With the future growing more unpredictable by the day, today’s students need more than textbooks—they need transformative educators to guide them. As students navigate a complex landscape shaped by technology, global challenges, and shifting societal expectations, the need for educators who can inspire, guide, and prepare them for the future is paramount. Strong leadership in education not only nurtures academic excellence but also lays the foundation for a more informed, empathetic, and progressive society.
It is this very continuum, from shaping young minds in classrooms to transforming higher education institutions, the role of visionary leaders like Prof. Sangeeta Shukla is integral. Her journey reflects how deeply rooted values in education can evolve into transformative leadership at the university level. With an illustrious career spanning research, international collaboration, and top-level university administration, she rightfully is being recognised as one of the Pragmatic Women Leaders in Higher Education 2025.
A Foundation Built on Values and Knowledge
Shaped by an upbringing that celebrated intellectual curiosity and the transformative power of knowledge, Prof. Sangeeta Shukla’s dedication to education runs deep. Inspired by the commitment of her teachers and the potential she saw in young learners, she pursued a career in Life Sciences to contribute both as a researcher and a mentor. Over time, her role evolved beyond scholarship to encompass academic leadership, focusing on shaping inclusive educational environments and advancing institutional excellence. Reflecting on her journey, she states, “Education, for me, is both a calling and a commitment—a way to inspire minds, uplift communities, and build a stronger, more enlightened nation.” This conviction continues to drive her efforts in nurturing future generations and promoting the advancement of knowledge.
A Career Marked by Academic and Global Leadership
Prof. Sangeeta Shukla has held prominent leadership positions in Indian academia for over twelve years, including two consecutive terms as Vice-Chancellor of Jiwaji University, Gwalior (2013–2021), and her current role as Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, since December 2021.
Her international credentials further highlight her multifaceted contributions. She served as Vice President for the Asian Continent at the Trace Element Institute for UNESCO (France) from 2013 to 2016 and has led the Indian Satellite Centre of the same institute since 2006. Additionally, she currently holds the position of Visiting Professor at the European Ayurveda Academy in France (2020–2025), reinforcing her commitment to fostering meaningful global academic partnerships.
Leading Expert in Life Sciences Research
Widely recognized for her academic depth and steadfast commitment to research, Prof. Sangeeta Shukla has earned distinction as a leading scientist in her field. Her early academic brilliance was recognized with a Gold Medal during her M.Sc., followed by a Ph.D. and a D.Sc.—each milestone reinforcing her commitment to scientific inquiry. Her pursuit of knowledge has taken her across borders, earning her prestigious fellowships such as the Wellcome Trust Grant at the University of Liverpool and a French Government Scholarship for pre-doctoral studies.
Prof. Shukla’s research focuses on phytotherapeutics for life-threatening diseases—a field that blends traditional wisdom with modern science and holds immense promise for the future of medicine. Over the years, she has authored 11 books, contributed to 10 academic volumes, published more than 154 research papers, and filed 11 patents. With an h-index of 33, an i10-index of 90, and a cumulative impact factor of over 280, her work not only reflects scholarly rigor but also a profound and lasting impact on the global scientific community.
Driving Reform and Innovation at CCSU
At Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Prof. Shukla has brought a results-driven approach to strategic academic planning. Her key initiatives include modernizing curricula to foster interdisciplinary learning, expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing global partnerships, and strengthening research ecosystems through improved infrastructure and funding mechanisms. What sets her apart is her inclusive leadership style. She actively solicits input from diverse stakeholders—faculty, students, and administrators—to build a collaborative academic culture. She believes that sustainable institutional growth must be rooted in transparency, mutual respect, and a shared vision of academic excellence.
A Calling Beyond Academia
Despite the demands of her leadership roles, Prof. Sangeeta Shukla remains deeply rooted through spiritual practice and intellectual pursuits. She draws strength and rejuvenation from nature, literature, family time, and meaningful conversations—elements that offer balance and clarity amid her dynamic professional life. These personal anchors not only sustain her well-being but also enrich her approach to leadership, allowing her to stay grounded and responsive in an ever-evolving academic environment.
For Prof. Shukla, education is not merely a profession—it is a lifelong commitment to shaping minds and building a better society. Her student-first philosophy, emphasis on faculty development, and focus on institutional innovation reflect a broader mission: to create a higher education system that is globally competent and socially conscious. Looking ahead, she envisions Chaudhary Charan Singh University as a globally respected hub of learning, while personally remaining devoted to lifelong learning and mentoring the next generation of academic leaders.
