Prof. Sunaina Singh is among the most prominent leaders in higher education in the South Asian region. She is currently the Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University, an internationally acclaimed historical university with the Ministry of External Affairs, located in the state Bihar. Prof. Singh is engaged with the naissance task of rebuilding the renowned ancient Nalanda University. The honour of reestablishing this International University of ‘National Importance’ has been entrusted to her largely because of her inventive and compelling leadership. Prof. Singh is also the Vice President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Prof. Singh has the distinction of being an institutional builder, as the first Indian woman President of Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (a bi-national research institution with headquarters in New Delhi and Calgary under the MHRD and Canadian Government) and as the former Vice Chancellor of English and Foreign Languages University. Prof. Singh has played a dynamic role in creating innovative research clusters, streamlining the administration, reinvigorating the academic culture, and bringing about transparency and accountability into the system. These crucial interventions have helped the University steer forward and assert itself as an important institution of higher learning in the Asian region. It is due to her sterling leadership that after a span 17 years, this Central University was accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC. It is also widely accepted that the University has emerged out of a critical period in its history largely due to her determined and indefatigable leadership. She also held the first convocation in its history of over 50 year’s journey. The then President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, complemented her for her diligence visionary dynamism.
As a distinguished academician and administrator, she plays a key role as a member-designate on several distinguished Boards such as, Member of the Governing Council, Association of Indian
Universities (AIU); Member, Comprehensive Language Policy of India; Visitors’ (President of India) Nominee on the Executive Board of more than 12 Central Universities; Bihar Audit Advisory Board; President, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institue (a bi-national Research Institution); Academic Advisor, National Cyber Safety and Security Standards, India; Member of the Board of Trustee, India Foundation (a think tank); Member, Board of Directors, Divi’s Laboratories Limited, India; Member, Advisory Committee, Samajik Nyay Sandesh, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, to name a few. Prof. Singh has been engaged in the tectonic task of restructuring and redesigning university pedagogical and governance systems. Few academics can match her integrity, intellectual caliber, and dedication to teaching, research, and administration. As a Visiting Professor at reputed Universities abroad, she has played a crucial role in drawing the attention of the West towards Indian culture and literature, pedagogical systems, epistemological concerns, and educational policies.

• Dr. Singh, a Professor of literature and culture, brings with her a rich blend of scholarship and professional competence. Her impeccable and proven track record as an able and an eminent administrator has enabled her to excel in her leadership role, a fact acknowledged by the many prestigious awards she has been conferred with. Some noteworthy ones include: Honorary Professor of the Academic Union: Oxford, UK. Vishwa Kavi Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Award, 2020 by Oriental Heritage; Innovative Vice-Chancellor of the Year, 2020. Asia Today; Most Admired Women in Educational Sector 2019, The Knowledge Review; International Education Award-2018 (NWSI) awarded in British Parliament, House of Lord’s, London; Bharat Ratan Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Excellence Award, 2018 (IIFS); Bharat Shiksha Ratan Award, 2018; Education Leadership Award, 2018, 2017 (World Education Congress); Bharat Gaurav Award 2016 (IIFS); Chanakya Award for Excellence in Good Governance 2014 (Public Relations Council of India); Woman of the Year Award, 2014 - Citizens Council of A.P.); Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education, 2014 (World Education Congress); Education Leadership Award, 2014 (Dewang Mehta Award); International Leadership Certificate, National College, Nottingham, U.K. (2013), Rashtriya Gaurav Award, (2011, IIFS); She was also honoured with a citation by the India-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), Calgary, for her initiatives in strengthening bilateral ties and collaboration in higher education, in 2011. Post-doctoral Faculty Research Award, University of Toronto, Canada, 2005 awarded by International Canadian Council, DFAIT, Govt. of Canada. Commonwealth Academic Staff Scholarship England, 1984; National Research Award Lit. Crit India, 1980.

Prof. Sunaina Singh, was given the unique honour of presiding over the Hon’ble President of India’s Address on “Building a Happy Society” to 126 Central Institutions of the country through the e–platform, National Knowledge Network, on 10th January 2017. The Hon’ble President complimented her for her leadership role.
Inspired by her sterling commitment to philanthropy, a group of citizens have established, as a tribute to her, a foundation in her name in 2015. It is primarily driven by her vision of building a better society through the education of girl child from the economically challenged sections of society.
Prof. Sunaina Singh has always believed in and has worked towards setting new benchmarks in both the personal and public spheres. What motivates her in her endeavour in life is the persona of her guru and father Prof. Satyanarain Singh, himself a value-driven scholar, a Humanist with innate compassion. As a dynamic teacher, she touches many hearts and inspires many minds. She is widely known for her leadership and integrity.

Email : prof.sunaina@gmail.com / vcnalanda@gmail.com

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