Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: Prof. (Dr.) Manojranjan Nayak, an eminent personality, distinguished educator, and visionary entrepreneur, is the founder and President of Siksha O’ Anusandhan (SOA), an institute that stands as a testament to excellence in Odisha Education. He journeyed from a small village to establish one of the top-ranked universities in Odisha, embodying the mantra of dedication, hard work, and passion.
Hailing from a humble village in coastal Odisha, Prof. Nayak’s academic brilliance was evident from an early age. He earned his B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from Regional Engineering College (now NIT), Rourkela, and pursued an M. Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur. His dedication to academic excellence led him to a teaching career, where he devoted a decade to Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). His vision extended far beyond, aspiring to create an institution that would offer quality professional education to students in Odisha.
In 1995, Prof. Manojranjan Nayak turned his dreams into reality by founding Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan. A year later, he launched the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), one of the finest engineering colleges in Eastern India, with just 118 students. Over the years, the institution expanded its horizons to include fields such as management, hospitality, nursing, pharmaceutical science, dental sciences, and medical sciences. On July 17, 2007, the University Grants Commission (UGC) conferred the status of a deemed-to-be university on SOA under Section 3 of the UGC Act, recognizing its contribution to higher education.
Today, Prof. Manojranjan Nayak’s SOA is ranked among the top universities in India, securing the 15th position in the NIRF rankings for 2023 and earning an A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2022. Under Prof. Nayak’s leadership, SOA has gained international recognition, with several of its programs accredited by the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Prof. Manojranjan Nayak’s impact extends beyond education. In 2007, he established the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, a 2,200-bed teaching hospital providing super-specialty healthcare services in Odisha. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a crucial role in partnering with the Odisha government to set up multiple COVID hospitals and care centers across the state.
Despite his success, Prof. Manojranjan Nayak’s journey has not been without challenges. His rise in the education sector has been marked by controversy, including allegations of involvement in an admission scam in 2000. However, his resilience and determination have enabled him to overcome these obstacles and continue his mission of providing quality education.
Prof. Manojranjan Nayak’s vision is not confined to educational endeavors alone. He is also a media entrepreneur, owning The Prameya, the largest-circulated vernacular daily in Odisha, and News7, an Odia television news channel.
Prof. Manojranjan Nayak’s journey is a story of hard work, perseverance, vision, and unwavering commitment to education. Prof. Manojranjan Nayak is an inspiration to all who dream of transforming lives through knowledge. He has devoted his life to transforming the educational landscape of Odisha through education and information, inspiring countless students and educators.
