Dr. Rajiv Tonk is the Dean at Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University and Academy of Sports Sciences Research and Management. He has done Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education administration, and what drew you to your current role as an assistant Dean?
It was my passion and when I started my career after 12th in Pharmacy, I saw that this field was a renowned one and this field plays a very major role in the medical profession so that’s why if somebody is not getting a medical profession then they can choose this option. So I opted for this profession and I always have the dream that I have to go to the top. The same way I worked hard to reach this position. As a professor, I'm doing good work, and I am very much indulged in student-related activities that my authorities gave me this opportunity to become a Dean. As a Dean we should focus on the policies of the regulatory body which should be light but tight so that everybody shows their integrity and shows their professionalism.
What do you see as the biggest challenges that higher education faces today, and how do you think your institution is addressing those challenges?
According to me, the biggest challenge today is that students nowadays don’t want to sit in the classroom and study. They simply rely on ChatGPT, Digital world, and Digital media for their queries. They are fond of the internet because it can be accessed from the comfort of their home and they can study using youtube or various other channels. We have digital classrooms with audio-visual facilities still the students are not coming so this is the biggest challenge to higher education. Our institution has a committee to address student-related issues and we also cater to the needs of our students so that they want to come to the college on a regular basis.
What do you think sets your institution apart from other colleges and universities and how do you communicate that unique value proportion to students and other Stakeholders?
First of all, this is the first pharma university in India. We are focusing on the pharmacy courses basically and we have the legacy of the DPSRU so we continue the pharmacy profession. The students are opting for this institution with the dream that they will have a good future for sure. So is the legacy of the institution and we are situated in the heart of the Indian capital city Delhi so it’s also easily reachable and all the labs are well equipped. Also, students get more exposure as compared to the other institutions so this is the reason that students are opting for this institution in the pharmacy profession.
How do you approach decision-making in your role and how do you balance the needs of different stakeholders when making difficult decisions?
Firstly, Ours is a student-friendly campus even all the teachers are student-friendly but yes if we talk about the emphasis between student welfare and the academy so the relaxation is not at the cost of the academy so academically they should be vital if they are not listening, and not punctual in the classes then definitely action will be taken if there's an issue with the student there is a problem with the students that they are not eligible and unable to attend the classes then definitely we have running the mentor-mentee program to listen the personal problem also so different mentor we have appointed so they are listening to the problem of different students are different particular mentee.
Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?
Yes, as a Dean, I would like to say follow your passion. Adopt a continuous learning mindset to stay sharp and ahead of the competition. Set clear goals, both for the short term and long term. Only when you know the path will you be able to plan out your course of action and be prepared for challenges.
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