Dr. Vikas Singh: The Paragon of Educational Ingenuity
Today, the educational landscape is being reshaped by a profound shift towards learner-centric methodologies that prioritize practical application over mere rote memorization. This new paradigm recognizes that true education extends beyond the classroom, requiring students to embrace curiosity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration.
Dr. Vikas Singh, a pioneer in higher education, embodies the spirit of this transformative era. With over thirty years of pioneering work, Dr. Vikas has been at the helm of a revolution in learning, blending academic rigor with real-world relevance to prepare students for an ever-changing future.
Dr. Vikas Singh has always believed that education is the most powerful tool for shaping the future of society. Over the past three decades, his journey in higher education has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and outcome-based learning. As the Founder Vice Chancellor of Geeta University, he views his mission as bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
From Industrial Precision to Academic Passion
Dr. Vikas Singh’s professional journey began in a markedly different domain with the Goenka Group Company, where he was tasked with ensuring the quality of PVC sheetings produced for railways, automobile manufacturers, and general consumers. At the time, one of the company’s notable brands was Wonderfloor. His role in quality assurance provided him with valuable insights into the significance of precision, attention to detail, and a robust foundation in operations management.
Simultaneously, Dr. Vikas had the opportunity to lecture MBA Executive students in Operations Management at IMT Ghaziabad, a prestigious business school. This experience proved to be transformative for him. Engaging with students and imparting knowledge sparked an unexpected passion for academia. The dynamic interaction with students, the excitement of guiding them through complex concepts, and witnessing their development were deeply fulfilling for him. It was through these experiences that Vikas realized his true calling lay in the field of education rather than industry.
This pivotal realization motivated him to transition to a full-time academic career. The decision to shift his career trajectory was not made lightly, but Dr. Vikas recognized that working in education would allow him to make a more significant impact by shaping future leaders and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. This understanding marked the beginning of his journey in higher education, and it continues to inspire his work to this day.
Dr. Vikas Singh’s journey in academia has been characterized by a passion for teaching and a strong leadership mindset. Early in his career, this passion was recognized when he was appointed as the Founding Dean of an engineering college at the age of just 34. This role was a defining moment for him, affirming his dedication to both education and leadership.
As his career advanced, the trust placed in his abilities continued to grow. By the grace of God, Dr. Vikas became one of the youngest Vice Chancellors in India before reaching the age of 50. This milestone serves as a testament to his commitment to transforming higher education and his belief in the power of innovative learning. Being entrusted with these significant responsibilities at such pivotal points in his career fueled his determination to drive meaningful change in the educational landscape, ensuring that students are well-prepared not just for today but for the future.
Forging a Path to Distinction and Impact
Dr. Vikas considers it a privilege to have led Geeta University as its Founder Vice Chancellor, a role that came with immense responsibility and opportunities. The university, part of the esteemed Geeta Group of Institutions established in 1985, is located in the serene surroundings of Panipat, Haryana, along the Panipat-Jaipur National Highway. While the institution’s location and legacy provided a solid foundation, establishing a new university that stands out and meets modern educational demands posed numerous challenges.
One of the primary challenges was crafting a forward-thinking vision to distinguish Geeta University in the competitive higher education landscape. To address this, Dr. Vikas introduced EXEDGE, a unique program designed to transform students into Complete Corporate Citizens. This initiative focuses on developing practical skills, leadership, and employability, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the corporate world.
Another significant challenge was positioning Geeta University as a model for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Dr. Vikas envisioned the university as a hub for employability-oriented education and entrepreneurship within the framework of Indian ethos and values. To achieve this, the institution adopted the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) with the innovative “Design Your Own Degree” concept, allowing students to customize their educational journey according to their interests and career goals, thereby enhancing their engagement and employability.
Additionally, Dr. Vikas tackled the challenge of establishing Competence and Outcome-Based Education (OBE) to ensure that student learning outcomes were practical and not merely theoretical. By leveraging industry-leading IT-enabled systems, he set up robust processes for student support and quality education, which were crucial for maintaining high standards.
Dr. Vikas’s long-term goal was to position Geeta University as the preferred choice for aspiring students across North India. Achieving this required aligning the institution’s goals with students’ aspirations. His team focused on developing students in four key areas: knowledge, skills, behavior, and attitude. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded individuals capable of excelling in employability, entrepreneurship, or further education at prestigious institutions, both nationally and internationally.
Despite the significant challenges, Dr. Vikas and his team have successfully positioned Geeta University on a path toward long-term success and impact by building a strong, committed team and prioritizing student outcomes.
Navigating the New Digital Landscape
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a seismic shift in the world of education. What began as traditional classroom teaching suddenly transitioned to online learning due to the global lockdown. This abrupt change highlighted a significant gap in higher education: while educators were experts in their fields, many were unfamiliar with the tools and strategies required for effective online teaching, such as cameras, microphones, and virtual engagement techniques. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Vikas Singh was inspired to write “Paper to Screen – The Future of Education.” His aim was to equip educators with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the new digital landscape.
What sets this book apart is the urgency with which it was written and published. Within just 45 days of the lockdown, “Paper to Screen” was available on the market, and it quickly resonated with educators facing the challenges of online teaching. The book’s immediate success, including becoming a bestseller in the Education category on Amazon, underscored its relevance and timeliness.
The impact of the book extended beyond national borders. It was so well-received internationally that the Vice Chancellor of Mazandran University in Iran requested a Persian translation, which was subsequently published. The book provided practical, step-by-step guidance to educators unfamiliar with online class delivery, helping them regain their confidence. Teachers who had previously been apprehensive about using digital tools found themselves thriving in the online classroom. The book empowered educators to effectively engage their students, even from a distance, turning them into heroes and heroines of virtual education.
In the broader educational discourse, “Paper to Screen” contributes significantly to the conversation about technology’s role in learning. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability in education, demonstrating that technology is not merely a tool but a crucial component of the future of teaching. The book has sparked discussions on leveraging digital platforms as long-term solutions to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. In a world where the distinction between physical and virtual classrooms is increasingly blurred, the lessons from this book continue to hold significant relevance.
Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Spirit
At the heart of any dynamic educational institution is the integration of interdisciplinary learning, which Dr. Vikas has strongly championed throughout his leadership. He believes that encouraging students to engage with multiple fields of study not only broadens their perspectives but also equips them with the diverse skill sets needed to tackle the complex challenges of today’s world. By fostering interdisciplinary learning, students can approach problems with a holistic perspective, drawing on knowledge from various domains such as engineering, business, law, and healthcare.
One notable way Dr. Vikas has promoted this approach is through the development of entrepreneurship initiatives that bridge different fields. For instance, during his tenure at ITS Engineering College, his efforts were recognized when the institution was classified as a “Band A” institution in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovations Achievement (ARIIA) 2020, conducted by the Ministry of Education. This ranking placed the college among the top 25 institutions across India. This achievement highlighted the institution’s commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurship under Dr. Vikas’s leadership.
Stimulating An Entrepreneurial Spirit
A strong emphasis on entrepreneurship has been a central driving force in Dr. Vikas’ leadership. Under his guidance, the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) earned a prestigious five-star rating from the Ministry of Education, solidifying the institution’s reputation as a leader in fostering innovative thinking and entrepreneurial growth among students and faculty.
Dr. Vikas spearheaded the establishment of the New Generation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre, which received over three crores in funding from the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB). This center has become a key hub for nurturing entrepreneurial talent, providing students with the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary to transform their ideas into successful businesses.
Additionally, Dr. Vikas initiated the creation of the Navrachna Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development, a Section 8 company designed to foster a structured environment for new startups. This initiative includes a Co-working Space and a Factory area on campus to support student-led startups through incubation, growth, and scaling. The foundation has also facilitated engagement with angel investor groups through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), granting students access to funding opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders.
To further stimulate an entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Vikas organized Start-up Weekends and Weekend Hackathons, events that encouraged students to brainstorm, collaborate, and develop innovative business ideas. These activities connected students with the startup community, inspiring them to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path and helping them see the real-world applications of their academic knowledge.
By integrating interdisciplinary approaches with entrepreneurship-focused initiatives, Dr. Vikas Singh has successfully prepared students to think critically, innovate, and build impactful careers. His efforts have fostered a culture of creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, equipping students with a mindset that supports both employability and entrepreneurship.
Shaping the Destiny of the Nation
In his TEDx talk, Dr. Vikas emphasized that there has never been a better time to be young in India. As the world’s most populous country and the fastest-growing major economy, India stands on the brink of unprecedented growth and opportunity. His message to young leaders was clear: get educated, get skilled, and stay optimistic. Dr. Vikas believes that India is uniquely positioned to offer a wealth of opportunities that can surpass even the most ambitious dreams.
A key factor driving this optimism is India’s young and rapidly expanding working-age population. As the workforce grows, so does the potential for innovation and economic expansion. Dr. Vikas highlighted that the manufacturing sector is also experiencing a surge, fueled by increased education and higher levels of engineering skills. This trend opens doors for young professionals to contribute significantly to a sector that will play a crucial role in India’s future economic strength.
Moreover, the sustained growth of India’s consumer market, driven by a burgeoning middle class, presents boundless possibilities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and new ventures. As India continues its development, the demand for skilled professionals across various sectors will rise, creating ample opportunities for young leaders to step up and make meaningful contributions to society.
Dr. Vikas’s core message to today’s youth was to be bold, be prepared, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. He conveyed that India’s future is in their hands, holding the potential for them to evolve into leaders who will not only shape their own destinies but also the destiny of the nation.
Embracing the Role of a Facilitator
Throughout his career in higher education, Dr. Vikas has observed significant changes in the approach to teaching and learning. The most notable shift has been from traditional lecture-based, teacher-centric models to more learner-centric methodologies. Today, the role of an educator has evolved from merely imparting knowledge to becoming a facilitator who fosters curiosity and independent thinking in students.
In a rapidly changing world, Dr. Vikas emphasizes the importance of cultivating inquisitiveness in young minds. Instead of focusing solely on teaching facts, educators must inspire students to ask questions, explore, and seek out knowledge independently. The role of teachers is now to guide students in developing essential skills for continuous learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Preparing students for the future involves more than equipping them with knowledge for the next decade; it is about preparing them for four to five decades of career growth in an era where career spans and lifespans are increasing. The art and science of learning have become crucial, with students needing to master how to learn, adapt, and thrive in a world of constant change.
Dr. Vikas’s advice to teachers is straightforward: embrace the role of facilitators and concentrate on teaching students how to learn rather than just what to learn. By adopting this approach, educators will empower students to navigate the complexities of a long and fulfilling career and make meaningful contributions to society.