Prof. (Dr.) S. L. Gupta, the Director of Birla Institute of Technology Mesra is an academician with over 30 years of experience in academics and academic administration in India and abroad. He is a Doctor of Letters with a PhD, M.Com., and PGDM in Marketing degrees. Prior to joining BIT Noida Campus as director, he worked as Dean at Waljat College of Applied Sciences, Muscat, Oman from 2014 to 2021 and as Director of Birla Institute of Technology, Patna, from 2012 to 2014. He has also served BIT Noida Campus from 2006 to 2012 as Professor, Academic Coordinator and Coordinator, PhD. Programme.

Dr. Gupta has completed major research projects on “Imperatives for Quality and Effective Teaching in Indian- B-Schools” sponsored by UGC, and “Detailed Work Time and Motion Studies (WT&MS), sponsored by the Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS). He has also organized many FDPs and Workshops sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology), the Government of India, and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India) in the areas of Entrepreneurship and Research Methodology. He successfully organized a two-day International Conclave on Innovation in Engineering and Management on 24-25 February 2016.

Dr. Gupta has also authored and co-authored books on business research, SPSS, Marketing Research, Sales and Distribution Management, Services Marketing, Advertising and Sales Promotion, International Retailing and Entrepreneurship Development. He has published more than 50 research papers in journals of repute, including those indexed in ABDC and Scopus. He has successfully guided around 10 PhD scholars.

Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Off Campus Noida

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”

As a leader, I believe in disseminating responsibilities based on abilities and leading by example. As an educational leader, I strongly believe in demonstrating qualities such as compassion, dedication, empathy, honesty, and respect and serving as a positive role model. I aim to be student-centred in my approach. I believe in maintaining students as a focus in decision-making and actions and creating an environment which is safe and equitable to all students is paramount in my beliefs as a leader. My leadership focus is on creating an inclusive environment to encourage progress and collaboration in order to improve instructional outcomes for all students.

How does the curriculum of the college ensure the best practices of industry?

The institute follows an outcome-based education approach whose basic requirement is to match up with the demands of the industry. In terms of meeting the demands of the industry, qualified and talented students are the basic requirement in an ever-changing business scenario. The institute collaborates in different ways with the industry, which enables the institute to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and its latest technologies and trends.

The institute also actively engages industry professionals to integrate industry-specific requirements into the curriculum. We also bring business leaders to lecture in classes and mentor the students through workshops and seminars.

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

Diversity makes colleges and universities better places to learn. It prepares students for work in a global society. By experiencing diversity in college, we are laying the groundwork to be comfortable working with and interacting with a variety of individuals of all backgrounds. Our Institute has a diverse pool of students from different states of India. Also, our institute has inclusive policies for students from different economic backgrounds. The institute provides financial assistance through scholarships and loans.

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What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the Institution and the students are?

An academic leader must perform major roles and shoulder key responsibilities that lead to the success of any institution. The major roles and responsibilities include visioning, managing intellectuals, attracting bright students, engaging in academics and administration along with nurturing human talent and social contribution.

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

I think the institute’s top priority for the next ten years should be to advance education, knowledge, and wisdom for the good of society. Also, we must try to be recognized globally for the excellence of our people, research, learning, and innovation, and for the benefits we bring to society and the environment.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for your college specifically?

The challenges and priorities of educational institutions have changed significantly over the last few years and are likely to continue to change at a swift pace. Some of the major challenges we face are related to digital transformation. Trying to maintain a hybrid educational model and blended education delivery is a challenge. We are also trying to maintain student well-being, institutional sustainability, student retention, and decreasing enrollment numbers.

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

You will shine and achieve whatever you want if you keep working hard and dreaming more. Don't let anyone destroy your peace of mind. You are on the right path to pursuing your dreams. You must be ready to do whatever you are interested in. Try to be proactive, a self-starter, a quick learner, and a self-motivator and don't have a fear of taking risks. If you want to touch the sky, you have to accept that you may fall down so many times. Keep motivating yourself, try thousands of ways and come up with the best version of yourself.