Success is not about how fast you start but how consistently you move forward.
Success is not about how fast you start but how consistently you move forward.
Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Oriental University, Indore. As Pro-Chancellor, he is responsible for overseeing both academic and administrative operations, ensuring the smooth delivery of academic programs to students. His role also involves addressing campus requirements, maintaining infrastructure, and upholding the university’s overall development and efficiency.
Dr. Ghai says he feels privileged to be a part of such an esteemed private university in Indore. He compares running a university to managing a township, emphasizing the complexity and responsibility involved. Dr. Ghai believes that students are the university’s valued “customers” and deserve the best services. He is committed to ensuring that Oriental University provides prompt and efficient support to its students, whether in academics, infrastructure, or amenities. His goal is to establish a highly effective system that enhances the learning experience for both students and faculty members.
Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai highlights that Oriental University offers a diverse range of courses across various fields, including Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, Management, Agriculture, and Education. The university has dedicated schools for different disciplines and provides academic programs from Diploma to Doctorate levels. He emphasizes that the university is committed to delivering in-depth programs and has a well-structured curriculum, with a strong focus on doctorate courses.
Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai further shares that Oriental University has an Institute Innovation Council (IIC) that actively organizes various activities such as Bootcamps, Hackathons, and various other competitions for students. The objective of these initiatives is to keep students updated with emerging technologies, ensuring they are well-equipped with the necessary skills to compete in the job market and stand out among graduates across the country.
Oriental University Pro-Chancellor Dr. Ghai states that the university actively fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through its Incubation Center in Indore. The center regularly conducts mentoring sessions for students, equipping them with the skills needed to turn their ideas into reality. In collaboration with the MSME office located nearby, the university secures grants to support ongoing research projects. Additionally, the university prepares for upcoming hackathons organized by the MSME office, encouraging students and faculty members to submit their innovative ideas for funding opportunities. This initiative ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to develop impactful solutions.
The Pro-Chancellor of Oriental University Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai takes pride in its dynamic Training and Placement Cell, which is supported by a team of dedicated placement officers. Dr. Ghai emphasizes that they believe that every student has unique skills and aspirations, making it essential to provide them with matching opportunities. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the university follows a structured process to connect students with companies that align with their strengths. This ensures that while one student secures a placement at Company A, another finds a suitable role at Company B, ultimately maximizing career opportunities for all.
Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai further emphasizes that they ensure that every student has multiple opportunities to secure a job that aligns with their skills and aspirations. He explains that it is not just about getting students placed in different companies but about ensuring they find the right fit. Instead of focusing solely on the number of placements, the university prioritizes quality placements by offering students multiple job opportunities, allowing them to choose roles where they can thrive and grow professionally.
Reflecting on his milestones and accomplishments, Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai highlights that earning his Ph.D. was one of his most significant achievements. This accomplishment opened doors for him not only in the USA but also globally, shaping his career in a remarkable way. He attributes his success to the guidance of his advisor and his unwavering commitment to completing his doctoral studies on time, which ultimately led to a major leap in his professional career.
Prof. Ghai shares that his passion for learning had been evident since the beginning. This drive led him to pursue his doctoral studies at the University of North Texas, USA. Teaching has always been a natural inclination for him, and he continues to share his expertise in Computer Science and Electronics with students whenever his schedule allows. Now, in a leadership role, he sees himself in a unique position to make a meaningful impact on education—an opportunity that very few get. He is deeply committed to creating a positive influence on both students and faculty members, shaping a learning environment that fosters growth and innovation.
Talking about the key influences in his life, Prof. Ghai acknowledges the pivotal role his parents played in shaping his academic and professional life. He firmly believes that parents serve as the first teachers for any child, and in his case, their continuous encouragement pushed him to strive for higher education. While he might have considered stopping after completing his bachelor's degree, their motivation inspired him to pursue a master's degree and later a doctorate. He expresses immense gratitude for their unwavering support, emphasizing that their belief in him was instrumental in shaping his career and accomplishments.
Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai also acknowledges the pivotal role of his PhD advisor, Dr. Saraju Mohanty, in shaping his academic and research career. He credits Dr. Mohanty for introducing him to the world of research and providing guidance that has profoundly influenced his career. The strategies, initiatives, and future plans he is implementing at Oriental University Indore, particularly in the field of research, are deeply inspired by his mentor’s teachings. Expressing his gratitude, he emphasizes that his approach to academia and institutional development is a direct result of the mentorship and insights he gained from Dr. Mohanty.
Reflecting on a quote that deeply resonates with him, Prof. Dr. Dhruva Ghai shares that he recently came across a YouTube video of Kobe Bryant, where the basketball legend stated,
"Rest at the end, not in the middle."
This powerful message struck a chord with him, reinforcing his belief in perseverance and determination. He emphasizes that one should take a break only after completing a task, rather than giving in to exhaustion midway. For him, these words serve as a constant reminder to stay committed and push through challenges until the goal is achieved.
Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai acknowledges that challenges are inevitable in life, especially in the long process from a bachelor's degree to a doctoral program. He points out that after schooling, students go through four years of undergraduate studies, followed by two years of a master’s program, and then another four to five years dedicated to earning a doctorate.
He emphasizes the importance of consistency and genuine interest in one’s chosen field, stating that these qualities are essential for long-term success. According to him, the most valuable trait anyone can develop is consistency. Regardless of the field or profession, staying committed and persistent is the key to achieving one’s goals.
While addressing young aspirants considering further studies, Prof. Dr. Dhruva Ghai emphasizes that Oriental University is ideal for those who seek a dynamic and student-centric institution. He explains that the university prioritizes students' interests, ensuring that their concerns are addressed efficiently.
At Oriental University, education is viewed as a service, with students treated as valued “customers” who deserve the best facilities, academic support, and overall experience. The institution operates with agility, making quick and effective decisions without bureaucratic delays. Prof. Dr. Ghai underscores that in today’s world, the quality of your educational experience is just as important as the degree itself, and Oriental University is committed to providing an enriching and fulfilling academic life.
Prof. (Dr.) Dhruva Ghai, in his message to the younger generation, reiterates the importance of consistency in one’s chosen field. He firmly believes that staying committed will inevitably pave the way for success in life.
To illustrate this, he shares the classic story of the Tortoise and the Hare. He emphasizes that the tortoise emerged victorious not because of speed but due to unwavering consistency throughout the path. Drawing from this lesson, he advises young individuals to remain steadfast in their decisions and persist through challenges, as consistency is the key to achieving long-term success.