CGC University Mohali stands as a strong example of this evolution — an institution built on purpose, values, and a commitment to preparing students for the future. At the heart of this journey are Founder Chancellor S. Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal and Managing Director Arsh Dhaliwal, a father-son duo bringing together experience, legacy, and a modern global outlook. In this conversation, they speak about leadership, trust, shared values, and their collective vision for the future of education.
Arsh: what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your father as a leader and mentor?
The greatest lesson I have learned from my father is that leadership is ultimately about responsibility, not authority. He has always believed that education has the power to transform lives, and that thought process has guided every decision he has made while building the institution. Watching him lead with patience, resilience, and integrity taught me the importance of consistency and purpose, especially during challenging times.
What inspires me most is his ability to stay connected to people, whether students, parents, or faculty members, regardless of how much the institution has grown. He leads with empathy and humility, and those values continue to guide me as we shape the future of CGC University, Mohali.
When did you first realize Arsh was ready to take on greater responsibilities?
S. Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal:
Leadership does not reveal itself in a single moment. It becomes visible through discipline, consistency, and the ability to understand responsibility beyond personal ambition. I began to see those qualities in Arsh when he started viewing the institution not just as a family legacy, but as a mission that required innovation and long-term thinking.
What reassured me most was his willingness to listen before leading. Even while introducing fresh ideas and modern perspectives, he always respected the values and journey on which the institution was built. His global exposure gave him a contemporary outlook, but his commitment to students and education remained deeply rooted. That balance convinced me he was ready for greater responsibility.
Arsh, growing up, did you always see yourself following in your father’s footsteps?
Being surrounded by an educational environment from a young age certainly shaped my thinking, but I do not think I fully understood the scale of my father’s vision during childhood. Over time, however, I witnessed the impact the institution had on students and families who saw education as a life-changing opportunity.
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