Dr. Shaik Abdul Rahaman has been working as the Principal of Nirmala College of Pharmacy, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He is a seasoned professional with passion for continuous learning to enhance his teaching. He has done B.Pharm from Nalanda College of Pharmacy Osmania University, M.Pharm from Andhra University and PhD from Acharya Nagarjuna University of Guntur as part of his academics. He has a rich 19+ years of experience in Academics, Research, Teaching, Training and Consultancy. Apart from this, he is actively involved in guiding and performing research on various facets of Technologies. He has authored 5 textbooks, contributed 2 chapters in Elsevier and published 17 Indian Patents in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has also received 82 lakhs worth of grants funded by Government organizations such as AICTE, DST, ICMR and TB Association of India. And for his amazing work in the field of education, he has received Young Performer Award, Bharath Excellence Award, Best innovation Award, Outstanding Researcher Award, Flag Bearer Award, Best Administrator Award, Inspiring RoleModel and Leader, Best Attendance Award from various organizations. Last but not the least, he has guided 8 Doctorates, 48 PG, 88 UG and 9 Pharm D Graduates for their projects.

Nirmala College of Pharmacy

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

"My punctual working attitude and passion to conduct research on different topics are main factors"

The factors in my opinion which have kept me connected with the education sector are my communication skills, leadership qualities, hardworking attitude and disciplined behavior. And from the start I was passionate about doing research on topics which fascinate me or push me to ask questions about why things are the way they are. 

How do you strategize the key programs for the marketing and administration of your institute?

"We make best use of our social media handles to reach more students and regularly organize national level events"

We stay connected with the outside world through our college YouTube account and social media handles like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to showcase the achievements of our institution and talents of our students and staff members. Along with this, we regularly conduct various events and activities like National and international conferences, seminars and workshops, NSS activities, guest lectures, awareness programmes on IPR, Innovations, Start Up’s and Entrepreneurship. And the main objective behind using this kind of approach is because I believe when my existing students will be fully satisfied with our education and services, we will grow automatically.

How does the curriculum of your college ensure the best practices of industry?

"We follow the curriculum designed by PCI and regularly upgrade students skills through bridge courses"

Our institute follows the curriculum designed and updated by the Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi and also the regulations of Acharya Nagarjuna University to ensure best practices of industry and health care sector. And to bridge the gaps between students' skills and corporate sector demands, we train them by offering various certification and value based courses.

How is your college more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

"We offer fee concession to needy students and also accept students application from other states"

We follow the standards and guidelines of the State Government of Andhra Pradesh while accepting students' applications for admission in our B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Pharm.D courses. And 70% of seats are kept reserved for students who join us through Counseling while 30% seats are filled under Management Quota, however only 15% seats are allotted to students of other states of India. Also, to support such students who come from economically less privileged backgrounds, we offer fee waivers and sometimes even accept less fees so that they can continue their education.

Check Nirmala College of Pharmacy Courses & Fees

What do you think should be the institute's top priority over the next 10 years?

"We should emphasize on enhancing the ranking of our college so that more students could join us"

The Management personnels and staff members of our institute are working really hard to contribute in the development of our institution and due to the same reason we have achieved many milestones till date like we have been accredited by NIRF in 76 – 100 band under Pharmacy category since last five years and we have also received has received grant worth 1+ crore from Government agencies such including AICTE, DST-SERB, ICMR and TB Association of India. We have also published 260 research articles in Scopus and Web of Science Journals and have authored 12 text books and chapters with the support of our Innovation and Incubation Council. So, in the coming years, we should focus on enhancing the ranking of our college not only in Andhra Pradesh but in the whole country and attracting more students to enroll in the amazing courses we offer. 

When you first joined the Nirmala Pharmacy College, what was your vision for it?

"It was to physically experience the growth of this institute by contributing up to my potential"

I joined this amazing institution in August 2009 as a Professor and was later promoted as the Principal of college in May, 2013. And during my 10 year tenure as a Principal, I have proactively involved myself in all college events and have also initiated several developmental activities for the growth of our students and college. Also during the same time, we have started offering Pharm D and PhD programmes on campus, have received UGC 2f & 12b approval, and accreditation from NAAC. And we have also established an amazing AICTE approved Innovation and Incubation Council in college, multiple Patents and Research articles have been published by our faculty members, numerous Soft Skills Enhancement Training Programs have been organized by us. Last but not the least, we have received Research Grants of 1+ crore and 90% of our students are placed in reputed organizations and companies. Overall, seeing our college growing this way and contributing in the same way by using my skills and experience was my goal since the time I joined this institute.

What would you like people to know about your college that makes it unique in comparison to others?

"We offer best courses and research facilities in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences"

Our Nirmala College of Pharmacy is one of the best Pharmacy colleges not only in Andhra Pradesh but in whole India and we are offering courses like B.Pharmacy, M.Pharmacy in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacology and Drug Regulatory Affairs, PhD, Pharm. D, Pharm D(Post Baccalaureate) and Diploma programs in Pharmacy. And we proffer best quality education by regularly conducting theoretical lectures and practical learning sessions, experiments and research activities. And to support the same, we have established excellent research infrastructure and consultancy facilities in our college, have collaborated and signed MOUs with reputed industries, Universities and Missionary Institution. Along with this, we have been ranked by NIRF and ATAL, certified by ISO, approved by UGC, AICTE and PCI. 

What do you see as your college's greatest strengths?

"Our establishments and achievements makes us strong"

I firmly believe that the main pillars of our college strength is our legacy of imparting qualitative Pharmaceutical education and we are also approved by AICTE, PCI, State Government of Andhra Pradesh, SBTET-AP, Acharya Nagarjuna University which clearly defines our uniqueness and also makes us different from others. Apart from this, we are ISO Certified, have been ranked by All India ATAL and by NIRF under Pharmacy category and lastly our Alumni and each Stakeholder who works for us and works with us makes us strong and resilient. 

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

"The immoral activities which are being practiced in institutions is a biggest challenge for us"

As far as I have observed the education sector, I can confirm that many unethical activities happen not only in small but even in reputed educational institutions, so getting recognition and accreditation, retaining college repute and quality staff members and teachers has become a real challenge in today's time. In addition to this, implementation and establishment of multi disciplinary courses or programmes in accordance with NEP-2020 guidelines is nearly an impossible task for Institutions.

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

"Stay composed, punctual and keep upgrading your technological and social skills"

I would like to advise my dear students and aspiring students of our society to continuously develop and improve their subject knowledge and soft skills. And for the same, you can enroll yourself in various online bridge and certification courses which can help you to acquire skills which are highly in demand in the corporate sector. Also, stay positive, calm, disciplined and honest and never afraid from doing hard work because only patience, perseverance and your positive thinking will make your success journey much easier and simpler. 

Click Nirmala College of Pharmacy Placements

Being the Principal of Nirmala College of Pharmacy, what is your philosophy of leadership?

"Leadership for me is all about taking care of team requirements and helping them to grow"

As a Head of the institution, actual leadership for me is all about maintaining a disciplined environment in college, being punctual, ensuring that all my faculties and students are well acquainted with latest technical skills and have sound knowledge to conduct Research in their respective areas of interest. Apart from this, I also ensure that I address and fix my team queries and issues on time, make them feel valuable and help everyone to grow on both personal and professional fronts. Lastly, whenever I connect with anyone, be it my dear students or teachers, I make sure the ambiance remains mutually transparent, trustworthy and respectable.