Having spent 26 years in teaching, Dr. Bhailalbhai P. Patel is using his current role as registrar of Sardar Patel University for fulfilling the educational needs of over 57,000 students. With over 123 affiliated colleges and 27 postgraduate departments, his university aims to address rural communities and expand online education for better accessibility.

Dr. Bhailalbhai P. Patel serves as the Registrar at Sardar Patel University, located in Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat.

He informs that, established in 1955 by the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sardar Patel University aims to meet the educational needs of students in the Anand and Kheda districts of Gujarat. It supports 123 plus affiliated colleges and 27 postgraduate departments, catering to over 57,000 students.

The university offers a diverse range of programs, including courses aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), which integrates the Indian Knowledge System. This year, the university has fully adopted the NEP framework, expanding its offerings to include various disciplines such as Pharmacy, Science and Arts, Graduate Commerce and postgraduate programs like MBA and MCA.

According to Dr. Patel, the motto of Sardar Patel University is Rural Regeneration, which is reflected in its programs like MSW that emphasize fieldwork and address various issues faced by people in rural areas. The university aims to provide a broad educational experience through diverse course offerings and is also planning to expand into online education to enhance accessibility.

Dr. Bhailalbhai P. Patel emphasizes the university's strong focus on Nationalism and Indianness, aligning with the vision that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had when establishing the institution. The university instills values of patriotism in its students, symbolized by the statue of Sardar Patel in front of the college where students pay their respects. Cultural festivals at the university also aim to foster a sense of nationalism and inclusiveness among students.

Dr. Patel believes that education plays a crucial role in shaping the younger generation's minds. After graduating, he had the option to pursue a career in Banking but felt that this would limit his connection with young minds. Choosing academia instead, he has devoted 26 years to the field, including the past two years as registrar. His teaching experiences have enriched his perspective in administration, enabling him to better understand students' aspirations and assist them in achieving their career goals.

Dr. Patel began his professional career in 1997 as a lecturer at NVPAS College in Vallabh Vidyanagar. His principle of giving 100% effort in every endeavor has propelled him to success. After his tenure as a lecturer, he became the head of the department and gained valuable administrative experience, which he finds beneficial in his role as registrar.

Dr. Bhailalbhai P. Patel spent his childhood in Davaisalwai village, located in the Mahisagar district of Gujarat. He attended a local school till seventh grade and then to receive further education he had to walk five kilometers away from his village. So, his father decided to continue his studies in Anand and he completed his schooling at Pioneer High School, Anand after his eighth grade. Growing up in a farming family, as his father was a farmer, Dr. Patel's roots have instilled in him a strong desire to give back to his community. He often shares with his students the importance of using education to assist farmers and improve rural livelihoods.

When it comes to his inspirations, Dr. Patel says he is influenced by Swami Vivekananda’s life, which teaches him perseverance and a commitment to one's goals. He resonates with Vivekananda's philosophy of waking up and continually striving for success. Dr. Patel believes that everyone in academics has the potential to contribute positively to society and should consider Vivekananda as a source of motivation and guidance.

As a Mathematics student, Dr. Patel shares a valuable lesson, the significance of thinking big. He advises that if one assumes a big goal, they are likely to achieve something substantial, whereas small aspirations give you small outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in one's own achievements and avoiding comparisons with others, as there will always be individuals who are more accomplished. Instead, he encourages living happily with what one has.

Dr. Patel shares that, during his twelfth standard studying in the science stream, he faced challenges, receiving less marks that led others to question his potential for success. However, he completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with first grade and later earned a Gold Medal in his Master’s program from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University.

His message to young people is clear, grades do not define one's worth. Instead, he urges them to focus on their capabilities and work towards self-improvement. He advises that if you focus on your current profession and have a strong desire to learn more, you will benefit greatly.

For students at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University, Dr. Patel stresses the importance of staying connected with the university, striving to be exemplary citizens, and pledging allegiance to the country. He urges the youth of India to live for their nation, fulfill their duties, and recognize that what they can contribute to their country is far more important than what they may receive in return.