Amity University, founded in 2005, stands as a leading private research institution in India. Accredited with an ‘A+’ grade by NAAC and recognized by the UGC, it exemplifies academic excellence. Headquartered in Noida, Amity extends its reach across India and globally, with campuses in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore, and beyond. The university offers a diverse spectrum of programs spanning engineering, management, medical sciences, law, and the arts. By integrating rigorous academics with hands-on learning and cutting-edge research, Amity cultivates future leaders. Its global presence, innovation-driven approach, and initiatives like the Amity Innovation Incubator reinforce its commitment to shaping the next generation of changemakers. Consistently setting new benchmarks in higher education, Amity ensures quality learning and unparalleled global exposure.
At the “Celebrating Womanhood: Empower, Educate, Elevate” conference on women empowerment, hosted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh, Group Vice Chancellor of Amity University, shared powerful insights in an exclusive conversation with The Interview World. He outlined the university’s initiatives to enhance safety and empower communities across its campuses. He also emphasized the transformative role of technology in reshaping employment and job creation in India. Highlighting measures to create safer, more inclusive campuses for women, he shed light on specialized programs designed to support differently-abled individuals and marginalized groups. Here are the key takeaways from his compelling discussion.
Q: What sanitization initiatives does Amity University implement to ensure human safety and empower communities?
A: At Amity University, we have taken significant steps toward sustainability. All our campuses are fully certified and designed as green spaces, with nearly 60% of the area left open. We integrate sustainability into education by offering specialized courses in sustainability management and conducting extensive research in green energy. Our campuses are also solar-friendly, reinforcing our commitment to renewable energy.
Beyond infrastructure, we prioritize cutting-edge research in sustainability management. Our School of Sustainability Management in San Francisco leads these efforts, with around 30 scholars pursuing PhDs focused on reducing pollution and leveraging solar energy to create a healthier planet. Through innovation and research, we remain dedicated to driving impactful change for a sustainable future.
Q: How do you see technology transforming the landscape of employment and job creation in India, and where does the country currently stand in this transition?
A: Technology is revolutionizing every aspect of education. As I often say, “Obsolete yourself—because if you don’t, someone else will.” The traditional classroom, where a teacher wrote equations on a board and students passively copied them, no longer exists. Today’s students enter classrooms with laptops in hand, fact-checking lectures in real time while engaging with professional networks on LinkedIn or scrolling through Instagram. Learning is no longer a one-way process; it is interactive, dynamic, and deeply integrated with technology.
Education must now evolve beyond conventional teaching methods. Professors can no longer rely solely on lectures. Instead, they must foster discussions, encourage critical thinking, and seamlessly integrate technology into the learning process. Take student projects, for example. In the past, assignments required research and problem-solving. Today, AI-powered tools already provide ready-made solutions. Rather than discouraging students from using platforms like ChatGPT, educators must teach them how to leverage AI effectively—how to build software, pursue certification programs, and collaborate with industry experts.
The higher education landscape will shift dramatically in the next three years. Traditional degrees—whether in engineering, business, or science—will no longer hold the same appeal. Instead, students will seek specialized certification programs tailored to industry needs. Leading universities, including MIT, are already adapting to this shift. At Amity, we are fostering synergy between academia and commerce. Sponsoring the American Chamber of Commerce Seminar was a strategic move—our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and cultural understanding necessary to thrive in the U.S. job market. They must grasp industry demands, emerging trends, and employer expectations.
Technology is not just reshaping education—it is redefining the entire professional landscape. Universities that fail to embrace this transformation risk falling behind.
Q: What measures is Amity University implementing to make its campuses safer and more inclusive for women?
A: A supportive and inclusive ecosystem is essential. The real question is: why do women often feel deprived or unsafe? Why do we impose restrictions on them—dictating what they should wear, what jobs they can or cannot pursue, or how late they can work? These limitations reinforce systemic biases, and it’s time to dismantle them.
Take, for instance, the story I shared. A young girl, just 17, was told to leave her home. She stepped out, and look where she is today. Her journey underscores the need for an ecosystem that empowers rather than confines. That’s precisely what Amity University strives to create.
From the very beginning, we instil confidence, resilience, and boldness in our students. We encourage them to speak up, challenge stereotypes, and take on roles traditionally reserved for men. At Amity, 62% of our students are women—an uncommon statistic in higher education. Dr. Pankaj Mittal highlighted that only 2% of women make it to leadership positions. In contrast, 71% of our faculty are women. Even within my team, those stepping into global opportunities or taking on challenging roles are predominantly female.
We do not discriminate in employment. Instead, we cultivate an environment where opportunities are accessible to all. We teach our students to raise their voices against injustice rather than compromise. Change begins with education, and we are committed to shaping a future where equality is the norm, not the exception.
Q: Beyond initiatives for women, what special programs does Amity University have to foster inclusivity, particularly for differently-abled individuals and other marginalized groups?
A: We run several impactful programs that foster empathy and social responsibility. One such initiative, “Adopt an Elder,” connects students with elderly individuals, creating meaningful intergenerational bonds. Through our “Being Human” program, we adopt villages and extend our support to senior citizens. We bring them to our campus, where they spend time with our students, engaging in conversations and building connections.
Sitting with an elderly person, listening to their experiences, and understanding their perspectives is profoundly enriching. We aspire to shape future judges, CEOs, and business leaders. But success is incomplete without compassion. We instill in our students the importance of respecting and valuing senior citizens. They don’t just interact with them—they sit together, share meals, and ensure these elders feel seen and cherished. These are the steps we take to cultivate not just professional excellence but also a deep sense of humanity.
