Exemplary academic leader across domains, Prof. Krishna Kant Dave, Vice Chancellor of Bahra University, driving holistic and experience-based education across 16+ schools, integrating industry exposure, research and discipline, shaped by decades of leadership, CEO-to-Vice Chancellor experience and a strong belief in learning through practice and persistence.

Professor Krishna Kant Dave, Vice Chancellor of Bahra University, Shimla, highlights the institution as a growing center of higher education located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, often referred to as Devbhoomi.

Established in 2010, the university, despite its relatively short span of around 16 years, has steadily developed its academic presence and introduced multiple specialized domains of learning.

The university currently operates through 16 distinct schools, each with its own focused area of expertise. Among these, programs such as Hotel Management and Tourism hold particular relevance, considering the geographical and cultural context of Himachal Pradesh, where tourism plays a significant role. These courses are designed to align with the regional strengths and industry demands of the area. Alongside traditional and region-specific programs, the university has also taken steps toward integrating modern technological education.

A dedicated initiative in the form of an Alpha School, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, has been introduced, focusing on emerging and high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Robotics. This concept has been developed to provide students with specialized exposure to advanced technologies that are shaping current and future industries.

Through these structured academic offerings, the institution aims to cater to both conventional sectors and rapidly evolving domains, creating opportunities for students to engage with diverse and contemporary fields of study.

In addition to specialized domains, the university has established dedicated schools for emerging fields, ensuring focused learning environments for students who wish to explore advanced and contemporary subjects.

Alongside this, strong academic programs have been developed in management and engineering. These courses are structured to align with industry requirements, with a clear focus on delivering quality education and improving student outcomes.

A key priority remains student placements. The institution consistently works toward ensuring that students receive opportunities that connect their academic learning with professional growth, making employability a central part of its system.

The geographical location further strengthens this ecosystem. Situated in Himachal Pradesh, known as Devbhoomi, the environment offers a clean, peaceful, and focused setting for education. Students from across India come here not only for academic learning but also for the overall atmosphere that supports concentration and development.

Prof. Dave further emphasizes the importance of implementing the National Education Policy, particularly its focus on holistic development. According to him, the approach toward education is gradually shifting from being purely student-centric to becoming experience-based, where learning is driven by practical exposure and real-world understanding. In this framework, experience becomes the foundation of development.

Students not only gain knowledge through theoretical learning but also grow through hands-on exposure, which contributes to their overall personality and skill enhancement. This approach allows them to develop a deeper understanding of their field while preparing them for real-world challenges. Keeping this in focus, multiple initiatives have been introduced within the university environment.

Recognizing that students enter higher education after completing their school education and still require significant development, structured efforts are made to support their growth. Various events and exhibitions are regularly organized to provide platforms where students can participate, present, and learn beyond classrooms. In addition to this, dedicated clubs have been established. Through these clubs, students are given the freedom to explore their interests and hobbies, allowing them to develop their skills in areas they are passionate about. This creates an environment where learning is not limited to academics but extends to overall personality development.

Alongside these activities, practical exposure is actively encouraged. Students are assigned small projects that enable them to gain real industry experience. These projects help bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application, ensuring that students develop both knowledge and hands-on skills simultaneously.

He further explains that holistic development is not limited to academics and skills but also includes emotional and mental well-being. For this, structured efforts are made to introduce practices like yoga and meditation, helping students develop as balanced individuals and maintain a sense of happiness and stability in their lives. Alongside this, the university reflects a diverse and inclusive student base. Students come from multiple regions across India, including Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, as well as southern states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and even from the North-East. This wide geographical representation brings together varied cultural backgrounds within a single environment.

Adding more about the University, Vice Chancellor Dave says that the diversity extends beyond national boundaries. Students from international regions such as African countries and Malaysia are also part of the academic ecosystem. Additionally, there are plans to expand outreach toward countries like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand through exchange programs. When students from different states and countries come together, they share their cultures, perspectives, and experiences. This interaction contributes significantly to their overall growth, allowing them to develop a broader understanding of the world.

In this way, the concept of holistic development becomes more comprehensive. It goes beyond classroom learning and extends into cultural exchange, personal growth, and the development of a well-rounded personality shaped by diverse experiences. He shares that he was born in Udaipur, a city known as the “City of Lakes,” which also holds deep historical and cultural significance as the land of Mewar. For him, being born on this soil is a matter of pride, as it represents values of courage, resilience, and self-respect.

He draws inspiration from the legacy of Maharana Pratap, whose life reflects determination and refusal to surrender under any circumstances. These stories and the cultural essence of the region influenced his thinking, instilling in him the importance of self-belief, adaptability, and standing firm in challenging situations.

His early education was completed in Udaipur itself. After that, he moved to Maharashtra to pursue higher education, where he completed his MBA. Continuing his academic progression, he went on to complete his PhD, further strengthening his academic foundation. Following his education, he entered the professional domain.

He joined the industry after completing his doctoral studies, marking the beginning of his professional career built on both academic learning and practical exposure. He shares that his professional experience in the industry spans around 10 years, where he began his career at the executive level, working in MIS and store operations. He also started as a project trainee with Hindustan Lever Limited, gaining early exposure to structured corporate functioning.

Over the course of these 10 years, his growth was steady and driven by consistent effort. He mentions that without even realizing how quickly time passed, he progressed through his hard work to reach the position of CEO at a relatively young age. At around 33 years of age, he became the CEO of a private company, where he was responsible for handling multiple domains, including financial decisions, operational strategies, and overall departmental management.

After this phase in the corporate sector, a shift in his inclination began to emerge. He felt a strong internal pull toward contributing to the field of education, which led him to transition into academics. This decision marked the beginning of a long and impactful association with the academic domain. He spent approximately 17 to 18 years at Pacific University, Udaipur. During this period, he also remained associated with other institutions such as Sir Padampat Singhania University, Udaipur and N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management in Mumbai. His tenure at Pacific University included serving twice as Vice Chancellor, where he played a significant role in strengthening academic and institutional development.

His focus remained on practical outcomes. He emphasized signing multiple MoUs, integrating advanced technologies into education, and ensuring that students received quality learning aligned with industry needs. Placement remained a key objective, with consistent efforts made to ensure students were placed and guided toward professional growth. Beyond academics and placements, he consistently worked toward developing students into capable and responsible citizens who could contribute meaningfully to the country.

Following this, he served as Vice Chancellor at Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh . This further strengthened his experience in academic leadership and institutional development. Currently, he holds the position of Vice Chancellor at Bahra University in Himachal Pradesh.

He considers himself fortunate to have received opportunities to work with multiple reputed institutions, where he was able to contribute openly and effectively. His work has been recognized through several excellence awards, along with opportunities to engage deeply in research.

In the field of research, he has developed new models and worked on multiple patents. He has also contributed extensively through publications in national and international journals, reflecting his academic and research-oriented approach. However, beyond all achievements, he values one aspect the most. He considers the love and respect he has received from students and colleagues as his greatest accomplishment. According to him, it is this connection and support that have played a major role in bringing him to where he stands today.

He reflects on the idea that the first and most fundamental learning in life comes from one’s own family. In his case, he considers his parents as his foremost role models, as they played a defining role in shaping his mindset and character. He shares that his parents led a life filled with struggles, and it was through observing their experiences that he understood the true meaning of perseverance.

From them, he learned not only how to face challenges but also how to rise above them with strength and determination. The ability to endure difficulties and emerge successful from them was something he absorbed directly from his parents’ way of life. This foundation became the starting point of his values and approach toward life. Beyond his parents, he draws deep inspiration from Swami Vivekananda. He highlights that although Swami Vivekananda’s life span was relatively short, the impact of his thoughts and actions was profound and continues to remain relevant. What influenced him the most was Vivekananda’s approach toward understanding truth through direct experience rather than blind belief. He refers to the phase when Vivekananda questioned the existence of God.

It was only after his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, guided him toward a deeper realization that he experienced and accepted the presence of the divine. This transition—from questioning to realization—left a strong impression, as it emphasized the importance of personal experience in gaining true knowledge. According to him, this realization ignited a new light of knowledge within Vivekananda. He connects this to the global recognition Vivekananda brought, especially through his address in Chicago, which continues to be remembered and celebrated even today. The significance of that moment, in his view, lies in how effectively Vivekananda presented Indian philosophy to the world.

Another key lesson he draws from Vivekananda is the importance of persistence. The idea that one should not stop until the goal is achieved continues to guide his thinking. This principle reinforces the need for continuous effort, discipline, and clarity of purpose. He further connects this to his own approach toward life.

For him, every day brings new goals, and achieving them requires consistent work without losing focus. This mindset of continuous progression and dedication remains central to his philosophy, influenced strongly by the teachings and life of Swami Vivekananda.

He reflects that throughout his life, there have been multiple phases marked by ups and downs, where motivation has played a crucial role in keeping him consistent and focused. For him, motivation is not something external alone, but something that is continuously built by looking back at one’s own mistakes and learning from them. He believes that every problem has a solution. By approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, one can avoid unnecessary stress and remain composed even in difficult situations. This perspective has helped him stay motivated and grounded during challenging times.

He then shares two specific incidents that he considers as turning points in his life.

One of them comes from an interview he watched on the show Aap Ki Adalat, where Anupam Kher shared an experience from the shooting of the film Khuda Gawah, which was shot near Udaipur. In that film, Amitabh Bachchan was playing the lead role and had to wear heavy and elaborate costumes, including a large jacket and traditional attire, during extremely hot weather conditions. Despite the discomfort, Amitabh Bachchan chose to remain in his costume. Anupam Kher, who was relatively new at that time, suggested that he could rest in an air-conditioned vanity van and return when the shot was ready. However, Amitabh Bachchan responded that acting was his profession, and he needed to become comfortable within that very situation. He believed that only when he adapted himself to the costume and environment would his performance truly improve. This incident left a deep impact on him.

He draws a strong connection between this mindset and the idea of passion toward one’s profession. According to him, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, if a person truly loves and is passionate about their work, they will find ways to adapt and perform better within those challenges. This lesson continues to influence his thinking. It reinforces the idea that discomfort and difficulty are part of growth, and true excellence comes when one learns to stay committed and perform even in less-than-ideal conditions, driven by passion and dedication toward one’s work.

He explains that the idea of passion, which he observed through such real-life examples, is something he strongly connects with his own work in the field of education. For him, education is not just a profession but a responsibility that he genuinely enjoys. He believes that when challenges arise, instead of feeling burdened, one should learn to become comfortable within those situations, and this mindset has helped him stay engaged and motivated in his work. He shares that after reflecting on such experiences, he accepted the field of higher education with the same level of commitment and involvement.

Since then, whenever challenges come, he approaches them with ease and a sense of acceptance, which allows him to perform better and continue growing within the field. He further recalls another impactful lesson shared by Anupam Kher. He mentions an incident where Anupam Kher spoke about failing in an examination during his early life. Instead of reacting negatively, his father chose to celebrate that moment by taking him out for a party. When asked the reason, his father explained that the celebration was for the failure itself. The meaning behind this was deeply significant. It conveyed that failure should not be seen as an endpoint but as a learning foundation. By accepting and even celebrating failure, one can analyze it, learn from it, and use it as a base to build future success. This perspective left a strong impression on him.

Prof. Krishna Kant connects this idea with persistence and long-term success. For him, such real-life stories serve as constant motivation. They reinforce the belief that struggles are temporary and essential for growth. No matter the field or situation, there is always a phase of difficulty, but with talent, determination, and a strong will to move forward, success eventually follows.

Over nearly three decades of work, he acknowledges that challenges and failures have been part of his professional life. However, instead of viewing them as setbacks, he has always looked at them as opportunities to improve and achieve greater success. Through this approach, he has established himself in the field of education.

Serving as Vice Chancellor in three different universities, he considers this as a reflection of his belief that no task is impossible when approached with dedication, learning, and persistence. He concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of education, highlighting it as one of the most important factors that can elevate an individual from any background to significant heights. According to Prof. Dave, education has the ability to uplift a person from the lowest levels and provide the foundation for growth, progress, and achievement.

He reflects on examples from public life to reinforce this belief. From Lal Bahadur Shastri to the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he points out that both individuals emerged from modest backgrounds and, through learning and development, reached positions of great responsibility and leadership. For him, these examples clearly demonstrate the strength of education as a system.

It is not just about acquiring degrees, but about gaining the knowledge, understanding, and capability that enable an individual to move forward in life and contribute meaningfully to society. He firmly believes that education remains one of the most powerful tools for advancement. It creates opportunities, builds confidence, and provides direction, ultimately helping individuals achieve heights that may once have seemed beyond reach. He reflects on his professional recognition over nearly three decades, highlighting that consistent effort and sincerity in work have brought him multiple honors across different phases of his career.

He shares that during his early phase in the industry, he received the “Best Sincerity Employee Award” within the very first year. Following that, he was also recognized with the “Best Employee Award,” which further validated his commitment and performance in the corporate environment. As he transitioned into academics, the recognition continued. In the field of education, he was honored with the “Best Teacher Award,” acknowledging his contribution toward teaching and student development. Later, when he took on leadership responsibilities as a Director, he was again recognized with the “Best Director Award.”

With further progression into academic leadership, his achievements expanded. During his tenure as Vice Chancellor, he received multiple “Education Excellence Awards,” forming a series of recognitions that reflect his continued contribution to the education sector.

They encourage him to continue working with the same dedication and commitment. However, he distinguishes between recognition and true milestones in life. For him, one of the most significant milestones was becoming a CEO. He mentions that he did not anticipate reaching that position, and achieving it based on his work and performance became a defining moment in his professional life. Another major milestone came when he was appointed as Vice Chancellor at Pacific University.

At that point, he felt that his consistent efforts, especially the work done for students and the education system with full dedication, had reached a level of meaningful recognition. He considers this phase as a turning point that validated his approach and commitment. He further reflects on his appointments at Shri Venkateshwara University and Bahra University.

Particularly at Bahra University, he considers himself fortunate to have been selected from a large pool of applicants from across the country. Being chosen among thousands of candidates, according to him, reflects the value of his experience, capability, determination, and overall personality. For him, this selection itself stands as a major achievement. It represents not just professional success but also recognition of his long-term efforts and vision. He concludes by emphasizing his mindset toward continuous growth.

Every day, he approaches his work with a new perspective, aiming to create value and contribute meaningfully. This constant focus on value addition acts both as a milestone and as a source of ongoing motivation, driving him to keep progressing forward.

He emphasizes that every student seeks a supportive and positive environment for learning, and according to him, Shimla and Himachal Pradesh naturally provide such a setting. He describes the region as a pure, oxygen-rich environment, close to nature, which plays a significant role in enhancing focus, well-being, and overall academic growth. He reflects on the historical perspective as well.

He believes that during the British era, the establishment of major schools and research institutions in Shimla was a well-thought-out decision, considering the favorable climate and environment for education. Even today, he feels that this vision continues to hold relevance. In this context, the location of the university becomes a major advantage.

Being situated in Shimla provides a strong foundation for creating an effective learning atmosphere. Additionally, the university’s placement on National Highway 5 ensures accessibility and connectivity, making it convenient for students from different regions. He further highlights the infrastructure and facilities developed within the campus.

The university offers a residential campus with hostel facilities that are designed to support student comfort and discipline. Special attention is given to maintaining quality food and ensuring that students have access to all essential amenities required for a focused academic life. From an institutional perspective, he also outlines the larger group structure.

The university is part of the Rayat Bahra Group, which operates three universities. These include Bahra University in Shimla, Rayat Bahra University in Mohali, and Rayat Bahra Professional University in Hoshiarpur.

Through this combined structure and environment, the institution aims to provide a complete educational ecosystem, where infrastructure, location, and academic focus together contribute to a well-rounded learning experience.

He expresses a sense of pride while speaking about the vision behind the establishment of the university. According to him, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the institution built all three universities with a clear objective—to provide accessible, affordable, and simplified education to students. He highlights that this vision has been successfully implemented.

Today, students from across India are part of the academic environment, contributing to a diverse and focused learning culture. The university has developed an atmosphere where students not only pursue education but also actively engage in research and academic exploration. A strong emphasis is placed on discipline. He points out a structured attendance system where students are required to maintain a minimum of 75% attendance. Those who do not meet this criterion are not allowed to appear in examinations. This system ensures regular participation and fosters a disciplined academic environment. According to Educator Krishna Kant Dave, discipline directly leads to development.

And where development exists, it further leads to discovery and creativity. These three elements—discipline, development, and discovery—form a core part of the university’s academic philosophy. Rather than positioning himself only as a Vice Chancellor, he considers himself a “Chief Mentor Officer.” In this role, he actively encourages students to approach him without hesitation. He maintains an open and approachable system.

Students are encouraged to meet him directly and discuss any challenges or concerns they may have. He assures them that their issues will be addressed, creating an environment of trust, accessibility, and support within the institution.

He concludes by reinforcing that the university continues to function with this clear vision of providing a strong and supportive environment for higher education. The focus remains on creating a space where students not only learn academically but also gain practical exposure aligned with industry requirements. A key aspect of this approach is the emphasis on industry-academia collaboration.

Through various tie-ups with industries, students are given opportunities to understand real-world applications of their studies. This ensures that their learning is not limited to classrooms but extends into practical domains where they can observe and participate in professional environments. Special importance is given to hands-on experience.

In the final phase of their academic program, students are sent for internships of around six months in reputed companies. This allows them to gain direct industry exposure, understand work culture, and apply their knowledge in real scenarios. Alongside this, structured pre-placement activities are conducted to prepare students for career opportunities. The approach is comprehensive.

From academic learning to practical training, every effort is made to support the overall development of students. The institution works continuously to ensure that students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required for their future. He extends an open invitation to students. For those who seek a clean, peaceful, and focused environment for higher education, the university presents itself as a suitable place. With its structured system and supportive atmosphere, it aims to provide students with the right platform to learn, grow, and move forward in their academic and professional paths.

He shares a message for the youth, emphasizing the importance of using modern tools and technologies with awareness and purpose. According to him, in today’s rapidly evolving world, platforms like social media and tools based on artificial intelligence should be actively used, but in a constructive and meaningful way. He highlights that technology should become a medium for growth, not distraction.

While tools like AI and digital platforms offer immense opportunities for learning and development, he cautions against becoming addicted to them. Instead, he encourages focusing on useful content that can enhance knowledge, skills, and career prospects. Mentor Dave connects this approach with the future of the younger generation.

Professor Krishna Kant Dave believes that those who learn to adapt and grow with advancing technology will be better positioned in the coming years. With a significant portion of India’s population being youth, he considers them as the driving force of the nation. He emphasizes the responsibility that comes with this position. According to him, the youth have the potential to guide the country toward progress and excellence. By thinking beyond individual goals and considering the nation first, they can contribute to building a stronger and more developed India. If the younger generation aligns its efforts with learning, responsibility, and constructive use of technology, India can emerge as a leading force on the global stage.