Deans and Directors

Dr. Dhirendra Singh Parihar

Pro-Vice Chancellor - Administration & Registrar

Prof. (Dr.) Dhirendra Singh Parihar brings with him more than 28 years of distinguished experience in senior academic and administrative roles across reputed higher educational institutions. He holds dual Master’s degree in Physics & Management and a Ph.D. in Management. He has taught extensively at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

His academic and research interests span Marketing Management, Consumer Behaviour, and Supply Chain Management, areas in which he has consistently contributed through teaching and scholarly engagement.

Having worked closely with multiple national regulatory bodies and external quality assurance agencies, Prof. (Dr.) Parihar is exceptionally well-positioned to guide institutions in meeting standards, maintaining accreditations, and aligning with evolving national educational policies. His combination of teaching excellence, research engagement, and administrative leadership continues to add immense value to the academic institution.

Achievements

Dr. Anand Kumar Singh

Controller of Examinations (Officiating)

Dr. Anand Kumar Singh is serving as the Officiating Controller of Examinations at GD Goenka University. With over 15 years of distinguished experience in academics, research, and administration, he is acknowledged for his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, fairness, transparency, and integrity in higher education.

He holds a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy from GD Goenka University, a Master’s degree in Orthopaedic Physiotherapy from Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

Dr. Singh has contributed extensively to the field of physiotherapy and allied health sciences, with over 35 research papers in reputed Scopus, Web of Science, and UGC-CARE indexed journals, 15 authored manuals/books, and 20 book chapters. He has actively participated in more than 30 Faculty Development Programs, conferences, and workshops, reflecting his dedication to professional growth and knowledge sharing.

As the Officiating Controller of Examinations, Dr. Singh is dedicated to ensuring seamless, fair, and transparent examination processes while aligning with the vision and values of GD Goenka University.

Achievements

• Recognition of Outstanding Contribution for Academic Excellence (2017–2018) – R P Inderpratha Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnal
• Outstanding Contribution for Academic Excellence (2018–2019) – Neuraxis 2018, IAMR Ghaziabad
• Distinguished Service Award – Academic (2022–2023) – Physio Bharat 2022, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Academic Excellence Award (2023–2024) – World Physiotherapy Congress, 5th International Physiotherapy Conference, Udaipur
• Outstanding Contribution Award (2023–2024) – 9th International Conference INCPT, AIIMS
• Academic Excellence Award (2024–2025) – Physio Bharat 2024, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Significant Contribution Award (2024–2025) – 10th International Conference INCPT, AIIMS
• Advanced Scholar Achievement Award (2024–2025) – K. R. Mangalam University

Dr. Anjali Midha Sharan

Dean, Research & Development Dean, School of Liberal Arts

Dr. Anjali MidhaSharan has earned her PhD, Masters and Bachelor’s qualification from Delhi University. Her training from Council for Adult & Experiential Learning USA, Laureate Universities Network and several other Institutions, has enabled her in leading several academic and training initiatives for various stakeholders including several senior executives of Top Organizations in domains of IT, Power, Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Aviation, Port & Shipping, Telecom and Coveted Government Departments, Higher Educational Institutions & Schools. She has been trained extensively by notable Mentors in the field of Psychology. Her PhD research focused on the importance of beliefs in the process of healing. Through her participation in various forums like the World congress of Spirituality and through various workshops and blogs, she has advocated the importance of positive beliefs in the process of healing and transforming lives, besides creating awareness about various Mental Health issues. Through her Academic administration experience of over 17 years, she has introduced several curriculum delivery and process innovations resulting in improved learning outcomes and student experience. She has also trained several people belonging to different Nationalities, has managed several Programs at International Locations, has extensive experience working with various Indian and American Universities of repute. She has a keen interest in counseling, training and research and is an member of the American Psychological Association and has conducted several webinars and sessions on behavioral skills and stress management. She is presently involved in a EU funded Erasmus project for Internationalization of Higher Education in India.

Achievements

Dr. Rajiv Gulshan

Dean, School of Hospitality & Tourism

A graduate from the Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development, Dean Rajiv has spent the last three decades transforming the Hospitality education landscape and has been instrumental in bringing Indian heritage cuisine into the international limelight.

Decorated with the Commander de Commanderie de Cordon Bleu title and a recipient of the Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi Outstanding Performance award, Dean Rajiv has worked across some of the most prestigious hospitality ventures across the world. Some of the hotels he has opened
are Wild Flower Hall Mashobra, Udaivilas and Veda restaurant in Hong Kong which was named as one of the top 3 restaurants in Asia by Time Magazine.

Achievements

Dr. Nihal Anwar Siddiqui

Director, Centre of Excellence, Occupational Health, Safety, Fire & Environment

Prof. (Dr.) Nihal Anwar Siddiqui is currently serving as Director of the Centre of Excellence; Occupational Health, Safety, Fire & Environment at GD Goenka University. 

Dr Siddiqui specializes in the area of Safety Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Pollution, Env. Monitoring and control techniques. In his 27 years of career, Dr. Siddiqui has worked in different organizations like the Institute of Environment & Management, Lucknow as an Assistant Professor, Paryacon Engineers as an Environmental Engineer, and the Environmental Engineering Division of Central Pulp & Paper Research Institute as a Scientist.

Dr. Siddiqui did some pioneering work in the area of odor Monitoring and providing control technology along with Finland Scientist. Dr. Siddiqui has worked as Founder Head - Health, Safety & Environment, and civil Engineering for 16 years at the University of Petroleum Energy Studies, Dehradun. Dr. Siddiqui was involved in a number of consultancy projects, R & D projects, organizing Management Development Programs, International Seminars & workshops, and training programs for various industries during his stay with upes.

Achievements

Dr. Siddiqui was also associated with the Health, Safety & Environment dept of ICEM College, Muscat, Oman which is affiliated with the University of Central Lancashire, UK. Dr.Siddiqui is an approved tutor to teach international certificate courses like IOSH, NEBOSH UK.
Dr. Siddiqui has received several awards during his 27 years of career.
• Excellence award in health safety & environment education by Global Safety Summit & UNN 2022
• Star researcher from the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun 2022.
• Star researcher from the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun 2021.
• “Environment Prestigious Award” by Dr.Harak Singh Rawat, Minister of Environment and Forest, Uttarakhand, India in the year 2018
• World Record India Award for publishing maximum research papers in minimum time in the year 2013
• Dean’s Award for outstanding contributions from ICEM College, Affiliated with the University of Central Lancashire, UK. In the year 2009.
• Award & Recognition for outstanding contributions from UPES In the year 2008 (highest point in the entire University).
• Award & Recognition for outstanding contributions from UPES In the year 2007 (highest point in the entire University).
He has more than 170 Research papers to his credit and has participated in several National and Int. conferences. Dr. Siddiqui has authored 25 books out of these 4 are national & 21 are International. Dr. Siddiqui has completed 16 major R & D projects.
Dr. Siddiqui has guided more than 250 B.Tech/M. Tech thesis and 21 Ph.D. thesis. He is also having 7 patents on his credit.

Dr. Promil Pande

Prof. and Dean UID NCR Campus

Promil Pande is an author, academician, designer and researcher dedicated to shaping design education into a future focussed force for transformation and social impact. Her professional career of over thirty years spans both education and industry allowing practice and academia to influence her work to champion interdisciplinary collaboration, and human-centered innovation embedded in cultural specificity.

She has a PhD in Design from the Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurgaon; a Dual Masters in Fine Arts and Textile Design Technology from The Moscow Textile Institute, Moscow along with an Executive MBA from the Scuola di Direzione Aziendale (SDA) Bocconi University, Milan.

She has held the position of Dean, professor and visiting professor at GDGU, SU Gurgaon, NIFT and Pearl Academy Delhi. Additionally, Dr. Pande has been invited as a guest speaker and panelist at different national and international forums. As a design researcher she has worked on developmental projects with the Ministry of Textiles and UNDP and contributed towards reviving and promoting cultural specificity in indigenous practices on a global platform. Her work and collections have been exhibited in National and International Design and Art events. As an entrepreneur her products were supplied to FabIndia for over a decade and retailed from her flagship store ‘Sidhast’ in Gurgaon.

Her academic and professional excellence is further demonstrated through board positions in government organisations, universities and scientific journals.

She is a Member Scientific Board for Review- FrancoAngeli Journals & Series: Design International, Member Advisory Board for curriculum development: NIOS, and is on the Board of Studies, Rishihood University, Sonepat.

She is Executive Director, The Sidhast Foundation (TSF) that she co-founded in 2010 and works towards the preservation and evolution of the rich history of Indian craft traditions along with other social initiatives.

She has authored three books, eight book chapters in addition to articles published in journals and magazines.

She is currently supervising PhD scholars at UID Ahmedabad Campus, Karnavati University and is the Dean of UID NCR Campus, GD Goenka University.

Achievements

Dr. Aneesha PR

Dean, School of Law

Dr. Aneesha PR is a passionate legal educator with over 21 years of distinguished experience in teaching, research, academic leadership and community based legal outreach. An authority in Jurisprudence, International Law, Human Rights, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Dr Aneesha is widely recognized for her commitment to transformative legal education and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Her teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering critical thinking, upholding professional ethics, and promoting public service.

Prior to joining GDGU, Dr. Aneesha served as the Principal of the Cooperative School of Law, Thodupuzha, where she led the institution through a period of remarkable transformation. Under her leadership, the college achieved top rankings among Mahatma Gandhi University affiliates, launched impactful collaborations, and established centre’s focused on legal aid, mediation, and women empowerment. She also held senior academic roles at Saveetha School of Law and the School of Indian Legal Thought.

Dr. Aneesha holds a Ph.D. in Business and Human Rights, along with two LL.M. degrees-in Human Rights Law and Intellectual Property & Cyber Law. Her areas of expertise include curriculum innovation, faculty development, student mentoring, and institutional networking.

A recipient of several research accolades, she has presented her work at global forums, including Humboldt University, Berlin.

Achievements

Dr. Shiv Singh Tomar

Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences

Prof. (Dr.) Shiv Singh Tomar did his Ph.D. from Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA), MPUAT, Udaipur after completing his M. Sc. (Ag) in Agronomy from R.B.S. College, Agra and received merit honor of 1 th Position in Agra University, Agra. Dr. Tomar joined MPUAT, Udaipur at CTAE as an Asstt. Professor on March 10, 1980, till then he served University on several positions as I/C Rice Project, Chief Scientist, Water Management, Chief Scientist Cum Head, KVK, Zonal Director Research and Director Extension Education. He also got an opportunity to work with CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) Project for one year and 08 months as senior Level Consultant on Sub Surface drainage project.

Achievements

Dr. Tomar is having 42 years of academic experience and published more than 200 Research papers, Books, Book Chapters, Extension Articles, Manuals, Status Reports, etc. He was also involved in various National and International Conferences, Workshops, Seminars, etc. Organized and presented Lead & Invited Papers as well as Research and Status Papers. Dr. Tomar is a renowned academician as well as an elevator to the farming community and trained many rural youth/ farm women on several skills based on the availability of raw material in their area. Under his dynamic leadership, the Zonal Directorate of Research, Kota released 5 varieties at the national level and 6 varieties at the state level of different crops i.e., Soybean, Sugarcane, Rice, Rajmash, Lentil, and Chickpea, these varieties are well adopted by farmers. Dr. Tomar is the recipient of 12 Awards at the National and International levels including life Time Achievement Award for his significant contribution in the field of Agriculture (Agronomic Research, Teaching, and Extension Education). He has been a member of the Board of Management and Chairman of Academic, Research, and Extension Councils.

Dr. Smitha Viswanathan Girija

Dean, School of Management

Dr. Smitha Girija is a Professor of Marketing with over 20 years of experience in Teaching, Research and Academic Administration. Over these years she has held various leadership roles such  as Director of Business Schools, Dean Academics and Chairperson Executive Education .  Her primary areas of interest are Consumer Behaviour, Retail Management and Innovation Management. She offered specialized MOOCs in Marketing and Innovation on SWAYAM.  She has also been offering full-credit courses as an international visiting professor at ISM University of Applied Sciences, Germany.  She is an equally passionate researcher and has several publications and case studies in
reputable journals to her credit. She has also worked closely with industry in the learning and development space and has led many MDPs for working professionals of both Public and Private sector organizations. She is also a member of SAQS Peer Review Team and has been associated with accreditation audits steered by Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA).

Achievements

Research Publications: • Girija, S., Sharma, D. R., Yeediballi, T., & Sriramneni, C. (2023). Factors influencing the intention to use co-working spaces in emerging markets: an analytic hierarchy process approach. Property Management, Emerald Insight • Sharma, D. R., & Girija, S. (2023). An investigation of factors influencing student satisfaction with MOOCs in the Indian higher education system. International Journal of Business Information Systems, 43(4), 443-464. • Girija, S., Sharma, D.R. and Kaushal, V. (2022), "Exploring dimensions of the customer experience at budget hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic: a netnography approach", Qualitative Market Research, Emerald Insight • Sharma D, R, Girija S and Merugu P, (2022), "Mediating role of Perceived Health Risk on Customer Experience and Customer Satisfaction: Evidence from the Airline Industry in India during COVID-19", Int Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer Nature • Chabbra S and Girja S; Communicating Bad News of COVID-19: An Empirical Study of Patient's preference in India, Health Marketing Quarterly, Taylor & Francis, 2021  • Girija S and Sharma D; Antecedents and consequence of Customer Engagement: A study of users of Food-Delivery Applications, South Asian Journal of Management, Sage, 2021, Vol 27, No 4, pp 74-95 • Girija S and Sharma D; A conceptual model of customer engagement through mobile applications in India, Inderscience, International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2018 Vol.17 No.3, pp.307 – 320 • Smitha Girija ‘Importance of International and National Partnerships for Management Schools’, Business Digest, pp 18, Nov 2018 • Malik A, Kumra R and Girija S; Gaming Dependency among Indian adolescents: A phenomenological study, Inderscience, International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2016 Vol.12 No.3, pp.361 – 375 • Malik A, Kumra R and Girija S; Risk Factors for Pathological Gaming among Adolescents, Working Paper Series, Bradford University, School of Management, Working Paper No 13/03, December 2013 • Girija S, Factors Influencing the buying behavior of organised Retail customers in Visakhapatnam, Indian Journal of Marketing, Volume 42, Issue 12, December 2012 • Girija S, Will Kirana shops survive the tide of Organised Retailing in Emerging Cities of India, Edge, 2012 • Girija S, Retail Invasion In India: Its Impact On Kirana Stores, ANU Journal of Commerce & Management, Vol. 1(1): 2009 • Girija S, Consumer Behaviour In Cellular Network Market: A Study Of Tier II Cities In Andhra Pradesh, VSN Journal of Management, Vol. 2, No. 1, Jan- June 2008 Books and Book Chapters and Case Studies • Rajeev Kumra, Anjali malik and Smitha Girija; Wingreens Farms: Sustainable Growth, Ivey Publishing, 9B17A068 • Smitha Girija; Managing Acceptability – Chotukool, Hosted on SWAYAM as a part of the online module Marketing and Innovation, 2019 • Smitha Girija; Managing Awareness: Patanjali Ayurved Private Limited, Hosted on SWAYAM as a part of the online module Marketing and Innovation, 2019 • Smitha Girija; Rethinking Management education in the Pandemic Era- “COVID-19 Pandemic - Challenges for Management Education”, AMDISA, ISBN No. 978-81-954548-1-5 • Smitha Girija and Devika Rani Sharma; Customer Experience by Design or by Accident – Crafting Customer Experience Strategy: Lessons from Asia- Emerald, 2021, ISBN - 9781839097119 • Smitha Girija and Vandana Srivastava; A framework for Supply Chain Leadership in Emerging Markets, Supply Chain leadership in Emerging Markets, - Leadership strategies for global supply chain management in Emerging Markets - IGI Global, May 2020. ISBN - 9781799828679 • Smitha Girija; Impact of Organised Retailing on Unorganised Retailing in India, Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN – 978-3-659- 36475-4, 2013 • Smitha Girija and Asha Chauhan; Exploration of potential gender differences in pestering strategies of children in India, Chapter in Emerging Paradigms in Marketing, Kunal Publishers, 2012

Dr. Manvi Arora

Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)

Dr. Manvi Arora is a distinguished academic leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Resources, an MBA in Finance, and degrees in Economics, reflecting expertise in administration, economics, and management, showcasing expertise in administration, economics and management.

At G.D. Goenka University, we are committed to fostering a culture of excellence through continuous improvement in all aspects of education. As the Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), I am dedicated to ensuring that the University meets and exceeds the highest standards set by regulatory bodies such as UGC, NAAC, and others.

Under the guidance of the IQAC, we have achieved significant milestones in quality growth, focusing on teaching, research, student support, and institutional processes. Our efforts are aligned with the University's mission to provide transformative and holistic education. The development of a comprehensive Quality Assurance Manual is just one example of our commitment to institutionalizing best practices and ensuring consistency across all academic and administrative functions.

The achievements of G.D. Goenka University, including recognition in national rankings and awards for excellence in research, employability, and teaching, reflect our commitment to quality and innovation. I look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and contributing to an enriching learning experience for all.

I am proud to be part of this vibrant community, and together, we will continue to foster an environment that prioritizes ethical behavior and the continuous growth of our university. Let’s work hand in hand to achieve new heights and set exemplary standards in higher education.

Achievements

Dr. Saahil Arora

Dean, School of Healthcare and Sciences

As a dedicated pharmaceutical technology researcher and educator, Dr. Saahil Arora has made numerous revolutionary contributions during his 30 years of professional career including liver-targeted drug delivery for malaria, brain-targeted delivery via the nasal route, and muco-penetrating delivery for gastric ulcers using novel biomaterials. Dr. Arora is credited with over 70 research and review papers, 4 book chapters and 2 patents

Dr. Saahil Arora is a Dean & Professor, School of Healthcare & Allied Sciences, G D Goenka University since September 2023. He is the former Director of Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab. With a focus on pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Saahil received his PhD in Pharmaceutical sciences from Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala. and Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts from Pharma Lok in August 2022, the Punjab Pharmacy Council in March 2022, and SPER (2021). As a dedicated pharmaceutical technology researcher and educator, Dr. Saahil Arora has made numerous revolutionary contributions during his 30 years of professional career including liver-targeted drug delivery for malaria, brain-targeted delivery via the nasal route, and muco-penetrating delivery for gastric ulcers using novel biomaterials. Dr. Arora is credited with over 70 research and review papers, 4 book chapters and 2 patents. Thirty five M.Pharm students and three PhD students have been awarded their degrees under his guidance; at the moment, he is supervising six scholars. 

Prof. Arora during his Industrial experience in Wave Pharmaceuticals (1993-1998) has developed five novel products related to Oral Gel, Transparent gel for Pain & Fungal infection. He successfully executed the regulatory registration and export orders of more than 30 products with Ministry of Health, Russia and other CIS Countries. He has served as chairman of BOS, research committee, academic council and proctor. He has demonstrated experience in research projects, quality management (NBA/NAAC), internal and external academic quality audits for institutions, planning and executing pharmacy institute management, equipment procurement and maintenance, and organising a variety of workshops, international conferences including IPC seminars, and professional training courses. 

Dr Saahil has transformed many pharmacy students by providing industrial skills, initiating special projects and driving best practices which led to the record placements.

Qualification:M.Pharm., PhD

College/University:BITS, Pilani

Research Area - Targeted drug delivery systems, Biopharmaceutical aspects of drug delivery

Total Publications - 60+; Scopus h-index-13

Major Subject Handled - Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Technology

Achievements

1- Award for outstanding contribution in Pharmacy Profession by Punjab State Pharmacy Council,
2- Leader of Purpose by Chandigarh University
3- Approved Manufacturing Chemist by Andhra Pradesh FDA

Dr. Thammi Reddy Konala

Dean, School of Engineering and Sciences

He is an accomplished academician and administrator with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, and industry.

Dr. Thammi Reddy has a distinguished career marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the field of computer science and engineering.

Dr. Thammi Reddy has led various research initiatives, including a major UGC-sponsored project on ‘Data Mining Techniques for Academic Audit Systems’. His research interests span artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, and cybersecurity. He has published extensively in the field of AI and Blockchain Technology.

In his administrative roles, Dr. Thammi Reddy has significantly impacted institutional quality and curriculum development. As the Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at GITAM University, he played a pivotal role in achieving the highest grade of A+ in NAAC accreditation. He was also instrumental in establishing off-campus centers and securing ISO 9001:2015 certification for GITAM University. An expert in accreditation processes, prepared NBA and NAAC submissions and conducted academic audits. His contributions have helped institutions achieve high standards in education quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Prof Dr. Thammi Reddy's domain expertise encompasses data engineering, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. He has been a guiding force in designing course curricula for various programs and has held key positions such as AI/ML Domain Lead and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He served as a consultant for INDIAN NAVY, GAIAN Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. and Aloft Solution Pvt. Ltd., providing solutions for IPTV and product-related challenges. His industry insights enrich his academic and research endeavors, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Dr. Thammi Reddy's blend of academic, research, and administrative skills, coupled with his industry experience, makes him a valuable asset to the academic community and a driving force behind educational excellence and innovation.

Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Technology in Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Ph.D. in Computer Science

College/University: R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad

Achievements