Oriental University has reached new heights under Dr. Sunil Somani’s guidance and visionary leadership, excelling in academics, infrastructure, and holistic student development while setting benchmarks in education and innovation.

Prof. (Dr.) Sunil K. Somani, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Oriental University, Indore for the past three and a half years, exemplifies a life dedicated to education and innovation.

Dr. Somani began his academic journey at Maheshwari School in Indore. He then shifted to Sagar and later pursued post-graduate studies at the College of Engineering, Pune. He earned his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. A lifelong learner, he has also completed an MBA, ICWA Inter, and various other certificate courses.

Teaching has always held a special place in Dr. Somani’s heart. He views it as a noble profession that involves giving selflessly to students. He started his teaching career at a prestigious college in Dhule, Maharashtra, where he worked for five years before transitioning into industry. After gaining valuable industry experience, he returned to Indore due to family commitments and joined Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, where he worked for over 12 years.

Dr. Somani’s career trajectory showcases his versatility. Transitioning between academia and industry, he has effectively utilized his knowledge to take on various administrative roles, including Director, Principal, and Vice-Chancellor to different universities. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing universities from scratch and elevating existing institutions to new heights.

At Oriental University, Dr. Somani has been pivotal in expanding the institution’s offerings. Oriental University offers a wide range of courses across disciplines like Agriculture, Commerce, Management, Engineering, Law, Education, and Science, with plans to soon expand into medical education.

Oriental University stands out with its extensive campus, spanning over 75 acres—far exceeding the standard requirement of 25 acres. Dr. Somani emphasizes that the campus is designed to accommodate multiple institutions, providing diverse educational opportunities within a single premises.

Dr. Somani draws inspiration from the university’s Founder and Chancellor, the late Dr. K.L. Thakral, affectionately called Babuji. Dr. Thakral, who led the university until the age of 93, established Oriental University as Indore’s first private university with the vision of providing quality education. Starting with its first college in Bhopal, the Oriental Group expanded to Indore in 2011. Dr. Thakral’s mission to offer holistic and quality education continues to guide Dr. Somani’s leadership.

Under Dr. Somani’s guidance, Oriental University has flourished, embodying a blend of traditional values and modern advancements. With its robust infrastructure, dedicated faculty, and a commitment to excellence, the university empowers students to achieve their fullest potential and prepare for a dynamic future. Dr. Somani’s leadership ensures that the university not only educates but also inspires its students to excel in their personal and professional lives.

As Vice-Chancellor of Oriental University, Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Somani, is spearheading the institution’s journey towards greater academic heights, including the introduction of medical and paramedical courses. The university is also planning to establish a hospital to complement these programs, ensuring a comprehensive range of educational offerings.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Dr. Somani shares that his career path was not initially clear. He drew inspiration from individuals like Professor C.K.C. (Choudhary Kailash Chandra) Jaini, a mechanical engineer who worked at Mercedes Benz in Germany before returning to India to teach. Professor Jaini’s transition from industry to academia underscored the nobility of the teaching profession, a field where one gives knowledge selflessly without expecting anything in return. Inspired by such mentors, Dr. Somani embraced teaching as a career during his post-graduation days in 1989 when pursuing a postgraduate degree was sufficient to enter the education sector.

Dr. Somani recalls his time at the College of Engineering, Pune, as a remarkable period of academic rigor and excellence. His success in clearing the GATE examination earned him a stipend, which provided the opportunity to teach and mentor younger students. This early teaching experience solidified his passion for the profession. During those times, engineering was a highly respected field, and many chose it as a career path without full clarity of their future roles, driven by societal and familial influences.

Born and raised in Indore, Dr. Sunil K. Somani reflects fondly on his childhood and school days. Being a meritorious student brought recognition and pride, with his achievements often making headlines in newspapers. These early accomplishments, coupled with his love for chess, played a significant role in shaping his sharpness and focus. As a state champion, Dr. Somani competed at the national level and even played against world champion Vishwanathan Anand. Achieving a position among the top 10 players in a national championship remains a cherished memory for him.

Dr. Somani emphasizes the importance of games like chess in sharpening a child’s mind and fostering cognitive growth. His journey from excelling in academics and chess to balancing the responsibilities of a Vice-Chancellor is a testament to his multifaceted abilities. He believes there is still much work to be done for the growth of chess in Madhya Pradesh and continues to support players and the sport.

For Dr. Somani, every individual is a potential role model. He believes that narrowing your inspiration to one person limits your vision. Instead, he focuses on absorbing positive attributes from every person he encounters. Whether in academics or otherwise, Dr. Somani strives to learn something valuable from each interaction. He firmly believes in adapting these learnings for societal development and the betterment of the institution he leads.

Dr. Somani’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collective growth and collaboration. He acknowledges the capabilities of others and emphasizes the importance of learning from everyone. He believes in persistence and dedication, and the idea that success is a gradual process. He advocates continuous improvement, both personally and professionally, ensuring that the university and its students thrive under his guidance.

Dr. Sunil Somani believes deeply in the philosophy encapsulated by the quote, "We will be successful one day." To him, this means working with utmost dedication, without expecting immediate results. He emphasizes that perseverance and commitment to a noble cause will eventually lead to success, though the process may take time. He suggests maintaining positivity and using one’s work to inspire humanity.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Somani recalls his schooling years, which were far from smooth. When he was in 10th grade, he was bedridden for six months. Prior to that, he had achieved academic excellence, topping his zone in studies while simultaneously excelling in chess at both state and national levels. These achievements fueled his desire to accomplish something meaningful despite the challenges he faced.

Initially, Dr. Somani considered pursuing a career as a professional chess player. However, after five years of education and introspection, he realized that such a path might not be economically sustainable. This prompted him to transition to the workforce, initially securing a role in an educational institute. Over time, his career took him into industry, specifically with Soldier Pumps India Ltd., a Swiss company, where opportunities for international relocation to Germany or Switzerland were readily available.

Family commitments brought him back to Indore, where he noticed stark differences in the professional environments of metro cities and smaller cities like Indore. After six months of working in an industrial setup, Dr. Somani made the pivotal decision to return to academia, a field he had always been passionate about. Teaching provided him with a sense of fulfillment, making the transition back to education seamless.

Dr. Somani joined Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya and later shifted to private institutions, where he contributed significantly. He acknowledges that moving from a government setup to private organizations was not easy, but his decisions allowed him to make meaningful contributions to the academic landscape of Madhya Pradesh.

Throughout his career, Dr. Somani has been instrumental in bringing transformative changes to every organization he has been associated with. During his tenure at Khimline Pumps (Soldier Pumps India Ltd.), he spearheaded the automation of processes that reduced a three-month-long task to just 30 minutes, a significant milestone in operational efficiency.

At Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, as Head of the Department, he led numerous initiatives that earned the institution several awards. He focused on elevating academic standards and encouraging students to engage in competitions that required practical applications of their knowledge.

When Dr. Somani moved to private institutions as an administrator, he successfully transformed their standing. He recalls the transformation of the Jawaharlal Institute of Technology, Borawan, where he served as Principal, as one of his most notable achievements. The institution reached unprecedented heights under his leadership.

Dr. Somani also served as the founding Vice-Chancellor of Medicaps University, which became one of the leading private universities in Madhya Pradesh under his guidance. Its excellence in Engineering, Management, and Pharmacy set benchmarks for other institutions. These accomplishments remain a source of immense satisfaction for Dr. Somani, as they highlight his ability to lead organizations to their full potential.

His career journey, marked by impactful decisions and unwavering dedication, underscores his commitment to improving both academic and industrial environments. Dr. Somani’s ability to adapt and excel in varied professional roles is a testament to his visionary leadership and passion for growth.

Dr. Somani believes that milestones in one’s career are limitless, with the potential to grow from local prominence in Madhya Pradesh to a national and global level. He emphasizes that success is a result of teamwork. Progress begins when an entire team unites with a shared purpose, leading to collective growth and satisfaction, from the students to the institution itself.

He highlights the infrastructure of Oriental University as a key strength of the institution. The university not only boasts excellent facilities but also constantly adapts to modern educational practices. The university’s openness to adopting new and innovative ideas ensures that the infrastructure remains cutting-edge.

Equally important, according to Dr. Somani, is the teaching staff. He credits the faculty for their dedication in guiding students, solving their problems, and providing them with both academic knowledge and life skills. In today’s tech-savvy age, while students have access to abundant online resources, they still need facilitators to help them navigate their education effectively. Oriental University’s faculty excels in this role, ensuring students receive comprehensive classroom teaching and personalized guidance.

Beyond academics, the university supports extracurricular and co-curricular activities, enabling students to develop holistically. Dr. Somani stresses that this balanced approach prepares students to graduate with a sense of social responsibility.

Dr. Somani shares a broader message for the youth of India. He urges individuals to embrace a global perspective, treating the entire world as their extended family. He emphasizes that life is about serving humanity and contributing positively to society. He encourages students to apply the knowledge they acquire—not just for personal gain but for the betterment of others.

He believes that one can learn from everyone, regardless of whether it is through formal education or life experiences. By contributing even small steps towards humanity, individuals can make a significant impact. Dr. Somani asks people to think not only of themselves and their families but also of their community, the environment, and the world at large.

In his concluding thoughts, Dr. Somani appeals to everyone to work with honesty, dedication, and a sense of belonging. Whether as students or professionals, he urges them to perform their roles with sincerity and strive to benefit others through their efforts. Time management, he emphasizes, is critical for success. Completing tasks efficiently and effectively is paramount.

He ends with an earnest request for viewers to give their best in whatever they undertake, wishing them success in their endeavors. His message is one of hope, determination, and shared progress.

Dr. Somani’s inspiring story leaves a lasting impression, encouraging others to become voices of change and make their mark in the professional community.

If his journey resonates with you, share his story, become a voice of inspiration, and take a step toward building your identity.