Desh Bhagat University
has steadily emerged as a centre of academic excellence, research integrity,
and institutional credibility, guided by a clear vision of quality-driven
higher education. At the heart of this progress stands the farsighted
leadership of its Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. Zora Singh, whose rare ability to
identify, nurture, and empower academic leadership has played a decisive role in
shaping the university’s growth trajectory. With a deep understanding of
academic potential and administrative capability, Dr. Zora Singh demonstrated
exceptional discernment in appointing Dr. Amarjit Singh as Pro Vice Chancellor
(Academics). This decision reflected the Chancellor’s sharp academic insight
and confidence in Dr. Amarjit Singh’s ability to translate institutional vision
into effective academic governance.
From the moment he
assumed academic leadership, Dr. Amarjit Singh brought remarkable clarity,
discipline, and momentum to the university’s academic systems. One of his most
significant contributions has been the comprehensive restructuring of the Ph.D.
ecosystem. The processes of research scholar registration, evaluation,
monitoring, and progression were systematically reorganized and placed under
robust committee-based governance. Every academic decision is now taken only
after formal committee approval, ensuring transparency, accountability, and
adherence to the highest academic standards. Structured academic briefings
prior to committee meetings further strengthened informed and objective
decision-making.
Dr. Amarjit Singh also
undertook a thorough restructuring of the faculty recruitment system,
transforming it into a transparent, merit-based, and committee-driven process.
This reform streamlined procedures, enhanced faculty quality, and aligned the
university with best practices in higher education administration. His emphasis
on fairness and academic rigor has significantly strengthened institutional
credibility. Another landmark reform under his leadership has been the
standardization of research degree finalization through the Research Award
Committee. Doctoral degrees are now awarded only after rigorous academic
scrutiny and formal approval, followed by official press dissemination. This
structured approach has reinforced public trust, academic dignity, and the
value of research awards.
A defining hallmark of
Dr. Amarjit Singh’s tenure has been his extraordinary focus on faculty development
and academic capacity building. With a clear vision for continuous professional
growth, he initiated a structured series of one-day Faculty Development
Programs (FDPs) focused on academic excellence and skill development. In an
exceptional achievement, 25 FDPs were successfully organized within just six
months, reflecting unprecedented academic energy and faculty engagement. The
university’s Publication Bureau has also undergone a significant transformation
under his guidance. Reorganized into four specialized wings—covering research
journals, Ph.D. thesis publication, textbooks and academic books, and
laboratory manuals—the bureau has already delivered impressive outcomes,
including the publication of 7 research journals, 5 textbooks/books, 3 laboratory
manuals, and 1 Ph.D. thesis. These achievements will be formally celebrated on
the 30th of this month, highlighting a renewed culture of scholarly
productivity.
Further enriching the
academic environment, Dr. Amarjit Singh has led the organization of six
high-level academic seminars, inviting distinguished scholars from India and
abroad. These events have strengthened interdisciplinary dialogue, expanded
global academic exposure, and reinforced a vibrant research culture across the
university. A visionary academic initiative under his leadership is the
establishment of the Centre for South Asian Studies, conceived as an
international academic platform dedicated to micro-level research, regional
studies, and cross-border academic collaboration. The centre reflects his deep
scholarly insight and ability to create sustainable academic institutions
aligned with global research priorities.
Recognizing the depth,
consistency, and far-reaching impact of these contributions, Hon’ble Chancellor
Dr. Zora Singh once again demonstrated his exceptional academic judgment and
foresight. His ability to assess merit with clarity and conviction led to the
elevation of Dr. Amarjit Singh to the position of Pro Vice Chancellor
(Academics) of Desh Bhagat University within a remarkably short span, in
recognition of his outstanding academic excellence and transformative
contributions to the university. This promotion stands as a powerful
affirmation of the Chancellor’s understanding of leadership, talent
recognition, and institutional stewardship. Today, Desh Bhagat University
stands strengthened by the visionary guidance of Dr. Zora Singh and the
transformational academic leadership of Dr. Amarjit Singh. Their synergy
exemplifies how insightful leadership, when combined with dedicated execution,
can redefine academic excellence and institutional distinction in higher
education.
Beyond policy reforms
and systemic restructuring, Dr. Amarjit Singh’s most enduring contribution lies
in the personal academic lives he has transformed. His leadership is
distinguished by an uncommon blend of administrative firmness and human
sensitivity, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by research
scholars. By patiently resolving long-standing issues related to supervision,
registration, timelines, and procedural clarity, he has ensured that doctoral
regulations function as pathways rather than obstacles. One research scholar
from Ambala poignantly captures this impact, stating:
“At a stage when my
Ph.D. journey seemed uncertain due to procedural difficulties, it was Dr.
Amarjit Singh’s guidance and intervention that restored my confidence. His
support made it possible for me to continue and pursue my Ph.D. with clarity
and dignity.”
Such reflections
illustrate how Dr. Amarjit Singh’s leadership extends beyond governance into
genuine academic mentorship. By listening attentively, acting decisively, and
upholding fairness, he has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing
scholars not just as researchers, but as individuals with aspirations and
resilience. This scholar-centric approach has quietly but powerfully
strengthened the research culture of Desh Bhagat University.