Drawing upon his vast experience as an educator, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni has played a pivotal role in shaping SAGE University, Indore into a leading institution. As a structural engineer, he has designed over 100 protective structures and earned accolades such as the ‘Promising Engineer Award.’

Esteemed Vice Chancellor of SAGE University, Indore, Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni begins his #MeriKahani with the Sanskrit phrase:

"योग: कर्मसु कौशलम्,"

which translates to "Yoga is skill in action." He explains that when we combine our actions with skill, that is true yoga, and it provides us with the mantra for a successful life.

Talking about SAGE, Prof. Kulkarni shares that the continuous growth of the university is truly commendable and deserves praise. In a very short period, SAGE has established itself as a leading university, not just in Central India but across the entire country. Prof. Kulkarni asserts that, under the leadership of their respected Chancellor, Er. Sanjeev Agarwal, they have been working tirelessly to empower students and guide them towards a dynamic future.

Prof. Kulkarni elaborates that, at SAGE University, all courses, except medical education, are available, and over 15,000 students are acquiring knowledge here. More than 800 faculty members teach at the university, and the most significant achievement for the institution is that in its very first cycle, the university has earned an A+ accreditation from NAAC. This makes SAGE the youngest university in India to achieve such a milestone in such a short time.

Prof. Kulkarni explains that they are consistently working on quality improvement, skill development, good education, self-development, and employability of their students, and their students are making their mark in every field. Many companies across the country also give SAGE students first preference. The primary motive of the university is holistic development, as they want students to grow not only in their materialistic lives but also in their spiritual journey. Every task in the university begins with a prayer, and they place great importance on both the personality and spiritual development of the students. Many learned individuals regularly visit the university to inspire and guide the students and the faculty members.

Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni says that SAGE University is renowned for its student-centric approach. Their primary focus is on the welfare and growth of their students. To ensure their students’ success, SAGE University has introduced numerous courses in collaboration with industry leaders. The curriculum and content of these courses are meticulously designed to align with the future needs of the industry. Be it Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Management, or Pharmaceutical Engineering, their programs are closely integrated with industry demands, which immensely facilitates employment opportunities for the students.

Prof. Kulkarni mentions that their Chancellor, Er. Sanjeev Agarwal envisions their students not just as job seekers but as job creators. To achieve this, students interact with many entrepreneurs and leading industry professionals who visit the university. The university organizes numerous conclaves where students present their startup ideas to industry experts, who evaluate and fund these initiatives. This ecosystem prepares the students to stand on their own feet and provide employment to others—a goal that has been consistently achieved over the past seven years. This is a significant milestone, as many of the SAGE students have launched successful startups and are making strides in their respective fields.

SAGE University is proud to have been recognized by Google as the first Official Google Campus in Central India. This partnership enables its students to access learning opportunities through leading platforms like Google, allowing them to advance their education and careers through online resources.

Talking about his significant achievements, Dr. Kulkarni highlights a particularly cherished milestone which he achieved in 2020. He recalls contesting the election for the Board of Directors of the Indian Society of Engineers (ISE), Bangalore, where he received the highest votes across India and was elected as a member. This accomplishment provided him with an extraordinary opportunity to work alongside prominent figures like Tata Group Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran, Tata Steel CEO T.V. Narendran, Bangalore MP Tejaswi Surya, and the Chairman of ISRO. He considers this a golden opportunity, made even more special as he represented SAGE University on this esteemed platform.

Prof. Kulkarni proudly shares that his achievements extend beyond this. As a Governor’s Nominee, he has contributed to the boards of leading Indian universities, including Pune University, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Guwahati and Assam Science and Technology University. Additionally, he has served as Chairman of several NAAC inspection teams , further solidifying his role in advancing education quality.

Prof. Ankur Arun Kulkarni has also been recognized with the ‘Promising Engineer Award’ by the Institute of Engineering, a testament to his contributions to the field. As a structural designer, he has designed over 100 buildings, which stand strong decades after their construction—a source of immense pride for him. All these achievements underscore his commitment to excellence and his impactful career in academia and engineering.

Talking about his journey in this field, Dr. Ankur Arun Kulkarni shares that he worked as an Assistant Professor for nine years and as an Associate Professor for another nine years, accumulating 18 years of teaching experience. However, after completing his PhD and advancing in his career, he realized that as a teacher, decision-making power was quite limited. This realization motivated him to transition into administrative roles.

He first accepted the position of Principal, serving for 10 years across various universities. During that time, he was invited by the Government of Gujarat to take on the role of Vice-Chancellor of a skill development university, where he worked for three years. In 2020, he joined SAGE University, bringing with him a wealth of experience, including his educational journey abroad and extensive administrative expertise.

Dr. Kulkarni praises the proactive management of SAGE University, which is deeply committed to contributing to the progress of students of Central India and society at large. He emphasizes that SAGE provides an excellent platform for students from diverse regions of India, particularly for those who may not have the opportunity to study in cities like Mumbai or Pune.

When students graduate as proud "Sageians," the transformation they undergo is truly remarkable, making it a unique and fulfilling experience for him and his team. He believes that working in an administrative position allows him to create meaningful changes in students' lives, fostering growth and progress. This ability to contribute to students' development is what drives his passion for his role.

Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni shares that he was born in a small village amidst the Satpura forests situated in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, where he completed his school education and began his journey towards success.

After obtaining a Diploma from Government Polytechnic College and a Degree from Pune University, he received a scholarship from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where he completed his PhD. Dr. Kulkarni worked on a project involving the Ministry of Defence, Singapore and the Ministry of Defence, Australia, with his experimental work conducted in Australia.

Reflecting on his early years, Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni shares that his education and upbringing were deeply rooted in nature. He studied at a school that followed Gandhian philosophy and the Wardha Education Plan, where students were encouraged to undertake all tasks themselves. This unique experience shaped his outlook on life and provided him with valuable skills that later proved helpful during his higher studies in Singapore.

Prof. Kulkarni emphasizes that the Gandhian philosophy and the Wardha Education Plan imparted at his school not only made students skilled and self-reliant but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility toward their school and society. He feels fortunate to have had teachers and an educational system that set a solid foundation for his growth and success.

He draws parallels between his early education and the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP), which resonates with similar values. He praises the NEP for its focus on skill enhancement, self-employment, and barrier-free education. According to him, the NEP offers a promising direction for the future, enabling the next generation to achieve significant milestones and contribute meaningfully to society. Dr. Kulkarni believes that embracing these principles will pave the way for a brighter and more empowered future.

Talking about his role models, Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni states that he has drawn inspiration from many individuals throughout his life, but he holds Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the highest regard. He also recalls being deeply influenced by reading the works of Babasaheb Purandare and Raja Shiv Chaturvedi multiple times.

These books narrate the extraordinary journey of a young boy who, with a clear vision and determination, rises against all odds to uplift society and establish a just and prosperous kingdom. Dr. Kulkarni describes this story as profoundly inspiring and a guiding light in his own life, motivating him to work with perseverance and dedication toward his goals.

Prof. Kulkarni shares that the renowned author Napoleon Hill has been one of his key inspirations. He admires Hill's persistent message in all his writings: if one can determine their goals and control themselves, no objective is beyond reach. Additionally, Dr. Kulkarni frequently reads books by popular writer Sidney Sheldon and finds his life story equally fascinating and motivating. Sheldon’s journey, marked by numerous milestones and challenges, serves as a source of inspiration for Dr. Kulkarni.

Dr. Kulkarni emphasizes that these books have profoundly impacted his approach to life and teaching. Leveraging their insights, he engages in meaningful conversations with his students. Despite having spent 36 years in the field of education, he remains deeply passionate about connecting with students. He makes it a point to visit a class daily and interact with students, sharing his thoughts and learning from their perspectives. This daily exchange, he says, gives him immense satisfaction and keeps him energized in his role as an educator.

Addressing students, Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni passionately advises those aspiring to excel in life to consider institutions like SAGE University, which, he believes, stands unparalleled in its inclusive approach. SAGE University offers tailor-made education aligned with the National Education Policy, ensuring that each student's unique needs are met. The university goes the extra mile to accommodate students engaged in sports, providing customized schedules and resources to balance academics and athletic pursuits.

For students facing financial challenges, SAGE University extends its support through institutional and government scholarships, ensuring that no willing learner is left behind due to economic constraints. Additionally, the university provides special facilities for physically challenged students, creating a truly inclusive environment. Dr. Kulkarni highlights the university's world-class infrastructure, exceptional faculty, and robust resources, which collectively foster a conducive learning atmosphere.

In his final advice to the younger generation, Prof. (Dr.) Ankur Arun Kulkarni emphasizes the importance of consistent efforts and perseverance in achieving goals. He encourages students to remain steadfast in their pursuit of success, regardless of the immediate outcomes. “Whether faced with triumph or failure, one must not lose hope but keep moving forward with determination and hard work,” he concludes.