1) With 3
decades of experience, do you prefer working in academia or industry? Why?

I would
prefer to be in Academia. The basic reason is that it is a place where one gets
in touch with the younger generation on a continuous basis, learns their
viewpoints, combines it with experience and then improvises to share the
results with them. It is the urge to share, or the urge to give back, which
would utilize my knowledge and experience and shape the future of students.

2) What are
the 3 most significant challenges you see in your role today?

First,
expansion of our PGDM Programme on Banking and Finance to (i) share the
expertise of NIBM with many more students and mould novices into professional
bankers and (ii) fill up the existing skill gaps at the middle management level
and help strengthen the banking sector.

Secondly, focus
on international cooperation through exchange programmes with leading
Universities and institutions, so that our students get the requisite exposure
to face the global challenges.

Thirdly, continuous
upgradation of curriculum quality of the reputed Post-Graduate Programme on
Banking and Finance, keeping in view the right blend of industry interface and
academic rigour.

3) What
according to you is the most significant progress your institute has made in
the last one year?

The most
significant improvement was to switch over from public sector focus, of our PGDM
programme, to private sector orientation, in a publicity-shy institution like
NIBM. Over the last year, the private sector has discovered a reservoir of job-ready
professionals at the middle to senior levels.

4) What will
be your priorities for NIBM over the next few months?

There is a
mushrooming of institutions to teach banking and finance, with very little
expertise in the sphere, which spread misinformation and try to replicate NIBM
curriculum without commensurate faculty strength and expertise. NIBM is now trying
to improve the visibility of its PGDM programme, both online and in print media,
in its endeavor to create quality professionals for the financial services
industry.

The NIBM
students stand far above similar institutions in terms of domain knowledge and
placement opportunities. We felt the pressure from recruiters when demand for
NIBM students shot up during the placement process, as reflected in our salary
packages. 

5) What are
the qualities you look for in an applicant, when shortlisting for final
selections?

We look forward to sincere students, with decent
grades and diverse backgrounds, who are smart enough to communicate their views
and capable enough to fulfil their responsibilities as professional bankers.