Know Your Faculty: ‘Education is a domain where one can create revolution around the globe’

Having a long and illustrious career of more than 27 years of working in academic institutions, Dr Pawan Kumar Paras is currently serving as the Registrar of Apeejay Stya University, which is ranked among the top liberal arts universities in Gurugram. Dr Paras holds a position of immense authority and responsibilities, which include supervision of tasks such as registration requests, safe keeping of all the records pertaining to the University, compliance of the statutory compliance and various rules and regulations, scheduling and maintaining of the master records of graduated students, and liaison with Regulatory and Statutory bodies to achieve the goals of the University.

The dynamic personality is especially recognised for his knowledge, interpersonal skills and managerial dexterity. In addition to his Post Graduate degree in Physics, Dr Paras holds an MBA degree in Human Resource Management and a Ph.D. degree in Management. 

During his career spanning more than two and half decades, he has excelled in various academic and administrative positions in institutions of higher learning. Dr Paras has worked with UPES University Dehradun for more than 14 years as an Assistant Registrar and a Deputy Registrar. He has also worked with IILM for 10 years in Delhi and Greater Noida as HR cum Admin Officer. A computer-savvy person, Dr. Paras has worked on various ERP (Enterprise resource planning) systems and was a process owner of implementation of SAP systems in UPES and IETE. “During my journey with various institutes and universities of repute, I was also actively involved in setting up various processes and preparation of SOPs (standard operating procedures) along with conducting the academic and administrative audit of University of Technology and Management in Shillong,” he highlights.

Read edited excerpts of the interview in which Dr Paras shares qualities of a good university and suggest digitising university administrative processes to perform tasks efficiently.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in the academic field ?

I come from an academically-strong family. My father was a teacher and we have seen several transformations in the education sector since the beginning. My journey started with Meerut University. When I saw the existing culture, I thought of facilitating the students with good services, and creating a good atmosphere of working. This pushed me to work in the education sector. As per my experience, I understood that education is a domain, where a person can create revolution around the globe.

The Apeejay Stya University is a seat of global learning that offers rich opportunities for innovative teaching-learning, creativity and research across disciplines. How do you envision building on this legacy as one of the pioneers of liberal arts education?

I would like to use my experience, gained so far, to maintain the legacy of the University with enhanced outcomes of the goal of the University.

Read Here: Apeejay Stya University recognised by ASSOCHAM for promoting entrepreneurship skills

How important do you think is institution-building for an educator, particularly in a value-based brand like Apeejay?

The education sector has changed over the years due to several reforms in the sector and the traditional education system is almost disappearing. Universities will have to play a different role due to the implementation of NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 in addition to the other government guidelines from time to time. Also, many aspects of institution-building have been changed accordingly. Social media is also playing a vital role and is becoming a key factor for survival of the institution. I believe that institution-building is very important for survival in the current situation. Apeejay has the strength of legacy of its brand. Further, a teacher may spread awareness and impart the importance of value-based education in this culture. Good willingness and alignment with the vision and mission are needed. 

What according to you are the qualities of a good university? Goals in mind for Apeejay Stya University?

A good University should contribute towards the students, society and nation-building in such a manner that students learn both ethics along with their course curriculum. A university should provide multidisciplinary education while strengthening each student’s skill for their holistic development. A loyal service to the society in various aspects will definitely imbibe individuals with valuable lessons and learning while helping them contribute towards nation-building. 

Also Read: Apeejay Stya University ranks 3rd in Haryana, 7th in North India in IIRF Ranking 2023

Your take on digitising university administrative processes.

I am strongly in favour of digitising university administrative processes as this is the need of the hour. This will help to smoothen the implementation while giving quick outcomes.  

A word of advice

“Everyone has their own resources and knowledge. I suggest you create your target or goal that you wish to achieve in the future, and then prepare a plan/roadmap based on your resources, which is very important. You are required to focus on your target/goal like Arjuna in Mahabharata. Give your best and success will be yours.”