Dr. Vijay Vir Singh is currently serving as the President at Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur. Demonstrating an extensive history of research and teaching in the domain of Economics, he has worked as Dean, HOD, Director, NITI Aayog Chair Director, UGC-HRDC, Director, Examination and Member, University Board of Management, UGC, NAAC and ICSSR Committees. He has worked in 14 research projects in the area of Higher education, investment environment in India, poverty and rural development funded by many national and international associations. Also, he has written more than 60 papers, articles, monographs, briefing papers and 02 books. 

Vivekananda Global Universit

How, in your opinion, has COVID impacted the education sector?

“Dynamic reformation from conventional to technological system”

The education sector has been impacted in many ways due to COVID 19 such as change in style of teaching, admission practices, placement criteria, outreach etc. The technology has led to the notable shift from teacher-centred to student-centric education. Quality faculty with digital teaching skills is going to decide the future of the universities. Hence, there is a need for integration of technology particularly blended learning where physical classes will be held along with virtual classes. It will ensure a more open and transparent teaching system. COVID-19 can also be seen as an opportunity to the education sector for learning digital skills and adoption of changes in delivery of quality education, improvement in quality of learning material leading to better outcomes, collaborative teaching, learning and research, availability of best faculty and cost saving through virtual academic meetings, seminars, and conferences. COVID has forced us to adopt reforms to enhance the quality of education which develops skills of students that will drive their employability, productivity, health, and well-being in times to come, and contribute to the nation's development.

How would you describe your leadership style?

“Focusing the needs and growth of students and faculty”

Students and faculty are the main force for improving the quality of education. Maximizing their satisfaction by giving them academic freedom and inculcating the culture to think creatively and out of the box. The philosophy is that our faculty and students should determine the University’s success. So, my role as a leader is to convince these two key pillars of university not by authority but dialogue. In nutshell, to make complex things simple by designing proper policy and their implementation for betterment of our students and faculty. 

Being the President of VGU, what was your vision for the University?

“Embarking students’ journey with diverse and innovative perspectives”

My vision for the university is to prepare students not only for employment but also make them responsible towards the society and nation. To achieve this, we are infusing students with life skills such as intellectual curiosity, partnerships, self-awareness, creative thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and passion for work. The university has developed an environment of discussion, promoting innovation and research, increasing employability of students by infusing creativity and multidisciplinary, and working on strategic collaborations with universities and industry.

We are moving fast in this direction and sure that the vision will be achieved in the next few years.

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How did you cope with the challenges of the transition from offline to online mode?

“Digital advancements in core teaching-learning pedagogy”

We acted quickly to control its damage on teaching and learning, and worked on the principle of ‘No Lockdown on Education’ and moved to online teaching, learning and evaluation. Our priorities were to ensure the mental fitness of faculty, staff and students, strengthening of digital infrastructure, encouraging faculty members to develop online courses and study material, providing best in doss academics leveraging technology and network, and placement of our students. To ensure this, we have integrated technology in our work inducing online and blended, teaching and evaluation which includes online classes – using WebEx, learning management system, proctored and non - proctored evaluation of students, and virtual labs. Now the university uses technology in all its key functions using a high end TCS ERP system which covers HR management, admissions & enrollment, attendance, LMS, examination, hostels, feedback, procurement & inventory, accounts, record keeping and retrieval, and library. 

How does VGU help bridging the gap between industry and academia?

“Inculcating practical and content based practices”

There is certainly a demand-supply mismatch between the skills of the graduating students, and the skills industry requires. We at our university realise that we are living in a dynamic world where changes take place at a rapid pace. Our university focuses on regular upgradation of curriculum by incorporating latest developments in different disciplines and to implement the content, not only in the context of the classroom, but in real life as well. Projects, field visits and internships are mandatory for our students.

Why, according to you, students get confused while opting for higher education?

“Lack of synchronicity and thought process”

The major reason for the student’s confusion is that a large number of students passing out from universities are chasing limited available jobs in the market. Lack of awareness among students regarding future career options and parents’ pressure to opt for conventional careers such as management, law, engineering, medicine, government jobs adds to this confusion. Student’s preference for public sector jobs and preparing for competitive examinations to get it wastes his/her maximum time and creates more confusion in his/her life which generally proves to be a mirage.

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What will be your advice to aspiring students?

“Be mindful of your decisions for life”

My advice to students is that they should decide, as early as possible, what they want to do in life and focus their energies in pursuing the path to achieve the goal. The role of parents and teachers is to help the students in achieving their goal. Universities can help in achieving their goal by infusing students with life skills such as self-awareness, creative thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and interpersonal relationships leading to their holistic development. But ultimately, students have to pave the path and walk on it.