Dr. Sagar Manjare has been working as the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya. He has done B.Pharm, MA (Business Economics), MBA, M.Phil, PGDBA, DLL and PhD as part of his education and has also qualified UGC-NET. Also, he holds a very rich experience of 11 years in the teaching sector and is a Board Member of Studies of Karnataka State Open University of Mysore. Apart from this, his specializations are Content Development, Analytic and Explanatory Research and he is also a Mentor at Atal Innovation Mission (Tinkering Labs), which was established by NITI Aayog, Govt. of India.

Mahatma Gandhi University

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

I have always been passionate about gathering knowledge, regularly upgrading my skills and educating young and ambitious students of society, hence I would say the dynamic world of education is more than just a profession for me but it's a lifelong commitment. Also, literate society has a direct impact on the transformation of society, people's lives and nation altogether and we as educators and mentors of students receive immense happiness while shaping their future. 

Apart from this, the spark and pride which I observe on a daily basis in students' eyes when they understand a complex concept, embark on a new career or contribute positively to the society has reaffirmed my dedication for nurturing the human intellect and character. Also, due to its ever-changing and challenging nature, the education domain regularly asks me to remain at the forefront of innovation by constantly adapting new technologies, teaching methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaborations. And this also drives me to maintain a holistic learning experience for my young ones.

Last but not the least, professional relations which we build within the education community to collaborate with like-minded individuals are equally compelling not only in terms of enhancing the boundaries of knowledge but also to stay engaged productively in academic tasks. So these are some of the prime factors behind my so long association with the education sector.

Being the VC of Mahatma Gandhi University, what is your philosophy of leadership? 

I strongly believe in visionary, approachable and transformational leadership along with ethical stewardship, because leadership is not just about managing tasks but also about inspiring and empowering people to realize their full potential.

And it's a well known fact that success of an institution lies in the collective efforts of its students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Therefore as a visionary leader, I have articulated a clear and inspiring vision for the future of our university through open dialogue, inclusivity, shared ownership and culture of collaboration, where diverse perspectives are valued, and ideas flow freely. 

In addition to this, I hold the responsibility of nurturing the university's reputation, for which I have set a precedent of ethical behavior and transparency. Lastly, I empower faculty members to help them innovate their teaching methods, researchers to push the boundaries of their knowledge, and students to take charge of their learning journey by providing them required resources, mentorship and opportunities on time. Overall, I lead by example, prioritizing work-life balance, self-care and continuous learning. 

How do you strategize the key programs for the marketing and administration of your University?

In my opinion, marketing and administration of our University is a multifaceted endeavor and should be aligned with our overarching vision of holistic development and excellence. Hence the strategies we have adopted are rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of our stakeholders' needs.

And in order to reach out to more and more potential students, parents and partners and convey our uniqueness, we regularly stress on enhancing the education quality of our college and also by opting the accreditation of NAAC and NIRF, identifying our unique strengths and industry-oriented offerings including cutting-edge research centers, interdisciplinary programs, or community engagement initiatives. Apart from this, we have made the regular collaboration with faculty, students, alumni, industry experts, research institutions, and international universities mandatory to co-create programs that respond to real-world demands, extend our reach and credibility and amplify our brand's visibility on a global scale. 

Also, the success stories of our Alumni is an added advantage for us when it comes to marketing. In other terms, I would say that our marketing efforts are data-driven and we implement the latest analytics to understand market trends, prospective student preferences, and the impact of our campaigns. This also helps us a lot in making big decisions and allows us to fine-tune our strategies for maximum effectiveness. Last but not the least, interactive events are hosted from time to time by us to provide an immersive learning experience to future students and make them aware about us before they actually join us to pursue their dream programs. 

In your opinion, what benefits can students gain from studying here in MGU?

I strongly believe that pursuing their dream courses with us will provide unique and enriching learning experiences to students that goes beyond the traditional ones as we have ensured a transformative journey for them that fosters holistic personal growth and gives them a global perspective. Apart from this, we offer exceptional mentorship to students, have included norms defined by the UGC and NEP 2020 in our educational policies and programs and the curriculum of our college has been prepared in such a way that integrates knowledge across disciplines. And the biggest benefit of all this is that it not only nurtures creative thinking of students but also prepares them to confidently take up complex real-world challenges. Also, diverse kinds of extracurricular activities, students-centric initiatives, festivals and community engagement programs are organized by us from time to time to enhance the leadership, communication and collaboration skills of students, groom them into well-rounded professionals and globally responsible citizens and help them gather cross-cultural understanding. 

Other than this, numerous opportunities to work closely with leading educators and researchers on research projects are provided to students and we make sure they pass out their respective courses not only with good scores but a strong professional network too. Last but not the least, the serene and picturesque location of our university provides a tranquil environment for learning and personal growth.

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How does the curriculum of your University ensure the best practices of industry?

We design and review the curriculum of our college on a regular basis keeping in mind the NEP 2020 Guidelines dynamic landscape, latest trends, developments and requirements of the industrial world, for which we do rigorous research beforehand, so that students can be delivered with the best quality theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. And we have maintained strong relations with renowned industries and institutions, whose experts help us a lot in arranging events like seminars, guest lectures and workshops to upskill our students and also provide timely suggestions and feedback to ensure curriculum remains up-to-date with the emerging technologies and demands of the market. 

Apart from this, capstone projects, internships and hands-on training sessions have been made an integral part of the curriculum to bridge the gap between students' knowledge and real-world use cases, and foster their problem-solving skills and innovative thinking capabilities. Also, we offer various kinds of elective courses to help students gain expertise over a subject or domain and help them tailor their education to match their career aspirations. 

How is your university more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

For us, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of different races and economic backgrounds is of paramount importance, therefore, scholarships and financial aid is provided to underprivileged and academically bright students of our college from time to time so that they can pursue their academic aspirations without undue financial burden. Also, to foster and celebrate the diversity of our students and provide equal opportunities to all so that they feel valued and respected, cultural awareness programs are organized on campus regularly. Other than this, we encourage the formation of student-led organizations and clubs that provide a platform to our young minds to connect and share their experiences, and organize events that showcase their unique cultures. 

Additionally, in order to ensure a respectful and inclusive interaction between students and teachers so that students' challenges can be properly addressed by their mentors, sensitivity training is arranged for faculty and staff members as and when needed. Comprehensive support services, including academic and career counseling and one-on-one mentorship is also available on campus where students are provided educational, emotional and social guidance by experts. 

Last but not the least, we actively engage with underrepresented communities to raise awareness about the educational opportunities available at our university and designated safe spaces have been developed on campus where students can openly express themselves and engage in discussions without fear of judgment.

Working in such a prestigious role, what are your key responsibilities towards University and students?

Being the Vice Chancellor of the University and steward of its mission and vision, I am primarily responsible for taking care of administrative tasks, ensuring an enriching, innovative and holistic teaching-learning environment for our students and teachers. Apart from this, developing and executing strategic plans that align with our vision and responding to the ever-changing landscape of higher education by working closely with faculty and accommodating industry driven academic programs, and research initiatives into the curriculum also comes under the scope of my work. 

Also, providing necessary guidance, resources and opportunities to faculty members to help them excel in teaching, fostering the culture of cutting-edge research by developing ultra-modern research centers, securing funding for social advancement projects, ensuring students of different backgrounds receive a welcoming space and all kinds of support services and participate in co-curricular activities on a regular basis, maintaining strong relations with leading industries and research institutions, promoting the university's engagement with the local community through social initiatives and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in all university affairs is part of my day-to-day job.

What do you think should be your university's top priority over the next 10 years?

I strongly believe that seamless integration of latest technologies, innovation along with sustainable and holistic education into the curriculum and campus operations should be our prime goal in the coming 10 years, because this approach will position our university as a dynamic and impactful institution that contributes significantly to society, addresses global challenges, and prepares students for a rapidly changing world. We should also focus on establishing a robust ecosystem on campus in the form of research hubs and incubators for research and development, creativity and entrepreneurship, collaborating more with famous industries, organizing character and career building programs for nurturing students cognitive, emotional, social and ethical dimensions, so that through resilience they can easily navigate life's complexities.

Last but not the least, our focus should be on fostering global collaboration with international universities for exchange programs and joint research endeavors that can enrich our academic environment and extend our reach, blending traditional pedagogies with digital tools, virtual labs, online resources and adaptive learning platforms, strengthening ties with the local community through outreach programs, community service, and projects. 

When you first came to MGU, what was your vision for the university and how far have you come along in implementing them?

My objective when I joined the MGU was to transform the university into a vibrant hub of holistic education, research excellence, and societal impact that not only imparts knowledge and nurtures students character, but also provides them global perspectives to learn and grow. And over time, my vision has evolved and deepened as we have given more emphasis on interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, and sustainability initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Apart from this, our curriculum has been redesigned to promote interdisciplinary learning, and we have established state-of-the-art research centers that address pressing societal issues. Also, our partnerships with industries have grown and have created numerous avenues for students to gain practical experience and contribute to real-world solutions. And while we have achieved much, still numerous tasks are left to finish, hence me and my team are committedly working to push the boundaries of our vision further, refine our strategies, enhance our academic offerings, and strengthen our connections with our stakeholders. 

What makes your MGU different and unique from others?

We are known for our employment oriented academic programs and multidisciplinary education and our college regularly encourages students to explore diverse fields and their passion areas in order to transform them into well-rounded professionals who can tackle complex challenges from multiple angles. Apart from this, we actively implement eco-friendly practices across our campus to prepare students to be environmentally conscious leaders who can drive positive change and have research centers that are at the forefront of innovation, addressing pressing societal issues in disciplines like healthcare, environment and technology. In other terms, we are not just imparting knowledge but translating it into tangible solutions that make a real impact on people's lives.

Other than this, our collaborations with international universities and research institutions to global opportunities and exposure to students sets us apart from others. And our inclusive campus is our pride as it acts as a melting pot of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds. Last but not the least, we make sure to inculcate best moral values in our students, ensuring they graduate not only with knowledge but also with a strong sense of ethics and integrity. Hence I would say all these factors together makes our university a best place for aspiring and young students to pursue their dream courses.