From his early passion for cricket to becoming Pro-Vice-Chancellor of SAGE University, Dr. Neeraj Upmanyu's journey showcases significant milestones. Guided by esteemed mentors, his career spanned academia, the Pharmacy Council of India, and NIPER. He contributed to national pharmaceutical education reforms and fostered research-led education at SAGE. Dr. Neeraj emphasizes learning, spirituality, and the preservation of Indian culture as vital lessons for future generations.

Dr. Neeraj Upmanyu is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sanjeev Agrawal Global Educational (SAGE) University, Bhopal.

Dr. Upmanyu has a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya. He is a proud alumnus of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, from where he completed his Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm). He also pursued his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the same college.

Reflecting on his current role, Dr. Neeraj shares that he arrived at SAGE University with a vision to establish a mechanism and strengthen the system. At that time, discussions were focused on the National Education Policy (NEP), and SAGE took on the challenge to be the first university in Madhya Pradesh to implement it. During this period, education became a focal point, with conversations revolving around the development of teachers and digital education in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Dr. Neeraj took on the responsibility of ensuring proper documentation of the university, refining pedagogy, providing technical support, and enhancing student exposure through internships. His vision emphasized the overall development of students, aligning with the holistic education principles set forth in the NEP. After his dedicated efforts, SAGE University proudly emerged as the first institution in Central India to fully implement the National Education Policy in its true sense.

As an academic administrator, another vision of Dr. Neeraj Upmanyu for SAGE was to strengthen the research system of the university. Hence, they contacted various agencies and were able to get projects from DST, agricultural organisations, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science & Technology, and grants from the Department of Biotechnology. Dr. Neeraj envisions SAGE to be a research-led university rather than just a degree-awarding university.

Dr. Neeraj describes the best practices at SAGE, highlighting the Student Progression Index. Students undergo assessments and receive a career goal sheet, where they are encouraged to articulate their dreams. The process includes analyzing the training and mentorship needed, guiding students until they achieve their placement goals.

Dr. Neeraj invites students from across India and abroad to join SAGE University, Bhopal. Under the leadership of their Chairman and Chancellor, Engineer Sanjeev Agrawal, the university boasts a beautiful, lush green campus equipped with all amenities. At SAGE, students can meet diverse individuals, learn various languages, and develop a wide range of skills. The campus features dedicated sports complexes, laboratories, playgrounds, a guest house, and separate hostels for boys and girls, including a hostel specifically for international students.

During his PhD tenure, Dr. Neeraj pursued his research on Defence Research Development and Establishment (DRDE), also known as DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) for one and a half years. In his research, Dr. DK. Dubey stood as his mentor who later went on to become the director of DRDO and was also awarded with the Prime Minister Best Scientist Award of Defence. For him, Dr. Dubey is a role model and he feels proud to be his student.

Reflecting on his early days, Dr. Upmanyu recalls his love for explaining concepts and playing sports, particularly cricket, which he practiced for 9-10 hours daily. However, when he shared his dreams of becoming a cricketer with his mother, she encouraged him to focus on his studies, believing he was more suited for academics. This advice shifted his path, leading him to a career in education as an Assistant Professor at RKDF College of Pharmacy in Bhopal. After his PhD, Dr. Neeraj joined as an Associate Professor at The Institute of Pharmaceutical Research (IPR) at GLA University, Mathura. The next stop in his professional career was the School of Pharmacy & Research, People’s University Bhopal where he served as Professor & Dean of the Department.

In 2015, a pivotal moment came when two of Dr. Neeraj’s teachers visited his college for an inspection. Seizing the opportunity, he inquired of them about joining the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), to which they encouraged him. Soon after, Dr. Neeraj was nominated as a Sector Council Member at PCI, representing Madhya Pradesh. In this role, he interacted with esteemed professionals such as Dr. B. Suresh (Pro Vice-Chancellor, JSS University, Mysuru), Dr. Shailesh Saraf (then PCI Vice-President, now Director, NIPER Hajipur), Dr. Srivastava, Dr. Karvekar, and Dr. Swami, which helped him in shaping his career trajectory.

A young Dr. Neeraj Upmanyu was nominated as the Chairman of the Syllabus Committee for the Diploma in Pharmacy course. Dr. B. Suresh, the President, aimed to implement a uniform B.Pharm syllabus, and Dr. Neeraj contributed to its formulation, which is now followed across India. He was later appointed to the M.Pharm syllabus committee as well. Dr. Neeraj praises the new National Education Policy 2020 for its positive impact and dedicates his work on the syllabus committee to the late Dr. V. Gopal.

A challenge in the field of Pharmacy, according to Dr. Neeraj, was that of equivalence. To address this, they formed a Foreign Equivalence Committee, and Dr. Neeraj was appointed a member of the committee under the mentorship of Dr. Shailesh Saraf. Soon, discussions turned to creating an online mechanism for the Pharmacy Council of India, similar to AICTE. Dr. Neeraj expressed interest in joining this new committee due to the exposure he’d gain working with NIC Hyderabad, Dr. Rajshekar (then Director General), Dr. Pradeep Desai (Consultant, Pharmacy Council of India), Dr. Archana Mudgal (Registrar cum Secretary), Dr. Mittal, and Dr. Vishal Gupta. Together, they worked on developing the online platform for pharmacy approvals. His journey with the Pharmacy Council of India ended in 2021.

After gaining valuable experience, Dr. Neeraj aspired to join a government job. He applied for several positions and was selected as Registrar at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Hajipur, under the Ministry of Pharmaceuticals and Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. In this role, he closely collaborated with the then-minister and secretary of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. He met scientists from countries like Poland and the USA. However, due to family reasons, Dr. Neeraj returned to Bhopal in 2021 and became an Academic Administrator, later assuming the role of Pro-Vice Chancellor at SAGE University, Bhopal.

Sharing a glimpse of his challenges, Dr. Neeraj quotes, “Life is a continuous learning process,” emphasising that there will be tough situations where one must remain calm and composed, and tackle issues with maturity. He recalls a nostalgic moment while working at the Pharmacy Council of India when the council's President called him while he was at New Delhi Railway Station. He was asked to attend the International Pharmaceutical Federation meeting in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, managing a team of 15 experienced individuals, which was a significant challenge for him. This experience provided him with lifelong learning opportunities, albeit filled with challenges.

Dr. Neeraj shares yet another challenging moment he encountered while working as a registrar at NIPER. He was called by his director, who informed him that the students' convocation could not take place due to his failure to secure appointments with the secretary and the chairman. In response, Dr. Neeraj requested a two-month extension from the director. He reached out to a company in Kolkata to arrange the convocation online, secured a date from the Secretary Ms. Aparna, and arranged an appointment with Dr. Sanjay Singh, Vice Chancellor of Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, along with all other members. After three months of effort, the online convocation for NIPER, Hajipur was successfully conducted, marking it one of the happiest and most challenging moments he will always remember.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Upmanyu expresses that his mother stands out as his greatest inspiration. He recounts a poignant chapter from his life: he lost his father when he was just a year old. In the absence of his father, his mother confronted numerous hardships, often relying on just one saree to wear. Raised in his grandfather’s household, Dr. Upmanyu sees his mother as a divine figure—his God and guru—who made countless sacrifices for his well-being. When she was just 19 years old, she took on the monumental responsibility of nurturing him as a child. Dr. Neeraj admires her story for exemplifying the remarkable power of will and discipline required to achieve one's dreams and overcome adversity in life.

In the field of education, Dr. Neeraj considers his supervisor, Prof. Pradeep Mishra from Sagar University, as a role model due to his extensive knowledge and expertise in pharmaceutical chemicals. Dr. Mishra mentored him during his postgraduate studies and PhD. Additionally, Dr. Neeraj looks up to Dr. D.K. Dubey for his insights into DRDO. As he progressed further in his educational journey, Dr. Suresh, Dr. Shailesh Saraf, and Dr. Karvekar also became significant role models for him. His spiritual guru, Pt. Suresh Shankar Shastri, Chairman of the Sanskrit Board in Madhya Pradesh, also serves as a source of inspiration.

Dr. Neeraj demonstrates his deep spirituality, highlighting his connection to the bhajan “राधे मेरी स्वामिनी” from his visit to Vrindavan with his family. He expresses gratitude towards his guru, Pt. Suresh Shankar Shastri, and the saints of Vrindavan for their advocacy of Sanatana Dharma and their messages to society.

A quote that deeply touches his heart is,

“परिंदों को मंज़िल मिलेगी, ये फैले हुए उनके पंख बोलते हैं, अक्सर वो लोग खामोश रहते हैं जिनके हुनर बोलते हैं ।”

Dr. Neeraj also draws a parallel between studying at an institute and a university. He shares how, in an institute, students are confined to a specific area and atmosphere. In contrast, a university environment allows students to engage with various departments, meet their colleagues, and share their thoughts, fostering an overall atmosphere that enhances personal development.

Dr. Neeraj also sheds light on SAGE’s approach to experiential and problem-based learning, emphasising hands-on training, case discussions with industry experts, and enhancing student interaction and skills development. He shares a short story about an American entrepreneur who received an order worth 50 crores and started work with full enthusiasm. However, after two days, his machine stopped working. He called engineers from his vicinity, but none could help. Finally, a technician hit the machine with a hammer three times, and it started working. The technician charged a substantial fee, reflecting the value of his skill set rather than just the act of fixing the machine. The moral of the story is that while learning is important, acquiring the right skill set is even more crucial. Therefore, he advises all students to focus on their skills and learning, and SAGE is committed to progressing in this area.

In his message to the citizens of India, Dr. Neeraj emphasizes that the country, once home to great institutions like Takshashila and Nalanda, should look up to them as role models instead of leaning towards Western culture. He believes that a society can thrive only when its education system is strong and consolidated. Dr. Neeraj stresses that the contribution of every Indian is essential to bring about meaningful change in the nation’s education system and society as a whole.

Dr. Neeraj Upmanyu urges everyone to look at women with respect. He laments how we all are forgetting our values in this fast-paced world. Dr. Upmanyu advises people to teach and sensitize the new generation about Sanatana Dharma, our ancestors, and our Indian culture. He advises watching the Bhaktmaal Gaatha serials by Swami Karun Dass Ji Maharaj on YouTube which has tales from Tulsidas to Mirabai. Dr. Neeraj also feels the need to educate the current generation about the Ramayana and the history of India.

Dr. Neeraj reflects on how Prime Minister Modi has envisioned a future for a developed India, a dream shared by the citizens of the nation. He encourages every individual to contribute to this vision, drawing a parallel to the construction of Ram Setu, where each ‘vanar’ contributed a stone. Similarly, he believes that to see a truly developed India, contributions are needed across all fields—whether it be technology, medicine, or education. Dr. Neeraj emphasizes that collective effort is key to the nation's success.

Dr. Neeraj concludes by saying that “If there is food shortage, only people die; but if culture fades away, the entire civilization dies.”