Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: As India prepares to celebrate Teacher’s Day, The Newz Radar has launched a four-part exclusive interview series with Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh and the Himachal Pradesh University. His inspiring journey reflects the true spirit of education and the role of teachers in nation-building.
With his roots deeply connected to Himachal Pradesh, Bansal recalled how he studied in a government school in Shimla — a humble beginning that shaped his values and determination.
Today, he stands as a leading academician, guiding institutions that in turn are shaping the lives of countless young minds across the nation.
Recounting his early career, Prof. Bansal shared how he joined Maharaja Agrasen University when it was still under construction.
“During that tenure, I did not sit in my office for almost one year. Instead, I sat in the clerical office from where the construction site was visible,” he revealed with a smile.
His perseverance paid off when the university was inaugurated by none other than the then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, at a time when most crucial affiliations from UGC, BCI and other statutory bodies had already been secured.
He then moved on to serve at Indira Gandhi University, Rewari, where challenges were even steeper. “When I joined, the university did not even have 12B recognition,” he recalled.
Through tireless efforts, he increased the university’s budget from ₹18 crore to ₹63 crore, secured approval for 47 new posts, and succeeded in obtaining 12B status, ensuring the institution’s long-term academic and financial stability.
Prof. Bansal’s journey — from a government school student in Himachal to the helm of two premier universities — stands as a living testimony to the transformative power of education and the role of dedicated teachers and administrators.
This article is the first part of The Newz Radar’s four-part Teacher’s Day exclusive with Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal. The remaining parts of the interview will be published in the coming editions.
