In an exclusive interaction with APAC Media and CXO Media, Nilanjan Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University, shared his vision to position the university as a leader in innovative, inclusive, and globally benchmarked education. He highlighted initiatives to strengthen international partnerships, promote research and sustainability, integrate digital tools in academics, and foster a strong alumni network to shape future-ready, socially responsible leaders.
Having held leadership roles at institutions like SPJIMR, IMT Ghaziabad, and Bennett University, how do you plan to leverage this experience to shape the future of Jagran Lakecity University? What are your key priorities for the university in both the short and long term?
My vision is to build on the strong foundation already established at Jagran Lakecity University and position it as a leader in innovative and inclusive education. I aim to empower our students to become future-ready, socially responsible leaders capable of driving meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world. My experiences at SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, and Manipal have taught me the value of community concern, raw energy, and diversity, elements that I will use to shape JLU’s future.
In the short term, my priorities are academic excellence and innovation, global collaborations and industry partnerships, and a student-centric approach. In the long term, I envision JLU as a benchmark institution for higher education, known for cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary learning and impactful community engagement.
JLU offers a wide range of multi-disciplinary programs. How do you plan to balance academic depth with interdisciplinary learning and align with global trends and industry demands?
Being a university with 14 schools under four faculties, JLU is uniquely positioned to offer truly interdisciplinary education. We are strengthening our curriculum by integrating cutting-edge technology, expanding research opportunities, and promoting critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Our goal is to foster a culture that aligns academic depth with global and industry-relevant skills for holistic student development.
Can you share any details about the global collaborations JLU is pursuing or planning? How will these enhance the academic and research environment?
We are expanding our global network through collaborations with leading international universities and organizations. These partnerships support student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and pathway programs. Notably, our Chancellor, Hari Mohan Gupta, was recently elected President of the Association of Universities in Asia Pacific (AUAP) for 2025–26. With over 185 member universities, AUAP will open many doors for JLU students.
We also plan to launch short-term immersion programs, international internships, and study tours, making global exposure a two-way process by inviting international students to our campus. Our Faculty of Journalism and Media recently concluded a joint course with UCJC, Madrid, involving faculty and students from both institutions, demonstrating how we can eliminate geographical boundaries in education.
What are the strategies to scale up student enrolment, enhance faculty development, and upgrade infrastructure?
Our long-term vision is to make JLU a benchmark for creating successful and socially responsible leaders. We are focused on academic and research excellence, building a culture of curiosity and collaboration, and aligning programs with global standards. Strategic international and industry partnerships will enhance student opportunities and faculty development.
We are also committed to experiential learning, skills development, and community service as part of a student-centric model. As we expand, sustainability and innovation will be core priorities, ensuring that our growth contributes meaningfully to societal transformation.
How is JLU embracing digital tools to enhance learning and research?
We are actively integrating global digital platforms into our curriculum. Through virtual exchange programs and MOOCs, students gain access to international expertise regardless of location. One example is the recent joint course conducted by our Faculty of Journalism and Media in collaboration with UCJC, Madrid, where students from both institutions participated. We plan to replicate this model with other global universities in the coming months to further bridge geographical gaps in education.
How is JLU preparing students to become socially responsible, future-ready professionals in line with NEP 2020?
At JLU, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. We are committed to empowering students with both knowledge and a deep sense of social responsibility. Community service is a core component of our approach, it instils empathy, leadership, and resilience. By creating opportunities for students to engage with society, we help them develop into professionals who are not only skilled but also grounded in values.
How would you describe your leadership philosophy and how does it align with JLU’s goals?
My leadership philosophy is rooted in active listening and engagement with students and colleagues alike. I believe in creating meaningful student engagement and fostering strong university-community connections. Education should enable students to shape their learning journey while contributing to the greater good. Leaders must empower students to become agents of change, equipped with skills and a strong social conscience.
How does JLU ensure personalized academic experiences and support systems for diverse students?
Enhancing the student experience is one of our top priorities. We are focused on supporting their academic, mental, and emotional well-being. At JLU, we aim to create a nurturing environment where students feel inspired and empowered to achieve their full potential. This commitment drives all our student-centric initiatives.
What steps is JLU taking to enhance research capabilities and promote innovation?
We are expanding our research initiatives and building a robust ecosystem for academic rigor and transformative inquiry. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, we are equipping students to address complex global issues. JLU is envisioned as a space where research, interdisciplinary learning, and community engagement converge to create a real-world impact.
How are you planning to raise JLU’s global visibility and academic rankings?
We are pursuing international accreditations and participating in global ranking platforms to establish JLU’s academic presence globally. Initiatives like hosting AUAP’s General Conference in India for the first time at our Bhopal campus reflect our rising international stature. By expanding global programs, welcoming international students and faculty, and offering joint courses with foreign universities, we are committed to enhancing JLU’s global reputation.
How does JLU address challenges like climate change and social equity through academics and operations?
As we grow, sustainability is a key focus. We are embedding sustainable practices into our teaching, learning, and administrative operations. Community impact is central to our institutional vision, and we are committed to using education as a means to foster a culture of giving back and driving societal transformation.
What role does the alumni network play in your vision for JLU?
I firmly believe that alumni are the most important stakeholders in a university’s ecosystem. Since the first PG and UG batches graduated in 2015 and 2016, respectively, many alumni have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and professionals. We’ve launched a new alumni portal, and responses have been very encouraging. Alumni actively participate in campus events and mentor current students. Each year, we recognize outstanding alumni with an Alumni Excellence Award, reaffirming the bond between them and JLU.
