Dr. Sohan Chitlange is an accomplished educator and visionary leader in pharmaceutical education. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Chitlange has significantly contributed to advancing academia, administration, and research. Currently serving as the Principal and Professor at Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, his commitment to quality education and student-centric learning has propelled him to the forefront of the industry.
Dr. Sohan began teaching in 1999 at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Wardha, Maharashtra. In 2003, he recognized the significance of updating his academic profile and took a step forward by joining the prestigious Dr. D. Y. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research in Pune. Through dedication and perseverance, he ascended the ranks, eventually becoming a Professor. In this capacity, Dr. Sohan played an instrumental role in various administrative activities, paving the way for his appointment as the principal at DPU Pharmacy.
Driven to bring about transformative change, Dr. Sohan immersed himself in the academic system, assuming roles such as Chairman of the Board of Studies (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) at the prestigious Savitribai Phule Pune University. Additionally, his passion for supporting fellow teachers led him to become a member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India, where he served as Secretary at the state level and currently holds the esteemed position of National Vice-President (West Zone).
Implementing Decentralized Working and Committee Structure
Dr. Sohan is the Principal and Professor at Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, where he shoulders various vital roles and responsibilities. As the Principal, he assumes overall accountability for the institute’s academic and administrative activities, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining excellence in education.
One of Dr. Sohan’s primary duties is to ensure the smooth functioning of the institute’s various departments and units. He believes in decentralized working and has implemented multiple committees with appointed second-line leaders who report directly to him. Each committee has specific tasks and responsibilities, including faculty and staff development, student support, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance. By delegating responsibilities and fostering a collaborative work environment, Dr.Sohan enables effective execution and streamlined operations within the institute.
Setting clear objectives and targets, Dr.Sohan has implemented policies and guidelines that serve as a roadmap for the institute’s progress. He employs a diligent monitoring system, regularly reviewing the performance and progress of each committee through robust review mechanisms. This approach ensures that the institute remains on track and achieves its objectives effectively.
Beyond his role as Principal, Dr. Sohan also holds the position of CEOAdministration for Dr. D. Y. PatilUnitech Society. In this capacity, he works closely with the management and heads of the society’s diverse educational institutions. Currently overseeing 16 institutes, spanning fields such as engineering, pharmacy, management, hotel management, law, education, arts, commerce, sciences, and schools, Dr. Sohan plays a crucial role in maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring the smooth functioning of the institutions.
Fostering Academic Excellence and Innovation
Dr. Sohan plays a crucial role as the Principal of Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and CEO of Dr. D. Y. PatilUnitech Society. He strives to ensure the success of the organization and the students by providing effective administration, prioritizing academic excellence, promoting research, conducting audits, harmonizing IQAC policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, preparing for accreditation and rankings, and implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).
Dr. Sohan’s emphasis on research and collaboration with industry partners promotes innovation within the institute. He encourages research activities and nurtures a culture of exploration and discovery among faculty and students. This approach enhances the learning experience and equips students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the pharmaceutical field.
Regular academic and research audits spearheaded by Dr. Sohan enable continuous improvement. These assessments evaluate teaching methodologies, learning practices, and research output, facilitating the refining of academic and research standards. By incorporating interdisciplinary learning and updating the curriculum, Dr. Sohan ensures students receive a well-rounded education that aligns with industry demands.
Education and Research Excellence at DPU
Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research is a prestigious institution dedicated to pharmaceutical education and research. Since its establishment in 1994, the institute has been committed to providing quality education and fostering excellence in pharmacy.
The institute offers various academic programs to cater to students’ diverse interests and career aspirations. These programs encompass a comprehensive educational journey that equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to excel in the pharmaceutical industry. From the two-year Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) to the four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) and postgraduate programs such as the Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) in various specializations, the institute covers a spectrum of educational opportunities. Additionally, the institute offers a six-year Pharm.D program, a three-year Pharm.D (Post-Baccalaureate) program for clinical pharmacists, and a Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences for aspiring researchers and academicians.
With a dedicated faculty comprising experienced professors and industry professionals, the institute provides mentorship and guidance to students. The faculty’s expertise and industry exposure ensure students receive a comprehensive education aligned with industry standards and emerging trends. Practical training and research opportunities further enhance students’ learning experience and prepare them for successful careers in pharmaceutical sciences.
Key Principles for Aspiring Educational Leaders
As an experienced leader in the education sector, Dr. Sohan has valuable advice for aspiring leaders. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of developing a clear vision that guides one’s goals and actions. A strong vision provides direction, inspires, and motivates others to work towards a common purpose.
Dr. Sohan strongly advocates for a commitment to lifelong learning. He believes staying updated with research, trends, and advancements is essential for educational leaders to make informed decisions and drive innovation. By continuously expanding their knowledge and skills, leaders can effectively navigate the evolving educational landscape.
Building meaningful relationships is another crucial aspect highlighted by Dr. Sohan. He emphasizes effective communication, active listening, and empathy in cultivating strong connections with colleagues, students, and stakeholders. By fostering open and collaborative relationships, leaders can create a positive, inclusive environment that encourages growth and success.
Integrity and ethical behavior are integral to Dr. Sohan’s leadership philosophy. He believes leaders should exemplify these qualities to inspire trust and create a culture of honesty and transparency within their institutions. Additionally, he encourages aspiring leaders to advocate for inclusivity and diversity, promoting equal opportunities for all individuals in the educational community.
Embracing Multidisciplinary Education to Address Industry Demands
Dr. Sohan has a positive outlook on the future of education in the APAC region, envisioning a dynamic and promising future. He anticipates progress, innovation, and strong integration of emerging trends and technologies. The Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences is dedicated to leading this transformation and promoting positive change in pharmaceutical education.
Dr. Sohan believes that technology will be crucial in shaping the future of education. The institute plans to use digital tools, online platforms, and modern infrastructure to improve the learning experience and offer remote learning options. With technology integrated into education, students can engage in practical and immersive learning through virtual labs and simulation-based training.
Collaboration and partnerships will also be essential in the future of education. Dr. Sohan believes in strengthening ties with industry leaders, research institutions, and educational organizations across the APAC region. Such collaborations will foster innovation, enable the exchange of best practices, and provide students with diverse perspectives and opportunities.
Dr. Sohan also recognizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in preparing students for the future. The institute plans to expand its curriculum to include interdisciplinary courses, equipping students with a broader skill set and addressing the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical industry.
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“My passion lies in creating positive learning environments, developing policies for academic growth, and advancing pharmaceutical education in India.”
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