India has been blessed with numerous educators who have profoundly impacted the field of education, paving the way for future generations. These leaders, operating across various educational domains, are poised to leave a lasting legacy that will shape the future of education in India. Among these influential figures, one name stands out: Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Kumar Khandal. Renowned for his ability to translate ideas from the lab to commercial applications, he is celebrated for his expertise across multiple branches of chemical sciences. His leadership extends to guiding several research groups and institutions, including SDGI Global University, Uttar Pradesh Technical University, and the Shriram Institute for Industrial Research.
From Rural Roots to Academic Excellence
Born in a village at the border of Rajasthan and Haryana, Prof. (Dr.) R K Khandal began his early education in his hometown, where he gained fundamental life lessons from cattle farming. He later moved to Delhi, where he continued his education at a government school before pursuing a B.Sc. in Chemistry at Hindu College, University of Delhi, followed by a Master’s in Chemistry from the same institution.
Driven by a desire to make a significant impact on society and industry, Prof. Khandal sought opportunities for advanced research. In 1979, he was selected for a Ph.D. program at the Indian School of Mines (Dhanbad), focusing on materials and minerals, which ignited his passion for applied research. Even before completing his Ph.D., he achieved a major milestone by being appointed as a lecturer in 1982.
A Defining Shift
Throughout Prof. (Dr.) R K Khandal’s distinguished career one very pivotal moment he fondly remembers was during the 1984 riots, which profoundly impacted him and prompted his decision to leave the Indian School of Mines. This decision led him to take up a position with a United Nations project, marking a significant shift from his permanent role. Subsequently, he worked with Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the UK before returning to India, where he contributed to organizations such as India Glycols and the Shriram Institute for Industrial Research. His international work, particularly in the UK and France, provided him with valuable exposure to advanced research and cutting-edge technologies in material sciences. While at ICI in the UK and later conducting multidisciplinary research in France, Prof. Khandal not only enhanced his technical expertise but also gained insights into social and linguistic dimensions, enriching his overall perspective on science and innovation.
Leading Transformation and Innovation in Higher Education
In 2012, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Kumar Khandal was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Uttar Pradesh Technical University, the largest technical university in the country. His tenure, which lasted until 2015, was marked by a significant transformation of the institution from an output-based to an outcome-oriented system. Under his leadership, innovative measures were implemented, propelling the university towards accelerated growth and establishing a lasting legacy of advancement.
Following his impactful stint at UPTU, Prof. Khandal was appointed Chancellor of SDGI Global University, where he continues to shape the institution’s future. In this role, he bridges the gap between industry, academia, and research institutes, fostering collaborations that benefit both students and the industry.
Additionally, during his presidency of the World Association of Industrial Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO), Prof. Khandal established global linkages with over 200 research institutes. These connections facilitate collaborative research projects aimed at advancing Indian industries, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). His efforts prepare students to become adept problem-solvers with entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to pursue higher education and research opportunities abroad.
Blending Passion and Profession
Prof. Khandal believes in the seamless integration of personal and professional life, viewing them as interconnected rather than separate. He finds joy in his work, which naturally blends into his personal life, and has never felt the need to balance the two.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Prof. Khandal has a deep passion for nature. He is dedicated to planting trees in areas where they are not typically found, such as coconut and Supari trees in regions like Lucknow. He actively plants species like sandalwood and Rudraksh wherever he works and closely observes their growth and interactions with wildlife. Prof. Khandal values the profound lessons that plants can teach about life and spends considerable time studying these interactions.
