Arun Bhattacharya is currently serving as the Principal at Vivekananda Institute of Advanced Studies, Kolkata. With 14 years of experience in the Hotel and Hospitality Industry, he has worked in coordination with several institutions and hotels in India like Novotel, HHI, Nightingale College of Hotel Management, etc. Also, he has attended and organized several seminars and workshops for students in his lifelong career.

Vivekananda Institute of Advanced Studies

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“Bringing in mutual understandings and respect”

I will use another term instead of Leadership, i.e. – ‘Captainship’. If I am the Captain, my subordinates will listen to me, only when they will see whether I have what it takes to be a Captain. Respect is paid to those who deserve it, not those who demand it. A Captain can move forward with everyone alongside him, not behind him. When I expect that I will be respected by the teachers here, I need to show them similar respect for my expectations to meet. A student will listen to me when scolded, only when they know that they are loved by me.

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

“Practical training and skill development sessions”

As per the government and UGC norms, we have to follow the guidelines and circulate the curriculum. All students need to go and work in practical fields, so we have included vocational training, internships and hands-on workshops in our curriculum for the betterment of our students. Apart from that, we have created our own curriculum, excluding the syllabus, where students have an overall growth and development. Our industry does not demand for research scholars, it only requires students with managerial skills, who can handle different kinds of staff, situations, complaints and people according to their level, and to look after their individual needs. Prior to studies, we train our students to be presentable, a crucial factor in the hospitality industry. 

How is your Institute more welcoming to diverse backgrounds of people?

“Maintaining equality and uniform vision for all”

An institute does not have any religion or caste. Our students hail from different states, rural areas as well as cities. They speak different languages, have different cultures and economic backgrounds, but when they arrive here, they speak to each other in their own kinds of languages and communicate well, their cultures and their religions are paid the same respect. Our faculty and staff support each of our students with utmost priority. Everyone participates in all cultural festivals and events, thereby, establishing a social behaviour and acceptance for the varied diversity. This is done, so that no student feels neglected here. Everyone here has only one religion, that is we are humans. This is no place for politics either. 

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

“Overall growth and development approaches for children”

For the coming 10 years, our priority is that we will never compromise with our existing discipline, dignity and honesty towards providing quality education. With best growth, my plan is to expand the campus and build a large number of facilities and infrastructure for students to inculcate holistic development. Also, services like different playgrounds and platforms, giving various kinds of events to boys and girls, involving them in sports and yoga for physical fitness, to counsel with best expertise and give them better education are the top priorities. 

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What do you see as VIAS’s greatest strengths?

“Honesty and efforts for providing education to all”

Our institute works on providing the best quality of education with the most favourable and affordable fees possible. Our honesty is our greatest strength. Then, the quality education and teaching we provide to our students is always worth it. Thirdly, the ability and efforts we show to place our students in a proper way. We have a hunger within ourselves, which is to educate, train and place students in good organizations, and help them earn well. We always try to execute our ideals and mission in an honest way. 

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

“Making students aware of professional higher education and fees”

Picking up the students and introducing them to the professional stream, being trained in which will require them to work hard, and utilize their mental and physical strengths, making them realize their professional potentials, is the biggest challenge. Another major challenge is the financial challenge. Even after such hurdles, those students who are opting for such professional courses, many institutes are present to provide further financial hurdles with hidden costs in their fees, which makes the fees unaffordable to the aspiring students. VIAS has sponsored many students who cannot afford to pay any of our fees or cannot afford a loan, which has been arranged to be provided by our institute itself. 

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“Honesty and hard work must be your metrics to succeed”

I will advise the current youth to move away from the current aforementioned education policy. You are not weak from any aspect. As you opt for professional studies, skill-oriented studies, you at least do not have to bribe or butter someone to get a job. You will be satisfied with the amount of money you earn through your hard work.