Arun Kumar Dash is the Managing Director of Divine College Of Health Science. He holds a B.Com. degree and an MBA from Sikkim Manipal University. Thereafter, he worked in the telecom sector for more than seven years. He ventured into academia by working in a centre in charge at a Paramedical Institute.

Divine College Of Health Science

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

Though I am a transplant patient, I am interested in working in a sector where I can help others by providing hospitality. I am glad I got the opportunity to work in a Paramedical College and have had the opportunity to produce quality students over the years.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I don’t think that strictness is necessary to lead a team. However, discipline and responsibility are very important for leading a team. I always prefer to be friendly with my team as well as my students, as they are the ones with whom we can make this institution better than before. I follow the path of continuous improvement with small steps.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the Institution and the students are?

My major duties include reviewing and revising the policies, rules, regulations, and principles of the college. Thereafter, I also need to look over the procurement of college equipment, supplies, and stationery. Preparation of budgetary proposals, supervision of hostel and office staff, providing classes, and supervision of library services are part of my responsibilities too.

When you first started Divine, what was your vision for the Institution?

My vision was initially to provide affordable, quality education, to strengthen the students and staff mentally and socially by making them understand the power of spirituality, the basic energy of our mind, and body. I also wanted to provide opportunities for students to realise their full potential and thus shape them into future leaders, healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, and above all, good human beings.

What do you see as Divine’s greatest strengths?

Spirituality is our greatest strength, along with our students and our faculty. We nurture them as our own. It is important to understand what sector we are working in and why spirituality is important to progress further as better humans work for the betterment of mankind.

How did Divine operate during COVID 19 and what strategies were formulated and used to keep education ongoing?

During COVID-19, we mostly switched to the online medium, but paramedics is a practical course. So, we encouraged and assisted many students to join hospitals as temporary work hands provided they were in their final years so that they could gain first-hand knowledge and learn from the experts. 

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

My advice to all the students is that they should be responsible and always show respect to others. They should have complete dedication to their work. One must be vigilant about their opportunities and their ability to be bold and caring at the same time.