RGITBT Pune

Dr. Shamim A. Shaikh is the Principal of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology and Biotechnology, Pune. He has been a motivation to all his students and holds a rich experience in this industry.

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

“Connection to younger minds and contributing towards the Nation”

To be a teacher was a choice made by me for my career, way back in 1998 when I finished my Doctoral studies and started to look for a job. The reason was to stay connected with the younger generation as it allows you to learn from them as you grow older. To be able to be in their memory as one doesn’t forget one’s teacher, especially in the career deciding years.

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

“Participative leadership with teamwork and team management for decision making”

It has always been collective leadership for me. Teamwork always. Each one is good at something so doing things collectively and delegating the respective responsibility to the right person has always paid off.

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

“To create awareness of the accomplishments of the students and make education easily accessible” 

The achievements of our students, current, and alumni are the most important factor. These achievements speak for us and the work we have done. They are our ambassadors and that is the most important aspect of us having reached where we have, in the last 17 years. To create awareness of the profiles in the crowd through the several innovative ideas of the students and associating alumni. The alumni create a positive response of the college towards the outer world. 

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How does the curriculum Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology and Biotechnology - [RGITBT], ensure the best practice of industry?

“Activity-based learning for industrial experience and work experience”

  • We have a vibrant Board of Studies with eminent persons from academia as well as industry who contribute towards syllabus development and incorporation of subjects that are relevant and have a demand by the employers in this sector. 
  • Our syllabus is revised regularly with feedback from the various stakeholders. 
  • Emphasis is on hands-on training for the necessary skills to be developed in the students so that their employability increases. Emphasis is also laid on entrepreneurship development in biotechnology and inculcating research orientation through a six-month project in the curriculum.

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

“College promotes anti-racism and supports unity among the students”

Our university is already one of the most sought-after universities for education in the city of Pune. Our institute too has more than 50% of students from all over the country. This has created a very cosmopolitan and multicultural atmosphere in the institute making it very lively. We are a living example of Unity in Diversity.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the institute and the students are?

“The roles and responsibilities of a director is multi-faceted and perpetual”

Today, in the current situation, the role that a teacher has to play is multi-faceted, requires the ability to multitask. It is no longer only classroom and laboratory instructions. It is now necessary to go beyond classrooms for the student and for the university too. It is about networking with potential employers, building ties with industry and other academic and research institutes for collaborations has become very important. Our institute is fortunate in having a vibrant association with different industry partners related to the area of biotechnology and bioinformatics, academic and national research institutes for joint projects where students get the opportunity for internships/dissertation work with them. 

When you first came to Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology and Biotechnology - [RGITBT], what was your vision for the institute? Has it evolved, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

“Deep evolution of academic structure and vision to make education easily reachable to the youth”

At the time I joined the institute, it was just newly established and just one year old. So, right from the beginning, I got involved deeply with academic, planning, and administrative activities. Its been a very eventful and gratifying period through these years- both professionally and personally. Currently, the total student strength is 450. This period has also seen growth in terms of academic achievements by the teachers&students as well as the institute. We have been ranked by NIRF in 2017 (32nd), 2018 (62nd), and 2019 (42nd) thrice in a row, in the college category.

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

“The numerous courses and certifications for expanding arena of knowledge and learning”

  • Our teachers are keenly involved in research right from the beginning. 
  • Research grants (10 Cr in the last 15 yrs) from different Govt. Funding Agencies.
  • Recently (July 2020), the institute has been granted Rd. 2.64 Cr. for infrastructure development under the DBT’s BUILDER scheme (“DBT-Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life science Departments for Education and Research (BUILDER)”.
  • With this our PG and research programs will be strengthened, making our students more employable and well trained for R & D.

What do you see as Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology and Biotechnology - [RGITBT], greatest strengths?

“Dedication, Determination and hard work towards learning of every faculty member and students”

We are blessed to have an extremely dedicated, committed, and well-qualified faculty for catering to the academics. Great infrastructure with laboratories equipped with instruments and apparatus for training in subjects of biotechnology, classrooms, library, auditorium, playground, etc for the all-round development of the students. The teachers are mentors and guardians to all the students, especially those who have come to Pune from other parts of the country.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology and Biotechnology - [RGITBT], specifically?

“Lack of educational access to the students due to their economic backgrounds”

Financial aid for students through various government scholarships is lacking. Although our students apply, they do not receive these scholarships. 

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What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology and Biotechnology - [RGITBT], international affairs, and/or students?

“Research-based learning and international collaborations for better exposure”

We will be working towards

  • Developing research projects with international collaborations 
  • Participation in student/ faculty exchange programs
  • Planning and executing Dual degree programs