Mr. Rajesh Garodia is the Pro Vice Chancellor at Ashoka University, Sonepat. He leads all the non academic functions and works in close collaboration with the Vice Chancellor’s office to achieve this university’s vision. He is a commerce graduate, and a rank holder Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant. He has an extensive experience of over 28 years across leading business organizations. He also has a rich global experience having managed businesses in the US, UK, Europe, India and Philippines. 

Ashoka University

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“To find strength of each individual working with me and providing them with opportunities to grow”

According to Bhagavad Gita, the three disciplines required for effective leadership are learning, communicating and equanimity. These guiding principles have always shaped my leadership style. I ensure communication channels are always open among all team members and there are meaningful dialogues leading to constructive solutions.

What are your responsibilities towards the college and the students?

“Ensure smooth functioning of Administrative, finance & human resource operations”

Ashoka is a fledgling University. It is constantly challenging its success and growth and the result is progressive and exponential development of the University across all fields. Finding innovative learning, teaching and student experiences is pivotal for the university. My responsibility is to ensure world-class infrastructure and administrative support for the university in a financially prudent manner.

Check Ashoka University Courses & Fees

What has been your vision for this university?

“To work towards establishing a world-class University in India at par with Ivy leagues”

Since I joined Ashoka in 2019, we have made tremendous progress in establishing a globally recognised University in the country. We are looking at further possibilities to contribute towards improving higher education in the country. 

  • We established the Centre for Economic Data and Analysis at the university with the primary aim of facilitating informed debate about economic and social developments in India. 
  • Established Ashoka Centre for Economic Policy. Some of the most eminent economists in the country are a part of the Centre. 
  • We have also recently established a Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability to facilitate interdisciplinary research about global climate change, health and environment.
  • Ashoka University was also recently awarded a Diamond rating by QS I.GAUGE, the India specific rating agency for the Quacquarelli Symonds, London.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for the University?

“A number of new programs and short courses are being curated to meet the current demand of industry”

A very unique and never before offering from Ashoka is Ashoka X. It gives learners an unmatched learning experience with some of our top-notch faculty. These short term courses include live interaction with faculty, access to wide and critical reading resources and individual engagement. With a bouquet of courses across disciplines, it is an exhilarating intellectual experience for curious minds from across backgrounds.

What can a student gain from studying here in your institute?

“A strong emphasis on foundational knowledge, research based on rigorous pedagogy, and hands-on experience”

Ashoka symbolises breadth in education and depth in learning. In addition to studying liberal arts, students have the choice to major in interdisciplinary specialisations. The 21st century jobs are extremely broad-based. Education at Ashoka provides students with essential skills and most importantly helps in creating good citizens. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education in the current age?

“Accessibility to quality and affordable education is a huge challenge in our country”

In India, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring access to quality higher education for students across the country. In addition to this, a flexible and updated education that equips them with the modern skill sets is also essential. The paucity of funds has denied many deserving students from pursuing their passion. This needs to change if we want the country to grow. Ashoka is committed to making world-class education accessible and affordable for all students. 

Click Ashoka University Placement

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“Providing a world-class education consistent with the changing demands of the 21st century”

We wish to continue to strengthen our academic departments & programs, deepen interdisciplinary education & research. Additionally, build more physical infrastructure, and also focus on service excellence in administrative functions. 

Over the next decade, there is also going to be a lot of growth in emerging areas such as biosciences, AI, machine learning, cloud computing, etc. Investing in these areas will be our priority over the next 10 years. 

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“Students should look at broad-basing their education by studying subjects from various domains”

In a fast-changing world with increasing adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the demand for people with broad-based skills is increasing. Studying a wide variety of subjects will help students broaden their mind. This will eventually help them make an informed decision while choosing their career field.