Dr. R. K. Agrawal is the Principal at VNS Group of Institutions, Faculty of Engineering, Madhya Pradesh. His qualifications include a B.E. in Civil Engineering from MACT, Bhopal, an M.Tech. in Stress and vibration analysis of M/c and structures from MACT, Bhopal, and a Ph.D. in Structure from MANIT, Bhopal. He has held key positions to date. He has guided 20 M.Tech Thesis and has reviewed more than 10 research papers.

VNS Group of Institutions, Faculty of Engineering

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What keeps you connected with the education sector and how has your experience been so far with the institute?

The transformative power of the education sector keeps me connected with the education sector. Staying connected involves continuous engagement with educational innovations and evolving methodologies. Conducting regular meetings with faculty, students, and administrative staff keeps me informed about the challenges and successes within the institution. My time with the institute has been really good. Seeing students and teachers do well, both in studies and personally, makes me happy. The teamwork and hard work of our staff as well as the excitement of students create a lively learning environment at VNS. 

Being the principal of your institute, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

As the Principal, I believe in teamwork and it is the key to my approach so that we can make everyone's opinion valued. I encourage collaboration, accountability, and transparent communication. Adapting to the changing educational landscape, I promote innovation for ongoing improvement. My ultimate aim is to empower our academic community to succeed together, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching educational experience for everyone.

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

My responsibilities cover both the institutional and student-focused aspects. Institutionally, I lead planning, ensuring academic excellence and effective administration. I maintain the institution's excellence, build partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability. On the student front, I prioritize a positive learning environment, address student needs, and encourage holistic development. Promoting extracurricular activities, and providing career guidance are also my responsibilities. Keeping VNS's mission for society, we offer students a transformative educational experience.

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

The VNS Group has been shaping minds for 27 years. It is a vibrant community dedicated to holistic development. We go beyond classrooms, emphasizing extracurriculars, community engagement, and character building. Our commitment extends to creating socially responsible individuals. We at VNS create a lively and welcoming environment that values differences and helps each student grow their special talents. We don’t just provide learning facts, at VNS students become creative, and get ready for the world. At VNS when students pass out, they don't just get a degree; they become confident, ethical individuals prepared to do good things in the world.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute?

Creating a positive institute environment is crucial to me. I believe in keeping the conversation open and making sure everyone—teachers, staff, and students—can talk openly. We're committed to including everyone, no matter who they are, and we have rules that show that. We put effort into helping everyone get better at their jobs, celebrate when they do well, and make sure students are happy and doing well in a good atmosphere. Community engagement and wellness programs instill a sense of responsibility. We aim to cultivate a community where every member feels valued and motivated, fostering academic excellence and personal growth.

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

To make our institute well-known, we focus on word-of-mouth publicity. We care about students and have things like counseling and mentorship to help them. This makes our institute look good, and people hear positive things. By being great to students, helping them in their journey at VNS, and sharing their good experiences, we build our reputation. This helps us bring in new students who like the idea of a good education and support. Our goal is to make sure our marketing and how we run things match what our institute is all about and what our students need.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Step outside your comfort zone to explore diverse opportunities, knowing that each venture adds to your personal growth. Strike a balance between academic success and crucial soft skills like communication and adaptability.