A believer in motivational leadership, Prof. Ranjit Singh advises the youth to “be adaptable, dedicated, creative, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and sincere”

Interview by Yash Panchal

Prof. Ranjit Singh is working as the Dean at Shobhit University. He studied at Dr. H.S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar (M.P.), where he received B. Pharm., M. Pharm. and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences between 1989 and 1997. Prof. Singh has contributed immensely in the field of novel drug delivery systems, herbal formulations, and standardization of drugs. His main area of research encompasses both novel as well as conventional oral drug delivery systems. which includes drug discovery, novel analytical techniques, herbal excipients and drugs, targeted drug delivery, etc. He is the recipient of GP Nair memorial IDMA Gold Medal for standing First in B. Pharm. examinations, Prof. Ishwar Chandra memorial Gold Medal for earning the First Position in M. Pharm. examinations, UGC Junior Research Fellowship during PG, and CSIR Senior Research Fellowship during Ph.D. & National and State Scholarships during schooling.

Prof. Singh has vast academic and industrial experience. He worked as Formulation & Development Officer at Sun Pharma Advanced Research Centre, Baroda, Lecturer, B.N. College of Pharmacy, Udaipur & Dept. of Pharm. Sciences, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Uttrakhand), Reader, Dept. of Pharmacy, MJP Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Professor & Head at Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Uttrakhand), Director, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shobhit University, Meerut, Director-cum-Principal, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Rohru, Shimla H.P., Director, Academics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Pb., Dean, Academic Affairs & Pharm. Sciences, Bahra University, Shimla Hills, Director, CT group of Institutions Jalandhar; Prof. Singh also worked as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and officiated as Vice-Chancellor of Shobhit University, Meerut.

He received Distinguished Alumnus Award from Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar in 2006. Prof. Singh is the recipient of Senior Scientist Award, 2009 from All India Medicos Society, Hoshiarpur (Pb) and honorary fellowship of Royal Society of Medicos, India, 2011. He is also the recipient of IDMA best paper award, 2012 in the area of Pharmaceutics and Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy Award, 2013 in the area of Pharmacognosy under IJPER awards. He is the recipient of Best Educationist Award from International Institute of Education and Management in 2014, Rashtriya Vidya Gold Medal Award from India Solidarity Council in 2014, Rashtriya Gaurav Award from India International Friendship Society in 2014 and Academic Excellence Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences from All India Technical and Management Council in 2014.

He received Best Citizens of India Award 2015 conferred by International Publishing House, New Delhi, Award for Excellence in Research in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015 conferred by EISRA, The Netherland, Eminent Teacher Award, 2015 conferred by SPER, Glory of Academic Excellence, 2015 conferred by IIEM, New Delhi and IPR Appreciation Award, 2015 conferred by UCER, BFUHS, Faridkot. He is also a recipient of SPER Fellowship Award 2016 conferred by Society of Pharmaceutical Education and Research and IPR Appreciation Award 2016 by BFUHS.

Prof. Singh has more than 60 presentations/ invited lectures/books/chapters to his credit. He has guided 38 M. Pharm. dissertations and sixteen research scholars for Ph. D. He is on the panel of Reviewers, Advisory & Editorial board of different journals. He has delivered many invited lectures and attended a number of Symposia, Seminars & Conferences. Prof. Singh is on the panel of expert members of various regulatory bodies like AICTE, PCI, and NBA. He is also on the panel of different statutory bodies of many Universities.

Prof. Singh’s experience in the education industry

I have invested about 22 years in the education sector, working in various capacities, as academician, researcher, and administrator as well. It has been quite wonderful and enriching experience. The bottom line is that you always feel young as you teach, train and interact with young minds. Education is a sector that contributes immensely to nation-building. One gets exposure to multiple perspectives, stable & predictable schedule, personal fulfillment and interpersonal arenas. We are engaged in knowledge creation and dissemination as well. The education is an essential element to human development and empowerment.

Prof. Singh’s philosophy of leadership

Ours is a research-intensive University. The dream of our inspirer Babu Vijendra Kumar Ji, the vision of our Chairman Dr. Shobhit Kumar Ji and the foresight of our Chancellor Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra has culminated into the establishment of this university that too in a remote rural area. I believe that the major role of a leader is to motivate. I always keep my colleagues motivated and charged so that they perform to their fullest capacity. The style to lead is simple-educate, motivate and keep in the loop.

Significant challenges faced by Prof. Singh as the Dean of Shobhit University

The major challenge is to develop a sense of responsibility and to shed ignorance among the stakeholders. I always emphasize in enriching my colleagues and helping them to understand all intricacies to work as a team.

Prof. Singh on how his previous work experience helped him in in Shobhit University

The experience that I have gained throughout my academic sojourn is very helpful in dealing with a variety of situations. I keep in mind all the pros and cons and attend every individual in a customized way. This experience facilitates me in facing all kind of situations in a very effective manner.

Curriculum of Shobhit University

We as a University put lots of emphasis on the design of the curriculum which is an outcome of series of brainstorming sessions by the teams of intellectuals from all spheres including academic institutions, scientific organizations and prospective employers. The curriculum entails industrial exposure as an integral part. Our university is conferred with many awards for these unique initiatives and best practices. The industry oriented curriculum has enhanced the placement opportunities for our students. We follow best teaching practices and provide unique learning environment so that the students are equipped to face all kind of challenges of the ever demanding world.

Changes in the Education Industry over the past few years and skill set required by a corporate in a student

The education sector is dogged with many unexpected scenarios for last few years particularly pertaining to the involvement of some people who lack sincerity of purpose, knowledge base, dedication, honesty, and integrity. This is happening as they are not trained well, devoid of virtues, technically unskilled and pseudo perfect. The positive aspect is that this sector is opening up and the government seeks to give more freedom to ensure quality training and learning. The students are required to skilled to be accepted by the industry. They not only need to acquire technical knowledge but also need to be a strong communicator as well.

Growth of students through placement opportunities available at Shobhit University

Placement has become an integral part of education sector despite the fact that main role of this sector is to train the students. Therefore, placement part cannot be overlooked. As Dean of the university, it seems apparent to me that the growth of the students is directly proportional to the kind of opening they get. Our university has a full-fledged Training & Placement Cell which caters to the placement requirements of the students round the year. We not only place the passing out students but also assist our alumni in relocation. We provide continuous advice and counseling to our students for better future prospects.

Read more about the placement opportunities available at Shobhit University here

Prof. Singh on his relation establish a relation with the students

Strong communication is essential for good output. I ensure all time availability to my students and staff as well during and beyond office hours. I am easily accessible and pay full attention to provide on-spot solutions.

Read more about the faculty at Shobhit University here

Ideal school environment for Prof. Singh

The atmosphere of positivity and possibility is the golden door to success and an essential requirement for excellence. Easy accessibility, personal attention, and care are key elements to create such an atmosphere. I do follow these in letter and spirit.

Top qualities that an aspiring Engineering/Management/Pharmacy student must possess

The students opting for professional courses including Engineering, Management or Pharmacy should learn to love discipline. They should imbibe the attributes like the sincerity of the purpose, integrity, punctuality, honesty, and dedication. And more so, they need to be demanding in the sense that they should know what is required and how to get it.

Goals in mind for Shobhit University

We would like the university to grow exponentially to live up to the expectations of the people of this very rural area. The major attributes to focus on include: optimum use of physical, human and financial resources; introduction of innovative courses; translational research; useful collaborations & associations; conducive work atmosphere; welfare of all stakeholders and institutional social responsibility. We would like to strengthen the university from within by ensuring best and innovative practices in admissions, academics, examinations, placement, and research.

Suggestions to the current youth and the aspiring students

The paucity of ethical and moral values is creating multifaceted problems in all spheres of society and the education sector is also affected. I would like my young friends to be adaptable, dedicated, creative, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and above all sincere. I would like them to be a good human being spiked with morality and virtues.