Dr Ch V. Purushotham Reddy is a successful institution builder with a good track record and a visionary goal. He served as Junior Lecturer, the Principal of Chaitanya Degree College and also the Secretary-cum-Correspondent of Chaitanya Group of Colleges. He is a member on various professional bodies such as UGC Experts Committee for Autonomous Colleges, Association for Computing Machinery, USA, JKC, Monitoring & Advisory Panel (MAP), Member of Computer Society, New York, USA, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Warangal, College Planning and Development, Government Kakatiya Degree College Committee, and Pingili Women's Degree College Committee. He has carved a niche for himself as an able academician who changed the academic landscape of Warangal, Telangana. He has won several awards and accolades for Chaitanya. Presently, he is the Founder and Chancellor of Chaitanya Deemed to be University. His dream for the establishment of Degree and PG Colleges in the backward regions of Telangana was realized in 1991. Taking a lien from Government Service, he established Chaitanya Degree College, affiliated to Kakatiya University, in Hanamkonda under the aegis of Visva Bharati Education Society in 1991. The college offered restructured courses such as Computer Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology at the UG level, and in the first year itself all the seats were filled up. Chaitanya PG College was established in 1993 with an MCA program. Later, MBA, M. Sc. Computer Science, M. Sc. Biochemistry and M. Sc. Microbiology, M. Sc, Chemistry, M. Sc. Physics and M. Sc. Biotechnology courses were added. 

Chaitanya Deemed To be University

Ques. You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

Ans. The key factors that keep me connected with the education sector include online learning platforms, video conferencing tools, and collaborative software that facilitate communication between students, teachers, and educational institutions. The availability of online learning platforms have made it easier for students to access educational resources and receive instruction online. These platforms offer a wide range of courses and materials, making education more accessible to people worldwide. Webinars and Virtual Conferences have become popular among educators and students, offering a convenient way to learn and connect with experts and peers remotely. These events allow for knowledge sharing, networking, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the education sector. Alumni Networks play a crucial role in keeping students connected with the education sector. Continuing education and professional development programs keep the faculty connected with the education sector by offering opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and credentials. Our Chaitanya Deemed to be University (CDU) provides insights, evidence-based practices, and new ideas to teachers, and researchers, through our five faculty-wise research journals and Best Paper Publication and Patent Awards, fostering research and connectivity within the sector.

Check Chaitanya (Deemed To Be University), Warangal - Course & Fees Details

Ques. Being the Chancellor of the University, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

Ans. As the Chancellor of CDU, Leadership Style for me refers to the approach and behavior of a leader in influencing and guiding their team or organization. There are various leadership styles, such as Autocratic leadership, Democratic leadership, Laissez-faire leadership, Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership, and Subordinate leadership. We have Democratic leadership at CDU. We emphasize participatory decision-making, involving the team in the decision-making process. We often seek inputs, ideas, and feedback from the team members and encourage open communication and candid collaboration. We give the team considerable freedom and autonomy to make decisions and perform their tasks. We provide minimal guidance and involvement, trusting in the abilities and skills of the team. A leadership philosophy refers to the set of beliefs, values, and principles that guide a leader’s decisions, actions, and interactions. It is worth noting that leadership styles and philosophies can vary depending on the leader’s personality, context, organizational culture, and the goals of the team or organization. Effective leaders often adapt their style and philosophy based on the situation and the needs of their team members.

Ques. How does our curriculum ensure the best practice of industry?

Ans. The curriculum of our university plays a vital role in ensuring the best practice of industry by incorporating alignment with industry needs. Our well-designed curriculum takes into account the current and future needs of the industry. This involves conducting thorough research and analysis to identify the skills, knowledge, and competencies that are in-demand in the industry. By aligning our curriculum with these needs, we prepare our students to meet industry expectations and excel in their respective fields. We collaborate with industry professionals, practitioners, and experts (from TCS, IBM, etc), to develop and update our curriculum. By incorporating their insights, we ensure that our curriculum reflects real-world challenges, industry trends, and best practices. This helps our students acquire relevant, up-to-date knowledge and skills that are valued by employers, placing them in good stead. Our curriculum is updated with emerging technologies and industry trends. This includes integrating topics such as AI, ML, big data, data analytics, cyber security, sustainability, and other relevant areas that are becoming increasingly important across industries. By incorporating these subjects, we ensure that our students are prepared for the future needs of the industry.

Ques. Any insights into how your university could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Ans. Creating a more welcoming environment for students of different races and economic backgrounds requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of university life.

We ensure diverse representation in faculty, staff, and student leadership positions. This helps create a sense of belonging and encourages students from different backgrounds to feel represented and valued. We provide mandatory cultural competency training for faculty, staff, and students. This training can help increase awareness and understanding of different cultures, races, and economic backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and respectful campus community. We organize events and celebrations like cultural festivals, guest speakers, workshops, and panel discussions that promote dialogue and understanding among students from different backgrounds. Creating a more welcoming environment for students of different races and economic backgrounds is an ongoing process that requires commitment, open dialogue, and a collective effort from the entire university community.

Ques. What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the University and the students are?

Ans. The roles and responsibilities of both the university and the students are crucial in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We establish policies and frameworks that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes non-discrimination policies, equal opportunity policies, and guidelines for creating an inclusive campus environment. We allocate resources to support diversity and inclusion initiatives, funding for scholarships, support services, cultural events, and staff training programs. Students should respect and value the diversity of their peers. They should actively contribute to creating an inclusive environment by treating others with respect, embracing differences, and challenging discriminatory behaviors or attitudes. They should offer support and empathy to their peers, particularly those from different racial and economic backgrounds. By recognizing and fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities, both the university and the students can contribute to a more welcoming and inclusive campus environment. 

Check Chaitanya (Deemed To Be University), Warangal - Placement Details And Companies Visiting

Ques. What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

Ans. The top priority of a university over the next 10 years will depend on several factors, including its mission, vision, values, and the evolving needs of its stakeholders. We continuously evaluate and update curriculum, embrace emerging technologies, integrate interdisciplinary approaches, and foster creativity and innovation. We continue to prioritize student success, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers or further education. This includes providing high-quality education, enhancing excellent learning experiences, and offering unfailing support services for academic and personal development. We also focus on measuring and improving student outcomes, such as retention rates, graduation rates, employment rates, and alumni satisfaction. The next decade will likely see universities prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of their operations. This includes promoting equal access to education, creating inclusive and welcoming campus environments, addressing social justice issues, and integrating diverse perspectives into the curriculum and research. Over the next 10 years, we will prioritize enhancing their research capabilities, fostering collaborations and partnerships, securing external funding, and addressing global challenges through impactful research. With the increasing reliance on technology, we will prioritize integrating digital tools and technologies into their teaching, learning, research, and administrative processes. This includes embracing online and blended learning models, leveraging data analytics for informed decision-making, enhancing campus infrastructure, and addressing digital literacy skills among students and staff. We will prioritize expanding their global engagement and internationalization efforts, fostering international collaborations (taking the help of AIU and CITE), offering study abroad programs, attracting and supporting international students, and preparing students for a globalized workforce by promoting cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives. Our priorities may vary based on unique context, regional needs, institutional goals, and the evolving challenges and opportunities of the time. These priorities need to be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that we continue to meet the needs and expectations of the stakeholders effectively.

Ques. What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for your University in particular?

Ans. Some of the biggest challenges faced by higher education in general and potentially by our

CDU specifically could include Access and affordability: Ensuring access to quality education

for all segments of society remains a significant challenge. Providing scholarships, freeships,

financial aid, concessions, and flexible learning options can help mitigate this challenge. We face the challenge of aligning our programs with the evolving needs of the job market. This includes staying current with industry trends, integrating practical skills and experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, and fostering entrepreneurship and employability skills among

students. We face financial challenges due to increasing costs, limited public funding, and changing government policies. We will need to develop diverse revenue streams, secure external

funding sources, and optimize our resources to ensure financial sustainability without compromising quality. Incorporating technology into teaching and learning is a significant challenge faced by higher education institutions. This involves providing adequate infrastructure, training faculty in digital pedagogies, fostering digital literacy among students, and addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to technology resources. Maintaining and demonstrating quality in education is critical for higher education institutions. Continuous improvement, accreditation processes, and monitoring student learning outcomes are essential to ensure that we remain accountable and provide a high-quality educational experience. We face competition on a global scale. Our CDU may face competition from both domestic and international institutions. To remain competitive, we need to create distinct value propositions, build strong branding and reputation, and differentiate ourselves in terms of program offerings, research outputs, and student experiences. Addressing these challenges will require a strategic approach, collaboration with stakeholders, proactive adaptation to industry and societal changes, and a focus on innovation and continuous improvement. It is essential for institutions like ours to regularly assess and respond to these challenges to navigate the dynamic higher education landscape successfully.

Ques. Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Ans. I would like to suggest that the current youth and aspiring students should believe in themselves. Believe in their abilities and skills, and do not let their doubts discourage them. They

should set clear goals and work hard to achieve them. They should embrace failure as a learning opportunity: They should be open to learning. There is always more to learn, and the more they know, the better they can succeed. They should develop a growth mindset. They should adopt a growth mindset, where challenges and failures are not the end of the road, but rather opportunities for growth. They should build relationships with people from different backgrounds and industries, this can help them get exposure to new things and help them gain new insights and perspectives. They should take care of their mental and physical health. They should be mindful of time management. They should stay organized and plan out their days to ensure maximum productivity. They should maintain a diary. They should look for opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community. It is an excellent way to enhance their network, build their skills, and give back. They should follow their passions, and pursue activities that make them happy. By doing what they love, they will find the motivation and energy to pursue their other interests and goals.

Check Chaitanya (Deemed To Be University), Warangal - Scholarship Details

Ques. How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your university?

Ans. Establishing a healthy relationship and environment in our university requires collective efforts from all stakeholders. We encourage open and transparent communication between students, faculty, and administrators. We provide platforms for feedback and suggestions, and

ensure that concerns are addressed promptly. We foster a culture of respect, where every individual is valued regardless of their background, gender, race, or beliefs. We emphasize inclusivity and make efforts to create a safe space for diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage faculty members to be approachable, supportive, and responsive to students’ needs. We provide training and resources to enable them to guide and mentor students effectively. We encourage student participation in decision-making processes, clubs, organizations, and events. We empower them to take ownership and contribute to the institute’s growth. We recognize the importance of mental health and provide resources and services to support students’ emotional well-being. We promote awareness and destigmatize seeking help for mental health issues. We offer academic support programs to help our students succeed academically. We provide tutoring services, study groups, and workshops to enhance learning and understanding. We encourage collaborative learning environments where our students can work together, share ideas, and learn from each other. and staff. Recognition boosts morale and creates a positive environment. We ensure that the university’s facilities and infrastructure are well-maintained and conducive to learning, studying, and socializing. We regularly evaluate and assess the university’s policies, programs, and practices. We seek feedback from stakeholders and make necessary changes to improve the overall environment. Creating a healthy relationship and environment requires ongoing commitment and collaboration. By fostering a supportive and inclusive culture, everyone in the university can thrive and contribute to its success.