Suparjya swain 
FEATURE: In a world where success is often measured by titles and corporate milestones, Prof. Rajita Kulkarni chose a different path—one driven not by ambition alone, but by purpose. A former banking executive who once led global leadership programs across continents, she made a life-defining decision to step away from the corridors of international finance and devote herself to the transformative power of education. Today, as the President of Sri Sri University in Odisha, she is shaping a new generation of leaders—rooted in values, inspired by purpose, and equipped to make a meaningful impact on the world.
With an academic foundation in business management, finance, and marketing, Prof. Kulkarni spent over two decades in the corporate world, most notably with Citibank. As Vice President of Citibank, she led global learning and development initiatives, working across more than a dozen countries and training thousands of professionals. Her role was central to shaping leadership pipelines, designing cross-cultural training programs, and driving human capital strategies in high-pressure environments. Yet, despite the global exposure and success, a deeper urge to contribute meaningfully to society began to grow.
This inner calling led her to make a profound transition—from the high-octane world of global banking to the transformative realm of education and leadership development. Inspired by the vision of spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Prof. Kulkarni chose to devote her life to value-based education. She became part of the founding team of Sri Sri University and assumed the role of President in 2017.
Under her leadership, Sri Sri University has evolved into a unique institution that blends the wisdom of the East with the scientific and managerial advancements of the West. Today, the university offers over 70 academic programs, including fields like data science, yoga, ayurveda, AI, architecture, and liberal arts. Situated on a 188-acre green campus, the university is home to more than 3,500 students and boasts over 230 international collaborations, 164 patents, 180 startups, and 27 global resource centers of excellence.
Prof. Kulkarni’s vision for higher education in India is rooted in a multidisciplinary, values-driven approach. She believes in preparing students not only for professional success but also for conscious, compassionate living. Her emphasis on ethics, empathy, and inner transformation resonates deeply with today’s global challenges. Through various global platforms—such as the United Nations, G20 forums, the European Parliament, and the World Forum for Ethics in Business—she has represented India and advocated for leadership models grounded in ethics, mental well-being, and sustainable development.
Her personal journey took a dramatic turn when she survived the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The experience, she says, was a turning point that reshaped her outlook on life and leadership. “It shifted my inner compass—from chasing success to seeking significance,” she reflects. Healing from that trauma was supported by her spiritual practices, especially Sudarshan Kriya, which helped restore her resilience and clarity. Today, that incident serves as a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of leading with purpose and intention.
In addition to her role in academia, Prof. Kulkarni has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. At Sri Sri University, over 50% of students and faculty are women, and dedicated initiatives like Charchika – The Women’s Leadership Forum have been launched to mentor and support future female leaders. “Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold,” she says. “It’s about creating your own narrative with courage and compassion.”
Her commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond the classroom. As a nodal agency for Startup Odisha, the university’s incubation centre, SSUInnovation, has nurtured 180 startups—52 of which align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The centre has received support from the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and recognition from Startup India Seed Fund and HDFC Bank Smartup Grant. It is also ranked 4-star by the Ministry of Education’s Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC). Prof. Kulkarni’s vision is to position Odisha as a hub of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, especially for the youth of Eastern India.
An accomplished author and public speaker, Prof. Kulkarni uses her voice and writing to spark transformation. Her bestselling book, Unknown Edge, explores deeper existential questions and the human pursuit of meaning. She is also a poet, and some of her verses have been adapted into songs, including one performed by legendary singer Asha Bhosle. “Whether through a page or a podium, words can heal and ignite change,” she shares.
At the core of her leadership lies a clear philosophy—one she often shares with students: “Anchor yourself in ethics, strive for excellence, lead with empathy, protect your energy, and live with enthusiasm.” These guiding principles, she believes, form the bedrock of a meaningful life and career.
Prof. Rajita Kulkarni’s journey is a remarkable example of how professional success can be redefined through service, inner alignment, and a commitment to uplifting others. From surviving terror to shaping future changemakers, she stands as a beacon of compassionate leadership and transformative education—both in India and on the global stage.
