Interview by Bhawna Rawat

Dr. sakuntala, Surana College

Dr. Sakuntala Samuelson is currently working as the Principal of Surana College UG. She holds various degrees like B.Sc(Chemistry), M.Sc(Chemistry), B.Ed (Physical Sciences), M.Ed (Research Methodologies), MBA (Services Marketing) and Ph.D. (Chemistry). She has an overwhelming experience of almost 4 decades. Many of her papers have been published in both national and international journals and books.

Dr. Samuelson has been the member of the Board of  Examiners, Bangalore University, (2003-2004). She has won the Best Teacher Award (MSRCASC), 2005. She is the Life member of Chemistry Teacher’s Forum-India. She has been the expert member of the Board of Studies, Department of Chemistry, Jamshedpur Women’s College, Jamshedpur.

Experience in the education sector and reasons why this is the best sector to work in

I have been teaching since 1980 and I have never regretted choosing this field as my profession and passion. It is the best sector to work in because it involves the moulding of careers and characters of students – youth, the future of this country.

The philosophy of leadership adopted by the Principal

My philosophy of leadership is servanthood, meaning ‘not to be served, but to serve

My leadership style is participative and democratic leadership. I prefer this style because a leader should allow all HODs to be a part of decision-making following fairness, competence, creativity, courage, intelligence and honesty.

The significant challenges faced by the Principal of Surana college, UG 

Every day is a challenge and I enjoy it! At the end of the day, I thank God for providing me the power to face the challenges.

The curriculum ensuring the best practice of industry

The Curriculum is given by the University. We enrich it with add-on courses and value-based courses. I believe that educational institutions should ensure that students are taught to think and adapt to changes wherever they go. We do not have to deliberately make ‘industry-ready’ students

Opportunities for students’ growth available at Surana college UG

There are a lot of opportunities for students today. They should follow their passion and then they will do well wherever they go. Since students tend to change their profession often, it is the trend now. They just have to learn to adapt which comes from the motivation which we give them through various seminars, workshops and field visits.

Establishing a relationship with the students, being the Principal of the Institute

I am part of all their events. I do not have an appointment book and my door is open all the time.  There is no attender standing outside my door to ask the student or the visitor why and what they want from me. Students walk in all day with their issues and share their joys and sorrows with me. I want them to know that I am their best friend, especially in times of trouble.

The recent changes noticed in the Education industry

It has been commercialized in some places. Sad! But a fact! Assessment requirements have made faculty members busy with documentation work. This cuts down on the amount of time they spend with the students.

The top qualities that an aspiring manager must possess

I feel that students prefer Commerce courses these days.

An aspiring manager should know every single task that his/her subordinates have to perform 

He should start from the bottom and climb up so that he knows all the issues faced by junior staff.

Goals to be achieved by the Institute in the next few years

Our goal is that we turn out students who can survive anywhere! That they know to respect their parents and be good citizens. All students are either self-employed or employable.

Suggestions for the current youth and the aspiring students

Do your duty, that is, be regular and honest in anything that you do. Be disciplined and hard working. Use your talent for the good. Eat healthy food and exercise regularly.