Desh Bhagat University has steadily emerged as a centre of academic excellence, research integrity, and institutional credibility, guided by a clear vision of quality-driven higher education. At the heart of this progress stands the farsighted leadership of its Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. Zora Singh, whose rare ability to identify, nurture, and empower academic leadership has played a decisive role in shaping the university’s growth trajectory. With a deep understanding of academic potential and administrative capability, Dr. Zora Singh demonstrated exceptional discernment in appointing Dr. Amarjit Singh as Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics). This decision reflected the Chancellor’s sharp academic insight and confidence in Dr. Amarjit Singh’s ability to translate institutional vision into effective academic governance.
From the moment he assumed academic leadership, Dr. Amarjit Singh brought remarkable clarity, discipline, and momentum to the university’s academic systems. One of his most significant contributions has been the comprehensive restructuring of the Ph.D. ecosystem. The processes of research scholar registration, evaluation, monitoring, and progression were systematically reorganized and placed under robust committee-based governance. Every academic decision is now taken only after formal committee approval, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the highest academic standards. Structured academic briefings prior to committee meetings further strengthened informed and objective decision-making.
Dr. Amarjit Singh also undertook a thorough restructuring of the faculty recruitment system, transforming it into a transparent, merit-based, and committee-driven process. This reform streamlined procedures, enhanced faculty quality, and aligned the university with best practices in higher education administration. His emphasis on fairness and academic rigor has significantly strengthened institutional credibility. Another landmark reform under his leadership has been the standardization of research degree finalization through the Research Award Committee. Doctoral degrees are now awarded only after rigorous academic scrutiny and formal approval, followed by official press dissemination. This structured approach has reinforced public trust, academic dignity, and the value of research awards.
A defining hallmark of Dr. Amarjit Singh’s tenure has been his extraordinary focus on faculty development and academic capacity building. With a clear vision for continuous professional growth, he initiated a structured series of one-day Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) focused on academic excellence and skill development. In an exceptional achievement, 25 FDPs were successfully organized within just six months, reflecting unprecedented academic energy and faculty engagement. The university’s Publication Bureau has also undergone a significant transformation under his guidance. Reorganized into four specialized wings—covering research journals, Ph.D. thesis publication, textbooks and academic books, and laboratory manuals—the bureau has already delivered impressive outcomes, including the publication of 7 research journals, 5 textbooks/books, 3 laboratory manuals, and 1 Ph.D. thesis. These achievements will be formally celebrated on the 30th of this month, highlighting a renewed culture of scholarly productivity.
Further enriching the academic environment, Dr. Amarjit Singh has led the organization of six high-level academic seminars, inviting distinguished scholars from India and abroad. These events have strengthened interdisciplinary dialogue, expanded global academic exposure, and reinforced a vibrant research culture across the university. A visionary academic initiative under his leadership is the establishment of the Centre for South Asian Studies, conceived as an international academic platform dedicated to micro-level research, regional studies, and cross-border academic collaboration. The centre reflects his deep scholarly insight and ability to create sustainable academic institutions aligned with global research priorities.
Recognizing the depth, consistency, and far-reaching impact of these contributions, Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. Zora Singh once again demonstrated his exceptional academic judgment and foresight. His ability to assess merit with clarity and conviction led to the elevation of Dr. Amarjit Singh to the position of Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Desh Bhagat University within a remarkably short span, in recognition of his outstanding academic excellence and transformative contributions to the university. This promotion stands as a powerful affirmation of the Chancellor’s understanding of leadership, talent recognition, and institutional stewardship. Today, Desh Bhagat University stands strengthened by the visionary guidance of Dr. Zora Singh and the transformational academic leadership of Dr. Amarjit Singh. Their synergy exemplifies how insightful leadership, when combined with dedicated execution, can redefine academic excellence and institutional distinction in higher education.
Beyond policy reforms and systemic restructuring, Dr. Amarjit Singh’s most enduring contribution lies in the personal academic lives he has transformed. His leadership is distinguished by an uncommon blend of administrative firmness and human sensitivity, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by research scholars. By patiently resolving long-standing issues related to supervision, registration, timelines, and procedural clarity, he has ensured that doctoral regulations function as pathways rather than obstacles. One research scholar from Ambala poignantly captures this impact, stating:
“At a stage when my Ph.D. journey seemed uncertain due to procedural difficulties, it was Dr. Amarjit Singh’s guidance and intervention that restored my confidence. His support made it possible for me to continue and pursue my Ph.D. with clarity and dignity.”
Such reflections illustrate how Dr. Amarjit Singh’s leadership extends beyond governance into genuine academic mentorship. By listening attentively, acting decisively, and upholding fairness, he has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing scholars not just as researchers, but as individuals with aspirations and resilience. This scholar-centric approach has quietly but powerfully strengthened the research culture of Desh Bhagat University.
