INDIA – Prof. Kamal K. Pande has been appointed as the new Director of Higher Education, Uttarakhand , marking a significant milestone in the state’s academic landscape. Formerly the Principal of Government Post Graduate College, Bazpur (U.S. Nagar), Prof. Pande is widely respected for his academic brilliance, administrative expertise, and deep-rooted commitment to educational innovation.
With over 43 years of experience in education—including more than 15 years as a Professor—Prof. Pande holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry. His extensive administrative career spans over 14 years and includes several prominent leadership roles.
Among his many achievements, a landmark contribution was securing official authorization for Kumaun University to conduct the U-SET examination, thereby establishing it as a state-level equivalent to the NET.
Prof. Pande’s distinguished service has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Uttarakhand Vigyan Purodha Samman (2024), Chief Minister’s Excellence and Good Governance Award (2021), and a place among India’s Top 50 Educators (2019), among others.
Beyond his administrative leadership, Prof. Pande is a respected researcher and mentor. He has supervised several Ph.D. scholars and published extensively in esteemed national and international journals. He serves on editorial and advisory boards of multiple research publications and has collaborated with prominent institutions such as DRDO, IIT Delhi, UCOST, Vijnana Bharati, and the Nobel Foundation (Stockholm).
In recognition of his appointment, congratulatory messages have poured in from leading figures in academia and policy, including Dr. Ramanand (Vidya Bharati), Shri Shiv Kumar (Vijnana Bharati), and Shri Mahendra Kapoor (National Educational Federation).
Prof. Pande’s elevation to this role ushers in a new era of visionary academic leadership for Uttarakhand, inspiring both educators and students with his legacy of excellence, innovation, and service.