Considering the rapid pace at which the education world is getting digitized, leadership too requires a drastic shift in terms of the mindset and approach. While embracing change, educational leaders are expected to be the mediators, by embracing the power of technology, and guide students in pursuit of being tomorrow-ready. Nihar Ranjan Biswas, the Vice Chancellor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth exemplifies all these properties, heading the Deemed to be University, nurturing everyone’s achievements in turn optimizing their potentials.
From the Scratch
Born into a relatively well-to-do family, Prof. (Dr.) Nihar Ranjan Biswas was destined to pursue a career in medicine, driven by a promise made by his maternal grandfather. The guidance and wisdom of his parents, paternal grandfather, and Deeksha Guru, Gurunath Sengupta, instilled in him a clear vision to serve humanity.
Dr. Biswas’ early education began in a village school, followed by secondary and higher secondary studies at a better school and government college. Excelling academically, he achieved a first division in I.Sc (Intermediate in Science) and went on to join Rahara Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College in 1975 for a B.Sc (Honors) in Zoology. During his time there, he lived in the hostel like an ashram boy, engaging in deep discussions with monks about the purpose of life. This phase of his student life had a profound impact on his future journey. Although he could not complete the course, he topped Calcutta University in B.Sc (Hons) Part I.
In 1978, Dr. Biswas joined Pre-Medical studies, followed by his MBBS at R.G. Kar Medical College, which he completed in 1983. After his internship and a year and a half of housemanship in Cardiology, Pediatrics, and Chest Medicine, he pursued an MD in Pharmacology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, in 1986. He completed his MD in 1989, followed by a D.M. in Clinical Pharmacology in 1991 and DNB in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 1992. Additionally, he earned membership in the American College of Clinical Pharmacology and a D.Sc. from Colombo University, Sri Lanka.
Through Medical Academia and Institutional Development
Prof. (Dr.) Nihar Ranjan Biswas began his distinguished academic career at AIIMS, New Delhi, in 1992 as an Assistant Professor. Initially working at the Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, he played a pioneering role in establishing India’s first full-fledged department of Ocular Pharmacology. His efforts contributed significantly to the development of various ophthalmic medicines in the country.
In 2005, he became a Professor of Pharmacology at AIIMS, where he initiated the first DM program in Clinical Pharmacology at any AIIMS in India. Two years later, in 2007, he accepted an international assignment as a visiting faculty member at King Faisal University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, for two years. Upon his return to India, Dr. Biswas was deputed to the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Nepal by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, where he served as a government advisor to upgrade the institute with Indian assistance. He spent two years in this role, contributing to the institute’s growth and development.
In 2014, Dr. Biswas took on the dual roles of Director and Vice Chancellor at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna. During his tenure until 2022, he transformed the academic, research, and patient care environment at IGIMS, elevating it to one of the best tertiary care academic health institutes in the region. His experience at IGIMS proved invaluable when he was selected for the esteemed position of Vice Chancellor at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in Puducherry.
As the Vice-Chancellor
As the Vice Chancellor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Prof. (Dr.) Nihar Ranjan Biswas serves as the academic and administrative head of the university’s constituent units. He exercises general supervision and control over all institutional affairs, ensuring the effective implementation of decisions made by the university’s authorities. Additionally, he oversees external relations, including the formation of MoUs, collaborations, and consultancy agreements with national and international institutions, agencies, and organizations.
Under his leadership, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth has made significant progress, aligning with its vision to become a premier global health sciences university leading in education, research, patient care, and outreach activities. This progress is attributed to the cooperation and support of the university’s community and the blessings and approval of the Honourable Chancellor.
On a Personal Note
On a personal note, Prof. (Dr.) Nihar Ranjan Biswas finds great fulfillment in traveling and reading. His literary interests span philosophy, metaphysics, theology, history, and geography. These pursuits reflect his passion for exploring new ideas and deepening his understanding of the world.
His professional passions lie in institution building, creating innovative courses, and fostering leadership within his teams. Inspired by great leaders, Prof. Biswas is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders. He also enjoys visiting new places, absorbing their art and culture, and helping others live lives filled with happiness. For him, maintaining a balance between professional life and his life mission comes naturally, as they align seamlessly without conflict.
