Key Takeaways (AI Overview Summary):
- Prof. Arunansu Haldar, President of Suresh Gyan Vihar University, brings over 32 years of distinguished industrial research experience at Tata Steel into academic leadership.
- Focuses on aligning higher education with real-world industrial demands, fostering interdisciplinary research, and integrating practical innovation into university curricula.
- Emphasises research integrity, mentorship, and building sustainable academic institutions to prepare youth for a technology-driven global economy.
By Priyadharshni Rahul (Editor-in-Chief, PreSense)
Published in PreSense Edition 227 (January 2026)
Prof. Arunansu Haldar, President of Suresh Gyan Vihar University
In the inaugural edition of our new "Visionary Titans" series, PreSense sits down with Prof. Arunansu Haldar, President of Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur. A distinguished metallurgist, researcher, and academic leader, Prof. Haldar spent over 32 years leading groundbreaking research and development initiatives at Tata Steel before transitioning into higher education leadership. In this exclusive conversation with Priyadharshni Rahul, Editor-in-Chief of PreSense, he shares his vision for transforming higher education, bridging the gap between industrial research and classroom learning, and nurturing a new generation of skilled, socially conscious professionals.
Excerpts:
Priyadharshni Rahul: Welcome, Sir. You have had a remarkable career spanning decades in industrial research at Tata Steel and now in academic administration. How did your early years at Tata Steel influence your approach to educational leadership?
Prof. Arunansu Haldar: Working at Tata Steel was a profound experience. The Tata culture is built on values, integrity, and a deep commitment to nation-building. In R&D, we were never focused solely on theoretical outcomes; every project had to deliver tangible, real-world value. When I entered the academic domain, I brought that exact philosophy with me. Education cannot exist in an ivory tower. It must solve societal problems and equip students with skills that match the fast-evolving demands of industry.
Priyadharshni Rahul: One of the persistent challenges in Indian higher education is the gap between curriculum and industry requirements. How is Suresh Gyan Vihar University addressing this issue?
Prof. Arunansu Haldar: We have restructured our academic framework to make industry partnership an integral component rather than an afterthought. We actively involve industry experts in curriculum design, mandate hands-on project work, and encourage interdisciplinary research. When students work on live industry problems during their courses, they don't just learn concepts—they develop problem-solving mindsets and professional confidence.
Priyadharshni Rahul: Research and innovation are vital for any university's global standing. What steps are being taken to foster a strong research culture among faculty and students?
Prof. Arunansu Haldar: Research must be driven by curiosity and supported by robust infrastructure. We provide faculty members with seed grants for innovative research ideas and encourage them to publish in reputed, peer-reviewed journals. Crucially, we involve undergraduate and postgraduate students in faculty research projects. This early exposure demystifies research and inspires young minds to pursue higher studies and technological innovation.
Priyadharshni Rahul: With emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforming every sector, how should educational institutions adapt?
Prof. Arunansu Haldar: Technology is a powerful enabler, but foundational knowledge remains essential. We encourage our students to master emerging AI tools while maintaining strong fundamentals in their primary disciplines. AI should be used to enhance analytical thinking and efficiency, not replace critical reasoning. Our goal is to train students to be creators and critical thinkers who guide technology responsibly.
Priyadharshni Rahul: Finally, what is your message to young students who aspire to make a mark in research and leadership?
Prof. Arunansu Haldar: Focus on fundamentals, cultivate lifelong curiosity, and maintain absolute integrity in whatever you do. Success is not measured merely by degrees or designations, but by the positive impact you create in society. Stay persistent through setbacks, because real innovation requires patience, discipline, and unwavering commitment.
Priyadharshni Rahul: Thank you, Prof. Haldar, for sharing your valuable insights and vision with PreSense.
Prof. Arunansu Haldar: Thank you very much.
Listen to the AI Audio Overview
Please listen to the AI-generated audio overview created by NotebookLM, Google, covering this exclusive conversation:
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