(Chancellor – People’s University) – Leadership Beyond Titles
True leadership is not about holding a position of power, it is about inspiring change, creating opportunities, and leaving behind a legacy that shapes lives. In education, this principle is even more profound, for every decision a leader makes has the potential to impact generations. Few people embody this idea as completely as Mr. Suresh N. Vijaywargia, the Chancellor of People’s University, Bhopal. His journey from a determined young engineer to one of India’s Most Inspiring Education Leaders is not just the story of an institution’s growth, but of how one individual’s vision can transform an entire community.
Early Roots of Vision
Born on 12th May 1944 in Bhopal, Mr. Vijaywargia grew up in a business family where enterprise and responsibility went hand in hand. His formative years were spent in Bhopal before he pursued Electrical Engineering at the State Engineering College, Vidisha. Even as a student, he showed the signs of a natural leader, actively participating in campus activities and serving as joint secretary of the student union. After earning his degree in 1968, he set out on a professional journey that would take him through diverse fields like film financing, construction, and retail.
While his career flourished in the United States during the 1970s, he chose to return to India in the early 1980s. For him, success was never about personal gain alone, but it was about contributing to the larger good. This sense of purpose led him to launch Bhopal’s first chain of super bazaars and establish a hospital for the poor and the gas tragedy victims.
Building People’s Group: From Idea to Impact
It was education, however, that became his life’s calling. Through the People’s Group, founded under a charitable trust, Mr. Vijaywargia laid the foundation for what would grow into one of Central India’s largest educational and healthcare ecosystems. What made his vision unique was the philosophy of “Cradle to Career”, a holistic model where students could find every stage of learning and support within one integrated campus.
The People’s Campus in Bhopal evolved into a township in itself, complete with housing, security, power backups, and civic amenities. It also embraced sustainability long before it became a global trend, with solar energy, rainwater harvesting, green landscapes, and eco-conscious infrastructure, along with the Central Research Facility.
A Student-Centric Chancellor
As Chancellor, Mr. Vijaywargia has always placed students at the center of his leadership. He believes education must equip learners with both knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for a fast-changing world. Under his guidance, People’s University has built incubation centres, promoted patents and copyrights, partnered with international institutions, and designed an industry-aligned curriculum. Sustainability is equally central to his vision, with large-scale solar power and waste management systems ensuring the campus is as future-ready as its students.
Preparing for the Future
Education today faces rapid disruption, from digital transformation to evolving job markets. Mr. Vijaywargia ensures that People’s University remains relevant by embracing online learning platforms, promoting experiential education through internships and research, and encouraging interdisciplinary problem-solving. In the short term, his focus is on strengthening research infrastructure, deepening industry partnerships, and building a vibrant innovation culture. His long-term aspiration is to see People’s University recognized globally as a hub for research and talent, contributing to solutions for society’s most pressing challenges.
The Man Beyond the Role
Despite his professional commitments, Mr. Vijaywargia remains a man of simple joys. He enjoys spending time with his family, tending to his garden, reading, and listening to retro music. His personal discipline and love for cleanliness reflect the order and clarity he brings to his professional life. To young leaders, his advice is both realistic and encouraging. He quotes – “Don’t expect balance every single day, but aim for harmony over time”. “With rest, focus, and adaptability, it is possible to stay true to one’s purpose without burning out”, he concludes.
