As VMOU-VC, Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani is leading a mission to make quality higher education accessible through distance and online learning. Under his inspiring leadership, over one lac students enrol at VMOU in different distance learning programmes every year.

Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani serves as the Vice-Chancellor of Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota—a pioneering institution established in 1987 with a mission to extend the reach of higher education to the remotest corners of the country through distance learning. The university plays a vital role in making education accessible to those who are unable to get education at conventional colleges due to various reasons.

Every year, over one lakh students enroll in various programs at VMOU through the distance mode—a number that stands out significantly when compared with other open universities in India. This speaks volumes about the trust students place in the institution and its widespread impact.

Dr. Sodani highlights the vision set by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education from the current 28% to 50% by 2031. He strongly believes that achieving this ambitious target will require collaborative efforts from the government and open universities, as the open university system is uniquely positioned to reach learners who are unable to attend regular colleges.

VMOU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs—including BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA, M.Com, M.Sc, MBA, B.Ed, and PhD—catering to the diverse academic and professional needs of students. The university ensures that learners from various backgrounds find relevant courses suited to their aspirations.

In a significant move towards women empowerment, VMOU is the only state university in Rajasthan that offers 100% free education to girls. Dr. Sodani suggests that the government should also consider waiving fees for male students, which would further support the goal of achieving universal access to education by 2035.

Adding to its credibility, VMOU has been accredited with an 'A' grade by NAAC, a prestigious recognition that reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.

On the international front, VMOU has also been granted the opportunity by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with foreign institutions for collaborative research and academic programs—a proud milestone for the university.

Dr. Sodani emphasizes that VMOU continues to serve economically weaker, geographically distant, and working individuals who cannot attend regular classes. With the NAAC A-grade accreditation, the university has now also gained eligibility to launch online programs. It has already started offering diploma courses in Computer Science and Library Science through fully online modes.

In his visionary outlook, Dr. Sodani firmly believes that in the digital age, online education will emerge as the most powerful medium of learning, and VMOU is poised to lead this transformation.

He dispels the myth that students lack connectivity in distance education. According to Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani, this perception is far from the truth. VMOU has established a robust support system with around 120–125 training centers across Rajasthan, along with seven fully functional regional centers staffed with faculty members and Regional Directors. If students face any challenges, they can visit these centers to seek immediate guidance and solutions.

For science students pursuing B.Sc or M.Sc programs, the university ensures hands-on learning through 80-day practical sessions conducted in affiliated colleges, thereby minimizing any significant gap between distance and regular modes of education.

Educationist Dr. Kailasj Sodani also points to a shifting trend—today's students are becoming less inclined toward traditional classroom-based education. In such a scenario, distance education emerges as the most viable and inclusive alternative. The steadily increasing enrollment numbers at VMOU reflect that society at large is now embracing distance learning as a credible and effective mode of education.

Talking about his inspiration leading him to the path of teaching, Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani candidly shares that education was never his initial career choice. His father had envisioned him becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA), and in pursuit of that dream, he even stayed in Delhi for a few months. However, the vibrant and fulfilling experience of his college life drew him back—so much so that he abandoned his CA plans and returned to pursue his post-graduation. It was during this phase that he realized his calling lay in teaching, particularly in the enriching environment of a university.

He began his career as a lecturer in a government college and, in 1982, received the opportunity to join a university. This marked the beginning of a fulfilling 32-year-long tenure at Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU), Udaipur. As an academician, Dr. Sodani not only taught but also shouldered various administrative roles such as Dean, Head of Department, Dean of Student Welfare, and Chief Warden. These multifaceted responsibilities provided him with deep insights and administrative training, which proved invaluable when he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of MDS University, Ajmer in 2014.

Drawing from the experience and grooming he received at MLSU, Dr. Sodani effectively led MDS University. Later, he was entrusted with the significant responsibility of establishing and leading Govind Guru Tribal University, which covers the tribal-dominated districts of Dungarpur, Banswara, and Pratapgarh. His mission was clear—to ignite the desire for higher education among the tribal population and bridge the educational gap in the region.

Under his leadership, the university made significant strides. New academic buildings were constructed, around 150 colleges were granted affiliation, and today, over 1.5 lakh students are part of the university ecosystem. The institution has had a profound impact on the tribal community, making higher education and employment opportunities more accessible, thereby uplifting the region’s socio-economic status. Dr. Sodani believes that infrastructural developments like the Mahi Dam brought economic changes to the region, and now, the university is playing a pivotal role in driving intellectual and cultural progress.

Currently, he serves as the Vice-Chancellor of Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, a role he has held for the past three years. He shares that VMOU's functioning is distinct from traditional universities, and rightly so—it caters to the modern demand for flexible, accessible education through the distance mode. In today’s fast-paced world, many students prefer entering the workforce right after school. Dr. Sodani supports this mindset, stating that while gaining work experience, students can simultaneously pursue their graduation or post-graduation through distance education. This dual-track model leads to what he calls “dual development”—both academic and professional.

Over the last three years, he and his team have introduced several impactful initiatives that have significantly enhanced the university’s reputation across Rajasthan. The State Government now entrusts VMOU with conducting major competitive examinations, such as the PTET, and D.El.Ed and Physical Education entrance exams, which see participation by lakhs of students. The university has earned widespread respect for conducting these exams with transparency, efficiency, and integrity.

Dr. Sodani believes that he is fulfilling his responsibilities with utmost dedication and honesty, and he sees his role not just as a position of leadership but as a mission to bring inclusive, quality education to every doorstep through the powerful medium of distance and online learning.

Reflecting on his formative years, Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani fondly recalls that his academic career began in a very small village located in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district. He often tells his peers that students in rural schools often receive more opportunities for all-round development than those studying in large urban institutions. His village school, though modest in scale, was rich in spirit and resources—especially in the realm of sports. The presence of dedicated teachers and a well-maintained playground fostered a balanced environment where students could focus on both academics and physical activity.

One of the most influential aspects of his early education was the guidance he received in public speaking. His teachers not only encouraged him to speak but went the extra mile by writing speeches for him and helping him practice with discipline. This early exposure laid the foundation for his confidence and oratory skills.

As he transitioned into college life, Prof. Sodani found a similarly nurturing atmosphere that propelled him to explore student leadership. He became actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a platform that provided him with new experiences and helped shape his personality further. His involvement in student politics, particularly winning elections and serving as the Secretary of the Student Union, gave him a deeper understanding of leadership and organizational work. Throughout this phase, his teachers continued to support and motivate him, helping him grow academically and personally.

Prof. Sodani strongly believes in the power of consistent effort. He shares from experience that there are no shortcuts to success—work must be done with sincerity. He often tells his students not to focus obsessively on the results, but rather to keep working hard with dedication, because the results will eventually align with the effort.

In his view, one of the major challenges facing India today is the lack of a strong work culture. To compete with global powers like China, the United States, or Japan, he believes India must adopt a similar sense of commitment to work. The way people in these countries approach their professional responsibilities—with punctuality, discipline, and integrity—is something he feels Indians must embrace to move forward.

He advocates moving beyond a holiday-driven mindset and aligning our schedules with international standards—emphasizing punctual office attendance and focused work hours. Equally important, he says, is the need for citizens to follow the rule of law. In his words, governance is not solely the government’s responsibility; citizens too play a vital role in building the nation.

Prof. Kailash Sodani urges everyone to become responsible citizens—to respect the law, uphold ethical values, and contribute positively to society. Only when individuals embrace accountability and discipline, he believes, can both personal growth and national progress be truly achieved.

When speaking about his role models, Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani emphasizes the profound influence of Swami Vivekananda and Acharya Rajneesh (Osho) on his thinking. He shares that reading their works provides him with new perspectives and a sense of direction. Their philosophical insights continue to guide his personal and professional life.

He also admires Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his eloquence and oratory skills, describing him as a speaker who has always inspired him with his powerful communication and dignified presence. In terms of work ethic and unwavering dedication, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands out as a figure who motivates him deeply.

Prof. Sodani believes that these personalities have lived their lives with extraordinary focus and purpose, dedicating themselves entirely to their goals. Inspired by their example, he aspires to lead his own life with the same level of commitment, believing that such dedication will open up even greater opportunities for growth and contribution.

VMOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani firmly believes that one should always maintain a positive mindset in life. According to him, negativity not only harms others but also disturbs one's own mental peace, leading to stress and emotional unrest. In contrast, a positive attitude fosters happiness, reduces stress, and contributes to creating a more peaceful environment for oneself and others.

He emphasizes that every individual comes into this world with their own destiny and is engaged in their own karmic path. Therefore, as much as possible, one should try to support and uplift others. This spirit of mutual support lays the foundation for effective teamwork. He believes that no organization can function solely through the efforts of a leader—success is always the result of a strong and united team. And such a team can only thrive when its members carry a positive outlook and believe in one another.

Prof. Sodani himself strives to uphold this approach in his leadership. He shares that he consciously makes an effort to stay positive not just about situations, but also about the people around him. In fact, he believes that a good leader must develop the ability to overlook minor mistakes—to resist the urge to judge people for their errors and instead focus on moving forward. By doing so, one naturally fosters a healthy, trusting, and productive organizational culture where both the team and its leader can truly enjoy their work.

Prof. (Dr.) Kailash Sodani offers heartfelt advice to the students of his open university—urging them to study sincerely, give their best to their existing jobs, and above all, to nurture a deep sense of responsibility toward the nation.

To regular students, he emphasizes that progress doesn't solely come from classroom teaching. Instead, true academic growth is shaped in the library and the laboratory. In today’s 21st-century world—especially in the era of Artificial Intelligence—he believes that practical exposure and innovation through lab work are essential.

For students pursuing education through the distance mode, he advises them to make the most of their available time. “Study with full dedication whenever you can,” he says, “because those efforts will surely bear fruit.” He cites the example of Acharya Rajneesh (Osho), who, he believes, rose to such great intellectual heights solely because of his habit of deep reading. Dr. Sodani encourages students to develop a love for reading and to treat books as lifelong companions. “If you ever choose a gift for someone,” he suggests, “make it a book—because it is through books that a nation truly moves forward.”

He urges his students to blend national consciousness with a pride in India’s cultural heritage, while dedicating themselves fully to learning and teaching. He envisions a future where students become research-oriented thinkers, contributing to the development of new innovations and indigenous products that will help India shine in global markets and strengthen its economy.

Closing his #meriKahani, he makes a sincere appeal:

“You are the future of this nation’s work culture. To bring about real change, begin today. Use every single minute of your life wisely—whether in study or in work. That is all I expect from you.”