An educationist and hospitality professional, Ashok retired from Sukhadia University after serving for 23 years. He also had experience of working in the hospitality industry for 10 years before entering into the educational sector.

Ashok Singh is a Retired Professor from the Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU), Udaipur.

After over 23 years of service, Ashok retired from the university in 2019. He was employed in the hotel industry prior to entering the teaching field. He worked in the hospitality sector in a variety of roles.

Ashok believes that entering the teaching field after obtaining real-world experience was a smart move. He became aware, while employed in the hotel industry, that the younger generations entering this area would find value in his knowledge and perspectives. He believed that in the real world, very little of the knowledge found in books is truly helpful. After serving as a visiting faculty member, guest faculty member, etc. for three to five years, he received an offer from MLSU. His main goal as an employee of MLSU was to develop and implement programmes and ideas geared towards students’ growth and support them while they pursue their careers.

Ashok completed his elementary education at Bikaner after being born in Jodhpur. He was raised in a Bikaner boarding school and received a strict upbringing. He remembers he used to play football for four to five hours every day. He was an ardent football player. His father summoned him back when he finished grade 5, and he finished his education in Jodhpur. Because of his exceptional football abilities, he also rose to the positions of vice-captain and captain of the school squad.

He discovered a lack of knowledge in people about tourism, hotel management, and tour guiding courses when he joined MLS University. He saw that the faculty members were as indifferent as the pupils. Thus, he decided to start a two-year programme in Tourism and Hotel Management and waged a protracted legal struggle to have it accepted and authorised. In addition, he was able to win over the then-tourism minister and, with her approval, start tour guide training programmes. He was able to enrol 150–200 pupils in this course. But he had to overcome many unjustifiable, bureaucratic, and diplomatic obstacles at every turn, which he faced with frankness, simplicity, and a burning desire to serve the pupils.

Through his priceless experiences, Ashok has learnt and imparted knowledge on everything, and he gives all his students the same advice. He suggests that in addition to study, they should have practical experience in the field. He thinks that opportunities for skill development should be given in addition to schooling. He believes that skillful people have a purpose in life, are aware of their dreams, and can discern between objectives and hobbies.

Ashok will endeavour to enhance departmental job structures and educational institution administration if he manages to get a time machine that allows him to travel back in time. In addition, he will provide brief diploma programmes for skill-based learning in the hospitality and tourism field.