Ar. UK Bhoobalan is the Principal of Guwahati College of Architecture and Planning. He earned his B.Arch. and M.Arch. degrees from Tajik Technology University, Architecture and Urban Design, USSR. He earned a gold medal for his thesis on “Temple of World Religions,” for which he started his career as Chief Architect at Bhoobal and Associates. Thereafter, he worked as a Chief Architect in New York. Mr. Bhoobalan’s passion extended beyond work where he worked on rainwater harvesting, which was subsequently implemented across Tamil Nadu by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Ar. Bhoobalan was also a Professor at Linton University, where he received the Best Professor of the Architecture Faculty award. Here, he trained 2,000 students worldwide to become successful architects.

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What inspired you for a career in higher education administration and the current role as principal of Guwahati college of architecture and planning?

My career goal was to work in higher education administration, motivated by my love of architecture, learning, and the transformational potential of knowledge. My professional background in architecture, which includes work in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, the Soviet Union, and India, has given me a comprehensive grasp of the field and its many viewpoints. My knowledge of how architecture affects society and the environment has been enhanced by my participation in international projects, presentations at seminars and conferences, essays that have been published, interviews, and a lot of travel. I see it as a chance to impart my knowledge to the upcoming generation of architects.

What are the biggest challenges facing higher education and what are the institutional responses?

Keeping up with changing technology and industry requirements is a big challenge for us. Educational institutions need to establish collaborations with leading industry players and update their curricula regularly. We also struggle to meet the diverse needs of a global student body. Educational institutions need to adopt inclusive teaching strategies and culturally appropriate curricula. We also work at promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity and creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. We need to give priority to mental health and well-being support services.

What is your institute’s Unique Value Proposition and how do you communicate it to stakeholders?

The Guwahati College of Architecture and Planning places a strong emphasis on experiential education, industrial exposure, and hands-on learning. The college is dedicated to ethical design and sustainability. The college has a robust network of alumni who offer job placement aid, networking opportunities, and mentoring to recent graduates.

What are your primary responsibilities as Principal and how do you balance them with other aspects?

The principal's main duties include resource management, academic supervision, and strategic leadership. It does become tough juggling all of my responsibilities but all it needs is planning and scheduling tasks. The principal establishes boundaries, prioritises activities, and effectively delegates tasks. This will help in managing these responsibilities while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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What is your approach to decision-making and balancing stakeholder needs?

We adopt a data-driven decision-making process using input from stakeholders, student and teacher feedback, and market research. We also have a cooperative strategy that takes into account various viewpoints and aims to reach an agreement together to come to a solution. It encourages open dialogue with all parties involved and a cooperative atmosphere.

Any suggestions for current youth and aspiring students?

Accept the concept of ongoing and lifetime learning. This will keep you competitive and able to secure jobs at any stage of your career. Develop your capacity for problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. These are skills that will help in any job or industry. Follow your interests, look for guidance from seniors and mentors, and acquire real-world experience through internships throughout your education.

What are some institutional measures to address mental health issues you have implemented?

We established mentorship programmes, and counselling services for all of our students. We have special lectures and workshops to raise awareness of mental health issues among educators and students. We have worked to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive campus community. We have also granted access to outside support groups and internet mental health resources.

Do you have any advice for aspiring higher education administrators?

I would advise aspiring higher education administrators to build a solid foundation for their postsecondary studies. They must develop fundamental leadership abilities to be able to teach students properly. It is vital to get real-world experience so seek out any opportunity you get to practice your skills. Accept a mindset of lifelong learning and always look for networking and mentoring possibilities.

What are some new initiatives and collaborations with industry leaders?

We are currently creating certificates and training tailored to particular industries. We have policies put in place for mandatory mentorship and internship programmes for our students. We also collaborate with business partners on research initiatives, curriculum development, and guest talks. By establishing these solid alliances with prominent figures in the business, we hope to give our students the most recent information, abilities, and exposure required to thrive in the dynamic world of design.