Jagran Lakecity University today announced the appointment of noted educationist and thinker Dr. Sandeep Shastri, as its new vice-chancellor.  

A veteran with extensive experience across diverse domains of politics, research, and institution-building, Dr. Sandeep Shastri brings in seasoned leadership and expertise to Jagran Lakecity University. Dr. Shastri succeeds Professor (Dr.) Anoop Swarup, who served as Jagran Lakecity University’s founding vice-chancellor for the past eight years. 

Dr. Sandeep Shastri is a renowned author, researcher, political strategist, international consultant, speaker, and has to his credit 13 books, more than 51 chapters in edited books and over 94 articles in credible research journals, besides more than 350 articles in OpEd in leading newspapers. He is associated with several prestigious international research bodies in the field of social sciences and education. He is also an international consultant to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its Political Party Reform Project in the Pacific Rim Countries, World Bank for its Governance Project in Nepal, the Forum of Federations for its Capacity Building for Democratisation Project in Myanmar, Constitution Making in South Sudan and Federalism in Sudan.

He serves as an executive committee member of two research committees of the International Political Science Association connected to the study of Electoral Systems and Governance. Dr. Shastri played a key role in drafting the Karnataka Youth Policy as the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Policy. He played a vital role in developing WIPRO’s MISSION 10X, which is planned to create a significant change in the engineers’ employability landscape.

In the communique welcoming Dr. Shastri, Jagran Lakecity University cited his impressive background in higher education; his steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives; and his commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout his career.

“Dr. Shastri is a student-focused leader with strong commitments to research, scholarship, and student success,” said Abhishek Mohan Gupta, pro-chancellor, JLU. “He has phenomenal insights into transforming the traditional classroom into a hub of innovation and knowledge building. He is a natural fit to fill the shoes of Dr. Anoop Swarup and take his vision forward. Dr. Swarup nurtured this university from the beginning by inspiring and empowering people and I am certain that under Dr. Shastri, JLU will continue to strive ahead to fulfil its vision.”

On joining the leadership at Jagran Lakecity University, Dr. Shastri said he’s excited to embark on this self-discovery, and to guide students along a path to academic, professional, and personal success. He looks forward to mentoring students and working alongside faculty members so together they can learn, grow, adapt and excel in a constantly changing world.  

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shastri said, “Education provides us with an opportunity to move beyond our own boundaries and, at times, our self-imposed limitations. As an educator, I believe it’s my responsibility to open doors for others and encourage people to appreciate the process of learning. I’m so excited to join the JLU family. The pristine JLU campus reflects my plans to take this university to the next level. Being the vice-chancellor of JLU is an honour and privilege for me as the value system of this university is aligned with my own and the work done by this university in such a short duration is exemplary.”

Dr. Shastri appreciated Jagran Lakecity University for its awards and accolades, especially for being the only participating university from Central India in ERASMUS+ programme under the Tuning India Project, funded by the European Commission. Currently, JLU is also the country chair for Association of Universities of Asia Pacific (AUAP).