The University has a diverse composition of students from different races, cultures, demography, and economic backgrounds. The campus is like a bunch of different flowers in one garden. The culture is such that the students respect each other and learn from different backgrounds, races, and languages. It enriches the necessary understandings and develops respectability for each other.

What do you think should be the College’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“We have a two-five years plan that aims to become a university with global standing”

In the first five years, the university has decided to acquire NAAC, ABET, and other accreditations, strengthen faculty, develop the project, consultancy, research, and entrepreneur incubation. The next five years will be devoted to improving ranking and grading from accrediting agencies. It is also envisaged to develop the university as academic and research-centric with sizeable publication in international level and quantum inflow of project/consultancy. The Board of Studies and Academic Council will attract members from the student’s community, society, and industries to make the curriculum and decision making at Himgiri Zee University realistic, pragmatic, and contemporary.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for Himgiri Zee University specifically?

“Changing the perception of the society is a persisting challenge”

Higher education's biggest challenge is to change the perception of society to tag degrees as a gateway to jobs rather than knowledge enhancers. Our persistent effort to change the perception among the parents highlights that getting a job is a by-product of the knowledge acquired and overall grooming you received.

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

“Students should explore in every dimension and put emphasis on learning”

As a Vice-Chancellor, my suggestion to the youth would be to pursue their dream. Be open-minded to learn from everyone every day and ready for diverse challenges and environments. I believe this will be a mantra to success.