Success comes to those who take initiative, work hard and remain persistent.
Dr. Monika Sethi Sharma
Dr. Monika Sethi Sharma, Vice Chancellor of K.K. Modi University, Durg, is a trailblazer in every sense. With a remarkable quarter century of academic journey, she has made her mark at prestigious institutions like BITS Pilani and its Goa Campus, S.P. Jain Mumbai, and IIM Raipur. As the youngest and only female Vice Chancellor in Chhattisgarh, she’s a shining example of women’s empowerment. Her commitment to students’ well-being, faculty growth and team empowerment has fostered a positive culture across the university. Recognized for excellence in teaching, research and leadership, Dr. Sharma has been honored with numerous awards and invited as a guest speaker at national and state-level events.
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https://kkmu.edu.in/
What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and how has your journey shaped your approach to leadership?
Education has always been my passion because I truly believe in its power to transform lives. Throughout my 27 years of journey in academia, I have witnessed firsthand how the right guidance and learning opportunities can shape individuals. Teaching with passion opens doors to learning and inspires students to reach their full potential.
My transition from teacher to leader has informed me of my ‘Sage Leadership with Seva Mindset’ approach, which prioritizes inclusivity, student-centricity and innovation. I believe that selfless service and a deep commitment to the well-being and success of students, faculty and staff are essential for fostering a positive workplace culture. I strive to create an environment where both students and faculty can thrive, pushing boundaries in education and personal development.
As the youngest and only lady Vice Chancellor among Private, State, and Central Universities in Chhattisgarh, what leadership and management principles do you think are essential for success in academia?
A mindful woman’s leadership brings self-awareness, emotional regulation, effective communication, empathy and inclusivity, creating spaces where everyone thrives for stronger collaborative future. As a leader I anticipate challenges and take data-driven collaborative decisions which embrace a growth mindset and innovate to raise the bar for excellence. It is my leadership which has capacity to translate vision into reality.
Apart from setting clear goals for the University with innovative new educational methodologies and leveraging technology, building strong networks with industry, academia and research organizations is mandatory. I believe, to excel in academia, basic qualities in leadership are indispensable, as ‘a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.’ – John C. Maxwell.
Embracing a purpose-driven approach is paramount. When leaders connect their work to their life’s purpose with passion and hard work, they inspire others to do the same. As a leader we need to be selfless, putting the needs of the students, colleagues and University ahead of personal interests. Love and compassion I practiced in my academic leadership, genuinely care for students and colleagues, create a safe, inclusive space for growth and exploration gave me excellent results. Ethical leadership is non-negotiable in academia. Leaders must uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability, setting a strong moral compass for the University promoting a culture of strong work ethics.
I learned that academic leaders who embody purpose, selflessness, love, ethical behaviour, passion, hard work and mindful leadership will create a positive, productive and inspiring environment. By embracing these principles, leaders can unlock their full potential, foster a love of learning and make a lasting, positive impact on the institution, University and to the world.
What is the mission and vision of K.K. Modi University?
KKMU Mission states value creation by nurturing well rounded career-ready professionals and entrepreneurs through educational excellence and experience-based learning. KKMU prides itself as being a university with a soul. Enhancing student’s learning ability and holistic makeover of each student is our mission. This equips and enables our student to be prepared for real life challenges with a mind for envisioning myriad aspects of any situation and thereby getting ready to overcome any possible situation encountered on a personal or professional level.
KKMU Vision is to be a university of choice for developing future leaders and entrepreneurs. We at KKMU envision to set a fresh benchmark for a holistic educational university, which works in equal measure on augmenting the intellectual, social and personal facilities of our students. We want to nurture an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem of traditional and cultural values in tandem with modern education to empower our future generations. We aim to empower students with knowledge, skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring they are well-prepared for the evolving professional landscape. It is not just a career you will build here, but a life—a life that is rich with meaning, with complexity, with the beauty of being truly, unapologetically human. This is Our KK Modi University.
Where learning transforms.
Where careers begin.
& Where the soul is always nurtured.
You have had the privilege of contributing to the growth and transformation of several institutions. What strategies do you employ to drive institutional growth and development?
My journey of more than 2 decades in academia has been shaped by the best of the institutes of our country like BITS Pilani and BITS Pilani GOA campus, S.P. Jain Mumbai, UBS, IIM, ITM and Kalinga which has driven me to think creative, innovate and embrace new challenges.
As a leader one should strive to excel in organizing, planning, and setting priorities for resource allocation within all academic and research programs related to its excellence, connecting with current needs of industry and students, allocation of giving back to society and branding the achievements of our stakeholders.
We need to always focus on creating an experiential learning environment that empowers students to thrive and skills towards each course of every program. Industry-Academia Collaboration, Student-Centric Learning, Faculty Development with their career path, Technology Integration, Global Exposure and deep devotion to helping students realize their aspirations and reach their full potential are the key to drive institutional growth and development.
With practicing change management, team building and University restructuring, I have been fortunate to witness the growth of two Universities from zero to one.
With experience in change management, team building, and university restructuring, how do you approach driving change in academic institutions?
“You can’t teach today’s students with yesterday’s methods and expect them to be prepared for tomorrow.” Adapting change is necessary for academic institutions’ growth and I learned implementation is possible with a structured, people-first approach where stakeholders are involved in understanding the gap then rolling out the change, measure and assessing the impact of change in a phased manner to ensure acceptance is effective for new initiatives. I experienced, you can force people to obey, but you can’t force them to think and without thinking and owning, there can be no real change. As a leader our duty is to build confidence in team and when a team come together and support each other through change, that’s when the real magic happens.
Your focus is on creating an experiential learning environment that empowers students to thrive. Can you share some initiatives you have implemented to promote student-centric learning?
“I hear and I forget, I see, and I remember, I do, and I understand.” I have always believed this famous quote by Confucius. I witness that student will learn if it is practical, engaging, and relevant to their life’s. Some initiatives which my students loved with me were OB lab, identifying and creating training programs for others, case writing shadowing their role models, selling lab, transferring their management and IT skills to the youth of villagers, organizing mega events, live projects and team work for each course for interactive learning, Business Idea generation and Entrepreneurship Incubation Centers, Branding and creating supply chain management for their ideas and products for hands-on engagement, Technology-Driven Classrooms – Using AI, VR, and digital tools to enhance learning experiences long internship & apprenticeship programs designed to cultivate lifelong connections with my students, enabling them to stay in touch and express appreciation for the transformative education they received.
You have received several awards for excellence in teaching, research, and leadership. How do these recognitions motivate you to continue striving for excellence?
Receiving awards and recognition is a humbling reminder that our tireless efforts and unwavering commitment are truly valued and recognized. However, what truly motivates me is the impact I create in students’ lives. Every success story of a student or faculty member I have mentored is my real reward and these awards inspire me to keep innovating, learning, and contributing to academia with even greater passion. Another great motivation to me is every time I bring home an award, I am met with a radiant smile from my mother. The sparkle of pride in her eyes and the gentle touch of her beautiful fingers tracing my name on the recognition inspire me to push beyond boundaries, driving my passion for academic excellence and transforming lives.
As a recognized leader in education, innovation, leadership, and global impact, how do you envision academia contributing to global development?
As an academic leader, I envision academia playing a vital role in driving global development. This can be achieved through interdisciplinary research, which fosters collaboration across disciplines and enables academia to address complex global challenges, such as climate change, healthcare disparities and economic inequality, that affect various countries.
Strategic global partnerships will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving, ultimately informing evidence-based solutions to these pressing global issues.
As a woman leader in academia, what advice would you give to aspiring women leaders in education?
Trio of goddesses Saraswati ji, Lakshmi ji and Parvati ji – embody the feminine aspects of the universe, representing knowledge, wealth and love. Believe in yourself and your capabilities. The education sector needs more women leaders who can bring fresh perspectives and empathetic leadership.
“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” – Hillary Clinton
My request to women leader is work on your strengths, don’t hesitate to take risks– Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Please build strong networks – surround yourself with mentors and supporters you will be needing them. Keep learning – Stay updated, keep evolving and set an example of continuous growth.
Lastly, be assertive yet empathetic, let woman’s leadership create balancing authority with kindness because “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – John C. Maxwell
Celebrate the beauty of womanhood and delight in the small things that bring a smile to your face, like discovering a perfect dress, indulging in a luxurious perfume, or enjoying a relaxing salon day with a rejuvenating haircut and nail treatment.
How do you think academic institutions can foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students?
Encouraging entrepreneurship requires a supportive ecosystem that cultivates innovation. To achieve this, it is essential to provide an environment where ideas can be nurtured in student’s life. This can be facilitated through the implementation of courses incorporating entrepreneur case studies, which encourage calculated risk-taking, and then working on small-scale projects that enable hands-on learning for students. Furthermore, fostering industrial partnerships for mentorship and guidance is crucial. Most importantly, the establishment of Incubation and Skill Centers is vital, as these provide startups with essential resources, new skills and expert guidance, empowering them to navigate the entrepreneurial journey successfully.
What role do collaborations and partnerships play in driving academic excellence and innovation?
As emphasized by Henry Ford, ‘Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.’ Collaborations and partnerships between industry, academia, alumni and global stakeholders are pivotal in fostering a dynamic learning environment. By converging diverse experiences, cultural perspectives, and expertise, these partnerships enhance the quality and applicability of research, while also promoting experiential learning. Furthermore, resource sharing facilitates access to cutting-edge technology, specialized knowledge, and cost-effective solutions, ultimately driving innovation and success.
What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities you see in academia today, and how do you address them?
Our role as educators goes beyond teaching. We must also prioritize our students’ wellbeing, providing accessible support services and fostering a positive, inclusive campus culture that promotes overall growth and development. As the saying goes, ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ – Nelson Mandela. The biggest challenge we face today is understanding the new generation of students, known as Generation Z. Growing up with the internet, smartphones and social media has made them experts in navigating digital tools. As the most diverse generation yet, Gen Z students bring a unique perspective, caring deeply about social change, equality and mental health.
To engage these students, Universities must offer personalized learning experiences that fit their individual needs and interests. Gen Z values hands-on learning, seeking internships, projects and community work to develop practical skills. As educators, we must incorporate technology seamlessly into the learning process. We can use innovative tools like AI, AR, and VR to boost student engagement and understanding. By connecting academic concepts to real-life applications and encouraging critical thinking, we empower Gen Z students to develop innovative solutions to global challenges. To engage these students, Universities must offer personalized learning experiences that fit their individual needs and interests. After all, ‘the best way to predict your future is to create it.’ – Abraham Lincoln”
To effectively engage this demographic, we at University provide tailored learning experiences that cater to their individualized needs and interests. Moreover, we provide high premium on experiential learning, seeking out opportunities such as internships, project-based learning, and community engagement to develop practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge. Ultimately, our role as educators extends beyond mere instruction, as we must also prioritize our students’ wellbeing, providing accessible support services and fostering a positive, inclusive campus culture that promotes holistic growth and development.
How do you approach mentoring and guiding students, faculty members, and other stakeholders in academia?
Mentorship is a sacred bond, a gentle guidance that whispers ‘I believe in you.’ It’s about embracing the unique tapestry of everyone, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, weaving together their strengths and weaknesses into a masterpiece of potential. To mentor is to know, to understand and to nurture – to celebrate the brilliance of their strengths, while tenderly coaxing their weaknesses into hidden strengths. It’s not about creating clones, but about empowering souls to find their distinct voice, their own path, and their inner compass. Mentoring is a warm embrace, a listening ear and a guiding hand that says, ‘I am here for you, and together, we will navigate the journey.’ As John Crosby so beautifully puts it, ‘Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction.’”
What do you envision as the future of education and how do you see academic institutions evolving for coming decade?
We the leaders wholeheartedly support our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary approach to transforming Indian education. Tomorrow’s education system will prioritize personalized learning experiences, tailored to each student’s unique needs, interests and learning styles. The future of education will be hybrid learning models, personalized and with short-term skill driven courses. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a significant step towards creating a holistic and multidisciplinary education system, focusing on the development of 21st-century skills that will empower our youth to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
Which is your favorite quote?
Live with purpose, compassion, gratitude and strive to make a meaningful difference, so that every day is a testament to a life well-lived.
What is your message to the students to achieve their goals?
You are not just students; you are the architects of tomorrow. Our role is to inspire, nurture, support, empower and to help you bloom into the best version of yourself. You are the future, believe in yourself, stay curious and never stop learning. Success comes to those who take the initiative, work hard and remain persistent. Dream big, stay focused and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. The world is full of possibilities, go out and make an impact and I will forever be cheering for your success, growth and happiness.
