Dr. A.K. Pansari
Founder-chairman, Royal Group of Institutions, Guwahati

Are you satisfied with the importance given to education on the national development agenda?
Yes, there has been commendable emphasis on education in the 12th Plan. Emphasis on infrastructure and faculty issues is also commendable.

How best to upgrade government colleges?
There’s urgent need to upgrade faculty, infrastructure and teacher education systems. For the latter, I recommend public-private partnerships.

Thinker/philosopher you admire most.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the great philosopher-statesman of India. He was a bridge builder between India and the West.

Your favourite Nobel laureate.
Muhammad Yunus, the man behind Bangladesh’s Grameen Bank, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contributions in the field of micro-credit disbursement.

Your leadership style.
I believe in transformational leadership, motivating others to pursue innovative and creative ideas. True leadership should create leaders throughout the organisation.

Your favourite book on education.
Education by Ellen G.White. It offers valuable insights into the goals of education, stressing the need for a broad perspective.

For or against foreign universities establishing campuses in India?
I am for top-ranked foreign universities establishing campuses in India, subject to a fair and transparent regulatory mechanism.

Should education outlay be doubled by cutting defence expenditure?
Both education and defence are top national priorities.

How satisfied are you with the progress of Royal Group of Institutions?
Reasonably satisfied. In the span of five years, we have been able to attract best faculty and students from this part of the country.

Pessimistic or optimistic about Indian higher education?
Very optimistic. Indian education has experienced positive changes in the recent past and this trend will continue.

Also read: 50 Leaders who can revive Indian education – Dr. A.K. Pansari