Dr. Ravi Prakash Mishra is the Head of the Department of Agriculture at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth in Faridabad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from CSA University of Agriculture and Technology. Thereafter, he went on to pursue a master’s degree in Plant Pathology and a PhD from the same university.

Dr. Mishra has over 11 years of experience in research and teaching. He started teaching in 2015 by teaching the BSc Agriculture course students at Cordia College. After that, he went on to work in CGC Jhanjeri and the University of Engineering & Technology Roorkee. His area of expertise is in Mushroom Production, Regenerative Agriculture, Horticulture, and Farm Mechanisation. Dr. Ravi has received eight awards including the Young Scientist Award, Best Teacher Award, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award, and the N.E. Borlaug Award.

Lingaya's Vidyapeeth, Faridabad

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

Throughout my professional journey, I have been fortunate to hold Head of Department positions at various educational institutes. The education sector is incredibly important to me, and several key factors have continuously kept me connected and committed to this field. Firstly, the transformative power of education deeply resonates with me. Witnessing the growth and development of students, not only in terms of knowledge but also in character and life skills, is immensely fulfilling. It's a privilege to contribute to shaping the future of individuals and society as a whole. Secondly, the dynamic nature of education keeps me engaged. The field is constantly evolving with new teaching methodologies, technologies, and research. This ever-changing landscape challenges me to stay updated, adapt, and innovate in my teaching approaches, which in turn keeps me intellectually stimulated and passionate about my work.

The sense of community and collaboration within the education sector is remarkable. Working alongside dedicated educators, administrators, and support staff creates a sense of shared purpose and a strong network. The opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from each other's experiences, and collectively address challenges is a driving force for me. Another key factor is the potential for positive societal impact. Education has the power to break barriers, bridge gaps, and create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Contributing to equal access to quality education and witnessing the positive changes it brings to communities reinforces my commitment to the sector. 

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My philosophy of leadership centres around empowering individuals, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. At the core of my leadership style is a belief in servant leadership. I prioritise open communication, active listening, and a genuine interest in the well-being of my team members. By understanding their strengths, aspirations, and challenges, I can better tailor my leadership approach to bring out the best in everyone. Collaboration is a cornerstone of my leadership style. I value diverse perspectives and believe that the collective intelligence of a team often leads to innovative solutions. Through collaboration, we can harness the strengths of each team member and create a culture of mutual respect and support.

In terms of decision-making, I lean towards a participative approach. I involve my team in discussions and encourage them to contribute their insights. While I am responsible for making final decisions, I believe that involving the team fosters ownership, boosts morale, and results in more well-rounded choices. I lead with a growth mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and development, both for myself and my team. 

What do you see as Lingaya's Vidyapeeth’s greatest strengths?

I perceive Lingaya's Vidyapeeth’s greatest strengths as a combination of several key factors that set it apart and contribute to its excellence. The university boasts a remarkable faculty of experts and scholars in various fields. Their expertise not only enhances the academic experience but also ensures that students are well-prepared to excel in their chosen careers. Secondly, the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community is commendable. Embracing individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives enriches the learning environment and prepares students for a globalised world. Our emphasis on innovation and research is a notable strength. By encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations and providing cutting-edge resources, the institution becomes a hub for groundbreaking discoveries and solutions to real-world challenges. The university's investment in state-of-the-art facilities and technologies enhances the learning experience. Modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, and other resources create an environment conducive to both academic excellence and personal growth.

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

Establishing a healthy relationship and environment within an institute or university is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a combination of strategies, communication, and consistent actions. I believe in fostering a culture of open communication where all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators, feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Regular meetings, town halls, and feedback mechanisms help create an atmosphere where everyone's voice is valued and heard. Transparency is key to building trust. I make sure that decisions, policies, and processes are clearly communicated to all members of the institute. 

I prioritise respect for diversity and inclusivity. I work to create an environment where everyone feels respected regardless of their background, identity, or role. Empowering individuals empowers the institution as a whole. I encourage autonomy and responsibility among faculty, staff, and students. I promote a collaborative culture where teamwork is encouraged. Cross-functional collaborations among different departments, programs, and units can lead to innovative solutions, shared resources, and a sense of camaraderie. Recognising and appreciating the efforts and achievements of members within the institute is crucial. Prioritising the well-being of individuals contributes to a healthy environment through wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and resources for mental and physical health.

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

The next ten years are crucial for shaping the future direction of educational institutions. During this time, the top priority should be to create a learning ecosystem that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing world. Over the next decade, the university should focus on being at the forefront of educational innovation, technology integration, global collaboration, research excellence, entrepreneurship, sustainability, holistic student development, and promoting adaptability. By doing so, we will not only prepare our students for the future but also contribute positively to the advancement of society and the betterment of our world.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

From a future point of view, recruiters look to have a good degree of consistency throughout an academic journey. It's not what your degree is but if you have competency in an area. Whether you can go out, get the job done, be persistent, and put in a good amount of sweat into the journey. Having a good academic background becomes important. I would ask the youth to work as hard as they can and remain passionate and focused throughout the journey. Nothing comes easily. The journey is going to be hard but you need to keep trying.