Prof. (Dr.) Sheela Singh is the Principal and Faculty of Humanities & Social Science. She has a B.A. and M.A. degree at the UG and the PG level. She holds a Ph.D. degree at the doctoral level.

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What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education administration, and what drew you to your current role as a Dean?

From the very beginning, I wanted to fit myself in the education sector, and after completing my B. Ed, I joined a school. I realized that my passion lies in guiding and motivating students toward their career goals, which led me to pursue a career in higher education administration. This drove me to pursue my M. Ed, which equipped me with the necessary expertise to take on a leadership role as a Dean. The Faculty of Humanities & Social Science offers a diverse range of subjects and disciplines that have always fascinated me. I was drawn to the opportunity of being able to contribute to the development and growth of these fields, while also guiding and mentoring students who are passionate about these subjects.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing higher education today, and how do you think your institution is addressing those challenges?

According to the Dean, one of the biggest challenges is the changing education system globally, where students prefer to acquire knowledge quickly, leading to a lack of proficiency in their field. Students’ preference for quick knowledge acquisition can compromise the depth of understanding and expertise in their chosen field due to the limited time available for comprehensive learning. For that, the university has a vision and strategy in place to tackle this challenge. They focus on developing a sense of belongingness among students and preparing them to become well-rounded individuals who can serve society effectively. The university emphasizes the importance of developing students’ character and values alongside their academic pursuits.

What are your primary responsibilities as Dean and how do you balance them with other aspects of your job?

The role of a dean is extremely important in any university. As a Dean, I am responsible for shaping the academic direction of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Science. This involves designing the course and curriculum structure, which directly impacts the quality of education provided to students. Additionally, I ensure that our syllabus is up-to-date and aligned with market demands, preparing students for the evolving job market. Overall, the role of a dean is crucial in providing students with a well-rounded education and preparing them for future success.

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How do you approach decision-making in your role and how do you balance the needs of different stakeholders when making difficult decisions?

When it comes to making decisions for the students, I consider the psychological needs and expectations of the students before making any decision. And when it comes to taking administrative decisions, I analyse the university’s needs and rules to make decisions that benefit the university as a whole. Once decided to modify the curriculum based on the students’ feedback while also considering the university’s requirements, ensuring a balance between student needs and administrative goals.

What new initiatives and collaborations has the University established with Industry Leaders to promote industry-specific courses?

As the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, I am proud to say that we have established collaborations with various universities and industrial leaders. These collaborations allow us to offer educational tours, internship programs, workshops, and seminars that contribute to the overall development of our students. Through these collaborations, our students have the opportunity to experience the working environment and challenges in real-time. By providing our students with exposure to real-world working environments and challenges, these initiatives make them more competitive in the job market. They not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills and a deep understanding of industry dynamics, making them highly sought-after candidates by employers.

Can you describe any specific measures or programs that your institution has implemented to address the rising mental health issues and stress among students in India?

We train our students to focus on their studies and at the same time, we also guide them to get relaxed on a timely basis. We teach them techniques of relaxing and emphasize the importance of taking short breaks and exercising regularly. We encourage them to follow a routine and avoid unnecessary stress. By guiding them on various relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and meditation. We also emphasize the importance of engaging in physical activities like yoga, sports, or any form of exercise. Additionally, we encourage students to pursue hobbies and activities that they enjoy, as a means of relaxation. As we are entering a digital world, our education system has also become digitalized. We guide students to take short breaks from their digital devices and engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. We educate them about the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time and encourage them to find a healthy balance between their academic responsibilities and digital engagement. 

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

I firmly believe that hard work is the only key to success because it allows individuals to develop necessary skills, gain experience, and build a strong foundation for long-term achievements, unlike shortcuts which may lead to temporary gains but lack sustainability.