Deans and Directors

Dr. Vandana Mehrotra

Controller of Exams (Officiating)

Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Mehrotra is an accomplished academic leader and finance expert with over 30
years of diverse experience in academia and the corporate sector. As Dean Academics she
spearheads NEP-2020 implementation, academic planning, and quality enhancement across
disciplines. Her education is from reputed educational institutes like Delhi School of Economics (DSE)
and Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University. She is an Associate member of Institute
of Cost Accountants of India. Her doctorate is in the field of management from Ansal University.
Dr. Mehrotra’s academic journey includes significant teaching and administrative roles. She has
mentored numerous Ph.D. scholars and taught a wide range of courses in Financial Accounting,
Corporate Valuation, and Wealth Management. She has also taught in programs offered in India by
Bradford University and Lancaster University of the United Kingdom. As a proactive administrator,
she successfully managed accreditation processes, program leadership, and strategic collaborations
with professional bodies like ACCA.
Her professional background features impactful roles in the financial sector, including at the
National Housing Bank, where she specialized in Resource Mobilization, Securitization, and Asset-
Liability Management.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Mehrotra has published extensively in SCOPUS and UGC CARE-indexed
journals, focusing on financial literacy, sustainability, and intellectual capital. She has led many MDPs
for working professionals of both Public and Private sector organizations. Her holistic approach to
academic excellence makes her an influential figure in education management.

Achievements

Dr. Vandana Mehrotra’s career is marked by numerous noteworthy achievements across academic leadership, research, and industry engagement. As Dean Academics at GD Goenka University, she has been instrumental in implementing educational reforms aligned with NEP 2020 and advancing academic governance. Dr. Mehrotra’s research contributions span over 25 quality publications journals, addressing critical topics like financial literacy, sustainability, and corporate valuation. She has successfully mentored several Ph.D. scholars, with multiple candidates achieving their doctoral degrees under her supervision. In her corporate tenure, she played a pivotal role at the National Housing Bank in resource mobilization and risk management and got promoted in fast track. Her dedication to academic excellence earned her the Star Performer of the Year (2022) award. Additionally, she has led strategic collaborations with ACCA, enhancing professional integration for finance students.

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. Amrita Madan

Director, UID-NCR Campus

Prof Amrita Madan, Director, UID-NCR Campus is an educator and researcher as well as a practicing architect and designer (since 1997), having a Master’s in Landscape Planning (2001) and an M.Phil. (Urban Theories) (2002), from France. She has a keen interest in the cross-over between fields of creative thinking in the making of space, experientiality, design thinking and narrative-based design methodologies.

Prof Amrita Madan is an educator and researcher as well as a practicing architect and designer (since 1997), having a Master’s in Landscape Planning (2001) and an M.Phil. (Urban Theories) (2002), from France. She has a keen interest in the cross-over between fields of creative thinking in the making of space, experientiality, design thinking and narrative-based design methodologies.

Amrita’s firm belief is that we produce our best work when these boundaries are intangible rather than tangible, i.e., there is no segregation of one area or one idea from the other. What better way to proceed if all these areas of action can be coalesced together, such that our impacts can be deeper. Her pedagogic delivery feeds her research and innovation, allows her to mentor students and young faculty through the lens of institution building. She has developed studio premises and approaches that fulfil the intent of an evolved teaching and learning process, that also give space for young faculty to develop their research agendas. The studio then becomes a ground for innovation and institution development.

Prof Madan has taught Architectural Design since 2002, conducting undergraduate and postgraduate studios at Sushant School of Art and Architecture, India and elsewhere, including invited Professorships at the ENSP, Versailles and ENSAP, Lille, France. Other than developing studio pedagogic programs, Amrita has also structured course curricula and mentored faculty teams and designed and developed Faculty Training, Orientation and Research programmes. In her practice of over 18 years, at Atelier Anonyme Design, a multidisciplinary design firm, Amrita has worked as the creator, thinker, designer, conduit and the 'wrangler of space' for varied experiential design projects.

Amrita is currently pursuing her PhD tentatively titled “The architect in a transforming world: Evolving a systemic relationship between practice and academia” from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, under the supervision of Prof Manoj Mathur. This thesis is in continuation of what Amrita practices – the bridging of practice and the academia - in a deep theoretical framework. Amrita’s journey over her 25 years of experience since graduation is a testament to this cross-over

Amrita is the recipient of Woman of Excellence in the field of Architecture and Design 2022
by the Indian Achievers Forum. The award is a recognition of Prof Madan’s commitment to
excellence and her dogged determination to transform Architectural education and practice,
making it inclusive, multidisciplinary and, hence, future-ready.

Achievements

Prof Madan has taught Architectural Design since 2002, conducting undergraduate and postgraduate studios at Sushant School of Art and Architecture, India and elsewhere, including invited Professorships at the ENSP, Versailles and ENSAP, Lille, France. Other than developing studio pedagogic programs, Amrita has also structured course curricula and mentored faculty teams and designed and developed Faculty Training, Orientation and Research programmes. In her practice of over 18 years, at Atelier Anonyme Design, a multidisciplinary design firm, Amrita has worked as the creator, thinker, designer, conduit and the 'wrangler of space' for varied experiential design projects. Amrita is the recipient of Woman of Excellence in the field of Architecture and Design 2022 by the Indian Achievers Forum. The award is a recognition of Prof Madan’s commitment to excellence and her dogged determination to transform Architectural education and practice, making it inclusive, multidisciplinary and, hence, future-ready.

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

Prof (Dr.) Smitha Girija

Officiating Dean, School of Law

At the School of Law, GD Goenka University, we are committed to nurturing not just legal professionals, but socially conscious leaders equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic legal world. Recognized among the Top Law Schools in North India by Legal World and Outlook Rankings (2023), and awarded Most Promising Law School in India by Competition Success Review (2024), our institution reflects a legacy of excellence and innovation.

Our curriculum is designed to integrate academic rigor with practical learning—through moot courts, legal aid clinics, internships, and global collaborations—guided by a distinguished faculty of scholars and practitioners. We empower our students to think critically, advocate ethically, and lead with purpose.

We welcome you to be part of this transformative journey.

Achievements