We Foster a Culture of Innovation and Continuous Improvement, says Managing Director of CGC Jhanjeri

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Arsh Dhaliwal, Managing Director of CGC Jhanjeri talks about new courses introduced for students under Applied Health Sciences and Pharmacy. The courses introduced are B.Sc. Optometry, B.Sc. Anesthesia & Operation Theatre, B.Sc. Radiology Imaging & Technology, B.Sc. Clinical Psychology, B. Pharmacy, B Pharmacy Leet, D. Pharmacy and also B.Sc. IT courses for students to find more options for their career as per the need of the industry.

Arsh Dhaliwal is currently serving as the Managing Director (MD) of Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri. He holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of California, Bakersfield. 

1. What inspired you to take on the role of Managing Director of CGC Jhanjeri, and what are your goals for the institution under your leadership?

With a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education I took the Managing Director role as an opportunity to lead and shape the future of the institution. As a Managing Director, I strive to provide academic excellence, ensuring student success and well-being, fostering research and innovation, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing the institution's reputation and impact in the community.

2. How do you plan to build on the legacy of CGC Jhanjeri& its current leadership and continue to innovate and grow the institution?

As the Managing Director of CGC Jhanjeri- NAAC A + Accredited Institute, I am honoured to build upon the rich legacy of this esteemed institution and its current leadership. I recognize the tremendous achievements and contributions made by my predecessors in establishing CGC Jhanjeri as a leading educational institution, and I am committed to continuing their legacy of excellence, innovation, and growth.

First and foremost, I plan to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the institution.  Additionally, I focus on strengthening industry-academia partnerships to provide our students with real-world exposure and enhance their employability. Furthermore, I prioritize the holistic development of our students. By nurturing the talents and passions of our students beyond academics, we produce well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible.

Lastly, By empowering our faculty, we can ensure that CGC Jhanjeri remains at the forefront of knowledge creation and dissemination. Together, we will chart a path of success and maintain our position as a premier educational institution.

3. Can you tell us about any new programs or initiatives that you plan to introduce at CGC Jhanjeri and how these will benefit students?

We have added some new programmes for students under applied health sciences, Pharmacy. We introduced B.Sc. Optometry, B.Sc. Anesthesia & Operation Theatre, B.Sc. Radiology Imaging & Technology, B.Sc. Clinical Psychology, B. Pharmacy, B Pharmacy Leet, D. Pharmacy and also B.Sc. IT courses for students to find more options for their career as per the need of the industry. CGCJ JOSH SCHOLARSHIP  was initiated with a scholarship of 5 CR to 400+ Students in 2021 then reached 7 CR to 1100+ students in 2022 and planned further to touch 10 CR.

4. How do you plan to ensure that CGC Jhanjeri remains at the forefront of industry trends and technologies, and provides students with a relevant and practical education?

As the Managing Director of CGC Jhanjeri, my primary goal is to ensure that our institution remains at the forefront of industry trends and technologies and provides students with a relevant and practical education. To achieve this, I have devised a comprehensive plan that focuses on several key areas.

Firstly, I will establish more strong industry partnerships and collaborations. By forging relationships with leading companies, organizations, and industry experts, we can stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and demands of the job market. Secondly, I will invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology. Additionally, I will encourage faculty members to stay abreast of emerging trends and integrate them into their teaching methodologies, ensuring that students receive practical and relevant education.

Lastly, I will establish an alumni network and engage with industry professionals to create mentorship and networking opportunities for our students. 

5. How will you prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in the culture and programs of CGC Jhanjeri, and ensure that all students feel valued and supported?

As the Managing Director of CGC Jhanjeri, I am deeply committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the culture and programs of our institution. I believe that every student deserves to feel valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity. To achieve this, I have outlined a plan that focuses on creating an inclusive environment and implementing inclusive policies.

Firstly,we  promote diversity in our student body and faculty. We are  actively striving to recruit and admit students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all. We also prioritize hiring a diverse faculty, recognizing that diverse perspectives and experiences enrich the learning environment. By fostering a diverse community, we encourage cross-cultural understanding, respect, and collaboration.

Secondly, We are  creating a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and bias, and ensuring that there are effective mechanisms in place to address concerns. Additionally, we encourage the formation of student clubs and organizations that celebrate diversity and create safe spaces for marginalized groups.

Furthermore, I  provide comprehensive support services to ensure that all students feel valued and supported. This includes offering mentorship programs, counselling services, and academic support tailored to the unique needs of diverse students. Lastly, we are  prioritizing professional development and training for faculty and staff on topics such as cultural sensitivity, unconscious bias, and inclusive teaching practices.

6. What scholarships are currently available at CGC Jhanjeri, eligibility criteria for each of them and how do students apply for scholarships at CGC Jhanjeri, and what is the application process like?

CGC Jhanjeri provides the JOSH SCHOLARSHIP to all its students as a financial aid as there are many students who are not able to afford a reputed college due to poor economical background. This scholarship exam enables them to get scholarship of 10 CR.It was initiated with a scholarship of 5 CR to 400+ Students in 2021 then reached 7 CR to 1100+ students in 2022 and planned further to touch 10 CR.The eligibility to apply for UG courses is 10+2 or equivalent. Visit https://scholarship.cgc.ac.in to check the application process and more details about  JOSH Scholarship.

7. Can you speak to the role of scholarships in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at CGC Jhanjeri, and how you prioritize these values in the scholarship program?

JOSH Scholarship plays a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at CGC Jhanjeri. It provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to access quality education and contribute to a more inclusive society. As the Managing Director, I prioritize these values in our scholarship program by implementing inclusive eligibility criteria, offering both merit-based and need-based scholarships, creating specialized scholarships, collaborating with external organizations, providing mentoring and support, and conducting ongoing evaluation for continuous improvement. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our scholarship program, we create a more accessible and inclusive learning environment, empowering students from all backgrounds to succeed academically and professionally.

8. How do you plan to engage with the community and build partnerships that will benefit CGC Jhanjeri and its students?

As the Managing Director, I am dedicated to engaging with the community and building partnerships that benefit CGC Jhanjeri and its students. Through community outreach, collaborations with local organizations, alumni involvement, educational initiatives, and social responsibility efforts, we will establish meaningful connections and create opportunities for our institution and students. By actively engaging with the community, we aim to foster a mutually beneficial relationship that promotes growth, learning, and positive impact.

9. What advice do you have for students who are considering attending CGC Jhanjeri under your leadership, and how do you plan to support their personal and professional development?

To students considering attending CGC Jhanjeri under my leadership, I offer the following advice to seize the opportunity to join a dynamic and inclusive learning community. At CGC Jhanjeri, we are dedicated to supporting your personal and professional development.

Under my leadership, we provide a conducive environment that fosters holistic growth. We will offer a wide range of academic programs taught by experienced faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and industry collaborations to ensure you receive a relevant and practical education. Additionally, we prioritize your well-being through comprehensive support services, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities.

I encourage you to actively engage in various opportunities such as internships, research projects, and community service initiatives to enhance your skills and broaden your perspectives. We will create networking platforms, connect you with alumni and industry professionals, and provide career counseling to support your professional aspirations.

As the Managing Director, I am committed to your success. I will strive to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where you can thrive academically, develop valuable skills, and transform into well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.

10. Looking to the future, what are some of the long-term goals and aspirations you have for CGCJhanjeri, and how do you plan to achieve them?

As the Managing Director, I have several long-term goals and aspirations for CGC Jhanjeri. Firstly, I aim to position our institution as a recognized leader in providing quality education and innovative programs. This will involve continuously enhancing our curriculum, faculty expertise, and infrastructure to meet evolving industry demands.

Secondly, I strive to foster a culture of research and innovation at CGC Jhanjeri. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and providing resources for cutting-edge research, we can contribute to knowledge creation and address real-world challenges.

Additionally, I aim to strengthen our industry partnerships and create more opportunities for internships, placements, and industry-sponsored projects. Furthermore, I plan to expand our global outreach by establishing collaborations with reputed international institutions, facilitating student and faculty exchange programs, and promoting cross-cultural learning experiences.

11. How do you plan to measure success for CGC Jhanjeri under your leadership, and what metrics will you use to evaluate progress?

We have planned to measure success for CGC Jhanjeri under my leadership through a comprehensive evaluation process. I will utilize various metrics to assess our progress and ensure we are on track to achieve our goals.

Academic excellence will be a key metric, measured through factors such as student performance, retention rates, and accreditation status. We will also monitor the employability of our graduates, tracking their successful placements and feedback from employers.

I am emphasizing student satisfaction and engagement, seeking feedback through surveys and focus groups to evaluate their experience and address any areas for improvement. Partnerships and collaborations with industry, academia, and the community will be evaluated based on their impact, relevance, and longevity. We are tracking the number and quality of industry collaborations, internships, and research projects. Furthermore, I will prioritize diversity and inclusion, measuring progress in terms of representation of underrepresented groups, access to resources, and campus climate.

Financial sustainability and resource management are also critical metrics, for evaluating revenue generation, budget allocation, and infrastructure development.