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GIM Hosts Academic Leadership Program for Delhi University Principals

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“Our role is not just that of an administrator, but as that of a leader and an institutional builder.”

Prof. Kanika Ahuja Principal, Lady Shri Ram College for Women


Principals are the leaders in the educational sphere and are expected to be academic visionaries, financial managers, policy implementers, and culture-builders all in one, whilst constantly leading higher education into the future. To expose them to modern techniques of management and give them a setting that encourages peer learning, Goa Institute of Management (GIM) conducted a five-day Academic Leadership Program (ALP) on 29 June 2026 for over 40 principals from Delhi University colleges, along with senior officers from the University of Delhi.

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These principals lead Institutions that many students and parents across India aspire to join, including Shri Ram College of Commerce, Hindu College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Hans Raj College, Ramjas College, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Sri Venkateswara College, Daulat Ram college and Lady Irwin College. The program provided a platform for them to discuss institutional challenges, explore emerging priorities in higher education, and exchange perspectives on academic leadership.

Addressing the Challenges Facing Higher Education

A key feature of the program was the opportunity for principals to articulate the issues they encounter in leading their institutions and exchange perspectives with peers facing similar challenges. With higher education undergoing significant changes in student expectations, technology, employability, and institutional governance, the discussions focused on a central question: how can academic leaders strengthen their institutions while responding to the needs of a new generation of learners? Other priority areas included implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, advancing sustainability, and exploring how AI can be used responsibly in teaching and institutional administration.

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Digital Transformation and AI in Higher Education

The program addressed the role of digital initiatives in expanding access to learning and supporting institutional transformation. Drawing on the major issues on how technology can be integrated into institutional practices, speakers brought perspectives on the development of India's digital education ecosystem, especially with ICT-enabled education initiatives, such as SWAYAM, SWAYAMPRABHA, the National Digital Library, Virtual Labs, and e-Yantra.

“The program was very effective, and it has transformed our thinking. We have got to know that principals are not administrators, but they also have to govern.”

Prof. Ravi Toteja Principal, Acharya Narendra Dev College


Regarding responsible use of AI, it was discussed how institutions can move beyond the question of whether to adopt AI and develop clear frameworks for its appropriate use. They were given an example of the present Gen AI Policy frameworks in GIM, which provided guidelines for the responsible, ethical, and effective use of generative AI across academic and non-academic contexts. As AI continues to influence education and work, institutional policies can help establish expectations for responsible use while supporting innovation.


Leadership Beyond Institutional Constraints & Modern Management Tools

Directors and deans from prominent educational institutions, such as IIT Goa, Goa University, and GIM, spoke about their challenges in governance and in managing HEIs, drawing on their personal experiences. The central message was that institutional constraints need not define the limits of institutional ambition. Principals were encouraged to build connections with fellow academic leaders, explore new possibilities by drawing on their collective expertise, build partnerships, and keep educational quality at the center of their decisions.

Additionally, modern tools of management, such as team dynamics, collaborative leadership, self-awareness, and personal leadership styles, were discussed by management experts. The sessions complemented the program's broader emphasis on open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

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Creating Space for Dialogue and Collective Learning

The program gave participants the opportunity to raise institutional queries and concerns directly with the University of Delhi's Registrar and Deputy Registrar. These interactions enabled principals to engage with administrative leadership on matters relevant to the functioning and development of their institutions.

“The program was very useful for the administrators and faculty alike. Therefore, I think Delhi University is going to have a long-term collaboration with GIM for training of our staff at various times.”

Prof. Manoj Sinha Principal, Aryabhatta College


By giving academic leaders a conducive environment to articulate their concerns, learn new management techniques, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another, the program achieved its objective of sharpening the academic leadership qualities of the principals to face future challenges.

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