Dr. Anil Kumar Choubey is the Principal of M.J. College, Bhilai, a NAAC B++ accredited college. He holds a PhD in Physics from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. With over 19 years of teaching experience, Dr. Choubey is known for his research work in Luminescence. He has published 18 research papers in reputed UGC- Care and Scopus indexed journals and has authored one book. Furthermore, he is a reviewer of six Scopus indexed journals and a life member of the Material Research Society of India and the Indian Association of Physics Teachers.

Dr Anil Choubey Principal of MJ College

Being the Principal of M. J. College, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

A leadership philosophy is a “Personal Roadmap” that enables you to transform your beliefs, values, and principles. My leadership style can be described as direct and leading by example. I delegate tasks but also like to stay connected and motivate my team by showing I am also a helping hand to them.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

This is one of the best parts of our college, handling students of different backgrounds. Since admissions are through a central allotment system, we get students from different parts of our society. For financially challenged students we offer different types of institutional scholarships. For students from rural areas, communication skills and personality development classes are offered free of cost.

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

Over the next ten years, the college should concentrate on improving the employability of students. We also need to motivate students to pursue entrepreneurship or start their own ventures. There is also a requirement to increase linkage between industries and other institutions and to strive for autonomy.

What do you see as M. J. College’s greatest strengths?

M.J. College’s greatest strengths are its students and faculty members. Our team of expert teachers has years of experience in the field. Most of them also have PhD degrees in their fields. Teaching the students, guiding them, and seeing them succeed is a great sense of achievement for the college. Both of these stakeholders are the core pillars that make up M.J. College.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for M J College specifically?

The greatest challenge for higher education is to cope with the curriculum in a fast-changing world. There are rapid changes in technology and in the industry that we need to keep up with. We need to make sure our students are taught and made aware of what is expected of them in the workplace.

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

Excelling in education and in a career requires hard work. Knowledge is the key to success, and there is no shortcut. Do not be afraid to take risks, and always be ready to grab opportunities that come your way. Adopt a mindset of continuous learning. This is essential to remaining competitive among peers.

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

To establish good relations with everyone at the college, I make sure to open up and listen to everyone. I try to keep my door open to anyone who needs help. The students can also approach the faculty members for any issue.

Have you introduced any new programs at your college? If yes, please give us a brief highlight of the same. If no, then do you plan on introducing any?

We introduced a Master of Science in Physics degree in the past academic year. It inculcates research capabilities in our Science students. This programme will help with the popularisation of science in our region. There is a broad scope of the programme, such as advancing to PhD courses in Physics, Applied Physics, Biophysics, and Nuclear Physics or applying for job opportunities. Students can work in positions like Research Analyst, Space and Astronomy, Healthcare (radiology, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine), Energy (renewable or non-renewable energy sector), Technology (robotics, nanotechnology, and nano-science), Geophysics and meteorology, College/School Lecturer/ Professor, Banking, etc.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to the real world challenges?

Yes, students at M. J. College take part in various extra-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to take part in debate competitions, sports competitions, and more throughout the academic year. They not only take part in participation but are also involved in planning the events, which helps in developing essential interpersonal skills.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for M. J. College specifically?

Too much use of social media is making students socially disconnected, which is pushing them towards depression and anxiety. The tools of distraction have increased. The writing habits of students are going down as all the contents are available online. These are only some of the challenges our students face.

With the competition so high, how do you guide your students to survive in such a competitive scenario?

The survival of the fittest applies in every era. To survive, you have to gain knowledge and skills; this is the time when you cannot rely on a single skill. You have to get updated every day to get the upper hand. Always keep learning and upskilling yourself to maintain a competitive edge.