Starting in 1994, Dr. Tarita has been a transformative figure in education through her role as Chairperson of the Indira Group of Institutes (IGI) in Pune. Beginning with a modest MBA program for 60 students, IGI has grown to educate 16,000 students across various levels, from playgroup to postgraduate studies. Dr. Tarita’s leadership focuses on holistic education, shaping students into conscientious global citizens.

Dr. Tarita Shankar, the Chairperson of the esteemed Indira Group of Institutes (IGI) in Pune, embarked on her remarkable educational journey in 1994. Together with her brother, she laid the foundation of this esteemed institution, which has since grown exponentially, touching the lives of thousands of students across various levels of education.

The Indira Group of Institutes began as a modest endeavour, offering Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses to an inaugural cohort of just 60 students. Through dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence, the institution has evolved into a thriving academic hub that now encompasses 16,000 students, spanning from playgroup programs to postgraduate studies. Many of the group’s colleges have achieved top rankings among India's best educational institutions, and the group also operates esteemed PHD centres.

At the core of IGI's educational philosophy lies a dedication not only to impart knowledge but also to shape the characters of its students, empowering them to become conscientious and empathetic global citizens. Dr. Tarita Shankar emphasises the group's mission to create a more livable and harmonious world by nurturing students' personal development alongside their academic growth. Under her visionary leadership, the Indira Group of Institutes continues to be a beacon of educational innovation and excellence.

Dr. Tarita Shankar recounts the institution's modest beginnings in 1994 when the Indira Institute of Management was established under the purview of the then Pune University, now known as Savitribai Phule Pune University. Initially, the institute started its journey in a rented 2000-square-foot space. At the time, Dr. Tarita was 29 years old and was working with another prominent group. However, recognizing the immense potential of the education field, she decided to dedicate herself full-time to the growth of IGI after a year.

As her brother joined her in this noble venture, the duo set out to redefine education by addressing the holistic needs and aspirations of students. Gradually, the institute diversified its academic offerings, expanding from MBA programs to include courses in Commerce, Arts, and Science, among others.

With a focus on growth and development, IGI relocated to its own premises in 2000, a location on the outskirts of the city that was owned by Dr. Tarita's parents. Over time, the institution continued to acquire more land, facilitating its rapid expansion and success.

Dr. Tarita attributes IGI's unique accomplishments to her and her brother's deep understanding of students' requirements. Recognizing that education transcends the boundaries of textbooks, they established an environment that fosters holistic development, equipping students with the skills and values needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. This student-centric approach remains the cornerstone of IGI's philosophy and is a testament to Dr. Tarita Shankar's unwavering commitment to educational excellence and innovation.

Dr. Tarita Shankar reminisces about her childhood memories and the pivotal moments that shaped her journey. Though her parents initially envisioned her pursuing a career in medicine, a chance encounter with frog dissection led to a shift in her academic interests, steering her away from Biology and towards Geography.

Born and raised in Pune, Dr. Tarita received her foundational education from St. Mira’s Secondary School and Modern College. One cherished memory that stands out from her childhood is the extraordinary experience of meeting the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who even went as far as to hold her in her arms—a moment that left a lasting impression on young Tarita.

As she continued her academic pursuits, Tarita earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Nowrosjee Wadia College, followed by a Bachelor in Law from Symbiosis School of Law. Faced with financial constraints upon completing her studies, she entered the workforce immediately. However, her relentless dedication and exceptional contributions to the field of education eventually earned her a well-deserved doctorate from Chitkara University, solidifying her standing as a distinguished educational leader.

Reflecting on her enriching experiences, Dr. Tarita Shankar recounts the life-changing impact of participating in the esteemed Owner/President Management (OPM) program at the Harvard Business School. The program granted her invaluable exposure to diverse cultural perspectives, fostering a profound broadening of her horizons and augmenting her knowledge.

As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, Dr. Tarita's leadership shone brightly. IGI swiftly adapted to the new normal by transitioning entirely to online learning, a proactive step that earned the institution recognition and accolades, including an award for Best Online Education at the esteemed Education Awards in Mumbai. Further demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the well-being of students, Dr. Tarita spearheaded CARE sessions during the lockdown, providing a supportive space for students to navigate the emotional complexities of the uncertain times.

Under her visionary guidance, IGI has continually demonstrated a strong dedication to corporate social responsibility, undertaking a range of initiatives that benefit society. From donating ambulances and offering scholarships to constructing libraries and roads, Dr. Tarita's institute prioritises giving back to the community. Moreover, IGI places great importance on providing international exposure to students, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Drawing from her upbringing, Dr. Tarita emphasises the significance of maintaining a balanced diet—a practice instilled in her by her father. She motivates her students to adopt healthy eating habits and engage in regular exercise, further fostering their holistic development. Inspired by her mother's discipline and fearlessness, Dr. Tarita incorporates these values into her leadership approach and continually aspires to emulate her role model, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in both her personal and professional pursuits.

Beyond her professional accolades, Dr. Tarita Shankar reveals a vibrant personal life characterised by a zest for enjoyment and exploration. Embracing a well-rounded lifestyle, Dr. Tarita takes pleasure in socialising, frequently delighting in lively gatherings and celebrations. Her leisure pursuits extend to the realm of travel, as she cherishes the enriching experiences and diverse perspectives gained through exploring new destinations.

Additionally, Dr. Tarita harbours a penchant for the culinary arts, relishing opportunities to create and savour delectable dishes. She also indulges in the captivating world of cinema, finding both entertainment and inspiration in the stories that unfold on the silver screen.

Reflecting on the importance of maintaining balance and cherishing life's simple pleasures, Dr. Tarita encourages the youth to carve out moments for respite and reflection amidst their pursuits. She advocates for immersing oneself in the beauty of nature, urging them to savour the serenity of a gentle rain and appreciate the profound joys that life has to offer.

If granted the chance to traverse time in a time machine, Dr. Tarita muses that she would be intrigued to explore the life of a married woman, embracing the fulfilling roles of a partner and parent within a warm, loving home. Nonetheless, she derives immense satisfaction from her current path, knowing that her endeavours have positively impacted the lives of countless young individuals, guiding them towards promising futures.

Guided by the philosophy that "You live only once" and "Life is beautiful," Dr. Tarita embraces an optimistic, resilient outlook, urging others to persevere in the face of adversity and cherish each moment. Furthermore, she advocates for viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and personal development, encouraging everyone to extract valuable lessons from their experiences and transform obstacles into stepping stones on their journey towards success.