With over two decades of experience, Dr. Sumeet Khurana has been instrumental in transforming a Central India-based B-School into a center of industry-relevant education. Known for integrating academics with skill development and personality grooming, he focuses on producing well-rounded, job-ready professionals.

A seasoned academician, Dr. Sumeet Khurana has been a pivotal figure in steering the growth and vision of the Faculty of Management Studies at Shivajirao Kadam Institute of Technology and Management (SKITM) in Indore as its Director.

A PhD degree holder, Dr. Khurana has a vast experience of 25 years in the academic field. For the past 15 years, he has played a key role in developing the Management  Department of the institution, transforming it into a hub of academic excellence and industry-relevant education.

Dr. Khurana credits the remarkable progress of SKITM to the visionary leadership of its three foundational pillars—Dr. Shivajirao Kadam, Dr. Piyush Trivedi, and Dr. D.P. Agrawal. Unlike conventional corporate-driven institutions that often prioritize commercial interests over education, SKITM stands out for its unwavering commitment to academic integrity and societal contribution, guided by these academic stalwarts.

At the core of the Management Department’s philosophy under Dr. Khurana’s leadership are three essential traits: Academic Excellence, Skill Enhancement, and Personality Development. He emphasizes that their goal is not only to make students employable but also to equip them to become future employers. Given that SKITM operates in a largely Hindi-speaking region, preparing students to compete on a national level—especially in English-dominated corporate environments—is a critical part of the department’s agenda.

Dr. Khurana and his team are committed to shaping well-rounded professionals who meet the evolving needs of industry. The Faculty of Management Studies at SKITM focuses on delivering a complete, industry-ready product—one that blends strong academic grounding, practical skills, and confident, well-groomed personalities ready to thrive in the competitive corporate world.

Dr. Sumeet Khurana emphasizes that the institution stands apart because of the strong academic vision laid down by its leadership. Driven by stalwarts like Dr. Shivajirao Kadam, Dr. Piyush Trivedi, and Dr. D.P. Agrawal, the FMS operates with a mission to not just impart education, but to deliver meaningful contributions to society by nurturing industry-ready professionals.

FMS Director Dr. Khurana explains that management education at SKITM goes far beyond theoretical frameworks. The department prioritizes practical exposure, ensuring students are not just learning concepts but also understanding how to apply them in real-world settings. He shares that their curriculum is designed around case-based pedagogy, where students study and analyze both successful enterprises and failed business ventures. This dual perspective equips students with critical thinking and decision-making abilities, preparing them to handle real-time challenges once they step into the corporate world.

A key feature of the academic structure at FMS is the mandatory internship at the end of every semester. This recurring engagement with industry fosters a strong connection between academia and corporate practices. Dr. Khurana notes that many of their students secure final placements directly from their internship experiences, which he considers a testimony to the relevance and quality of education provided. Internships, in his view, aren't just exposure—they’re bridges to opportunity.

Beyond academics and internships, the department places a strong emphasis on skill development. Dr. Khurana firmly believes that in today's competitive market, companies don’t merely evaluate the reputation of the institution but focus on the individual candidate's skills and adaptability. Therefore, SKITM has structured its programs to develop well-rounded professionals. Core skills in Finance, Marketing, Logistics, and Business Analytics are taught in tandem with the core MBA curriculum, equipping students for both job placements and entrepreneurial ventures.

Another cornerstone of the program is personality development. Dr. Khurana underlines that the region SKITM caters to is predominantly Hindi-speaking, and in a pan-India corporate landscape, communication and personality become key differentiators. The department ensures students build strong articulation skills, confidence, and personal presence—attributes that are indispensable not only for corporate success but even for fields like politics or public service.

According to Dr. Khurana, the mission of the Faculty of Management Studies is to produce “complete products” — graduates who possess academic knowledge, real-world skills, and a confident personality. Whether students aim to join established companies, start their own ventures, or explore other sectors, the department is committed to equipping them with all necessary tools to succeed.

Shifting to his personal background, Dr. Khurana shares that his inclination towards academics came early, influenced deeply by his father—a Professor of Chemistry at Holkar Science College, Indore. Watching his father meticulously prepare lecture notes and commit to classroom excellence planted the early seeds of academic discipline in him. This upbringing laid the foundation for Dr. Khurana's eventual decision to pursue a career in teaching after completing his MBA from the prestigious Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Indore.

He recalls how his father had a disciplined approach to teaching. Every morning before heading to college, he would prepare meticulously—not by carrying notes or textbooks, but with just a piece of chalk. “I only carry a chalk, and I talk,” he would say. This philosophy of "chalk, walk, and talk" left a deep impression on Dr. Sumeet and became a lifelong lesson in academic discipline. He learned early on that thorough preparation before entering the classroom is a teacher's most powerful tool.

Interestingly, Dr. Khurana never consciously planned to become a teacher. Yet, the inspiration drawn from watching his father seamlessly blend academics with personality and leadership made a lasting impact on him. His father wasn’t just a teacher—he was also an NCC and Scout leader  and a state-level lawn tennis player. Dr. Khurana says he grew up with these three foundational traits deeply ingrained: academics, leadership, and sportsmanship. As a child, he would accompany his father to the tennis court, picking up tennis balls and handing them back during practice sessions. This routine, he shares, conditioned his body and mind so much that by 4:30 p.m. every day, he would instinctively feel the urge to be on the tennis court.

Eventually, tennis became a personal pursuit. By the time he completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry, he was regularly playing tennis. Around the same time, MBA programs were gaining popularity due to their aspirational appeal and career prospects. He appeared for the MBA entrance exams and was selected for a specialization in Finance. Simultaneously, he received a job offer from Times Bank, which later merged with HDFC Bank. During that period, he had the option to secure a permanent position at the bank.

However, fate had other plans. Around the same time, he also got the opportunity to work as a faculty member at a university. Weighing both options, Dr. Khurana realized that only one profession could allow him to continue playing tennis with the same regularity and dedication: teaching. Though the banking job offered a better financial package, he followed in his father’s footsteps and chose academia. Over time, he developed a genuine love for teaching, and what started as a career choice soon turned into a passion.

He proudly shares that he always prepares his lectures thoroughly and believes in speaking “from your stomach”—meaning, knowledge should come from within, not be read off a screen or a book. For him, teaching is most effective when it is internalized and delivered with clarity and conviction.

Dr. Khurana recalls his early teaching years when he was hired as a visiting faculty member. In those days, young teachers were often assigned subjects that others were unwilling or unable to teach. Rather than resist, he embraced the challenge, using it as an opportunity to grow and expand his knowledge base. According to him, money is secondary—what matters most is passion for the profession and the joy of being part of the student community.

Even today, tennis continues to be his go-to hobby and stress buster. He devotes nearly 2 to 3 hours every evening to the tennis court, a practice he’s maintained for years.

Talking about his educational background, Dr. Khurana shares that he comes from a middle-class family. His father, being a Government Professor, prioritized quality education. Dr. Khurana was fortunate to study at St. Paul’s School, Indore, until Class 12 with a PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) combination. He then pursued his B.Sc. from Holkar Science College, followed by an M.Sc. in Chemistry.

During his M.Sc., he discovered that the IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) regional center was also located at Holkar Science College. This allowed him to stay connected with the academic environment and inspired him to simultaneously pursue a Bachelor's in Tourism Studies from IGNOU. Later, he completed his MBA and also went on to earn a Masters in Tourism Management from IGNOU, demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary learning.

Another influential element in his life, again inspired by his father, was the National Cadet Corps (NCC). He enrolled in the Air Wing of NCC while at Holkar Science College and completed his 'C' Certificate. He credits NCC with teaching him leadership, discipline, and the ability to thrive in adversity. He recalls being lucky enough to train in rifles, pistols, and even fly gliders—despite having a knee condition. These experiences not only built his resilience but also taught him how to adapt and lead in diverse situations.

Dr. Khurana firmly believes that NCC should be a part of every student's graduation journey and recommends it as a credit-worthy activity that builds character.

He shares another strong belief of his: every student should engage in sports. According to him, being a sports person teaches you how to win with humility and lose with grace. More than just physical activity, sports, he says, are like meditation—they cultivate discipline, offer self-satisfaction, and nurture the resilience needed to succeed in any field of life.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Sumeet says that he  believes that the earliest role models in anyone’s life are their parents and grandparents. From the moment a child opens their eyes, it is their family that begins shaping their character. He shares that his father was—and continues to be—his greatest role model. Though he deeply misses his father, he cherishes the values and lessons passed down to him by his father. These teachings, he says, were not only verbal but demonstrated consistently through actions. They’ve become an inseparable part of his personality and continue to define how he is recognized in society today.

As life progresses, he says, new inspirations emerge—teachers at school become role models, peers who outperform you in games push you to do better, and even professionals in unrelated fields can become sources of learning. “Life is always a learning curve,” he says. “And our job is to keep extending that curve.”

Dr. Khurana strongly believes that if someone is better than you in any field—be it sports, academics, or even something as simple as cooking—then instead of feeling inferior, one should admire them, observe them, and learn from them. This, he says, is not just a mindset—it’s also what management education trains you to do: observe, analyze, adapt, and improve. He adds that personal growth is often about watching someone else do better and using that as motivation to refine yourself.

He shares a personal anecdote about his experience as a tennis player. Thanks to his involvement in the sport, he has had the opportunity to interact with several distinguished individuals, including IAS and IPS officers. Many of them have become familiar faces at his tennis club. “If a collector or a commissioner knows you by name, you feel lucky,” he says. “You can walk into their office without any obstacles and talk about your next match timing.”

However, what he admires even more than their recognition is their knowledge and discipline. These are individuals who have cleared India’s most competitive exams, manage districts and states, and hold high administrative positions. Observing them up close has taught him a great deal—not just about governance or systems, but about dedication, persistence, and excellence.

Dr. Khurana encourages students to learn from every person and situation around them. He believes learning doesn’t just come from those more accomplished, but also from those struggling. “Even a small vegetable vendor who works all day and night teaches you about hard work and efficiency,” he says. “And when you see people failing, you should analyze their mistakes so that you don’t repeat them.” According to him, learning is all around us—it just depends on our willingness to observe and absorb.

Though he doesn’t consider himself a poetic person, he finds spiritual and philosophical meaning in scriptures that have guided him in life. Two timeless pieces of wisdom that resonate deeply with him today are from the Bhagavad Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa.

He mentions the shloka from the Gita:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥

This, he says, emphasizes action without attachment to the result. “We should keep walking, keep doing our work, and not worry about the outcome,” he explains.

To this, he links a verse from the Hanuman Chalisa that speaks of fearlessness and faith:

“तुम रक्षक काहू  को डरना ”

—If Hanuman is your protector, whom should you fear?

Dr. Khurana interprets this as a message of surrender and faith. “If you do your work sincerely and tell God, ‘This is what you have asked me to do, and I am doing it with honesty,’ then leave the rest to Him. The outcome will be taken care of.”

He concludes this part of his reflection with a powerful message: work sincerely, give your best, do not chase results, and have unwavering faith that a higher power is guiding you. In that surrender, he believes, lies the path to peace, fulfillment, and ultimately, success.

Reflecting on his achievements, Dr. Sumeet Khurana begins with a philosophical note: “The first achievement of my life is that I was born as a human being—this itself is a blessing written by God.” From that foundational belief, he traces his journey of accomplishments, both personal and professional, shaped by time, decisions, and purpose.

One of the first milestones in his career was his selection in a national bank —an aspiration for many management graduates. Getting placed in the banking sector is considered a benchmark of success in MBA circles, and he acknowledges that it was a proud moment. However, in a defining turn, he chose the path of teaching over banking, prioritizing passion and purpose over package.

As an educator, he shares that his achievements have extended beyond academics. Dr. Khurana has represented his university in state-level teacher tournaments, particularly in tennis and badminton, where his team emerged victorious. These sporting successes highlight his commitment to maintaining a balanced life that blends intellect with physical fitness and team spirit.

In his teaching career, the achievements that matter most to him are not measured by titles or awards—but by the success of his students. He shares an emotional anecdote: “Whenever a student gets praised or lands a high-paying job, I feel genuinely proud. That is my real package.” He adds that he never compares his salary to theirs—his satisfaction comes from knowing he contributed to their journey.

One of his most memorable professional experiences was with one of his former students, Bharat Kulkarni, who initially secured a position at MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange), Mumbai. Bharat later went on to establish his own consultancy firm that specialized in setting up commodity and stock exchanges across the globe. His expertise took him to African countries like Tanzania and Kenya, where he was assigned the task of building a commodity exchange.

In an incredible full-circle moment, Bharat invited Dr. Khurana to Tanzania to deliver a 15-to-30-day training program on exchange systems to local stakeholders. Being called by a student, after over a decade, to deliver international sessions as a mentor was a moment of immense pride. "To be invited by your own student to train professionals in a foreign land—that’s a true milestone," he says.

On the academic front, Dr. Khurana has guided four to five research scholars through their Ph.D. programs, a contribution he counts among his important professional accomplishments. His scholarly work also includes authoring three to four academic books, widely read across various Indian universities. His published titles cover diverse topics such as Corporate Governance and Economics for Engineers, helping students across disciplines understand complex management concepts with clarity.

His research continues to be a regular part of his academic responsibilities. With multiple research papers published, he maintains that producing scholarly content is not just a requirement but a responsibility every educator must fulfill.

Despite all these accomplishments, Dr. Khurana remains grounded. For him, the ultimate achievement is seeing his students thrive—whether it's through successful placements, career growth, or entrepreneurial ventures. “Their success is my real success,” he affirms.

In his closing message, Dr. Sumeet Khurana extends heartfelt guidance to students, encouraging them to recognize the immense value of education at an institution like Shivajirao Kadam Institute of Technology and Management (SKITM). He emphasizes that SKITM is not just another academic institution, but one founded by visionary academicians who are genuinely committed to nurturing student potential—not driven by commercial interests, but by a passion for academic excellence and societal upliftment.

He urges students to understand that their core purpose as learners is to complete their academic journey with seriousness and dedication, and ultimately either secure strong placements in the corporate world, or through entrepreneurial ventures, or in other professional domains of their choosing. “We are here to guide you, support you, and shape your career with a full-fledged package of academics, skill-building, and personality development,” he affirms.

FMS Director Dr. Khurana reassures that at SKITM, students are not seen as customers, but as future contributors to society. The institute does not function with the mindset of profit-making but is anchored in the belief that quality education should be affordable and accessible. This philosophy, inherited from leaders like Dr. Shivajirao Kadam, Dr. Piyush Trivedi, and Dr. D.P. Agrawal, continues to guide the institution’s path. He adds that SKITM’s mission is to prepare students not just to enter the industry, but to become complete professionals—equipped, competent, and confident in whatever path they choose.

His advice to every student is to never forget their roots. “Whatever you do in life, always keep your parents in mind. Think of their dreams for you. Your success is their happiness, and your effort is their reward.” He encourages students to be grateful, responsible, and driven—not only to fulfill their personal ambitions but to uplift their families and, by extension, society and the nation.

“Come to SKITM, experience the difference, and see how much better you can become in your life,” he says with sincerity. Reflecting on the value of platforms like WORKMOB that document real-life experiences, he appreciates how these conversations allow educators to share authentic insights, making it easier for students to make informed choices.

He signs off with a simple yet powerful message:

“Be healthy. Be strong. Be a leader. Think about your parents. Think about your society. Automatically, the nation will grow. But above all—seek satisfaction in what you do. That’s the real success.”