As we embrace the new year, it is an opportune moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead with optimism. The past year has been one of meaningful progress, collective effort, and notable milestones for our university. To reflect on those achievements and gain insight into the road ahead, we had a candid conversation with our Honourable Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sushma S. Kulkarni. Adding a refreshing perspective to this dialogue, the interview was conducted by a first-year student of MBA (Advanced Project Management) Mr. Vighnesh Bhadsavle from section I. In this interview, the Vice Chancellor shares key highlights from the year gone by and outlines priorities and aspirations for the year ahead offering clarity, direction, and inspiration as we embark on the next phase of our journey together.


Vighnesh: As we step into the New Year, looking back at the university’s journey over the past year, what developments or milestones stand out most for you as Vice Chancellor?
Vice Chancellor: NICMAR carries a legacy of over forty years, but becoming a university in 2022 marked a decisive shift in our journey. While the legacy gives us strength, the objectives, vision, and mission of a university are fundamentally different from those of an institute.
“Our focus moved from running a few successful programs to building a global university with a long-term vision.” Since becoming a university, we have consciously expanded our academic footprint, strengthened governance and aligned ourselves with a future-oriented vision; one that emphasizes employability, sustainability, research, and global mobility. The last three years have been about laying strong foundations for this larger transformation.


Vighnesh: What are the key priorities you have set for NICMAR University in the year ahead?
Vice Chancellor: One of my top priorities is research and development, because any university is ultimately known by its faculty and the research it produces. I want NICMAR University, Pune to contribute meaningfully to the construction and built environment sector by adding new knowledge and practical solutions.
“Research is not about reproducing what is already known; it is about asking what new value we can add to the body of knowledge.” We are focusing on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and their applications in construction, project management, infrastructure, energy and real estate. These priorities are closely aligned with how the industry itself is evolving.


Vighnesh: How do you see NICMAR University strengthening academic quality, research and real-world impact simultaneously?
Vice Chancellor: Academics are the core of the university and faculty are its backbone. Strong academic quality comes from robust curricula, experiential learning and effective classroom delivery. Our emphasis is on project-based learning, case studies, internships and hands on exposure, so that students experience the application of theory. Our programmes such as MBA (Advanced Construction Management) and MBA (Advanced Project Management) have been accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) which reflects the quality practices we follow at the university.
“What students learn should prepare them for addressing real life problems, not just examination answers.”
Research and academics go hand in hand. Through thesis work and projects, students develop analytical skills, problem solving abilities, teamwork and decision-making capabilities; skills that are essential for leadership roles in the real world.


Vighnesh: In what ways are national initiatives like NEP 2020 and global benchmarks shaping NICMAR University’s direction going forward?
Vice Chancellor: NEP 2020 is a very well drafted policy that aligns Indian education with global standards while remaining grounded in India’s cultural and academic heritage. It promotes multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, and global mobility; principles that are essential for a modern university. It also focuses on faculty development and a separate vertical for research funding is created to promote research in universities along with entrepreneurship.
“Our graduates should be rooted in India, but capable of fitting anywhere in the world.” Provisions such as multiple entry and exit, the Academic Bank of Credits, digitization of records and multidisciplinary electives have been adopted at NICMAR University. These reforms enhance flexibility, transparency and global recognition of our academic programs.


Vighnesh: What would you like NICMAR University students to focus on as they step into the New Year?
Vice Chancellor: Students should focus on developing strong fundamentals, a learning mindset, and the courage to step out of their comfort zones. Education is not merely about scoring marks or passing examinations; it is about preparing for life and leadership.
“Do not learn only to pass the exam. Learn to be successful in life.”
I strongly encourage students to challenge themselves through projects, research and emerging skill areas. Lifelong learning is no longer optional; it is a necessity in a rapidly changing world.


Vighnesh: How is the university supporting faculty and staff to innovate and grow in a rapidly changing academic environment?
Vice Chancellor: Faculty and staff development is a strategic priority because learning never stops for anyone. NICMAR University provides full financial support for faculty to attend conferences, present research, participate in faculty development programs and gain international exposure. We also regularly conduct staff training programmes so that they remain abreast of the new advancements and practices.
“A university grows only when its faculty grows.” In addition to academic training, we invest in leadership development, mentoring, counseling skills and pedagogical innovation. Faculty are trained to design courses thoughtfully by defining learning outcomes, teaching methodologies, projects and assessments in a structured manner.


Vighnesh: What role will industry collaboration, innovation, and experiential learning play in the coming year?
Vice Chancellor: Industry collaboration is central to NICMAR’s identity. Our programs are shaped through continuous interaction with industry leaders, professional bodies and practitioners. Experiential learning through internships, live projects and industry led sessions ensures relevance and readiness.
“When industry tells students why they need to learn something, learning becomes meaningful.” These interactions help students understand the purpose behind their education and align their aspirations with real world demands.


Vighnesh: How important are emerging technologies and digital transformation in your vision for NICMAR University?
Vice Chancellor: Emerging technologies such as AI, automation and data analytics will significantly transform the construction and project management sectors. NICMAR University is actively integrating these technologies into research and learning so students can apply them effectively in decision making, procurement and project execution.
“AI is a tool but the intelligence still lies with the human being who knows how to use it.” Strong foundational knowledge remains essential, because technology evolves rapidly, but fundamentals enable adaptability.


Vighnesh: NICMAR has introduced several new, highly specialized programs aligned with industry demand. Could you elaborate on these initiatives?
Vice Chancellor: Based on direct industry inputs, we have launched one year Post Graduate Diploma programs, including PGD in Ready Mixed Concrete Management, developed with the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of India, and PGD in Asset and Facilities Management, aligned with the Facilities Management Association.
“These programs exist because the industry clearly told us. This is where the future demand lies.” In addition, we are working towards establishing Centers of Excellence in areas such as Project Management, AI applications, 3D Concrete Printing and Energy Management, positioning NICMAR University as a voice of authority in the built environment sector.


Vighnesh: Finally, what does success look like for NICMAR University at the end of the year, and what message would you like to share with the NICMAR community?
Vice Chancellor: Success is reflected in strong research output, quality admissions, effective teaching learning processes, holistic student development and industry preference for NICMAR University graduates.
“When industries say, ‘We want students from NICMAR University Pune,’ that is real success for us.”
My message to the NICMAR community is inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.:
“If you cannot fly, then run. If you cannot run, then walk. If you cannot walk, then crawl but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.”
Progress may be gradual, but consistent effort and lifelong learning will always lead to success.