Leaders shaping the future of learning are distinguished by their insightful approach, driving progressive changes that transfigure how education is delivered, experienced and evaluated. These forward-thinking individuals surpass traditional educational boundaries by integrating innovative practices and the latest technologies to create adaptive, learner-centered environments.
Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Ranjan, the Vice Chancellor at Sushant University exemplifies this strategic leadership in education. He is dedicated to developing a culture of continuous improvement, inclusivity and global relevance. Viewing education as a growing field, he emphasises a holistic approach that develops students’ critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence. His commitment to innovative pedagogy, personalised learning, global collaboration, and inclusive education reflects his dedication to equipping students with the skills needed for future success.
He is passionate about building a future-ready educational environment that prepares students to excel in an advancing world by strategically integrating technology, investing in professional development and actively engaging with the community.
Celebrating the Legacy in Academia
Prof. Ranjan has served in his current role since May 2022, drawing on over 35 years of distinguished teaching and research experience at prestigious Indian and international institutions. Before this, he was the Vice Chancellor at Himgiri Zee University, Dehradun, for nearly five years. Prof. Ranjan holds a B.E., M.E. and Ph.D. from BITS Pilani.
His academic career began as a Lecturer at BITS Pilani from 1993 to 1997, followed by significant international experience through the UNDP program at the Defence University in Addis Ababa and the Multimedia University in Melaka, Malaysia, where he contributed close to decade.
Prof. Ranjan has authored several influential books, including ‘Renewable Energy Sources & Emerging Technologies’ (PHI, India), ‘Signals and Systems’ (McGraw-Hill, Singapore/Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi) and ‘Environmental Science and Engineering’ (Narosa Publishing House, 2017). His research includes 184 papers in international journals and 112 conference papers, focusing on Radial Distribution Systems. With an h-index of 26 and over 2,900 citations, he has supervised 11 Ph.D. scholars and contributed to numerous research projects.
Recognized globally, he serves on international committees and has received accolades such as Marquee’s “Who’s Who in the World” for Science and Technology and the Sikhsha Rattan Award. His commitment to academic excellence and leadership continues to have a profound global impact.
Building a Supportive Academic Community
Prof. Ranjan’s journey to becoming an educator stemmed from his passion for learning and a desire to help others grasp complex concepts. This initial drive later turned into a commitment to shaping minds, developing critical thinking and mentoring students.
His role has expanded to include significant administrative responsibilities like curriculum development, accreditation and quality assurance, offering him a broader perspective on education.
He is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, believing that education is a calling with the power to impact students and the academic community. These experiences reinforce his commitment to educational excellence and leadership.
Championing Innovative Education
Prof. Ranjan shares Sushant University’s innovative initiatives focused on holistic development. The university offers diverse academic programs with industry-specific curricula, ensuring global competitiveness.
Its global outlook is strengthened through partnerships with leading international universities and companies and its collaboration with eminent personalities. The university features the Centre for Soft Skills, the Centre for Research and Development and experiential learning platforms.
He emphasizes the university’s excellence in teaching and research, reflected in numerous awards and high rankings. He encourages students to excel and invites parents to visit, showcasing the university’s commitment to shaping India’s future.
The Impact of Moral Values in Education
Prof. Ranjan views teachers as ‘guardians of knowledge,’ inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of developing the whole person—mind, body and spirit. His teaching principles emphasize holistic education by addressing intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.
He focuses on character building, instilling moral values as well as ethics while promoting spiritual growth for deeper self-awareness. He ensures practical knowledge by providing real-world skills and emphasizes service to humanity, fostering compassion. These principles aim to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of leading purposeful and impactful lives.
A Technological Approach to Education
Prof. Ranjan views technology as a key to enhancing student learning by making education more engaging, personalized and accessible. He integrates multimedia resources, virtual labs and learning management systems like Moodle and Canvas to support and centralize learning.
He uses adaptive platforms such as Smart Sparrow for tailored content and feedback and tools like Turnitin and Grammarly to improve written work. Interactive tools like Socrative and Kahoot make assessments engaging, while Poll Everywhere and Mentimeter boost participation. Social media platforms and global online courses further connect students with industry experts and broaden their perspectives.
Strategies for Continuous Improvement in Teaching
Prof. Ranjan uses a multi-faceted approach to evaluate his teaching effectiveness. He incorporates student feedback from evaluations and informal comments, analyzes performance metrics like exam scores and monitors attendance and engagement.
Peer evaluations offer external insights while tracking student outcomes provides a view of long-term impact. Reflective practice is key, as he assesses whether learning objectives are met and identifies areas for improvement. These strategies ensure his teaching supports and enhances student learning and success.
Connecting Students with Campus Resources
One of Prof. Ranjan’s most rewarding experiences involved a student struggling academically and personally due to financial and family issues. He provided mentorship, helping the student manage time and stress and connected him with vital campus resources.
He created a supportive classroom environment, encouraging participation and giving tailored feedback. Over time, the student’s attendance, engagement and performance improved markedly and he regained confidence and purpose.
This experience underscored his belief in addressing individual needs and reaffirmed that teaching extends beyond academics to include personal guidance and holistic success.
Empowering Students through Educational Equity
Prof. Ranjan aims to enhance his teaching and administrative roles to profoundly impact students’ growth. He focuses on integrating emerging trends and technologies, staying updated with pedagogical research and providing practical experiences.
As an administrator, par excellence, he ensures high academic standards through accreditation and quality assurance. He also emphasizes mentorship and educational equity, striving to inspire students to become future leaders and contributors to society.
