WELLBEING SPOTLIGHT
INTRODUCTION
From the Head HR:
Jagdeep Singh Rawat Head, Human Resources
As we move through the early months of 2026, it is heartening to see the strong sense of community, collaboration, and continuous learning that defines our university.
The past few months have been particularly enriching, with a range of initiatives focused on strengthening our culture – from the Synergy Reinforcement sessions that encouraged meaningful dialogue and teamwork, to wellbeing initiatives that supported both personal and professional growth. It is encouraging to witness how these efforts are translating into real impact, reflected in the experiences and stories shared by many of you.
Equally important has been the opportunity to celebrate together. Whether through festive greetings or moments of collective joy such as Holi, these occasions remind us of the diversity and shared spirit that bring us closer as one community.
I would also like to extend my congratulations to our faculty members on their welldeserved promotions.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating an environment that enables learning, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes well-being. With several initiatives in the pipeline, we look forward to continuing this journey together – building a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and future-ready.
Wishing you continued growth, good health, and success in the months ahead.
SPOTLIGHT
FACULTY PROMOTIONS
A heartfelt congratulations to our faculty members who have reached new heights in their professional journeys.
Promoted to Professor
Dr. Debdas Ray Professor Chemistry
School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Sajal Kumar Ghosh Professor Physics
School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Sailesh Narayan Behera Professor Civil Engineering
School of Engineering
Dr. Madhur Deo Upadhayay Professor Electrical Engineering
School of Engineering
Dr. Divya Shrivastava Professor Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering
Promoted to Associate Professor
Dr. Ajoy Kapat
Associate Professor
Chemistry School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Ashish Kumar Thokchom
Associate Professor
Chemical Engineering School of Engineering
Dr. Syed Mohammad Kamil
Associate Professor
Physics
School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Karan Gupta
Associate Professor
Chemical Engineering School of Engineering
Dr. Jitendra Prajapati
Associate Professor
Electrical Engineering School of Engineering
Dr. Bhaskar Kaviraj
Associate Professor
Physics
School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Hitesh Upreti
Associate Professor
Civil Engineering
School of Engineering
Dr. Sathi Rajesh Reddy
Associate Professor
Mechanical Engineering School of Engineering
COMMUNITY AND FESTIVE GREETINGS
As we begin this year, we have been celebrating community and cultural occasions by sharing greetings across the university – embracing the diversity and shared spirit that unite us all.
LOHRI, MAKAR SANKRANTI, BIHU & PONGAL
Festive greetings were shared to mark Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Bihu, and Pongal, celebrating the harvest season across different parts of the country. These occasions reflect warmth, gratitude, and the joy of new beginnings.
EID UL FITR
We extend our warmest wishes for Eid. This is a time to celebrate the values of compassion, generosity, and togetherness. May the spirit of this festival bring peace to every home.
NEW YEAR 2026
As we step into the New Year, we look forward to new opportunities, growth, and achievements, while also reflecting on the learnings and memories of the past year. Here’s to a year filled with health, progress, and shared happiness for all.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
On International Women’s Day, we recognized and appreciated the strength, achievements, and contributions of women in our community. The occasion served as a reminder of the importance of fostering inclusion, respect, and empowerment.
HOLI
Warmth and laughter filled the afternoon air as colleagues gathered for a cheerful get-together to celebrate Holi.
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
SYNERGY REINFORCEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2026
Building upon the success of our previous gatherings, we recently hosted two high-impact Synergy Reinforcement Training sessions throughout February, involving 51 staff spanning across School of Natural Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Engineering, and the library community. Aimed at deepening the shared commitment to teamwork and organizational alignment, these sessions focused on creating a space to reconnect with key ideas, exchange experiences, and reflect on how we work together as a community. The conversations were lively and insightful, with participants sharing perspectives from their different roles and departments.
However, more than anything the sessions served as a reminder that meaningful collaboration grows through open dialogue, shared understanding, and the willingness to learn from one another.
SYNERGY IN ACTION: IMPACT | TESTIMONIES
Building on the success of the SYNERGY training intervention, its impact is beginning to reflect across teams – through clearer communication, greater confidence in handling challenges, and stronger collaboration. In addition to the previously shared feedback, 92 more staff members have now contributed their experiences through the Impact Assessment Survey.
VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY:
In one situation, I was coordinating an academic event involving multiple stakeholders with tight timelines. Earlier, important details were often shared informally, which sometimes led to confusion and last-minute changes. After applying the learning of effective team communication, I ensured that all instructions, timelines, and responsibilities were shared clearly through structured emails and follow-ups. I also encouraged confirmation from team members. As a result, coordination improved significantly, issues were identified early, and the event was executed smoothly without last-minute stress.
During a project with tight deadlines and frequent changes, I used my learning on clear communication and planned to handle the situation calmly. By confirming requirements early and organizing the work step by step, I was able to avoid confusion and complete the task smoothly and on time.
I requested an important item from another department for an upcoming event, but despite multiple follow-ups, I did not receive a response. As the deadline approached, the delay started affecting my planning and coordination. Instead of sending more reminders, I scheduled a meeting with my colleague. I explained the importance of the item and how it impacted the entire event. After understanding the urgency, he promptly arranged it, and we worked better together.
NURTURING WELLBEING
FINANCIAL PLANNING AWARENESS | FEBRUARY 2026
As part of our continued focus on employee well-being, an online session on Financial Planning was organized in collaboration with Fincart, led by Mr. Ravidutt Sharma, Co-Founder and Director, Fincart. The session drew on his extensive experience in financial planning and wealth management.
Through an engaging and insightful discussion with 93 attendees, he walked participants through practical ways to plan their finances and make more informed financial decisions, making it a wonderful and interactive learning experience for everyone who attended.
The session shared practical insights to help employees approach financial planning with greater clarity.
• Exploring practical strategies for effective financial planning and wealth management.
• Building a strong financial roadmap aligned with long-term goals.
• Learning how industry insights can support confident and informed investment decisions.
DENTAL AWARENESS, SCREENING AND CONSULTATION CAMP | FEBRUARY 2026
In collaboration with HCL Healthcare, a Dental Awareness, Screening, and Consultation camp was organized by specialists – bringing together University’s members and their families and offering them an opportunity to learn more about oral health while receiving guidance from experienced dental specialists.
Led by a General Dentist, Orthodontic Specialist and an Implantologist , through consultations with the experts, members gained insights into maintaining better oral hygiene and understanding the long-term impact of dental care on overall wellbeing. The camp was supported by a team of experienced dental specialists.
Dr. Kunal Babbar, Orthodontic Specialist
Expert with over a decade in orthodontics, specializes in braces, aligners, and smile designing. He is known for helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles through thoughtful and personalized care.
Dr. Amrit Singh Ahluwalia, Implantologist & Cosmetic Dentist
Heads Dental Practice at HCL Healthcare. Veteran implantologist with over 3,000 implants performed and former specialist for Ministry of Defense, he brings deep experience in advanced dental care.
Dr. Kamini Kashyap, General Dentist (BDS)
Experience in performing a variety of dental procedures, focused on ensuring comfortable and effective treatment for her patients and leads general awareness check-ups at the camp.
CAREBRIDGE AWARENESS WEBINAR: SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES WHEN IT MATTERS MOST | MARCH 2026
As part of our ongoing focus on employee well-being, a CareBridge Awareness Webinar was conducted in March 2026 to help employees better understand the support available to them during difficult times.
CareBridge is designed to offer timely financial assistance to employees and their families when they need it the most – reflecting a strong culture of care and support within the university.
During the session, participants were introduced to its key support pillars:
• Medical Assistance: Support for critical health conditions beyond insurance coverage.
• Securing the Future: Educational assistance for children in case of the demise of the primary insured.
• Bereavement Support: One-time financial aid for families during challenging times.
The session saw active participation, with employees appreciating the initiative and gaining clarity on how to access and benefit from it. It reinforced the commitment to supporting employees beyond the workplace.
VIBRANT CELEBRATIONS
AWAY FROM THE DESK AND INTO A SPLASH OF COLOURS | MARCH 2026
With winter in the rearview mirror and the arrival of spring, also comes the much-awaited festival of colors – A time to pause, reconnect and celebrate together. Warmth and laughter filled the afternoon air as colleagues gathered for a cheerful get-together to celebrate Holi.
Surrounded by colorful attire and music, we cherished a joyous atmosphere – with fun activities and mouth-watering food reminding everyone of the simple happiness that comes from celebrating together as a community.
WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS
FACULTY
Dr. Manoj Kumar Assistant Professor Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Manoj Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry (Physical Chemistry & Soft Matter) from CSIR - National Chemical Laboratory, Pune in 2017. His research interests span soft matter and biophysics, focusing on active colloidal assemblies, lipid membranes, phase-separated systems, and immuneresponse physics.
Dr. Kumar was associated with National Centre for Biological Sciences–TIFR, Bengaluru as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, before he joined Shiv Nadar IoE. Previously, he has also worked with Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, University of Groningen, the Netherlands and McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Unnati Kapoor completed her Ph.D. in Management from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in 2025. Her research interest lies in entrepreneurship, time perspectives, well-being, and organizational behaviour.
Prior to joining Shiv Nadar IoE, Dr. Kapoor was associated with Ramanujan College, University of Delhi as a Guest Faculty. Alongside academic work, she brings corporate exposure from roles in human resources and counselling while she worked with Bain Capability Centre and Dr. Vohra’s Neuropsychiatric Clinic.
Dr. Unnati Kapoor Assistant Professor Organization Behaviour and Human Resource Management School of Management and Entrepreneurship
FACULTY
Dr. Indresh Kumar Verma
Assistant Professor Design, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Indresh Kumar Verma earned his Ph.D. in Design from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in 2021.
He has over six years of teaching experience in the areas of user experience design, cognitive ergonomics, and interaction design. His research interests include UX/UI design, usability engineering, interaction design, driver–vehicle interaction, and cognitive workload.
Dr. Verma served at Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune as Assistant Professor, before he joined us. Previously he also held academic roles at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai, and Symbiosis School of Planning Architecture & Design, Nagpur.
Mr. Lai Hsing-Hung holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from National Taiwan Normal University in 2025 and a Bachelor’s degree from Fu Jen Catholic University. His professional interests include language pedagogy, intercultural communication, and curriculum development.
Before joining Shiv Nadar IoE, Mr. Lai has held teaching positions and completed teaching practicums with National Taiwan University, Taiwan, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany and Jagiellonian University, Poland.
Mr. Lai Hsing-Hung
Mandarin Language Teacher
International Relations and Governance Studies School of Humanities and Social Sciences
STAFF
Ms. Reena V Technical Officer Centre for Integrative and Translational Research (CITRes), School of Natural Sciences
Reena earned Master of Science in Biotechnology from Periyar University in 2009 and Certified Candidate in Laboratory Animal Science (CCLAS) certificate from Madras Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in 2017.
She has over thirteen years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs), Microinjection, and Animal Colony Management.
Before joining Shiv Nadar IoE, Reena was associated with Mouse Genome Engineering Facility at National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore as Facility Assistant. She has previously served at Syngene, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center (BBRC) and Aragen Life Sciences, Bangalore.
At Shiv Nadar IoE, Reena’s role is to support mouse genome engineering projects, including development of genetically engineered mouse models, cryopreservation for research, manage facility operations, and support grant initiatives.
Naveen S earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering from M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, in 2020.
He has six years of experience in instrumentation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory and biological equipment.
Prior to joining Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Naveen was associated with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBSTIFR), Bengaluru, as an Instrumentation Engineer. He has also worked with Wistron Infocomm Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd. as a Trainee Product Engineer.
At Shiv Nadar IoE, Naveen’s role is to manage maintenance, repair, and calibration of laboratory equipment, ensuring smooth functioning of instrumentation facilities and speedy resolution of technical issues.
Mr. Naveen S Technical Officer Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences
Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Group Manager - Ranking and Accreditation School of Management and Entrepreneurship
Dhiraj completed Post-graduate Diploma in Business Management (Marketing) from IILM Graduate School of Management, Greater Noida in 2010.
He has fifteen years of experience in rankings, accreditations, strategic marketing, and institutional development.
Prior to joining Shiv Nadar IoE, Dhiraj was serving as Senior Manager – Ranking and Accreditation at IMT Ghaziabad where he led initiatives across national and international rankings and accreditations. He has also worked with Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, New Delhi, Indirapuram Institute of Higher Studies, Delhi and AKS Institute of Management Excellence, Noida, in his previous assignments.
At Shiv Nadar IoE, Dhiraj’s role is to drive the Management School’s global ranking and accreditation efforts by strategizing, analyzing performance, and ensuring full compliance with international and national standards.
Sourak holds B.Tech. (Honours) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Pondicherry Technical University, graduating in 2025. He also obtained certifications in Mathematical Methods in Physics, Applied Optics, and Radio Astronomy by National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL).
Sourak’s interest lies in coding as well as analog circuitry.
In his role at Shiv Nadar IoE, Sourak will be supporting IoT projects, electronics and contribute to the other works within AI Center of Excellence.
Mr. Sourak Nath Graduate Trainee AI Center of Excellence
Mr. Sandeep Kumar Nagar
System Administrator –Backup & Linux Information Technology
Sandeep Kumar Nagar completed Bachelor of Computer Applications from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut in 2009. He is also certified as Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).
He has sixteen years of experience in Linux Administration, Backup Management, and IT Infrastructure Support.Sandeep has been associated with the University for over ten years on deputation through Team Computers Pvt. Ltd., before being transitioned to the rolls of Shiv Nadar IoE. In his previous assignments, he has also worked Philip Morris International, on the rolls of HCL infosystems, Noida.
In his role at Shiv Nadar IoE, Sandeep handles backup and storage operations, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving incidents to ensure system reliability and data integrity while supporting infrastructure setup, upgrades, and continuous improvement.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
With the future arriving uber-soon, there is no doubt that several initiatives are in the pipeline aimed at supporting learning, strengthening leadership, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus culture. The coming months promise many opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together.
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
• SYNERGY Reinforcement Workshops
• People Manager’s Development Program
CELEBRATIONS AND RECOGNITION
• Annual Awards 2026
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND WELL-BEING
• Tax Planning Session
• Diabetes Awareness Session
• Understanding your Provident Fund (PF)
• Sports Learning Program – Season 3
Stay tuned for more!