Rituparnna 
In an era where higher education is rapidly evolving, a few leaders stand out for their depth of commitment and clarity of purpose. Prof. (Dr.) Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice Chancellor of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University, is one such individual. His academic journey, spanning more than three and a half decades, is not just impressive in terms of accomplishments, but also deeply inspiring for its consistency in values, passion for research, and genuine interest in student development.
Dr. Nanda’s journey into academics began with a fundamental curiosity about the world around him. As a child, he questioned the movement of stars, the nature of matter, and the structure of life. This early interest in science and reasoning eventually led him into the field of technology—an area he describes as not just innovative but central to the evolution of human life.
His decision to become a teacher was deeply personal. He saw education as a platform to create—not just careers, but people. “I always believed that teaching is not only about knowledge delivery,” he once said, “but about shaping the human being behind the student.” His early teaching assignments, starting with the College of Engineering and Technology, now OUTR, and moving quickly to NIT Rourkela (then REC Rourkela), marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong mission.
Dr. Nanda joined NIT Rourkela in 1986, where he spent more than two decades of his career. His work extended far beyond the classroom. He helped establish the Center of Excellence on Industrial Electronics and Robotics and major research laboratories in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Image Processing and Computer Vision, Embedded Systems, Communication and Signal Processing. He has overseas exposure while visiting the UK, Malaysia, and the USA in connection with academic work, and specifically the University of Leeds, UK, as an academic visitor. He played key roles in academic governance—heading departments, leading committees, and coordinating international collaborations. During this period, he also guided many of students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs, emphasizing not just academic excellence, but also values and social responsibility.
Pursuing his Ph.D. at IIT Bombay further broadened his academic vision. He often cites this experience as pivotal. “It gave me a view of the world I hadn’t seen before. IIT Bombay wasn’t just a national space—it was global,” he noted. Competing and collaborating with scholars from across the world gave him the confidence to think big, build independently, and embrace continuous learning as a way of life.
When Dr. Nanda took over as the Vice Chancellor of SOA University, he brought with him not only a strong academic record but also a clear and ambitious vision. He envisioned SOA as a university that would combine research excellence with societal impact, and under his leadership, the institution has made significant strides. He has spent a decade as Dean, Research and Development of SOA, before assuming the position of Pro Vice Chancellor and subsequently Vice Chancellor.
Today, SOA has published over 15100 SCOPUS-indexed research papers, with more than 9,000 indexed in Web of Science. He is known to personally to attend Ph.D. defenses—more than 300 to date—offering constructive feedback and reinforcing a culture of academic rigour. More importantly, he champions quality over quantity, constantly reminding faculty and students that meaningful research is what leads to lasting impact. He has also fostered a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and shared growth. His evenings are still often spent in the research labs, guiding students, discussing new ideas, and encouraging innovation. Despite his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Nanda remains a teacher at heart.
When asked what has remained consistent in his life, Dr. Nanda mentions five values: honesty, generosity, humility, curiosity, and persistence. These are not just ideals he speaks about—they are values he has lived by. Whether handling finances, leading large academic teams, or mentoring young researchers, he has always chosen transparency and fairness. What truly distinguishes him is his deep respect for students. “If my students become better than me, that is my greatest reward,” he once shared. He believes that education is not a transaction but a relationship—one that carries the responsibility of helping each individual discover their potential.
Dr. Nanda is a vocal supporter of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under his leadership, SOA has implemented key components of the policy, including outcome-based education, interdisciplinary learning, and international accreditation. He believes the NEP can help Indian institutions reach global standards provided it is implemented with sincerity. He also supports national-level examinations like JEE, NEET, and CUET, but emphasizes the importance of mental well-being. “Students must be told that success has many paths,” he says. “Don’t compare yourself with others. Find your strength, do your best, and you will grow.” Through his work, he reminds us that great institutions are built not just by policies, but by people who lead with purpose and humility. In every sense, Prof. Nanda is not just guiding SOA University—he is helping redefine what leadership in higher education should truly look like.
