Dr. Pradyumna Yadav has built a remarkable journey from academia to administration. He consistently topped his class, proving his academic prowess. His extensive teaching experience, beginning as a visiting lecturer at his alma mater and later moving to leadership roles, has provided him with a deep understanding of both student needs and faculty challenges.

Meet Dr. Pradyumna Yadav, Registrar at Oriental University, Indore. He begins his #MeriKahani with this shloka:

आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थो महान् रिपुः । नास्त्युद्यमसमो बन्धुः कृत्वा यं नावसीदति ॥

अर्थात

आलस्य मनुष्य का सबसे बड़ा शत्रु है । उद्यम के समान कोई  मित्र नहीं, जिसको करके वह कभी अवसाद को प्राप्त नहीं होता है।

Dr. Pradyumna Yadav holds an extensive academic background, including a Graduate Degree in Science, a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, an M.Phil in Energy & Environment, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Management. Additionally, Dr. Yadav is NET-qualified, having completed all his higher education at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. He was recognized as a meritorious student throughout his master’s program.

Shedding light on Oriental University, Dr. Pradyumna Yadav highlights its standing as the fourth-ranking private institution in Madhya Pradesh, offering a wide range of courses across disciplines such as Agriculture, Education, Management, Engineering, Law, and Pharmacy—excluding only Medical and Architecture programs. The university is set to expand further, aiming to introduce courses in Nursing, Paramedical, and Medical fields within the next two years, marking a significant milestone. With a strong intake of students, Oriental University is proud to see its graduates securing reputable placements or successfully establishing their own practices.

Dr. Yadav began his teaching career at his alma mater, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, where he conducted M.Tech and M.Phil classes from 1999 to 2004 as a visiting lecturer. Post-2004, he transitioned to private universities, accumulating 18 years of teaching experience and eight years of administrative expertise. Over the years, he has worked with prominent institutions such as Medi-Caps University, Acropolis Institute, VIT Bhopal, and the Mandleshwar Institute of Engineering & Technology.

When asked about his inspiration to pursue a career in education, Dr. Pradyumna Yadav reflects on his family background, sharing that his father, a retired professor from Agriculture University, Raipur, played a key role in shaping his path. Inspired by his father’s work, Dr. Yadav chose education as his profession, driven by the opportunity that he would get as a professor to guide and influence thousands of individuals. Over time, academic administration has evolved into a passion for Dr. Yadav with him finding joy in solving challenges and making decisions that positively impact the institution.

Dr. Pradyumna Yadav, now in an administrative role after years of teaching, brings a deep understanding of the challenges the students and the faculty members face. He notes that most student issues arise during admissions and exams, and his teaching background helps him support students and resolve problems more effectively. Balancing academics with administration comes naturally to him, and faculty or lab staff also approach him for guidance. A system guided by the top management of the university ensures that issues—from that of students to staff—are addressed as soon as possible. Beyond academics, Dr. Yadav supports students in planning their futures, discussing paths for higher education, entrepreneurship, or family business, helped by  various university clubs dedicated to these goals.

Reflecting on his early days, Dr. Pradyumna Yadav shares that he was born in Kanpur in 1974 and completed his primary education in Raipur. Attending a government school until 5th grade taught him to be self-reliant and confident in managing his tasks independently. After those formative years, he transferred to St. Paul’s School for the remainder of his education, from 6th to 12th grade. By the time he graduated from 12th grade, Dr. Yadav was fully capable of handling his responsibilities on his own.

He recalls that ever since he entered the 6th grade, his father has never visited his school or his workplace. Dr. Yadav’s family includes his wife, also a professor, and two sons—his younger son is a national-level table tennis player, while his elder son is an IIM graduate currently working with a prestigious company.

Discussing his challenges, Dr. Yadav shares that he initially studied in a Hindi-medium school through to higher education. When he transitioned into the science field after completing his 12th grade, he decided to switch to English as his medium of instruction. However, his first attempt in English led to poor exam results, and he was advised to return to his village and pursue something else. But Dr. Yadav did not give up. He scored 55% in his first year, 65% in the second year, and more than 70% in his final year. After making the shift from Hindi to English, Dr. Yadav went on to become the university topper in all subsequent degrees, including his MBA, M.Phil, and M.Sc.

Although Dr. Yadav began his PhD in Engineering Science; he had to drop it after four years due to unforeseen circumstances. However, he didn’t allow this setback to stop him. He completed his MBA and later earned his PhD in Management. Reflecting on his decision to leave his PhD in engineering, Dr. Yadav feels it would have limited his career to teaching just a bunch of students as a lecturer. Today, as part of the administration, he manages over 8,000 students and 400 staff members and has previously managed over 15,000 students and 500 staff members at VIT Bhopal. He believes that stepping away from his PhD in engineering was not a step back but rather the first step towards a greater leap forward.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Yadav says he draws inspiration from his father, whose principles and values he continues to follow. He says his father has always avoided three places: the hospital, the police station, and the court. From him, Dr. Yadav learned the importance of speaking less and speaking right, supporting what is right, and not fearing challenges. He learned to look for alternatives when faced with problems and to choose the best solution from them. Most importantly, he was taught never to leave a problem unsolved until a solution is found.

The song ‘Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana’ inspires him the most. The lyrics of this song have taught Dr. Yadav to live in the present, learn from the past, and not worry about the future.

In his message to students interested in joining Oriental University, Dr. Yadav shares that the university, established 30 years ago, focuses on providing individual attention to each student. The institution aims to help students secure placements, foster entrepreneurship through its startup cell, and guide them through its higher education club. Dr. Yadav emphasizes that the university’s fees are affordable and supported by government scholarships, ensuring that financial hardships do not prevent any student from completing their studies. The university's primary objective is to make education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background.

Dr. Yadav advises the youth of the country, observing that today’s generation seeks quick success without understanding the process of life. This journey, he emphasizes, begins with studying, progresses to earning, and ultimately includes taking on family responsibilities. He also reflects on the migration trends where many youths go abroad with the intention of earning money but eventually settle there with their families.

He stresses the importance of proper planning that aligns with one's abilities and potential. Dr. Yadav warns that when our goals do not match our capabilities, depression is inevitable. He believes that there is a defined path to success, and the youth must follow this route to achieve their goals.

Concluding his story, Dr. Yadav quotes, “Honesty is the best policy,” explaining that when you are true to yourself, you don’t need to prove anything to others; your actions will speak for themselves.

He also quotes,

“उद्यम के समान कोई मित्र नहीं जिसे करके वो कभी अवसाद को प्राप्त नहीं होता है,

अर्थात व्यक्ति परिश्रम करता है, तो वह दुखी नहीं होता और हमेशा खुश रहता है ।”