RC SORTI, V-C, PANJAB UNIVERSITY

Dr. Ranbir Chander Sobti, a name which needs no introduction. Prof Sobti's name was one among the three names that was suggested for the ‘Vice Chancellor
of Panjab Univeristy by the search committee under the chairmanship of the former Chief Justice of India Justice J.S. Verma in 2006.
A senior-most professor of biotechnology in the region, Prof Sobti, who began his career as a zoologist, has been responsible for the establishment of the Department of Biotechnology at the university which he has headed for many years. He is a member of the PU syndicate from the medical faculty and also Director of the Academic Staff College.
Dr Sobti has been serving as V-C since 2006 and has several books and research papers published in reputed national and international journals to his credit
Vice-Chancellor of the Panjab University, Professor R C Sobti, has been offered an extension of three years by the Vice-President of India.
The ever-smiling Dr Sobti started his career as a ‘Teaching Assistant’ in 1974 and later became a Lecturer in 1976. He was promoted and was appointed as a ‘Professor’ in 1994 and now is serving as a ‘Vice-Chancellor’ of Punjab University.
“It’s all about destiny”, feels the Vice-Chancellor. Though, he never thought of getting into this profession but now he counts the circumstances that led to his entrance into the education field. “It was circumstances nothing else. Once you are in, you have to contribute and give your best”, he says.
Dr Sobti did his M. Sc. (Hons. School) from Panjab University in the year 1970 and hen completed his Ph. D. in 1974.
Dr Sobti apart from serving the Vice Chancellor, and held various office in the careers of 39 years. He created and headed the Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University first as Coordinator (1989-94) and then as Chairman (1994-2000, 2002-2005).Then he was appointed as the Dean, Alumni Relations 1998-1999 and later as Dean Foreign Students, Panjab University, 2001-2004.
Though, Dr.Sobti has been awarded with various awards and certificates but his last was the most prestigious for him. He was awarded with the Padma Shri. The Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Dr R C Sobti, has been conferred with Padma Shri for his contribution to literature and education. "This award is a recognition not only for me but for Panjab University and the city", he says in an special interview with TRICITY CALLING.
Sobti has credited this award to his family and colleagues at the university and says,
"It has come as my morale booster and in future I will carry on the work more energetically and will continue making efforts to carry the university forward".
He had also been awarded with the Punjab Rattan Award and Punjab Sarkar Parman Patra-2008.
Sobti, who takes every day as a new challenge always balances both his academic and professional life. “With days is a new beginning for me. I am enjoying both my professional and as well as academic life. I still visit the laborites and also deliver lectures.
Apart from holding the high position in Panjab University, Dr.Sobti has been well assigned and is being given various responsibilities such as the Member of Selection Committees, Research Degree Committees, Board of Studies of various Universities. Besides all these, a large number of lectures have been delivered in the rural areas, schools, colleges, Universities etc. to popularize Science.
Right after joining as Vice Chancellor Dr. Sobti has made all out efforts to bring all round developments and changes in the University, for the cause of students, teachers and non-teaching staff. He has made following notable contributions.
The examination system has totally been revamped and the results were declared in June and July with no result late. In that way the students have got admission to the higher classes, previous year when more than 50% were RLs and students were given provisional admission. DMCs have been provided right on the same day of declaration of result.
The work carried out by Dr. Sobti has direct relevance to human health as he has purified the thermostable and Novel enzymes CMCase and Beta galactosidas.
Dr. Sobti has single handedly established Centre (now full fledged department) of Biotechnology at Panjab University which has been recognized by the DBT, UGC (under emerging areas), and DST (under FIST programme). The students who have got M.Sc./Phd. Degree from this department are occupying prestigious positions in the reputed institutes in the country and aboard.
The course curriculum that is being run by the department was originally designed by Dr. Sobti.
It is under his leadership that Panjab University has got PURSE Award from the DST as well as special grant of Rs. 100 crores has been recommend by the PMO.
Sobti who has high hopes of making Panjab University best with international standards is always busy in planning for the betterment of the university. “I am always thinking for the betterment of the campus. I want to do something extra ordinary for the student for which I need serious contribution for my teaching and non-teaching staff. Students should not forget the Indian culture, rather should work hard and leave behind all materialistic things”, says Sobti.
The Vice Chancellor has no free time. His day starts as early as 6 in the morning. Though, he has no time for the family, but still his family never complains, says Sobti.
Sobti has two daughters, Aditi and Aastha. Aditi is an engineer in America, while Aastha is pursing BDS from Chandigarh itself.
His wife, Vipin Sobti, who is a principal of Government College, Mohali feels that his husband is doing a wonderful job and has no grievance with him. “He really has no time for us, neither does he has time to discuss or share things. At times we have really snatch time. Whenever he is at home, he is always busy with work. It seems that work is the only aim in his life. ”, she says.
Vipin is into gardening, which is her favourite pastime. Vipin has maintained a wonderful garden at her residence in Sector 14.
Dr Sobti and his wife are now planning for vacation to Hemkund Sahib. “Vacations in hills that have a religious touch is what we are planning. Though, Dr.Sobti has agreed, but still a lot more depends on time”, she adds.
Sobti feels himself as a pride citizen of Chandigarh. “I am proud of being a Chandigarhian. The people of the tri city should be proud of themselves. People should come forward to save and improve the pride of the city. Chandigarh and its counterparts should work together to deliver best results. The Punjab, Haryana and Himachal governments should form a coordination committee to avoid duplication”, says Sobti with a glimpse in the eyes of doing something different.