Emerging from humble rural beginnings, Prof. B. L. went on to lead the state’s largest distance learning ecosystems, focused on inclusive education, women empowerment and rural reach, driving NEP-aligned skill-based programs while expanding access to higher education for underserved communities.

Esteemed Prof. B. L. Verma is the Vice Chancellor of the Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota.

Prof. Verma begins his #MeriKahani by underlining his clear academic philosophy that education is the strongest companion in life and the foundation of respect in society.

Driven by this profound belief, he assumed charge as the Vice Chancellor of VMOU on 6 September 2025, appointed by the Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan, Haribhau Bagde. He expresses gratitude to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Higher Education Minister Dr. Premchand Bairwa for entrusting him with this responsibility, while also acknowledging the role of his parents, mentors, faculty members, staff, and students whose support and contribution form the foundation of his journey and his work at the university.

Prof. Verma views the open university as a structured ecosystem where faculty, infrastructure, and curriculum together define its effectiveness. He proudly states that the Vardhman Mahaveer Open University holds a unique position in Rajasthan as the only institution delivering education through the distance learning mode across rural and remote regions, reaching students in villages and underserved communities.

This responsibility, assigned by the University Grants Commission and the state government, focuses on providing access to education to those who have been unable to pursue education due to social and economic challenges.

A significant part of this vision is focused on women empowerment. The university actively provides free higher education opportunities for women, encouraging their participation and strengthening their confidence. This initiative has been widely appreciated not only within the state but across the country. At the same time, the broader objective is to increase the overall education ratio while ensuring inclusivity.

Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the university is also working toward introducing employment-oriented and skill-based programs. Alongside academic learning, there is a strong emphasis on value-based education aimed at personality development. He also highlights the importance of integrating elements of Indian knowledge systems, cultural heritage, and historical understanding into the curriculum.

Prof. B. L. Verma highlights that the university, building on this vision, and with the collective efforts of its professors, faculty members, staff, and students, is actively working toward introducing a wide range of new programs. The focus remains on developing employment-oriented courses that ensure students graduate not only with a degree but also with practical, skill-based certifications that strengthen their employability and economic stability.

Under the Commerce Stream, through the Board of Management, the university has initiated plans to introduce courses in Marketing, Insurance, and Banking. In addition, short-term certification programs in Tourism Management, designed for durations of three to six months, are being incorporated to align education with industry demand. Expanding further, the university is also integrating courses rooted in Indian Knowledge Systems, including elements of Vedic Practices and traditional learning methodologies within Sanskrit studies.

To support emerging fields, certificate programs in Journalism have been introduced with a focus on strengthening print media. Recognizing Rajasthan’s strong cultural, historical, and tourism significance—where a substantial proportion of international visitors travel—the university is also introducing Foreign Language Certification Courses in French, Spanish, and English. These programs aim to equip students with language skills that enable them to engage effectively with global visitors and contribute to the tourism sector.

At the same time, the university remains deeply aware of the challenges faced by students coming from rural backgrounds, many of whom belong to economically and socially weaker sections. To address this, approvals have been secured through the Board of Management for the construction of two hostels, ensuring better access and support for such students.

In line with national priorities, the university is also moving toward establishing a dedicated center for Indian Knowledge Systems. Efforts are being made to strengthen academic and research environments, including plans for improved infrastructure such as a Humanities Center to facilitate faculty engagement and research activities. Additionally, considering the regular organizing of National and International Seminars and Academic Gatherings, a proposal has been submitted to the state government for the construction of a dedicated VIP guest house to accommodate visiting experts and dignitaries.

The overarching objective remains clear—to provide higher education opportunities to those who, due to various constraints, could not pursue regular education, and to help transform their aspirations into reality. At the same time, consistent efforts are being made to elevate the university’s presence not only at the national level but also internationally.

Extending this vision further, Prof. B. L. Verma emphasizes that Vardhman Mahaveer Open University is designed to create opportunities for those who could not pursue education through conventional systems. The university enables such individuals to continue their education from home, empowering them to shape a better future and establish their place in society. A key objective remains to bring students from rural backgrounds—who have been left out due to limitations—into the mainstream, ensuring they receive equal opportunities to grow and achieve their aspirations.

The university’s flexible learning model allows both rural and urban learners, as well as working professionals employed in state or central government roles, to continue their higher education without disrupting their responsibilities. To support this, the university provides course materials free of cost, enabling students to prepare effectively and complete their academic requirements with ease.

Structurally, the university operates through a well-organized network of seven regional centers located in Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, and Kota. In addition, there are 121 study centers across Rajasthan that provide academic support, including practical sessions and guided learning, ensuring that students receive both theoretical and applied knowledge despite the distance learning format.

Academically, the university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs. Undergraduate courses span disciplines such as Arts, Science, Journalism, Library and Information Science, and Teacher Education. At the postgraduate level, programs are available across subjects including History, Sanskrit, Hindi, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Commerce, English, Rajasthani, Education, Computer Science, and specialized fields. Diploma programs further extend into areas like Culture and Tourism, Watershed Management, Mass Communication, Library Science, Yoga Science, and Computer Applications, providing practical skill-based learning pathways.

This structured expansion has led to consistent growth in student enrollment. The total number of students increased from 95,317 in the 2023 session to 1,46,508 in 2024, and further to 1,50,520 in the 2025–26 session. This steady rise reflects the growing trust in the university’s model and its ability to deliver accessible, flexible, and quality education. Through these diverse programs, students are not only earning degrees but also enhancing their academic capabilities and expanding their professional potential.

Reflecting on his life, Prof. B. L. Verma expresses his mindset through lines that capture both his focus and struggle—

“जिस दिन से चला हूँ, मेरी मंज़िल पर नज़र है,
आँखों ने कभी मील का पत्थर नहीं देखा।
ये फूल मुझे कोई विरासत में नहीं मिले हैं,
तुमने मेरा काँटों भरा बिस्तर नहीं देखा।”

He was born in a small town, Phalodi Quarry in Sawai Madhopur district, into a humble family where his parents earned their livelihood through farming and daily labor. Despite these limitations, the educational environment of that region, especially the influence of dedicated teachers, played a crucial role in shaping his early foundation. He recalls that whatever he has achieved is deeply rooted in the guidance and blessings of those teachers.

From his early academic years, he consistently performed as a meritorious student, regularly securing top positions in his class. He completed his Matriculation in 1984 in the Commerce Stream in First Division and Distinction marks, followed by Higher Secondary Education also in First division. His academic performance opened opportunities beyond his hometown, and with encouragement from peers, he applied to the Commerce College in Jaipur. Upon presenting his academic record, he was granted direct admission into the first year.

However, due to health-related challenges, he had to return to Sawai Madhopur, where he completed the remaining years of his graduation and earned his degree from Ajmer University. Continuing his academic pursuit, he moved to Rajasthan University for postgraduate studies in Business Administration, which he completed during the period from 1989 to 1991. This phase marked a period of sustained effort, followed by an M.Phil. in 1993, which he secured in the First Division.

With a clear aspiration to enter the academic field, he began preparing for competitive and eligibility examinations. He successfully qualified the state-level eligibility test conducted by RPSC. In 1994, he cleared the UGC NET in Management, and in the same year, he also qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship in Commerce, earning a monthly scholarship of Rs 5000. This phase not only strengthened his academic credentials but also reinforced his commitment toward a teaching career.

Parallel to his academic progression, he explored government service opportunities and qualified for a position in the Rajasthan State Marketing Board. In July 1996, he joined as a Marketing Officer in Jodhpur. Despite securing a stable government position, his long-term vision remained aligned with academia, where he could contribute as a teacher and researcher.

Soon after, his aspiration materialized when he was selected by Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur. On 24 January 1997, he joined as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Administration. This marked the beginning of a long and dedicated academic career. From 1997 until September 2025, he served the university system with consistency, contributing to teaching, research, and institutional development over nearly three decades.

Deeply rooted in his formative years, Prof. B. L. Verma reflects on the strong influence of his early education. He completed his schooling at Ashok Secondary School in his village, where his first teacher, Savitri Devi Sharma, left a lasting impression on him. He recalls her with deep respect, acknowledging her foundational role in shaping his discipline and approach toward learning. He also credits his commerce teacher, Brijesh Kumar Saxena, whose academic depth helped him excel in the subject, along with other teachers of Mathematics and English who collectively contributed to his overall personality development.

He emphasizes that the strength of that institution was reflected in its outcomes—students from the same school went on to serve in prestigious roles across civil services, defense forces, and various professional fields, both nationally and internationally. For him, the discipline, values, and guidance imparted by those teachers remain a lifelong influence, and he considers himself indebted to them.

This sense of gratitude extends into his own outlook toward society. He expresses a continued commitment toward supporting underprivileged and deprived sections, with a focus on education, discipline, and service to society and the nation. He acknowledges that his efforts are shaped not only by personal experiences but also by the collective support of institutions, government systems, and individuals who contributed directly and indirectly to his growth.

In his academic journey, he gives special recognition to his PhD supervisor, Prof. Asha Rani, under whose guidance he completed his doctoral studies. Similarly, he acknowledges his M.Phil. mentor, the late Prof. P. K. Srivastava, whom he considers a guiding figure in shaping his simplicity, discipline, and sense of national responsibility.

His ideological and philosophical influences extend beyond academia. He draws inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings on character building, knowledge, and self-discipline continue to guide his thinking. He also reflects on the contributions of national leaders and freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Batukeshwar Dutt, Sarojini Naidu, and Rani Lakshmibai, whose values, sacrifices, and character serve as a continuous source of inspiration.

In the present context, he acknowledges the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting the role of his vision, discipline, and governance in shaping India’s global identity. He views this leadership as a contributing force in positioning India on the world stage, reinforcing a sense of national pride and direction.

Concluding his perspective, Prof. B. L. Verma, as Vice Chancellor of Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, extends a direct message to students, emphasizing discipline, consistency, and clarity of purpose. He encourages learners to appear for their examinations on time and pursue their education with dedication and focused effort, highlighting that the education received here has the potential to shape not only individual success but also contribute meaningfully to society.

He reinforces the idea that education is a form of capital—one that empowers individuals to build their own future while also strengthening the social fabric. With this belief, he expresses confidence in the bright future of students and encourages them to stay committed to their academic path.

He also makes a strong appeal to those who have been left behind due to social or economic constraints, especially women. The university, he emphasizes, offers affordable and accessible education, along with free course materials, enabling them to rebuild their academic journey. Special emphasis is placed on women’s education, noting that when a woman becomes educated, the impact extends to the entire family and society, ultimately contributing to national development.

For working professionals in government and private sectors who could not complete their higher education earlier, he highlights that the university provides a flexible pathway to continue their studies at minimal cost. With facilities such as online learning, access to study materials, and timely degree completion, the institution ensures that education remains accessible without disrupting professional responsibilities.

Reflecting briefly on his own life, he acknowledges that coming from a rural background and a modest family meant facing significant challenges, including financial constraints during his education. He balanced his studies with private work, navigating these difficulties through determination and perseverance. His involvement in student activities, including student representation and problem-solving, further shaped his leadership approach.

During his long tenure at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, he contributed in multiple administrative and student-focused roles, including through the NSS, student welfare, Chief Proctor responsibilities, and as a Dean, consistently working toward resolving student concerns and guiding them toward disciplined and focused growth. He observes that many of those students are now contributing meaningfully in their respective fields.

Rooted in a deeply reflective mindset, Prof. B. L. Verma draws constant inspiration from the words of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, whose poetry continues to shape his outlook toward life and perseverance:

“मुट्ठी में कुछ सपने लेकर, भरकर जेबों में आशाएं,
दिल में अरमान यही है, कुछ कर जाएं, कुछ कर जाएं।
सूरज सा तेज नहीं मुझमें, दीपक सा जलता देखोगे,
अपनी हद रोशन करने से, तुम मुझको कब तक रोकोगे।
मैं उस माटी का वृक्ष नहीं, जिसको नदियों ने सींचा है,
बंजर मिट्टी में पलकर मैंने, मृत्यु से जीवन सीखा है।
मिटने वाला मैं नाम नहीं, तुम मुझको कब तक रोकोगे।”

These lines, for him, are not merely words but a lived philosophy—one that emphasizes resilience, self-belief, and the strength to rise despite limitations. They reflect his belief that consistent effort, even in adverse conditions, ultimately shapes one’s path and purpose.

Carrying this philosophy into his leadership, he initiated multiple efforts aimed at both academic growth and social responsibility. Environmental awareness was promoted through plantation drives, while the preservation of Indian knowledge traditions was encouraged through seminars such as discussions on the Ramcharitmanas, fostering cultural and ethical understanding among students.

Academically, the focus has been on introducing skill-oriented and employment-driven courses aligned with the National Education Policy, ensuring that students gain both knowledge and practical capabilities. Alongside this, the university has actively engaged in social outreach—addressing rural issues, promoting vaccination awareness, facilitating access to free medical services, and encouraging de-addiction initiatives.

Institutional development has also been strengthened through academic and cultural engagements, including organizing the Convocation Ceremony under the guidance of the Hon’ble Governor, inspiring students to contribute meaningfully to society. Through these initiatives, his vision remains clear—to ensure holistic development, where students are not only educated but also socially aware, responsible, and capable of creating real impact.