Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar Chakrawal
आलोक कुमार चक्रवाल

Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar Chakrawal (born 20 September 1969) is an Indian academic administrator, professor, researcher, and author, currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGV), a Central University located in Koni, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India, since 23 July 2021.[1][2]

With a career spanning over 33 years in higher education, research, and institutional governance—including 22 years in top-level administrative roles as Vice-Chancellor, Director, and General Manager—Prof. Chakrawal is recognized for his transformational leadership, strategic planning, and the pioneering implementation of the "Institutional Social Responsibility" (ISR) framework. His initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 4, 5, 8, and 11) and the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).

Under his leadership, GGV has secured NAAC A++ accreditation[3], attained UGC Category-I Autonomy, and debuted in global rankings including the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and the UI GreenMetric World Most Sustainable University Rankings.[4] For his commitment to ethical leadership, community capacity-building, and selfless service, he has been officially nominated for the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.

1. Early Life, Education and Personal Details

Alok Kumar Chakrawal was born on 20 September 1969 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. He demonstrated exceptional academic prowess early in his educational journey, securing three gold medals across his graduation and post-graduation studies. He holds a Master of Commerce (M.Com.) and a Ph.D.

His higher education and alumni affiliations connect him to several prestigious institutions:

• Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi
• Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University
• Harish Chandra Post Graduate College
• University of Oxford — completed the Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP), 2–19 February 2019, an initiative of MHRD NIEPA and the Saïd Business School, Oxford[5]

His permanent residence is located in Rajkot, Gujarat. He currently resides in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

2. Academic and Administrative Career

Prof. Chakrawal has cultivated a 33-year career encompassing postgraduate teaching, corporate administration, financial management, and high-level university governance. His research career spans over 26 years. He possesses extensive global academic exposure, having traveled for institutional collaboration to the USA, UK, China, Thailand, Nepal, Spain, Georgia, Kazakhstan, UAE, and several other countries.

2.1 Saurashtra University

Prior to his appointment at GGV, Prof. Chakrawal spent a significant portion of his career at Saurashtra University in Rajkot, Gujarat, as a Professor in the Department of Commerce and Business Administration.[6] His administrative roles included:

• Coordinator, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) (14 July 2012 – 13 January 2020): Led the university's accreditation efforts, resulting in NAAC Grade 'A' certification.
• Controller of Examinations (April 2005 – August 2007)
• UGC NET/JRF Coordinator (27 September 2004 – 27 June 2006)

2.2 Corporate Administration

Beyond academia, Prof. Chakrawal held notable corporate positions bridging industry and academic finance:

• PR Director (SEBI Nominated): Saurashtra Kutch Stock Exchange Securities Ltd., Rajkot
• Director: Interconnected Stock Exchange, Mumbai
• Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and General Manager: Kutch Stock Exchange Securities Ltd.

2.3 National Boards and Committees

Prof. Chakrawal holds numerous prestigious positions on national academic and policy boards:

3. Vice-Chancellorship at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya

Prof. Chakrawal was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGV) on 23 July 2021.[1] The university, initially established by the State Legislative Assembly on 16 June 1983 and upgraded to a Central University under the Central Universities Act 2009 (No. 25 of 2009), has seen unprecedented structural and academic growth under his strategic vision.

His appointment was also acknowledged at the highest constitutional level — Prof. Chakrawal met the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 22 August 2022 in his capacity as Vice-Chancellor of GGV.[1]

3.1 Academic Excellence and Global Rankings

Under his leadership, GGV has achieved the following landmark milestones:

• Secured NAAC A++ accreditation (score: 3.62) — the highest possible NAAC grade[3]
• Attained UGC Category-I Autonomy
• Debuted in QS World University Rankings (QS Asia 2026: 1101–1200)[9]
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 — among top 50 universities in India[10]
• THE Young University Rankings 2024: Band 401–500
• THE Asia University Rankings 2024: Band 501–600
• THE World Impact Rankings 2024: Qualified all 17 SDGs; Overall 1001–1500
• NIRF Rankings 2025: 47th in Pharmacy; Band 151–200 in Engineering; 20th in Education[9]
• Ranked in UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for sustainability

3.2 Implementation of NEP 2020

Prof. Chakrawal has been a staunch advocate for the rapid and comprehensive implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. On 17 September, he chaired a major national seminar titled "National Education Policy 2020: Implementation Strategy in Higher Education" at the university's Silver Jubilee Auditorium, commencing at 9:15 AM. The event was coordinated by Dr. C.S. Vajhalwar, with Prof. B.N. Tiwari delivering the welcome address. During the seminar, Chakrawal publicly stated that his topmost priority since taking office has been the complete realization of NEP 2020 at GGV in its truest form.

He also participated in the two-day national Visitors' Conference 2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi (7–9 June 2022), representing GGV among 161 central higher education institutions, where discussions on NEP 2020 implementation were led at the highest levels of government.

3.3 Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Prof. Chakrawal spearheaded the establishment of the DST-supported Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (iTBI), fostering a startup ecosystem on campus. This has resulted in the successful filing of over 190 patents by GGV's faculty and researchers. He launched the Swavalambi Chhattisgarh initiative to build self-reliant youth through an "earn while you learn" model, in collaboration with state industries, CSIR, ESCHEM, CII, MSME bodies, and other state-level entities.

4. Institutional Social Responsibility (ISR) & "GGV Social Connect"

Prof. Chakrawal is widely credited with pioneering the concept of Institutional Social Responsibility (ISR), which embeds welfare, sustainability, and equity directly into university governance. Drawing inspiration from the university's namesake, Saint Guru Ghasidas (1756–1836), whose message "Manakhe Manakhe Ek Saman" (All humans are equal) promoted radical social equality, Chakrawal launched the "GGV Social Connect" framework comprising 22 distinct welfare schemes directly addressing UN SDGs 2, 4, 5, 8, and 11.

These schemes are managed using advanced digital monitoring systems including biometric tracking. Key flagship initiatives include:

GGV Swabhiman Thali (GST)

A food security initiative run in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS), providing nutritious meals to economically weaker students for just ₹10 (actual cost ₹35–40). The scheme is donor-funded — kickstarted by an initial ₹20,000 donation. Commenced in January 2023 by serving 200 thalis daily, it has since crossed 1.50 lakh meals served and serves 2,000 students daily across 11,000 currently enrolled students.[11] The initiative has received national media attention and inspired similar programs at other higher education institutions across India.

GGV Sudama Yojana

A financial inclusion initiative providing direct financial aid and mentorship to underprivileged students to prevent poverty-driven dropouts. Launched with the logo and flyer unveiled at the university's Administrative Building by Prof. Chakrawal.[12]

Swavalambi Chhattisgarh

An entrepreneurship and livelihood program promoting an "earn while you learn" model, facilitating creation of micro and small enterprises by students and contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Other ISR Initiatives

• Shravan Line: Student volunteers provide legal, financial, health, and emotional support to senior citizens in the Bilaspur region.
• Kilkaari Day Care Centre: On-campus childcare facility for working mothers and student parents, promoting gender equity.
• Saarthi Yojana: Eco-mobility project featuring student-run electric vehicles for free intra-campus transport, prioritising differently-abled individuals.
• GGV Shiksha Mitra Yojana: GGV students volunteer to provide free education to underprivileged children from surrounding rural areas.
• GGV Rakta-Sambandh Sanskaar Yojana: Institutionalised network of voluntary blood donors supporting regional blood banks during emergencies.

5. Research, Publications and Mentorship

As a distinguished researcher, Prof. Chakrawal has dedicated over 26 years to the fields of Management, Commerce, Finance, Economics, and Marketing. His academic footprint includes:

Notable Books:

• Stress Management (co-authored with Pratibha Goyal) — ISBN 978-93-85883-05-7
• Modern Life and Stress — ISBN 978-93-85883-91-0
• Pratibimb — ISBN 978-93-85883-55-2
• Teaching Fundamentals — ISBN 978-81-910001-4-6
• Bhartiya Swatantra Sangharsh ke Janjatiya Nayak: Birsa Munda
• India and COVID-19 — ISBN 978-93-9025602-0
• Mahima Dharma O Mahima Gosain (NBT) — ISBN 978-93-5743-273-3
• Samajika O Sanskarutika Paribartanare Bhakta Bhima Bhoinka Abadana (NBT) — ISBN 978-93-5743-268-9

6. Awards, Honours and Nominations

6.1 International Awards

6.2 National Awards

6.3 Earlier Academic/Research Awards

• Best Paper Award — International Seminar, Indian Accounting Association on Accounting Education Research (Sep 2001)
• Best Paper Award — International Conference on Strategic Management, University of Mumbai (Feb 2012)
• Best Paper Award — 2013 Key West International Multidisciplinary Academic Conference, Florida, USA (May 2013)
• Best Paper Award — Global Congress on Knowledge Economy, Qingdao, China (Sep 2014)
• Outstanding Research Paper Award — International Conference on Strategic Management, University of Mumbai (Feb 2014, Jan 2016)
• Prof. Dolarrai Mankad Award for Excellence in Research 2014–15, Saurashtra University
• Felicitation by Commissioner of Higher Education, Government of Gujarat (Feb 2013)

7. Controversies

7.1 Seminar Exchange with Writer Manoj Rupda (January 2026)

In January 2026, a video clip from a literary programme titled "Samkalin Hindi Kahani: Badalte Jeevan Sandarbh" (Contemporary Hindi Fiction: Changing Life Contexts), organised at Guru Ghasidas College in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi, circulated widely on social media and became a subject of national public debate.[27]

During the event, Vice-Chancellor Chakrawal was addressing the audience and highlighting the achievements and academic progress of the university. While interacting with invited writer Manoj Rupda, the Vice-Chancellor asked whether participants were finding the discussion engaging. In response, the writer suggested returning to the programme's main literary theme. Following this, Prof. Chakrawal emphasised the importance of maintaining proper decorum while communicating with the head of an academic institution. The brief exchange, recorded on video, was subsequently shared online and attracted widespread attention.

The incident was covered prominently in national media, including Hindustan Times, which reported it under the headline 'Bore toh nahin ho rahe?': Row erupts after Chhattisgarh varsity V-C asks writer Manoj Rupda to leave seminar (10 January 2026).[27]

Following the video's circulation, Vice-Chancellor Chakrawal stated in media interactions that his remarks were intended to uphold institutional decorum and that the subsequent public reaction had been amplified beyond the actual context of the event.

Former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel commented on the episode via social media,[27] emphasising the importance of maintaining the dignity associated with academic positions, which further contributed to broader public debate surrounding the incident. The episode prompted wider discussions in national and regional media regarding academic conduct, the relationship between university administrators and invited cultural figures, and freedom of expression in academic spaces.

8. References

9. External Links