An accomplished academic and inspiring sociologist, Dr. Anju Beniwal holds multiple degrees and has published 20 books along with over 50 research papers. She has participated in numerous national and international conferences, showcasing her expertise as a speaker. Recognized for her contributions to higher education, she has received prestigious awards including an Indo-Japan Award and the Sanskrit Sahitya Puraskar. As a dedicated mentor, she has guided several scholars through their PhD journeys, with two of them successfully earning their degrees under her supervision.

Dr. Anju Beniwal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Government Meera Girls College in Udaipur.

Dr. Beniwal’s academic achievements are remarkable. She has attended numerous national and international conferences, including a video speech presentation in Hungary in 2013. Member of several national and international associations, she has served as a board member of RC 13, a reputed sociology organization. Her contributions to higher education have been recognized with significant awards, including a prestigious state-level award for higher education in 2001 from the Ministry of Higher Education.

With an impressive portfolio, Dr. Anju Beniwal has published 20 books and more than 50 research papers, attended over 80 conferences, and acted as a research guide for several scholars. Two of her mentees have successfully earned their PhDs, while two others are currently in the process. Through her extensive work, Dr. Anju Beniwal continues to inspire others in her academic and professional endeavors while staying true to her values of hard work and inner peace.

Dr. Anju Beniwal has received notable awards, including the Indo-Japan Award and the Sanskrit Sahitya Puraskar, and has participated in numerous online webinars and offline events, showcasing her literary and intellectual talents.

During her college years, Anju's poetic talent flourished, leading to the publication of one of her poems. However, after college, she paused her writing endeavors. The COVID-19 pandemic provided her with the time to rekindle her creativity. Encouraged by friends who admired her earlier works, she resumed writing and eventually authored a collection of 90 poems.  She acquired a nickname ‘Sushumna,’ through which she began to gain recognition for her contributions to poetry.

Dr. Anju Beniwal’s academic journey began with aspirations of becoming a doctor, which led her to pursue a B.Sc. degree. However, as time passed, her interests shifted toward civil services, inspiring her to aim for the RAS and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

In 2002, while undergoing her doctoral studies, Dr. Beniwal received a scholarship from Rajasthan University, which enabled her to start teaching at Jodhpur University. Her association with Sociology began in earnest, and from 2000 to 2011, she contributed to the university as a guest faculty member, sharing her knowledge and passion for the subject.

In 2012, her dedication and expertise were recognized when she was selected through the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) exam for a permanent position at Government Meera Girls College. Since then, Dr. Anju Beniwal has inspired countless students, encouraging them to shape their destinies with determination.

Dr. Anju Beniwal's journey with Sociology was somewhat unexpected, becoming possible due to a pivotal moment in her life. Initially focused on Anthropology, she found herself gravitating towards sociology, a field that explores the complexities of society and the various changes it undergoes. The seamless connection between anthropology and sociology allowed her to transition smoothly into teaching sociology without facing significant struggles.

Her life took a challenging turn at an early age when she lost her mother. When she was just eight years old, young Anju faced the transition of moving from a city to a village. Upon returning to the city, she was enrolled in St. Francis School in Jaipur, an English medium institution. It was here that her father played an instrumental role in teaching her to read and write. A defining moment occurred during a visit by the headmaster, who praised her handwriting, sparking admiration from her classmates. This encouraging experience became a cherished memory for young Anju, giving her the strength to navigate her new environment.

She again had to change schools as her father wanted her to go to a girls school. She completed her schooling at Gandhi Nagar Girls Senior Secondary School in Jaipur. Transitioning from an English medium to a Hindi medium school presented its own set of challenges, but she persevered through her education until the twelfth grade. Her academic achievements were notable, as she participated in several district-level competitions, where she excelled and even went on to represent Rajasthan at the national level in Chandigarh.

Despite being an average student academically at that time, Dr. Anju's talents were showcased in various extracurricular activities. Following her schooling, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya. With aspirations of joining the civil services, she chose Anthropology as her subject for UPSC and RAS examinations, completing her MSc from Rajasthan University. She simultaneously embarked on her PhD journey and completed it in 2002. Further expanding her academic portfolio, she obtained an MA in Sociology and cleared the NET too in the same subject, along with doing an MBA from a private college.

Dr. Beniwal explains to her students that Sociology is fundamentally about understanding society—the dynamics, and the changes and challenges it experiences. She passionately discusses various social issues, encouraging her students to engage with real-life problems. Dr. Anju emphasizes the importance of their roles as future leaders and change-makers, urging them to consider how they can contribute positively to society.

As a social scientist, Dr. Anju recognizes her responsibility to address current societal problems. She draws attention to critical issues, such as the troubling incidents of suicides in Kota and honor killings incidents. In her view, these complex problems require not only awareness about them but also needs educated professionals well-equipped to intervene meaningfully. She believes that sociologists have the tools and insights necessary to understand these issues deeply and to propose effective solutions.

Dr. Anju’s approach is to instill in her students the understanding that their education in sociology is not just academic; it is a preparation to face and tackle societal challenges head-on. She encourages them to critically examine societal norms and values and to think creatively about how to address the issues that plague their communities. Through her teaching, she aims to cultivate a generation of informed citizens ready to make a significant impact on society.

From a young age, Dr. Anju Beniwal nurtured a deep passion for writing from when she was in the 9th standard. She would often be found awake late at night, pen in hand, as she put her ideas into existence in a notebook which remained by her side. Anju’s writing interests were further fueled when she discovered that her father was  also into writing.

Once, in her school days, when she recited her poem on stage, the acclaim and praise she received from her peers and teachers fueled her desire to share even more of her work at school functions.

Just as everyone else, Dr. Beniwal had to face her share of  setbacks. She cleared the preliminary exam for RAS but narrowly missed the mains after marriage, leading to a change in her circumstances. Relocating to Jodhpur due to lack of colleges she has to choose Sociology. She embraced this new direction, ultimately pursuing and completing her PhD in Sociology, alongside clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) in both Sociology and Anthropology.

Describing her role models, Dr. Anju cites her father and elder brother as her primary inspirations. Her father, known for his honesty and straightforward attitude, taught her the importance of self-respect. He told her that your self-respect is the first important thing in life. She admired how he managed the responsibilities of raising three children with steadfast dedication, never shying away from challenges. Dr. Anju vividly remembers her father's resilience and hard work, often witnessing him navigate complex situations with integrity while dealing with seniors in his workplace. For her, he has always been an ideal figure, imparting valuable life lessons about responsibility and diligence.

In addition to her family, Dr. Anju highlights her childhood friend Priyanka as another role model. With Priyanka’s support and collaboration, she excelled academically, achieving second rank in her 8th class.

Dr. Anju has a great appreciation for music, particularly a song titled, रुक जाना नहीं तू कहीं हार के, the lyrics of which resonate deeply with her philosophy of perseverance. She reflects on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, particularly the concept of Karma. Do your work and never worry about the results. This belief has shaped her approach to life and work. Recently, she encountered a thought-provoking line that advised, “Do your work always with a peaceful mind as calm waters bring tsunamis”. She embraces the notion that maintaining a peaceful state of mind enables one to achieve extraordinary results.

Her optimistic outlook reflects in her attitude. Dr. Anju believes in keeping thoughts tranquil throughout her thought process, advocating against the highs and lows of emotions. Instead, she encourages a steadfast commitment to one's responsibilities.

In addition to her teaching profession, Dr. Anju Beniwal finds peace and fulfillment in her writing. Her dual passions for sociology and poetry intertwine, allowing her to explore the depths of human experience, fostering a unique perspective that she shares with her students. Through her work, she continues to impact both the academic world and the literary sphere, embodying the belief that education and creativity can be vehicles for social change.

As a social scientist, Dr. Beniwal has an important message for young aspirants: the field of sociology offers a wealth of opportunities that can lead to fulfilling careers and meaningful contributions to society. Sociology opens the door to various career paths, including administrative roles within the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), both of which provide significant job prospects. Moreover, the sociology stream offers pathways into the social service field, where understanding and improving social schemes is critical.

Dr. Anju emphasizes that social scientists are essential for analyzing and suggesting innovative solutions to contemporary social problems. There is a growing need for professionals who can assess societal issues and propose effective strategies for improvement. Following a path in sociology can lead to careers in teaching, research, and even working with NGOs dedicated to social welfare.

By entering the field of sociology, students gain valuable insights into various social subjects, which can enhance their understanding of society and help them become more socially responsible individuals. Even in engineering colleges, sociology courses play a vital role in educating future professionals about social issues, encouraging them to become compassionate and ethical individuals.

Dr. Anju believes that being an active part of society requires individuals to maintain strong moral and ethical values. As they develop their careers, it's crucial for them to stay committed to serving their communities effectively. By pursuing their passions in sociology, young aspirants can work toward creating a better world, contributing to the betterment of society while also finding personal fulfillment in their work.

She has had a journey that resonates with her favorite lines: "कुछ लोग मुकद्दर के सिकंदर होते हैं, कुछ लोग सिकंदर होते हैं जो अपना मुकद्दर खुद लिखते हैं." This philosophy deeply resonated with her life.

She encourages young aspirants to remain hardworking, persistent, and consistent in their efforts. Honest dedication to their work can lead to extraordinary results; nothing is impossible once you set your mind to it. Dr. Anju believes that determination in pursuing one's interests is key to achieving success. She advises students to choose fields that genuinely resonate with them, as passion fuels commitment and excellence.

Dr. Anju lives by the principle that doing good brings good in return. She experienced this firsthand when she volunteered to teach RAS aspirants for free in the evenings, even after long days at the university. Despite the challenges, the motivation she received from her students invigorated her spirit. During her preparation for the RPSC exams, she found herself surprised by the coincidence that nearly 95 questions in her exam paper  were similar to what she had taught her students. This reinforced her belief that good deeds come back at the right time.

Dr. Anju Beniwal’s life story serves as a testament that anything is possible. She emphasizes that obstacles are a natural part of life and encourages everyone to learn from their experiences. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to doing good, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.