Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Mohanty is the HOD (HR) at Astha School of Management- [ASM] Bhubaneswar. He has an MBA from MG University, Shillong, and a Master in Tourism Management from IGNOU besides a PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication. He also has an M. in Economics from Ravenshaw College, an M.Phil in Economics, and a Bachelor of Laws, from Utkal University. Professor Mohanty is also a PhD degree holder from Berhampur University, Odisha. He worked as an Associate Professor- of HR & and Humanities at the Center for Management Studies, Odisha Engineering College, and served as a Professor and dean at, the School of Business, ASBM University. As a Professor in Human Resources Management, he served at Biju Patnaik Institute of IT and Management Studies (BIITM), Bhubaneswar before joining ASTHA S.M. During this long career spanning around 38 years, he worked for 22 years as an Economic Planner in the State Planning Machinery of the Planning & Coordination Department, Govt. of Odisha that involved assignments like Economic Plan Formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects, programs at the State and Sub-State levels. He also worked for 8 years in the Distinct Planning & Development Unit, Ganjam, and apart from preparing local area development plans he was also engaged in the preparation of specific target oriented Micro Plans for the development of Block, Village & Tribal pockets in ITDA and Non ITDA areas. Prof. Mohanty has served as a Technical Consultant to the Industrial Management Consultant of Odisha, an NGO that undertakes socioeconomic surveys, Health Sector NRHM planning, and the Total Literacy Campaign (TLC) under the National Literacy Mission (NLM). He has experience in imparting training to Government functionaries on decentralized planning and conducting evaluation studies of plan projects. Having a fascination for research, his participation in National and international seminars and publications adds substantial value to his profile.

Astha School of Management

What is your philosophy of leadership?

Aside from being a good mentor, I don't think there needs to be a specific leadership style in academia. As HODs and academicians, we are constantly searching for methods to improve learning and establish a learning ecosystem that sets the standard. I think you can't just apply a typical teaching and leadership technique while working with younger minds.

For academics such as me, inspiring the next generation with a leadership style that inspires them to think and work is our greatest task. 

How is your relationship with the students being the HOD of the Institute?

There will be a disconnect if you believe that students and instructors come from two distinct worlds or have separate objectives. After that, things change. A competent instructor must consider and feel what a pupil is going through. Despite having several years of professional and academic experience, I don't feel much older. Every time a kid approaches me with a question, I always try to put myself in their position. I love spending time with the students.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and aspiring students?

For the sake of the development of the country, career planning is crucial for young people. Today's generation must focus on improving their talents because there is intense competition if they want to succeed in their careers. When selecting the abilities that would best suit their professional personalities in the future, they should exercise caution. To prepare themselves, individuals must search for different resources that can teach them the necessary skills.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education in general?

Higher education still faces several issues, such as employability, an emphasis on applied learning, infrastructure that supports digitalization, research, and innovation, faculty upskilling, and assessment difficulties, even though younger generations are becoming more educated and conscious through education.

What extracurricular activities are organized in your college to enhance the skills of students?

To improve students' skills, a variety of events are planned, including curriculum-based seminars, workshops, competitions (such as the White Collar Competition), dance, singing, Antakshari, face painting, office table decoration, web design competitions, and volunteering for government initiatives like blood donation drives, smart city projects, and traffic awareness campaigns.

How do you bring in a practical and industry-oriented approach towards subjects?

The institute consistently works to incorporate a practical and industry-oriented approach into the subject learning through industry visits, internships, industry expert sessions, and workshops hosted by companies such as Infosys and TCS, etc.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute?

Our college has a rich and extensive history spanning over 15 years. The established procedures in academia are reliable and untouchable. The implementation of the people-centric approach has facilitated the establishment of a harmonious environment within the institution, with consideration given to all stakeholders, including parents, recruiters, faculty, staff, and students.