Sunil Singh on Building an Innovation-Driven University for Tomorrow’s India

In a candid conversation with Shiksha.com, Sunil Singh, Chancellor of Saroj International University (SIU), Lucknow, talked about the SIU's mission to shape students who are not just academically strong but also ready to make meaningful contributions to society. Established in 2024 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Saroj International University (SIU) is a forward-looking, with a strong foundation in innovation, research, and industry-aligned learning, SIU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across fields such as Engineering, Pharmacy, Management, Health Sciences, Humanities, Sports, and Fashion.

Sunil Singh is a visionary educationist and the esteemed Chancellor of Saroj International University (SIU), Lucknow. With over two decades of experience in the education sector, he has been instrumental in shaping the academic landscape of Uttar Pradesh. In 2024, Mr. Singh founded Saroj International University (SIU) under the aegis of Smt. Saroj Singh Shikshan Sansthan. Situated in the historic city of Lucknow, SIU is spread over a 40-acre lush green campus and is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is listed under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act 2019. Under Sunil Singh's stewardship, Saroj International University continues to thrive as a beacon of learning, shaping the future of countless students and contributing significantly to the educational landscape of India. 

Q1. Can you please provide us overview and the mission of the SIU? 

Saroj International University (SIU), established in 2024, is a multidisciplinary university located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in Engineering, Pharmacy, Management and Innovation, Basic Health Sciences, Humanities, Education, Sports, and Film Fashion. 

SIU follows a research-focused approach to establish the Innovation Cell and the Entrepreneurship Cell., The university signed an MOU with TCS and follows an industry-oriented curriculum based on NEP 2020. A practical learning methods approach will be applied to help students gain relevant skills. The university promotes innovation and critical thinking through well-qualified faculty and modern infrastructure. 

Mission of Saroj International University: 

The mission of SIU is to redefine higher education in India by: 

• Creating a dynamic academic environment to encourage Critical and Analytical thinking. 

• Promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation, and motivating students to approach solving real-life problems. 

• To collaborate with industry partners to fill the gap between Education and Industry. 

• Developing ethical, social, responsible, and capable Students for contributing to National and Global development. 

The university aims to shape students who are not just academically strong but also ready to make meaningful contributions to society.

Q2. What sets SIU apart from other engineering and technology institutes?

Saroj International University (SIU) stands out from other engineering and technology institutions due to the following strengths: 

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum 

The curriculum is based on NEP 2020  and prepared with inputs from industry experts. It covers modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Robotics, Renewable Energy, and Data Science. 

• Focus on Research and Innovation 

SIU promotes research initially from the 1st Year at the graduate level.. Students get opportunities to work on real-time projects, file patents, and develop prototypes under faculty guidance, and also motivate students to participate in hackathons. 

• Support for Start-ups and Skill Development 

The university has developed incubation centres and an entrepreneurship  Cell under which technical workshops, internships, and certification courses to build both technical and soft skills are conducted. 

• Multidisciplinary Education 

Engineering students are exposed to other subjects like management, basic sciences, and humanities, which helps in holistic development and a practical problem-solving approach. 

• Modern Labs and Digital Infrastructure 

SIU is in the process of developing advanced laboratories and simulation tools, students are trained using new equipment and software that meet current industry standards. 

• Strong Industry Ties 

SIU regularly organises industrial visits, guest lectures, research collaborations, and placement drives, through which students connect theory with practical, real-world applications. 

• Global Learning Opportunities 

The university includes Global Learning in its Curriculum, encourages international student exchanges and partnerships, which gives students exposure to global trends in engineering and technology. 

Q3. How has SIU adapted to the changing landscape of education and technology in recent years? 

SIU has made several efforts to keep pace with fast-changing trends in education and technology: 

• AI Research Centre Established 

SIU launched a dedicated Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research, This centre supports teaching and innovation in AI across various departments, including Engineering and other Departments. 

• Curriculum Designed with TCS  

SIU has collaborated with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to create a curriculum based on NEP 2020 that reflects current industry needs. This helps students to get Specialisation Degree along with a Regular Degree.  

• Interdisciplinary and Practical Learning 

The university encourages students to apply knowledge through projects, internships, Workshops, and participate in Events organised by Industries and the government. Of India like  Hackathon. 

• Upgraded Labs and Infrastructure 

To support hands-on learning and advanced research, SIU has invested in advanced Labs and well-equipped Labs. AI labs and Smart board rooms are also developed for better learning outcomes. 

• Focus on Research and Development 

SIU encourages both students and faculty to take up research projects, learn and develop and be able to solve real-world problems, helping create a continuous culture of innovation. 

These steps show how SIU is preparing students for future challenges in a competitive and technology-driven world.

Q4. Could you highlight some of the recent accomplishments or milestones achieved by SIU?

Saroj International University has achieved and accomplished several milestones recently: 

• AI Research Centre Launched 

SIU set up a Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research lab, IOT lab and a Cyber Security Lab. Also, encourage students to participate in IBM AI based Hackathon. 

•  TCS Collaboration for Updated Curriculum 

The university joined hands with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to design and upgrade academic content as per the NEP 2020 , student can take specialization couse through TCS along with the Regular Course of SIU. 

• Expanded Programme Offerings 

SIU now offers 127 academic programmes across 14 disciplines, giving students more choices in fields like engineering, healthcare, management, fashion, and sports science. 

• Research-Focused Culture 

SIU has put a strong emphasis on research. Faculty and students are encouraged to work on projects that tackle societal and technological challenges. 

These achievements reflect SIU’s commitment to quality education, innovation, and industry relevance.

Q5. In what way does SIU foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity on campus?

SIU encourages inclusivity and diversity through the following initiatives: 

• Diverse Student Enrolment 

Students from different regions of different cultures study together at SIU, which builds mutual respect and understanding on campus. 

• Wide Academic Options 

The university offers courses in a wide range of fields under one University, a variety of Courses offered under various Schools. Students with varied interests and goals can come and take admission at  SIU. 

• International Exposure 

Through global tie-ups and exchange programmes, SIU provides students with a chance to learn about different cultures and global practices. SIU offers Global education in its Curriculum. Students can do internship programmes, other Specialisation Programmes with International Exposure. 

• Supportive and Inclusive Campus Culture 

The university focuses on student well-being, mentorship, counselling services, and student-run groups are run for students that ensure every student feels respected and included. 

Through these efforts, SIU ensures an academic environment where all students feel valued and supported, regardless of background.