Desh Bhagat University
today stands as a compelling symbol of academic credibility, research
integrity, and governance-driven excellence—an evolution shaped by a resolute
commitment to quality in higher education. This ascent has been made possible
by the visionary stewardship of its Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. Zora Singh, whose
rare ability to recognize academic brilliance and empower transformative leadership
has been instrumental in defining the university’s institutional trajectory.
His decision to entrust academic leadership to Dr. Amarjit Singh was not merely
an administrative appointment, but a deeply perceptive academic judgment—one
rooted in an astute understanding of scholarship, governance, and institutional
growth.
From the very outset of
his tenure, Dr. Amarjit Singh emerged as an architect of academic reform,
bringing with him exceptional clarity of purpose, uncompromising academic
discipline, and an execution-driven leadership style. His most consequential
contribution lies in the complete transformation of the Ph.D. ecosystem, where
previously fragmented processes were restructured into a coherent, transparent,
and committee-governed academic framework. Research scholar registration,
evaluation, monitoring, and progression are now governed by meticulously
defined procedures, ensuring that every academic decision is rooted in
collective wisdom, ethical rigor, and institutional accountability. The
introduction of structured academic briefings prior to committee deliberations
has further elevated the quality of decision-making, reflecting Dr. Amarjit
Singh’s insistence on informed, objective, and scholarly governance.
Equally transformative
has been his revolutionary reform of the faculty recruitment system. Under his
leadership, recruitment was reshaped into a merit-centric, transparent, and
committee-driven process, fully aligned with national and global best practices
in higher education administration. This reform has not only enhanced faculty
quality but has also restored and reinforced the university’s academic
credibility. Dr. Amarjit Singh’s unwavering commitment to fairness, academic
integrity, and procedural discipline has positioned Desh Bhagat University as a
benchmark institution for ethical academic administration.
A landmark achievement
of enduring significance is the institutionalization of the Research Award
Committee, through which doctoral degrees are now conferred only after rigorous
academic scrutiny and formal approval. The subsequent dissemination of awards
through official press channels has reinstated the dignity, value, and public
trust associated with doctoral research. This singular reform reflects Dr.
Amarjit Singh’s profound respect for scholarship and his determination to
preserve the sanctity of academic degrees.
What truly
distinguishes Dr. Amarjit Singh’s leadership is his extraordinary investment in
faculty empowerment and academic capacity building. With rare energy and
vision, he initiated a structured series of Faculty Development Programs (FDPs)
focused on pedagogical excellence, research orientation, and academic skill
enhancement. The successful organization of 25 FDPs within a span of just six
months stands as an unparalleled achievement, reflecting his ability to
mobilize academic communities and inspire collective intellectual growth.
Under his dynamic
guidance, the University Publication Bureau has undergone a renaissance,
reorganized into four specialized wings dedicated to research journals, Ph.D.
thesis publication, textbooks and academic books, and laboratory manuals. The
tangible outcomes are remarkable: seven research journals, five academic books,
three laboratory manuals, and one Ph.D. thesis have already been published,
with formal recognition scheduled on the 30th of this month. This achievement
signals a decisive shift toward a vibrant culture of knowledge creation and
dissemination.
Dr. Amarjit Singh has
also significantly enriched the university’s intellectual ecosystem through the
organization of six high-impact academic seminars, featuring eminent scholars
from India and abroad. These engagements have fostered interdisciplinary
dialogue, global academic exposure, and a renewed spirit of inquiry across
departments. Among his most visionary initiatives is the establishment of the
Centre for South Asian Studies, conceived as an international academic hub
dedicated to micro-level research, regional scholarship, and cross-border
intellectual collaboration. This centre stands as a testament to his scholarly
depth, strategic foresight, and capacity to create institutions that endure
beyond individual tenures.
Recognizing the depth,
consistency, and transformative impact of these contributions, Hon’ble Chancellor
Dr. Zora Singh once again demonstrated his exceptional academic foresight. With
clarity of judgment and conviction of purpose, he elevated Dr. Amarjit Singh to
the position of Pro Vice Chancellor within a remarkably short span—an elevation
that reflects not only Dr. Amarjit Singh’s extraordinary academic excellence
but also the Chancellor’s rare ability to identify leadership that delivers
results with integrity. Today, Desh Bhagat University stands profoundly
strengthened by the visionary statesmanship of Dr. Zora Singh and the
transformational academic leadership of Dr. Amarjit Singh. Their synergy
exemplifies how inspired leadership, when matched with disciplined execution
and scholarly commitment, can redefine institutional identity, elevate academic
standards, and set new benchmarks of excellence in higher education.
Beyond structural
reforms and policy innovation, Dr. Amarjit Singh’s leadership is perhaps most
profoundly reflected in the lived experiences of research scholars themselves.
His approach to academic administration is marked by rare empathy,
accessibility, and a genuine commitment to nurturing individual scholarly
journeys. Numerous research scholars have directly benefited from his
intervention in resolving long-pending procedural, supervisory, and academic
hurdles that often impede doctoral progress. In particular, a research scholar
from Ambala has openly acknowledged that it was Dr. Amarjit Singh’s timely
guidance, personal encouragement, and decisive administrative support that enabled
her to continue and successfully pursue her Ph.D., at a moment when
bureaucratic complexities and uncertainty threatened to derail her academic
aspirations. Such testimonies underscore his ability to translate policy into
humane practice—where academic regulations serve as enablers rather than
barriers. By restoring confidence, ensuring procedural clarity, and upholding
academic fairness, Dr. Amarjit Singh has not only strengthened research
governance but has also reaffirmed the university’s role as a compassionate and
supportive space for serious scholarship.
