With over 26 years of experience in academia, Dr. Sanjay Purkar is leading SKITM as Director. A topper throughout his student years, he has guided 8 PhD scholars and contributed to over 200 research papers. His commitment to education and student success has made him a respected leader in the field.

Dr. Sanjay Purkar has been serving as the Director of Shivajirao Kadam Institute of Technology and Management (SKITM) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, for the past eight years.

Dr. Purkar highlights that the institute offers eight engineering streams, including Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, as well as IT and CSIT.

In addition to its engineering programs, the college also offers full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses. Notably, SKITM is the only institute in Madhya Pradesh affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) to offer a five-year integrated MBA program.

SKITM has been accredited with an 'A' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The institute has also been granted autonomous status, making it the fourth autonomous college in Madhya Pradesh. Director Purkar explains that autonomy enables the institution to design and update its curriculum in alignment with current industry trends and requirements.

With a strong focus on industry-relevant education, SKITM collaborates with professionals across various sectors to develop a modern syllabus that prepares students to be placement-ready. This proactive approach is one of the key reasons why SKITM consistently achieves higher placement rates compared to many other colleges in the region.

Talking about his strong foundation in academics, Dr. Sanjay Purkar reflects on his significant accomplishments in the field of education. After completing his own PhD, he has successfully supervised eight PhD candidates, contributing to the academic growth of many aspiring scholars. Dr. Purkar has authored over 50 research papers as the primary author and, in collaboration with M.Tech and PhD candidates, has published more than 200 research papers. His contributions extend beyond research, as he has also written a book for Vrinda Publications, further solidifying his role as an academic leader.

Director Dr. Sanjay Purkar recalls he was regularly recognized as the Best Student in school and consistently held either the 1st or 2nd position throughout his school years. He cleared the MPSC exams in Maharashtra but chose not to join. One of the most significant milestones in his life, however, was securing the position of Director at this college. Dr. Purkar emphasizes that this role gives him the opportunity to guide students, seeing each one as a representative of their family. He highlights that by supporting a single student, he is indirectly supporting the entire family. For example, if one student is connected to 40 people then he is indirectly supporting 40 people connected to that student. This responsibility, he believes, has enabled him to make meaningful contributions to society and serve others in a truly impactful way.

Speaking about his personal background, Dr. Sanjay Purkar shares that he hails from the quaint village of Nandwel, located in Muktainagar Taluka of Jalgaon District, Maharashtra. With a population of just around 900, the village is nestled amidst the lush green landscapes of the Satpura range—surrounded by mountains on three sides and bordered by dam backwaters on the fourth, giving it the serene charm of a hill station. Dr. Purkar reflects fondly on his humble beginnings, describing a simple lifestyle rooted in nature and discipline, with a strong focus on academics from an early age.

Dr. Sanjay Purkar recalls that until Class 4, he studied at the government primary school in his village, where each class had only 6 to 7 students. He shares that both his teachers and his father were very strict, which instilled a strong sense of discipline in him from an early age. During that time, he explains, teachers held a firm belief that students should remain focused, avoid mischief, and uphold sincerity and discipline in all aspects of learning. This environment played a pivotal role in shaping his academic mindset.

After completing his primary education, Dr. Sanjay Purkar pursued his studies from Class 5 to Class 12 in the science stream at Muktainagar, Maharashtra. Due to the lack of transport facilities at the time, he stayed in a rented room in the town to continue his schooling. He had opted for both combinations—Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) and Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM)—which opened up two distinct career paths: one in Engineering and the other in Medicine. Dr. Purkar says that he was inclined towards pursuing MBBS and had scored an impressive 87% in the PCB group. However, with that score, the only available option was a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Sciences, not a full-fledged MBBS. On the other hand, engineering colleges were very limited in number back then, and he doubted whether he would secure admission in Mechanical Engineering, his preferred branch.

However, after securing admission in Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Sanjay Purkar found himself increasingly drawn to the field and decided to fully commit to it. Before that, he had briefly enrolled in a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMS) program and attended classes for about a month. However, once the opportunity to pursue engineering arose, he chose to withdraw from the BMS course and shifted his focus entirely to engineering education.

Continuing with his earlier experiences, Director Dr. Purkar shares that after completing Mechanical Engineering in 1994, he initially thought of entering the industry directly. He did, in fact, work in the industry for a year after completing his degree. However, his father, who had always been a source of guidance and encouragement, inspired him to pursue further education. Motivated by his father’s advice, Dr. Purkar decided to take the Maharashtra CET and secured the 9th rank in the state. This achievement led to his admission into the MBA program in Materials Management at the Institute of Management and Research in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

While pursuing his MBA, Dr. Sanjay Purkar also started teaching at the College of Technology in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. He managed both commitments successfully, as the learning hours for his MBA and the teaching hours were different, allowing him to balance both responsibilities.

After completing his MBA, Dr. Purkar was selected by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (Maharashtra Lok Seva Aayog) for the position of Deputy Director in Industrial Safety and Health. However, his father advised him against joining this department, urging him to stay in the field of education. His father suggested pursuing a postgraduate, despite the limited number of PG colleges in Maharashtra at that time.

Following this advice, Dr. Purkar came across an advertisement for admission to Samrat Ashok Technological Institute (SATI) in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. Though he had not cleared the GATE exam, he was able to secure a seat through the Sponsor category, with only one seat available out of two in that category. Dr. Sanjay Purkar completed his M.Tech at SATI in 2003.

In 2004, Dr. Sanjay Purkar had the opportunity to join a college in Indore, where he worked for 12 years before transitioning to his current role at Shivajirao Kadam Institute of Technology and Management (SKITM) in 2016. With a career spanning 26 years in the field of education, Dr. Purkar reflects on his life and considers himself fortunate for the opportunities he has had to work under well-known personalities. He acknowledges that these mentors, particularly the renowned teaching personalities he refers to as “Acharyas,” have played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Dr. Purkar credits his success and current position to the guidance and knowledge he gained from these influential figures.

Dr. Sanjay Purkar shares that his inspiration to pursue a career in academics comes from his father, who is not only his role model but also a significant influence on his professional life. His father, who started as a primary school teacher and later became the Headmaster, exposed Dr. Purkar to the world of teaching and learning from a young age. Observing his father’s dedication to education, Dr. Purkar learned the value of not just academic knowledge but also life lessons, particularly in personality development. This early exposure to the teaching pedagogy and his father's holistic approach to education inspired Dr. Purkar to follow in his footsteps and make a meaningful contribution to the field of academics.

Talking about the other role models in his life, Dr. Purkar reflects on the influence of various individuals who have shaped his career and inspired him throughout his career path. He remembers Dr. R.B. Ghodgaonkar, the principal at his previous college in Indore, an early mentor who left a lasting impact on him. Dr. Purkar also mentions Dr. A.G. Ambekar from SGSITS, who held the position of Director, as a key figure in his professional development. In addition, his PhD supervisor, Dr. A.I. Khandwala is someone from whom he learned invaluable lessons and guidance.

Dr. Purkar expresses deep gratitude towards Dr. Piyush Trivedi, who has been a significant influence since he joined SKITM. He credits Dr. Trivedi for his unwavering support and blessings, which have been crucial to his personal and professional growth. Dr. Purkar acknowledges that each of these individuals has played a pivotal role in his life, with both Dr. A.I. Khandwala and Dr. Piyush Trivedi being especially instrumental in his success in the academic field.

Dr. Sanjay Purkar shares a Marathi quote that deeply inspires him:

“अनंद्दाजीवन आसा सुगन्दापरी दरबाड़ावा जिजुनि स्वता चंदनाने दुसऱया सब मधुगंद द्यावा”

He explains that, just as a lamp spreads light throughout a room, we should also aim to spread joy and happiness to others through our actions. He compares this idea to being like sandalwood, which, when rubbed, spreads fragrance for others to benefit from.

Dr. Sanjay Purkar highlights the central role of selflessness in his life, a value instilled in him by his spiritual guru, Dr. Gondavalekar Maharaj. His guru's teachings stress the importance of performing every action with a sense of devotion to God, a perspective that has shaped Dr. Purkar's approach to both his personal and professional life. He believes that when one dedicates their work and efforts to a higher power, everything else aligns harmoniously, leading to success and fulfillment. This philosophy not only drives his commitment to education but also motivates him to contribute positively to society, guiding and inspiring his students along the way.

Dr. Sanjay Purkar shares an inspiring message for students, urging them to work hard and deeply understand the subjects they study. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a career path that aligns with their interests and passions, as this is the key to success in any field. Dr. Purkar believes that by selecting the right career, students can not only achieve personal success but also contribute meaningfully to their families, society, and nation. His ultimate goal is to guide every student to excel in their chosen path and make a positive impact in the world.