Interview by Kritika Gupta

Lakshmi Narain College of Pharmacy

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Nema is designated as the Director and the Principal of Lakshmi Narain College of Pharmacy, Indore. His qualification includes B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Ph.D. He has more than 30 years of teaching experience.

The educationalist has published more than 158 research papers in various national and international journals. With this, he has reviewed 59 articles and presented 57 papers in national and international conferences and seminars. Dr. Nema has also authored 5 books and has received 2 awards for his excellent work in the education sector.

Experience in the education industry and what makes it the best

My experience in the education sector has been good so far. The best part about this industry is you get the opportunity to frame a student’s future. With this, you also get to learn and keep yourself updated with the ongoing or upcoming trends.

You not only impart education and knowledge to others but also groom yourself as per the current scenario.

A leader should inspire, motivate and challenge to achieve the desired goals

For me, an effective principal must be a visionary, innovative and dynamic. A good principal should have a clear vision, must be an excellent listener, fair and consistent, and a good communicator.

He should be able to give the best possible solution to a problem and promote innovative ideas. At this position, interaction with the students, faculty, parents and management board officials is very important.

Check Lakshmi Narain College of Pharmacy Faculty

The educational leader has an influential role in promoting positive outcomes for students towards a positive direction. An effective leadership builds the capacity of educators by inspiring, motivating, affirming, challenging and extending their practice & pedagogy.

Challenges faced in the journey as a Principal of LNCP

Challenges are a part of everyday life. They make us stronger and without them life becomes somewhat meaningless because we have nothing to compare the good times. The major challenge is to remain competitive in this era full of competitors and deliver the best education.

Some other challenges are to resolve problems of students immediately and balancing the different learning needs of students & faculties. With this, helping parents and students meet the long-term goals, maintain a healthy environment decorum at college for teachers as well as students.

Curriculum of LNCP ensuring best practice of the industry

The term curriculum refers to the lessons and academic content taught in a specific course or program. Curriculum at LNCP has a specific learning standards, lessons, assignments, and materials used to organize and teach prescribed courses.

We implement curriculum by putting into practice the officially prescribed courses of study, syllabuses and subjects. The process involves helping the learner acquire knowledge and gain experience. We make it a point to work on the overall development of the student. Giving equal weightage to theory, practical, sports and extra-curricular activities is what we follow.

Changes noticed in the education sector over the past few years

Education system has changed a lot over the past few years. It has become more competitive and dynamic with each passing day. In the present scenario, more focus is given on skill based education. Having a good infrastructure and technology is given more importance. Personality development, good communication skills have become an integral part of the education system.

Methods opted to establish a positive and healthy relation with the students

To establish a relation with students, we first have to understand their needs and expectations from the institution. To do so, we communicate with the parents also by holding parent–teacher meet on a regular basis. This helps us to identify any dissatisfaction regarding the teaching pattern or any other shortcoming with regards to the education system in the institute.

Apart from this, I try to have friendly interactions with students, listen to them, understand their issues and try to provide them with the best possible way to overcome that problem.

Goals for LNCT Indore in the coming years

I have few pre-defined goals for the institute, they are as follows:

  • To flourish the institute.
  • To contribute in good research work and encourage others to do so.
  • To get good number of placements for the college.
  • To publish research work and books
  • To get good projects sanctioned by funding agencies.
  • To get grants and fellowships from well renowned universities.

Suggestions to the youth and aspiring students

For students, I just want them to suggest: ‘Find your desire. Set a personal mission. Identify checkpoints for goals. Analyse yourself and work accordingly. Surround yourself with the right people. Channelize your energy in the right direction’.