Dr. Gurdarshan Singh Brar, Registrar of  Chandigarh University, embodies the spirit of perseverance and transformation. From his early days in a small town in Rajasthan, he rose to academic excellence, earning a gold medal in M.Sc. Physics and completing a Ph.D. His tenure at Chandigarh University has been marked by significant achievements for the university, including a top QS ranking and an A+ grade from NAAC. Passionate about student development, he takes pride in nurturing future leaders, with the university’s alumni excelling as entrepreneurs and artists.

“The vision of our university is to be recognized as a centre for research and innovation while preparing students for their careers and all aspects of life. We aim to develop complete human beings who embody empathy and human dignity in their daily lives.”

Meet Dr. Gurdarshan Singh Brar, the Registrar at Chandigarh University, Mohali, a position he has held for the past 10 months.

After pursuing his M.Sc. in Physics from PAU, Ludhiana, Dr. Brar completed his Ph.D. at Punjabi University, Patiala. Today, he has 30 publications to his name, mostly in international journals. Dr. Brar served as an Associate Professor of Physics for 17 years, followed by a decade in the Department of Higher Education, where he held various roles such as Joint Director, Additional Project Director and Assistant/Deputy Director, covering nearly every aspect of higher education. Later, due to a lack of personal progression, he took Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) and joined Chandigarh University, where he currently serves.

As Dr. Brar shares, the university has become an integral part of his life, and he has gained significant value from his experience there. With pride, he points out that Chandigarh University ranks 20th in the NIRF 2024 rankings ranked 20th in NIRF 2024 ranking and is placed in bracket 690-700 in QS ranking, which speaks volumes about its reputation. Dr. Brar believes this achievement is a result of the visionary leadership of worthy chancellor Mr Satnam Singh Sandhu and collective efforts of the management, the teaching staff, and the non-teaching staff. As a result, Chandigarh University has become the youngest private university to reach this milestone. His aim is to further elevate the university's ranking into the top 10 in the NIRF rankings.

Dr. Brar further shares how the student life at the university is filled with various activities, including cultural events, NCC & NSS activities, academic pursuits, debates, and competitions of all kinds. The university organizes events designed to bring out the best in students. With an A+ grade from NAAC, the university boasts excellent placements and is poised to achieve an A++ grade very soon.

Dr. Brar believes that students graduating from Chandigarh University are not only ambassadors of the university but also representatives of Punjab and India. The alumni of the university are thriving in India and abroad, and the university takes pride in their achievements. Additionally, the faculty has earned recognition through an increasing number of patents, establishing a strong presence in academia within just 12 years. The students here are lively, knowledgeable, and demonstrate great dedication and enthusiasm.

Dr. Brar mentions that the university places equal emphasis on training programs for both students and faculty members, and it has a dedicated grievance redressal system for students. Graduates leave the university as responsible citizens of the country. Additionally, the university collaborates with the Government of India on flagship programs like Make in India and Skill India, aligning with the vision of PM Modi.

Dr. Brar claims that Chandigarh University is always at the forefront of initiatives, such as the introduction of the e-Sanad portal. As the first university in North India to adopt this portal, it enables students to verify their certificates from the comfort of their homes, a process that was previously cumbersome. The university is also committed to implementing NEP 2020 as soon as possible.

Reflecting on his inspiration to enter the field of education, Dr. Brar shares that he had very humble beginnings, stemming from a small town in Rajasthan called Pilibanga. While studying at a private school, he was inspired by his mentor, Ram Gopal Bishnoi, whom he considers his first guru. Mr. Bishnoi asked the students if anyone was interested in studying at the Sainik School in Chittorgarh. Sainik Schools were regarded as the best residential schools of that time, known for preparing students for careers in the army. There were 18 such schools in India. Dr. Brar was the only student to raise his hand; at that time, he was in the 5th grade. This opportunity was discussed with his father, who had no objections.

Thereafter, Dr. Brar began preparing for his admission to Sainik School. His hard work paid off, and he secured the 50th rank in Rajasthan, which led to his admission to Sainik School, Chittorgarh. There, he witnessed how every student was motivated to achieve something meaningful in life. The school focused on the holistic development of its students, and he was fortunate to have excellent teachers, particularly his physics teacher, who encouraged him to take a special interest in the subject.

Years later, Dr. Brar earned a gold medal in M.Sc. Physics, cleared UGC NET, followed by a Ph.D. in the same field. His father and teachers played an instrumental role in shaping his thought process, enabling him to excel not only in academics but also in sports, where he was recognized as the second-best athlete in his school. Dr. Brar actively participated in cultural activities as well, such as debates, storytelling, and theatre. Studying at Sainik School became a turning point in his life and significantly contributed to shaping his personality. Since then, his motto in life has become: “There is only one actionable day that is today, work in the present which will yield results.”

After establishing a strong foundation at school, Dr. Brar never looked back. He was selected for the 71st NDA course, earning 75th place all India. However, he was rejected for admission to the NDA due to his weak eyesight. He recalls leaving the SSB in Bhopal, feeling neither remorseful nor demoralized. In contrast, his friend, who is soon retiring, had tears in his eyes because it was Dr. Brar who had mentored him for the test throughout his own preparation.

Today, when Dr. Brar reflects on his journey, he recognizes the numerous hurdles he faced both personally and professionally. He feels proud of where he stands today, knowing that life had other plans for him. Dr. Brar comes from a humble background; his father was a mechanic and farmer who wanted his children to succeed in life. His father has always been his role model.

Dr. Brar’s accomplishments were not without challenges. Coming from a humble background, his family faced financial difficulties until he started working. In addition, his younger brother passed away due to cancer, and the cost of taking him from one hospital to another drained the family’s resources. Dr. Brar recalls how he longed for a bicycle and finally received a second-hand one after waiting for a year. He also remembers asking his mother for small amounts of money to pay his school fees. Throughout his academic life, he lived in hostels. However, things improved when he earned a fellowship for being the university topper. Once he was back on his feet, he, along with his friends, helped support needy students during his college days.

Today, he feels content and takes pride in how far he has come in life. He proudly mentions one of his students who recently launched a project on smart utilities after completing a PhD from IIT Bombay. Another student has become a cinematographer in Bollywood, while another has gone on to become a Punjabi singer. Helping these students from the ground up and supporting them in achieving their life goals has brought him immense satisfaction.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Brar cites several influential figures who have shaped his life and career. He looks up to his parents, especially his father, whom he admires for his honesty and straightforward attitude. Dr. Brar is also grateful to his teacher, Ram Gopal Bishnoi, who played a pivotal role in sending him to Sainik School. Additionally, he acknowledges his mathematics teacher, Mr. Badri Prasad, and his physics teacher, Mr. K.S. Kang for sparking his interest in the subject and inspiring him to pursue an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics.

Colonel Randhir encouraged Dr. Brar to take the NDA exams, despite his initial reluctance due to weak eyesight. Dr. Brar also draws inspiration from his wife, who has stood by his side for 33 years—a brave woman who never backs down in the face of challenges. Another influential figure is Satnam Singh Sandhu, the Chancellor of Chandigarh University, whose humility, sharp mind, and analytical skills Dr. Gurdarshan Brar greatly admires and seeks to emulate.

In the higher education department, Dr. Brar expresses deep gratitude to Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Punjab, who taught him the nuances of administration and continually pushed him to achieve greater heights. He also values the support of his friends, D.S. Brar and Surinder Singh, with the latter being remembered for his calm demeanor in all situations.

By incorporating the qualities of all these role models, Dr. Brar aspires to become a role model himself for both his staff and students.

Dr. Brar’s favorite movie is ‘Shor’, and he particularly resonates with its song, "Jeevan Chalne Ka Naam, Chalte Raho Subah Aur Shaam." Inspired by the song’s message, Dr. Brar explains that water which stops becomes stagnant and dirty, while flowing water stays clean and continuously gains new qualities. This philosophy shapes his life motto: "Chalne ka naam hi zindagi hai" (Life is about moving forward). He believes in living in the present, emphasizing that yesterday is gone, tomorrow is uncertain, and one should not dwell on past regrets.

Dr. Brar does not consider working hard as a struggle in life; he feels hard work is the only key to success and achieving all your goals.

Addressing prospective students of Chandigarh University, Dr. Brar emphasizes that the university is not just an institution but a home where students will be nurtured. The university strives to provide the best facilities, both in education and extracurricular activities, to ensure their holistic growth. Its goal is to ensure that its students are well-placed, become proud citizens of the country, and make their parents proud.

In conclusion, Dr. Brar emphasizes that we should all strive to improve our surroundings. He laments how society has lost its unity and vibrant culture, perhaps due to the influence of social media. Dr. Brar strongly advocates using social media solely for productive purposes, urging people to refrain from frivolous activities such as betting and playing games like PUBG, which he believes harm the future of the youth. He encourages parents to listen to their children and make them feel heard. Dr. Brar also highlights the importance of fostering a "buddy culture," as practiced in the army, where everyone supports and uplifts one another.