Prof.
Sudhanshu Bhatt, Programme Coordinator BBA, International Business and
Technology, Sanjivani University
I am Sudhanshu Bhatt from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, with a deep passion for transformative education that elevates underprivileged communities. Currently, I serve as the program coordinator for the BBA program at Sanjivani University, Kopargaon. With over 14 years of experience in both academia and industry, my goal is to create impactful learning experiences that empower students from diverse backgrounds to reach their fullest potential.
At Sanjivani University, we are inspired by the vision of our founding father, Shri Shankarrao Genuji Kolhe. Born into a farmer's family in Yesgaon, Maharashtra, Shri Kolhe was a dedicated philanthropist and social reformer who devoted his life to rural communities' economic and social development through education and industrialization. After completing his higher education in agriculture in the USA and Europe through a Ford Foundation scholarship, he returned to India to uplift rural communities.In 1953, Shri Kolhe established the Kopargaon Taluka Vikas Mandal to provide affordable agricultural inputs to farmers, significantly contributing to the Green Revolution. In 1963, he founded the Sanjivani Takali Sahkari Sakhar Karkhana cooperative sugar factory, generating thousands of jobs. He also established the Godavari Khore Dudh Utpadak Sangh cooperative milk union, ensuring farmers' regular income through a substantial milk collection and distribution network. Recognizing the critical role of education, Shri Kolhe founded the Sanjivani Rural Education Society in 1983. Today, the society operates 12 institutes offering education from playgroups to Ph.D. programs, serving over 15,000 students. Under the dynamic leadership of Shri Amit Kolhe, his vision has been furthered with the establishment of Sanjivani University, a unique institution in a rural setting with modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure. Shri Kolhe's vision and dedication have profoundly impacted Maharashtra's agricultural and educational landscape.
Working with the Sanjivani Rural Education Society is more than a job; it is a calling. I find deep fulfillment in witnessing the success of students from underprivileged backgrounds. It is incredibly rewarding to see them overcome challenges and achieve their dreams, knowing that our efforts have contributed to their journey. This role allows me to combine my passion for education with my commitment to social impact, making a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the broader community.
Could you
share your educational and professional journey, particularly your experiences
in various industries?
I am currently pursuing my doctoral studies in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur. This year has been academically enriching, marked by the acceptance of two of my papers in prestigious international journals: AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction (ABDC-A) and International Social Science Journal (Wiley, ABDC-B). My educational journey began with a bachelor's degree in hospitality from IHM-Bangalore. During my time there, I was selected for the Hotel Executive Training Program offered by ITC Hotels. This program laid the foundation for my customer-centric approach, perseverance, and workplace dignity. I pursued my Master's in Business Administration from Rennes Business School in France, which was complemented by a study exchange at Tongji University in Shanghai, China. These experiences gave me a global perspective on business strategies and practices and deepened my understanding of cross-cultural management. I co-founded a consulting firm advising small-scale cottage industries in rural Rennes on global marketing strategies alongside a French colleague. I was fortunate to be involved in a critical strategic project with Midmark (Promotal), a leading medical furniture manufacturer.
Professionally, I have held various roles across different industries, beginning in human resources and moving into regional sales and pharmaceutical logistics. I managed operations and distribution in the pharmaceutical industry, gaining crucial insights into strategic marketing and supply chain management. These roles allowed me to develop a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer behavior, which are essential for effective marketing. In 2017, I joined the Roorkee Institute of Technology, where I played a key role in launching the "School of Management." This experience was transformative, allowing me to apply my industry knowledge in an academic setting and bridge the gap between theory and practice. My work involved collaborating with international institutions, further enriching my understanding of global education standards.
Currently, at Sanjivani University, I focus on branding, outreach, and internationalization for our BBA program, in addition to managing it. We offer a unique program called the BBA in International Business and Technology, developed with input from industry leaders to meet the evolving needs of our students and stakeholders. This ensures that our graduates are industry-ready upon completion of their studies.
I am currently pursuing my doctoral studies in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur. This year has been academically enriching, marked by the acceptance of two of my papers in prestigious international journals: AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction (ABDC-A) and International Social Science Journal (Wiley, ABDC-B). My educational journey began with a bachelor's degree in hospitality from IHM-Bangalore. During my time there, I was selected for the Hotel Executive Training Program offered by ITC Hotels. This program laid the foundation for my customer-centric approach, perseverance, and workplace dignity. I pursued my Master's in Business Administration from Rennes Business School in France, which was complemented by a study exchange at Tongji University in Shanghai, China. These experiences gave me a global perspective on business strategies and practices and deepened my understanding of cross-cultural management. I co-founded a consulting firm advising small-scale cottage industries in rural Rennes on global marketing strategies alongside a French colleague. I was fortunate to be involved in a critical strategic project with Midmark (Promotal), a leading medical furniture manufacturer.
Professionally, I have held various roles across different industries, beginning in human resources and moving into regional sales and pharmaceutical logistics. I managed operations and distribution in the pharmaceutical industry, gaining crucial insights into strategic marketing and supply chain management. These roles allowed me to develop a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer behavior, which are essential for effective marketing. In 2017, I joined the Roorkee Institute of Technology, where I played a key role in launching the "School of Management." This experience was transformative, allowing me to apply my industry knowledge in an academic setting and bridge the gap between theory and practice. My work involved collaborating with international institutions, further enriching my understanding of global education standards.
Currently, at Sanjivani University, I focus on branding, outreach, and internationalization for our BBA program, in addition to managing it. We offer a unique program called the BBA in International Business and Technology, developed with input from industry leaders to meet the evolving needs of our students and stakeholders. This ensures that our graduates are industry-ready upon completion of their studies.
What are your current roles and responsibilities at Sanjivani Institutions?
I serve as the program coordinator for the BBA program at the upcoming Sanjivani University, where the focus is on international business and technology. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to enhance the curriculum, improve student engagement, and ensure our offerings align with industry standards. I am also responsible for fostering partnerships with international institutions to broaden the scope and reach of our programs. My role requires a strategic approach to marketing and outreach, ensuring that Sanjivani University is recognized as a hub for quality education and innovation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing, and how has your diverse industry experience shaped your approach?
My inspiration to pursue a career in marketing stems from my belief in the power of effective communication and strategic thinking to create meaningful change. Marketing is a dynamic field that allows for creativity and innovation, which I find deeply fulfilling. My diverse industry experience, from pharmaceuticals to education, has given me a broad perspective and the ability to adapt and innovate in various contexts. This has shaped my approach to be holistic and impact-driven, always focusing on creating value for stakeholders and fostering long-term relationships. For example, I learned the importance of understanding customer needs and preferences in the hospitality industry. This experience taught me how to develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with specific audiences. Transitioning to education, I applied these principles to create engaging and impactful programs that meet the needs of our students.
My role at Roorkee Institute of Technology was particularly transformative. It allowed me to apply my industry knowledge in an academic setting, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This experience reinforced the importance of practical, hands-on learning and inspired me to create programs that prepare students for real-world challenges. At Sanjivani Institutions, I leverage my diverse background to develop innovative marketing and outreach strategies. I believe in the power of education to transform lives, and my goal is to ensure that our programs are accessible, relevant, and impactful for all students. My approach is centered on understanding the needs of our stakeholders and creating value through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.
What are your key areas of expertise, and how have these skills contributed to your success at Sanjivani Institutions?
My key areas of expertise include strategic marketing, internationalization, stakeholder engagement, and educational program development. These skills have been instrumental in my success at Sanjivani Institutions. For instance, my strategic marketing skills have helped in effectively branding and promoting our programs, while my experience in internationalization has enabled us to establish valuable partnerships with global institutions. Additionally, my ability to engage with diverse stakeholders has fostered collaboration and growth, contributing to the overall success and impact of our initiatives.
Could you tell us about any licenses and certifications you hold that have supported your professional development?
I hold several licenses and certifications that have supported my professional development, including memberships in esteemed organizations such as the American Marketing Association (AMA), the Association for Netnographic Research (ANR), the Association for Information Systems (AIS), and the Academy of Management (AOM). These affiliations have provided me access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and professional networks, enabling continuous learning and growth in my field. As a member of the Transformative Transportation Services Design Initiative (TRATSEDI), I am actively involved in engagement and outreach efforts. This role allows me to collaborate with other professionals to develop innovative transportation solutions that benefit communities. My involvement in TRATSEDI has further enriched my understanding of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement, skills that are crucial for my work at Sanjivani Institutions.
What key advice would you offer to someone looking to enter the marketing industry?
My key advice for anyone aspiring to enter the marketing industry is to embrace curiosity and adaptability as your guiding principles. The marketing landscape is in a perpetual state of evolution, driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. Therefore, committing to lifelong learning and staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and technologies is crucial. This means regularly reading industry publications, attending webinars and conferences, and engaging with thought leaders on social media platforms. Building strong communication and analytical skills is fundamental to your success. Effective communication enables you to articulate your ideas clearly, persuasively, and authentically, whether crafting a compelling ad campaign, presenting a strategy to stakeholders, or engaging with your audience on social media. Analytical skills, on the other hand, empower you to make data-driven decisions. By analyzing consumer data and market trends, you can gain valuable insights into the needs and behaviors of your target audience, allowing you to tailor your strategies for maximum impact.
Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of effective marketing. Invest time in researching and empathizing with your target demographic. What are their pain points, desires, and motivations? How do they consume information, and what influences their purchasing decisions? You can create more relevant and resonant marketing messages that connect with your audience by answering these questions. Lastly, always be open to new ideas and collaborations. The best innovations often emerge from diverse perspectives and teamwork. Foster a collaborative mindset and seek opportunities to work with individuals from different backgrounds and disciplines. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to creative solutions you might have yet to arrive at. Be willing to experiment and take calculated risks, as this is where real growth and innovation occur.
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