Fostering Connection VI Edition final

INTRODUCTION

From the Head HR:

Jagdeep Singh Rawat Head, Human Resources

As we reflect on the past quarter, I am proud of the progress we have made in strengthening communication, gathering employee insights, and driving impactful learning and engagement initiatives. Our recent workshops, certification programs, and inclusive events have deepened our community’s sense of connection and purpose.

A major milestone this quarter was the successful completion of the annual performance appraisal process, delivered on time through the collective efforts of our employees and senior leadership. This achievement reinforces our culture of accountability and trust, while strengthening confidence across the University.

We also launched the CareBridge Program — an employee-driven initiative, in partnership with HCLTech, designed to provide financial support to registered members. This program embodies care, empathy, and solidarity, reflecting our community spirit: “by the employees, for the employees.”

Festivities like Deepawali remind us of the power of togetherness. The presence of our Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor at the celebrations added warmth and inspiration, making the occasion truly memorable.

Through this edition, we honor our shared journey and look ahead to new possibilities. Let us continue to learn, grow, and thrive — together, as one team.

SPOTLIGHT

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL 2024–25

We are pleased to share that the annual performance appraisal cycle was successfully completed on schedule — a milestone that reflects our collective commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous growth.

Congratulations to all team members who received well-deserved promotions - Your dedication and achievements continue to strengthen our University community.

Mr. Amit Kumar Agarwal Assistant Registrar, (Deputy Manager), Registrar's Office

Mr. Mohan Kumar Laboratory Technician, Electrical Engineering, SOE

Mr. Rajneesh Kumar Laboratory Technician, Civil Engineering, SOE

Mr. Prashant Shishodia Program Coordinator, (Associate Manager), Rural Management, SHSS

Mr. Manjeet Kumar Laboratory Technician, Mechanical Engineering, SOE

Ms. Shivangi Pandey Senior Executive, Vice Chancellor's Office

Mr. Shiv Prasad Deputy Manager, Purchase

Ms.

Data Coordinator, (Associate Manager), Office of Accreditation and Regulatory Affairs

Laboratory

Ms. Aanchal Tamta Program Manager, (Associate Manager), Dean's Office - SOE

Senior Library Assistant,

Laboratory Technician, Mechanical Engineering,

Senior

Mr. Vishveer Singh Senior Warden (Associate Manager), Hostel Administration

Raju Gupta Laboratory Technician, Civil Engineering, SOE

Mr. Puneet Malviya Group Manager, Administration

Ms. Akansha Deorari Deputy Manager, Administration

Ms. Pooja Bindal Manager, Finance

Mr. Parvindar Singh Juneja Senior Library Assistant, Library

Mr. Kamal Arora Senior Executive Assistant, Art, Media and Performance, SHSS

Mr. Ashraf Saeed Educational Technologist, (Associate Manager)

Ms. Neha Gautam Academic Coordinator, (Associate Manager), Office of Dean of Academics

Ms. Monika Rana Head of Finance, (Associate General Manager), Finance

Ms. Anuradha Manjul Group Manager, Vice Chancellor's Office,

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

PROCESS TRAINING PROGRAM - COLLABORATE TO ELEVATE | JULY 2025

We are excited to share a milestone in our learning journey – the launch of our very first Process Training Program. This initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in strengthening team capabilities by deepening process understanding and enabling efficiency at every step.

Designed as a foundation for continuous improvement, the program equipped employees with insights, structured approaches to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and drive excellence. A step forward in building learning pathways that help employees perform better, grow faster, and foster excellence.

HIGH

PERFORMANCE COACH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (HPCDP) | JULY 2025

In collaboration with the Department of Physical Education and the Dani Sports Foundation, we launched the HighPerformance Coach Development Program (HPCDP) in August 2025.

This six-month certification program has been developed specifically to elevate the coaching capabilities of our sports coaches through evidencebased practices and global best standards, in collaboration with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Loughborough Sport.

The program equips our coaches with skills in athletecentered development, sports science integration, reflective leadership, and data-driven performance planning. Coaches will also engage in action learning projects, ensuring direct impact on both our student-athletes and the upcoming Sports University Wide Elective (UWE) module.

We are investing in coaching leadership, strengthening institutional capacity, and reinforcing our vision of building a high-performance culture in sport and academics alike.

NURTURING WELLBEING

ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK-UP CAMP | AUGUST 2025

An Annual Health Check-up Camp was organized in collaboration with HCL Healthcare at the University campus from 26th to 28th August 2025. Nearly 147 members and their dependents availed the benefits of this initiative.

PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT (PoSH) FOR THIRD PARTY MEMBERS | SEPTEMBER 2025

A Gender Sensitization session on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) was facilitated by Advocate Aparna Mittal, senior lawyer and founder of the Samāna Centre for Gender, Policy, and Law.

The session was designed as a two-way dialogue, encouraging participants to share perspectives, raise questions, and clarify doubts. With strong participation of 1000+ third-party staff members, it reinforced awareness, inclusivity, and our collective responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful workplace.

LAUNCH OF CAREBRIDGE - WHERE KINDNESS BECOMES ACTION | SEPTEMBER 2025

We are delighted to announce the launch of CareBridge, an employee-led initiative developed in collaboration with HCL to strengthen our culture of care and collective well-being. CareBridge serves as a supportive platform that enables employees to connect, share resources, and extend help to one another, reinforcing our commitment to empathy and collaboration at the workplace. It provides timely financial support to colleagues during life’s toughest moments –ensuring no one faces challenges alone.

Offerings:

• Medical assistance for serious health conditions once your personal and official insurance is exhausted.

• Educational aid for children of colleagues who are no longer with us

• Bereavement Support to help families rebuild after a loss.

To know more and join the CareBridge program, please Click here Together, let’s continue to build a culture of care, connection, and support.

UNIVERSITY MEDICAL HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL | EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 2025

The University has successfully renewed the Medical Health Insurance policy, continuing our commitment to employee well-being.

Key Highlights:

• Employees were given the option to redeclare dependents and choose voluntary Top-Up and OPD plans for enhanced coverage.

• The initiative saw strong participation, with ~240 employees upgraded their plans and opting for additional medical benefits.

Coverage Partners (Effective 1st October 2025)

To support employees in making informed decisions, webinars were held on 16 and 24 October 2025, offering clarity on benefits, processes, and coverage options.

DEMYSTIFYING PROCESSES

ADOPTION AND PATERNITY ENHANCED

In our continued commitment to employee well-being and inclusivity, the University has enhanced its Adoption and Paternity Leave benefits to better support working parents in their journey of parenthood.

• Adoption Leave: Now applicable for up to two adopted children

• 182 days – if the adopted child is up to 3 years of age.

• 84 days – if the adopted child is above 3 years of age.

• Paternity Leave: Increased from 5 to 15 days, applicable for the first two children, to be availed in two tranches.

These enhancements reflect our ongoing effort to create a compassionate, familyfriendly workplace, one that supports every stage of life and promotes a healthy work–life balance.

‘CONNECTING

WITH HR’ PROGRAM

As part of our Connect with HR initiative, we hosted an Extended Orientation Meet-up for employees who joined between May and mid-July 2025.

Over coffee and conversations, our new colleagues shared their early experiences and feedback, helping us understand how they’re settling in and how we can support them better.

These interactive sessions continue to strengthen connection, belonging, and open dialogue within our growing community.

VIBRANT CELEBRATIONS

LIGHTING UP TOGETHERNESS – DIWALI CELEBRATION | OCTOBER 2025

The campus came alive with color, laughter, and festive spirit as we celebrated Diwali on 15th October, 2025 at the Campus Housing Podium. Dressed in vibrant ethnic attire, faculty and staff enjoyed a day filled with cultural performances, music, ramp walks, and a lively Lucky Draw, reflecting the warmth and unity of our community.

Cheerful conversations over snacks and lunch, coupled with enthusiastic participation on stage, made the celebration a true reflection of togetherness and joy.

IN REMEMBRANCE

January 1993 - September 2025

As we share this edition, we would like to take a moment to remember our colleague, Mr. Hem Nath Mishra, Program Manager, AI Center of Excellence, whose passing has deeply saddened the University community.

Hem first joined Shiv Nadar University on 9th August 2021 as Program Manager in the Dean’s Office, School of Natural Sciences, where he served with dedication until 23rd December 2024. He rejoined us on 7th July 2025 as Program Manager in the AI Center of Excellence, continuing his commitment to excellence and his passion for supporting impactful academic and research initiatives.

He will be remembered for his professionalism, humbleness, and calm behavior – qualities that earned him great respect and affection among colleagues and students alike. His contributions have left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire University community during this difficult time.

May his soul rest in peace.

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS

A warm welcome to our new members, enriching our Shiv Nadar IoE community.

FACULTY

Dr. Rajesh Chakrabarti: Dean, Dean's Office – School of Management and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Ankit Singhal: Assistant Professor, Finance, Accounting and Control, School of Management and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Yushu Huang: Mandarin Language Teacher, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. Ojasvi Khare: Assistant Professor, Economics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. Yogeshwar Bharat: Assistant Professor, Economics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. Debarshi Das: Assistant Professor, Physics, School of Natural Sciences

Dr. Sudip Ranjan Bhuia: Assistant Professor, Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences

Dr. Somya Singh: Assistant Professor, Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences

Dr. Deepak Gautam: Assistant Professor, Decision Sciences, Operations Management and Information System, School of Management and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Sujana Kabiraj: Associate Professor, Economics and Public Policy Area, School of Management and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Arnab Ganguly: Associate Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, School of Engineering

Dr. Kumar Saurav: Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering

Dr. Sumeet Pal Singh: Associate Professor, Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences

STAFF

Dr. Pulkit Mehndiratta, Assistant Dean, International Programs

Mr. Saurabh Suman, Fundraising Lead (Group Manager), Vice Chancellor's Office

Mr. Kuldeep Sharma, Warden, Hostel Administration

Mr. Siddhant Yadava, Badminton Coach, Physical Education

Mr. Sonu, Squash Coach, Physical Education

Dr. Ankita Sharma, Scientist, Dean's Office - School of Natural Sciences

Ms. Caroline Kropi, Warden, Hostel Administration

Ms. Tosh Bhasin, Head - Digital Transformations, Office of Dean of Academics

Ms. Monika Dogra, Deputy Manager - Corporate Relations Career Development Center

Ms. Manogna Matam, Associate Manager - Academic Policy and Projects, Office of Dean of Academics

Mr. Rajendra Singh Bohra, Senior Executive - MIS & Data Analyst, Admissions

Col. Jaisheel Kaushal (Retd.), Associate Executive Director, Vice Chancellor's Office

Mr. Deb Narayan Barik, Data Scientist (Associate Manager), AI Center of Excellence

Ms. Bembem Thounaojam, Facilitator - Early Years, Administration

Ms. Sancheta Kamlesh Pawar, Facilitator - Early Years, Administration

Ms. Ankita Rana, Facilitator - Early Years, Administration

Ms. Aishwarya Hasija, Lead (Associate Manager), Administration

Mr. Mohd Asim Siddique, Deputy Manager - Admissions & Outreach, Admissions

WHAT LIES AHEAD

As we embark on a new quarter, we are excited to share a preview of our upcoming initiatives aimed at promoting creativity, learning, and fellowship.

SYNERGY: TRAINING PROGRAM FOR STAFF MEMBERS

GENDER SENSITIZATION SESSION: FOCUSING ON PoSH FOR STAFF MEMBERS

CHAMPIONS CRICKET CHALLENGE – SEASON 8

CELEBRATING TOGETHERNESS

EXPLORING APPLICATION TRACKING SYSTEM (ATS) FOR RECRUITMENT