Dr. Dhruva Ghai is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Oriental University Indore, India. He obtained his PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of North Texas, his Master of Technology degree in VLSI Design and Microelectronics from Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science and his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Pune. He completed the Executive Program in Management (EPGP) from IIM Indore in 2017, which included an international immersion program at McCombs School of Business, UT Austin, USA.

Dr. Ghai has authored 22 research papers and one book chapter in the area of VLSI and low-power design and has over 203 citations. He is also a reviewer for various journals, including IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing, IEEE Transactions on VLSI, International Journal of Electronics and Elsevier Microelectronics Journal. He is a senior member of IEEE and has served as Vice Chair-membership, Executive Committee, IEEE Computer Society Technical Committee on VLSI (TCVLSI) from 2017 to 2020.

Dr. Dhruva has worked as a Design Engineer with Nano Dragon LLC, USA as an ETL Developer with Novedea Systems Inc., USA and as a Data Integration Developer with Viverae Inc., USA before joining Oriental University, Indore. His current research interests include low power Design, Layout and Optimization of Digital/Analog/RF/Mixed-Signal Nano-CMOS circuits and systems, Information Technology, data integration, ETL, database development, modelling, implementation and testing of applications.

Oriental University

What keeps you connected with the Education sector and how was your experience been so far with the institute?

Experiencing the exquisite moments until now, and the virtues I've cultivated in my students and colleagues have had a profound impact on scholars and on me. It inspires me to keep working in education. I enjoy making the educational world a better place to live. It's all about constant learning and keeping abreast of current trends.

What is your philosophy of leadership?

Leadership integrates theory, attitude, and principles to empower individuals or teams to uphold institutional foundations and foster growth. It involves inspiring others, promoting collaboration, and navigating challenges with integrity and a shared vision for collective progress. Effective leadership motivates and empowers others to achieve excellence and positive change.

How does the curriculum of your institute ensure best practices?

Our curriculum is crafted from established educational practices with the main aim of providing comprehensive, subjective, and experimental learning experiences. It emphasises holistic learning through diverse methods and approaches, fostering deep understanding and practical application.

What are the challenges faced by you as the Director/Dean/Chancellor?

The education scenario is changing in a blistering manner, where skills are gaining more height compared to degrees. Employees are only looking at their GPAs. Pupils are questioning the ROI of a degree. A balance between curriculums and technology must be achieved. There is a greater need to bring scholars back from virtual to practical classes. Career oriented academics are the need of the hour, rather than traditional ones.

Check Oriental University Courses & Fees

What are your roles and responsibilities?

Developing FDPs, developing and implementing academic enhancement programs for students, and scheduling regular meetings with college staff are my primary responsibilities. I also assist in preparing students' report cards and attendance records, planning the budget schedule and allocating resources for college and community related activities. I also need to act as a leader of the governing authority and ensure the work is carried out efficiently, along with maintaining the proper conduct of the public and people on the premises. Also, I make available sufficient resources with proper direction to establish and maintain a culture of compliance.

What are the placement opportunities available for students in your institute?

Placement opportunities at our institute vary based on fields of study and industry demands. We provide career services dedicated to assisting students in securing internships and job placements. These services aim to bridge academic learning with practical experiences, enhancing students' professional prospects.

What is the top priority of your institute in the upcoming years?

Over the next few years, we will work at being broadly accessible, establishing a commitment to academic integrity and continuous quality improvement. We will also enhance the student experience by having a forward learning curriculum and international collaborations. There will also be innovative approaches to teaching and learning and university industry relationships.

Which extracurricular activities are organized in your institute to enhance the skills of students?

Our institute organises diverse extracurricular activities to enhance student skills, including academic clubs, leadership programs, debates, expert sessions, internships, and sports committees. These activities offer opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and practical experiences beyond the classroom. They enrich students' holistic development and foster a vibrant campus community.

Check Oriental University Faculty

What is the vision and mission of your university?

Our vision is to create, learn and search the way for a better future. We aspire to have a transformative impact on society through continual innovation, education, research, creativity and entrepreneurship. To achieve this vision, we want to create an experience for scholars focused on deep disciplinary knowledge and values, problem-solving, leadership, communication and interpersonal skills for personal health and well-being.

What is some of the achievements that your department has experienced under your tenure?

Under my tenure, our department has achieved notable milestones in work ethic, core values integration, and innovative work examples and experiments. We've fostered a culture of collaboration, integrity, and excellence, resulting in impactful projects and initiatives that advance our field. Our dedication to pushing boundaries and embracing new ideas has propelled our department to new heights of success.

What is some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education in general?

The rising costs and fees of private universities and institutions with reservations in technical government institutes is a major challenge that deters students from taking admission. The underdeveloped infrastructure and poorly maintained laboratories hamper education, along with the lack of real implementation of the research work. It is also a challenge for us to develop logical thinking about the quality of education being delivered and other value-added factors associated with economic disparity.

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

Respect time: work on one thing at a time and think outside the box. Be strong always focus on goals work on self-belief. To focus on better academic habits, social skills, and balancing priorities. Also, apart from academics, take up activities that impact self-knowledge and learning techniques through practical and technical experiences.