Dr. Upadhyay transitioned from a corporate job at Videocon to academia to help students. As Dean, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay has led the Faculty of Engineering at a prominent university to the forefront of engineering education. Inspired by his Hindi Medium background, he has written several books to simplify engineering concepts.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Technology at SAGE University and also holds the position of Dean of Student Welfare.
As Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay is dedicated to groom students by providing them a comprehensive technological knowledge. His approach combines a balance of 100% theoretical understanding and practical exposure to ensure that students are not only well-versed in concepts but also equipped to tackle real-world challenges. Under his leadership, SAGE University offers a wide array of programs in Engineering, including Diploma, B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD courses, ensuring opportunities for students at every level of their academic journey.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay oversees a team of 175 members within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, which is divided into seven departments. The team includes nine Heads of Departments and two Heads of Institutions, all working under his mentorship to deliver high-quality education to students.
Dr. Upadhyay emphasizes that modern engineering education must integrate theoretical knowledge with practical expertise to prepare students for competitive global markets. SAGE University adopts a structured approach, focusing on fundamental concepts during the first two years of study, followed by extensive training in internships and real-world applications during the later years. This model is aimed at making students employable and job-ready by the time they graduate.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay highlights the importance of entrepreneurship, especially in light of the government’s Make in India initiative, which has created a surge in opportunities for innovation and startups. SAGE University aligns with this vision by fostering an entrepreneurial culture, offering students exposure to startup development, and encouraging them to turn their ideas into reality. The institution ensures that its students have three clear career pathways: securing placement opportunities, pursuing advanced degrees, or contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem through innovative ventures.
According to Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay, Sage University provides its students with a wealth of opportunities to grow academically and personally. The university encourages interaction with top-level MSME authorities, offering students insights into entrepreneurship and exposure to real-world business scenarios. To further support this, the university organizes entrepreneurship seminars, guiding students not only in starting their ventures but also in exploring options for advanced degrees such as master programs.
In addition to his academic role, Dr. Upadhyay holds the significant responsibility of being the Dean of Student Welfare, a position entrusted to him by the University Chancellor, Er. Sanjeev Agarwal.
In this role, he works to ensure the well-being and overall development of students. While acknowledging the challenges in this domain, he believes in starting with small but impactful steps. Under his leadership, the university has established several dedicated cells such as Women’s Grievance Cell, Anti-Ragging Cell, and Student Grievance Cell, which address student concerns and promote a safe and supportive environment.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay has also prioritized the development of extracurricular and co-curricular activities, ensuring that every student at Sage University has access to platforms that enhance their overall growth. The university has created a SAGE Student Activity Club, which includes 10 diverse clubs such as sports, drama, and poetry clubs.
SAGE University has made it mandatory for students to join at least two extracurricular clubs as part of their holistic development initiative. These clubs, ranging from sports to creative arts like drama and poetry, aim to provide students with opportunities to explore and hone their unique talents.
For instance, a student skilled in playing guitar can further refine their art, while another excelling in sports can gain further opportunities to grow. This initiative ensures that students develop an extra edge over others, enhancing both their skills and personal growth. Additionally, the university encourages participation in inter-college contests, allowing students to showcase their abilities on broader platforms. Over the past year, approximately 12,000 students have participated in these various clubs, reflecting the vibrant extracurricular environment of the university.
SAGE University recently organized a Tech Fest, which saw an overwhelming response with 3,000 students registering for multiple activities. All participants received certificates, adding value to their academic and extracurricular profiles. The event focused on fostering students' growth across various domains, including Pharmacy, Agriculture, Engineering, BBA, and Law, ensuring that they emerge as well-rounded individuals equipped with diverse skills.
As the Dean of Student Welfare, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay is deeply committed to building a strong connection with the student body. To achieve this, an innovative system of class representatives has been introduced. Out of the 15,000 students of the university, 200 class representatives are directly in touch with Dr. Akhilesh, creating an efficient chain of communication. This hierarchical structure ensures seamless dissemination of information and addresses student concerns promptly and effectively. Dr. Akhilesh’s proactive approach and dedication to student welfare underscores the university’s commitment to providing a supportive and empowering environment for all its students.
Dr. Upadhyay’s vision for student welfare extends beyond communication. At SAGE University, student cells have been strategically established at four locations across the campus. These cells serve as accessible platforms where students can voice their concerns and seek guidance. With the active involvement of cell members, student issues are resolved efficiently, reinforcing the university’s commitment to a nurturing and problem-solving approach.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay achieved significant milestones in his academic journey, marked by a combination of personal determination, collaborative support, and exposure to diverse learning opportunities.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay published his first book in 1998, titled ‘A Complete Guide on SMPS for PC’, aimed at individuals aspiring to design SMPS systems. The book offered practical insights for students and professionals alike. Dr. Akhilesh’s goal was to make technical concepts more accessible, especially for students who struggled with foreign authors’ textbooks. This endeavor reflected his commitment to bridging the gap between complex academic content and practical understanding, a philosophy he continues to uphold in his academic leadership.
In 2001, his book ‘Electronic Measurement & Instruments’ was published. This book was particularly well-liked at Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, where it was a mainstay for Electronics students until 2013. Building on this success, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay authored several other books, including ‘Electronics 1,’ ‘Electronics 2,’ ‘Power Electronics,’ an ‘Basics of Electronics’.
Reflecting on his early years, Dr. Akhilesh recalls that his journey into the academic field was shaped by inspirations rooted in his childhood. From a young age, he had a clear aspiration to become an engineer, a dream largely influenced by his grandfather, Dr. S.N. Upadhyay. His grandfather, who held a prestigious position as a Professor and Reader in an Ayurvedic college, played a crucial role in instilling a sense of purpose and ambition in him.
His professional journey started at Videocon Private Limited, where he worked as a Design Engineer. This role provided him with valuable industry experience and honed his technical skills. However, his visits to his grandfather’s Ayurvedic college sparked a realization in him about the long-term potential of the education field.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay began to see education as a field that not only offered better opportunities but also allowed one to contribute to shaping the future of students. This realization prompted him to make a career shift from the corporate world to academia. The inspiration he drew from his grandfather’s legacy and his own desire for a fulfilling career in education ultimately led him to pursue teaching and mentoring.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay recalls that his grandfather retired in 1982, when young Akhilesh was doing polytechnic studies, after which he made an important shift into the teaching profession. Dr. Akhilesh started his academic journey by securing a position at Shriram College in Gwalior. It was during that time that Dr. Akhilesh began to truly appreciate the significance of education and mentoring.
Later, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay joined ITM Gwalior, where he was influenced and inspired by a senior colleague, Rajendra Patel Sir, who worked alongside him. Rajendra Patel’s guidance and the experiences in design work which he shared played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Akhilesh's academic path and approach to teaching.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay also reflects on the challenges that students face, particularly in subjects like Electronics and Communication Design. These subjects, often perceived as difficult or less interesting by many students, demand a strong foundation in both theory and practical application. He acknowledges that Design in Electronics Engineering is one of the most challenging areas for students, and after working at Videocon for three years, he realized the potential and importance of this subject. He recognized that despite the difficulties, mastering this subject could significantly groom students and open up great opportunities for them. This realization was one of the key reasons he chose to transition into teaching, where he could help students navigate and succeed in such difficult subjects.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay completed his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in 1996, followed by a Master of Engineering in 2004, and later earned his PhD in 2009. Along with these formal qualifications, he has also completed several additional courses to further expand his knowledge. His diverse educational background has provided him with a deep understanding of both student and teacher perspectives, allowing him to relate to the challenges faced by students at every level. Having experienced the difficulties of pursuing a BE, a Master's Degree, and PhD, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay is committed to continually improving himself and learning from his colleagues in the academic field.
During his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) studies, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay found significant inspiration from Dr. Sanjay Talwar, one of his professors. The teaching style and attitude of Dr. Talwar had a profound impact on him, sparking his own desire to enter academia. He learned how to teach students effectively and has carried those lessons throughout his career. Dr. Akhilesh often refers to himself as a “Xerox copy” of Dr. Talwar in terms of his approach to teaching, as he has tried to emulate the same passion and effectiveness in his own role as an educator.
Born on December 10, 1972 in Gwalior, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay is the son of Dr. Ramesh Chandra Upadhyay, a BAMS doctor who later completed his MD, and Kamla Devi Upadhyay. His educational journey began in a Hindi-medium school. He completed his first and second standards at a Hindi Medium Maharudra Mandal School which was near their home, and then from 3rd to 5th standard at Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Gorkhi.
When his father moved to Nanded, Maharashtra, Dr. Akhilesh continued his education at the Gandhi Rashtriya Hindi Vidyalaya, Nanded, where he completed his 6th to 10th standard.
After 10th Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay joined 11th class but realized that it would be difficult for him to do 11th and 12th classes, and so he chose to pursue a Polytechnic course in Industrial Electronics at CV Polytechnic College, Latur. In 1993 he passed the diploma course, topping his college and was ranked 91th in the state of Maharashtra.
After completing his Polytechnic in Industrial Electronics, Dr. Akhilesh gained lateral entry into the SGGS Institute of Engineering and Technology, Nanded, due to his excellent merit ranking. This direct admission into the second year of engineering was an opportunity he embraced, choosing SGGS over other options in Maharashtra to stay close to his family. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering in 1996. While he was increasingly drawn towards teaching, he initially decided to gain industry experience.
One pivotal influence on his decision to join the corporate sector was a family friend, a general manager at Sipta, Nanded, whose professional demeanor and opportunities in the corporate world inspired him a lot. Dr. Akhilesh began his career at Videocon in 1997 as a Trainee Engineer, where he became a part of the team designing the electric system for washing machines.
From 1997 to 1999, the innovations in washing machine electric systems at Videocon were products of his team’s efforts, a fact that Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay proudly shares. His team comprised 12 members, led by Pathak Sir, a manager who played a crucial role in teaching him the nuances of working in the private sector. Under Pathak’s mentorship, Dr. Akhilesh gained hands-on experience, including working on the assembly line and correcting production issues.
Dr. Updhyay’s challenges and perseverance during his Polytechnic days shaped his approach to education. As most of the books were in English, he often struggled to grasp complex concepts, requiring him to attend extra tuitions. This experience ignited his desire to write educational material in a simpler, more accessible language. His first major engineering project during his BE final year in 1996 was on SMPS design (Switch Mode Power Supply), which combined software and hardware elements. This project, a significant achievement, was the first software and hardware integration project at SGGS Institute, completed under the guidance of Dr. S.N. Talwar, a mentor and inspiration to Dr. Akhilesh.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay's journey into academics was significantly shaped by a combination of personal inspirations and pivotal life decisions. While working at Videocon, where he spent weekdays as a design engineer, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay would dedicate his weekends to pursuing his passion for writing. During those days, he often met Dr. S.N. Talwar, his former mentor, who encouraged him to write a book on Instrumentation. Dr. Talwar not only provided guidance but also actively supported Dr. Akhilesh in creating content for the book.
In 1998, during the process of writing the book, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay got married to Dr. Priyanka Upadhyay, a psychologist who had just completed her MA. The couple relocated to Aurangabad, where Dr. Akhilesh continued to balance his corporate responsibilities and passion for writing. After returning home from work, he would meticulously draft and edit sections of his book, striving to create a resource that would benefit engineering students.
Two months into their marriage, Dr. Priyanka put forward a transformative suggestion. She questioned why Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay was unnecessarily dividing his focus between two distinct fields and encouraged him to consider a full time career in academics, where his passion for writing and mentoring could align with his profession. Her insight became a turning point for Dr. Akhilesh, inspiring him to transition from the corporate world to academia. He often credits his wife as one of the most significant motivations behind his decision to shift his career trajectory.
Dr. Akhilesh’s decision to enter the teaching profession was also influenced by his grandfather, a lifelong source of inspiration, who expressed a wish for him to return to Madhya Pradesh, specifically Gwalior. Honoring this wish, Dr. Akhilesh applied to Shriram College, Gwalior. During the interview process, he was asked to present a topic he had been writing about, showcasing both his expertise and passion for education. His knowledge and dedication impressed the interviewers, and he was selected for a teaching position.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay pursued further education alongside his writing career. He completed his Master of Engineering from SGGS Institute, Nanded in 2004. Over time, he established a pattern of writing and releasing two books annually, reflecting his commitment to providing accessible resources for students. His wife, Dr. Priyanka Upadhyay, with her expertise in English literature, became an indispensable collaborator, assisting him with editing and refining his manuscripts. Without modern internet conveniences, the process was labor-intensive and time-consuming, but their shared dedication ensured consistent progress.
During that period, he received crucial support from Ramchandra Manthalkar, who not only guided him in mastering MATLAB coding but also extended financial assistance when needed. Following his master’s degree, Dr. Akhilesh registered for a PhD at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, a journey that broadened his academic horizons.
In 2004, he joined ITM, Gwalior and subsequently moved to APIIT, Panipat in 2006, which was India's first AICTE-accredited international institution. APIIT (Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology), with its affiliations across Colombo, Pakistan, and Malaysia, offered him exposure to international standards of education. The curriculum and teaching methodologies were all according to the London college which enriched Dr. Akhilesh’s teaching experience. This role also provided him opportunities to adopt and experiment with innovative tools for online teaching in between 2006 to 2009, years before they became mainstream during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between 2006 and 2009, while completing his PhD, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay actively participated in many national and international conferences. He visited prominent institutions such as IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Chennai, expanding his academic network and staying connected with the latest research developments. His mentor, Professor Ramesh Kumar, then Director of APIIT, played a pivotal role in motivating and guiding him throughout this period. These years of rigorous academic pursuit and exposure to diverse learning environments significantly shaped Dr. Akhilesh’s perspectives as an educator and researcher.
In 2009, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay returned to Madhya Pradesh and joined SIRT, the parent institution of SAGE University, established in 2003. Under the mentorship of Engineer Sanjeev Agarwal, Dr. Akhilesh assumed the roles of Vice Principal and Head of the Department for Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). This opportunity marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to grow both professionally and personally. He was joined by Dr. Prashant Jain, a close colleague who had previously worked with him at Panipat, further strengthening his journey at SIRT.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay always had an unwavering desire to provide for his family, and with their constant support, he was able to balance his professional aspirations and personal responsibilities. He credits his wife and son, Aditya, for being his pillars of strength.
Among the proudest moments of his life, Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay highlights the achievement of his son, Aditya, who completed his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Avantika University with a Gold Medal. The honor was bestowed on him by the then Governor of MP HE Mangubhai Patel, in the presence of the former Education Minister, Mohan Yadav, making it a truly remarkable day for the family. Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay also takes immense pride in Aditya’s entrepreneurial journey, which began at the young age of 25. Aditya has secured government funding from the Ministry of MSME and the Ministry of Education, and now runs two offices, one at IIT Indore and another at Avantika University, Ujjain. These milestones reflect the values of hard work and determination that Dr. Akhilesh has instilled in his family.
During his tenure in Bhopal, Dr. Akhilesh handled a significant project funded by the World Bank, valued at ₹4 crore. He volunteered to manage the project and considers it a valuable learning experience. His gratitude towards the management for entrusting him with such a responsibility reflects his humility and commitment to excellence.
In 2013, Dr. Akhilesh was appointed as the Director of SIRT, and by 2015, he rose to the position of College Director at SIRT. In 2019, he embarked on a new chapter of his career by joining SAGE University, Indore, as a Director. Shortly thereafter, he was entrusted with the position of Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, overseeing a thriving academic ecosystem. Under his leadership, SAGE University now boasts 5,000 students and a dedicated faculty team of 175 members, with an additional team of 11 working closely with him to elevate the institution's academic standards.
Dr. Akhilesh has introduced innovative strategies, including handling challenging students, revamping syllabus, and seamlessly blending theoretical and practical learning experiences.
Dr. Akhilesh has published 155 research papers globally and guided 11 Ph.D. scholars, with four more currently under his mentorship. He has also authored 18 books, cementing his legacy as a respected academician. Additionally, he has secured 11 patents, including two product patents, along with four copyrights.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay draws deep inspiration from the mantra of his Guru, Shiva Nand Baba Ji, who always asked, “What do you want?” This simple yet profound question has guided Dr. Akhilesh throughout his life, helping him focus on his goals with clarity and positivity. He believes that when one identifies their desires, the body’s 80 trillion cells align to manifest those aspirations into reality. As a reminder of this philosophy, he has written this mantra on many sheets of paper at his home, keeping him and his family motivated to strive for their dreams.
After the publication of each of his books, Dr. Akhilesh and his family visit the Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, seeking blessings from Ram Raja. He also carries the teachings of his Guru, particularly the principle of living with सत् चित्त आनंद (truth, consciousness, and bliss), which serves as a foundation for his outlook on life.
Dr. Akhilesh is deeply respected by his former colleagues and students, who continue to admire him for his unwavering dedication and positive energy. From his early days at Videocon to his leadership roles at SIRT and SAGE University, his relationships have remained warm and enduring. For him, these connections are the true earnings of a life dedicated to hard work and sincerity.
In his role as an educator and mentor, Dr. Akhilesh often shares valuable advice with the students of SAGE University and beyond. He emphasizes the importance of humanity, asserting that respect for others is the foundation of earning respect for oneself. Reflecting on societal changes, he points out how many young people today overlook the importance of respecting their parents, treating them merely as providers of financial support. He shares a poignant observation about students who feel ashamed of their farmer parents because of their appearance or background.
Dr. Akhilesh passionately advocates an educational system that teaches students to value their parents as their first and greatest inspiration. He dreams of a future where every student imbibes the values of respect, gratitude, and humility, thereby fostering a culture of humanity and improving the overall educational framework in India.
Dr. Akhilesh Upadhyay reflects on the current education system, sharing his vision for a world where children are nurtured according to their unique interests and natural talents. He dreams of a reality where, for instance, a carpenter's child inspired by their parent's craftsmanship could explore carpentry to innovate and create better products, or a child who admires their father’s work as an electrician could be encouraged to pursue and excel in that field without societal pressure. Dr. Akhilesh wishes he had a time machine to witness such a future—a future where education aligns with the passions of students rather than imposing conventional career paths on them.
He strongly believes that schools should provide opportunities tailored to each child’s aspirations, helping them prepare for the careers they truly desire. Dr. Akhilesh observes that, unfortunately, today’s parents often focus more on comparing their children with others or enrolling them in "prestigious" schools to compete socially, rather than understanding the curriculum, teaching methodologies, or their child’s interests. He criticizes this trend, emphasizing that it undermines individuality and stifles creativity.
Sharing his own life as an example, Dr. Akhilesh recalls how visitors to his home would repeatedly tell his parents to make him an engineer, which led him to discover his interest in engineering without going through the traditional 11th and 12th grades. He underscores the importance of parental support and guidance, stressing that “Make in India” can only become a reality when parents embrace and nurture their children's potential instead of pushing them toward careers they do not connect with.
Dr. Akhilesh expresses his sadness over the growing distance of students from their rural roots and natural environment, noting that this mentality is eroding the foundation of the education system and the spirit of the country. He believes schools should inspire students to embrace their heritage and individuality, suggesting that motivational movies like ‘Swades’ be incorporated into the curriculum to ignite a sense of purpose and pride in their identities.
