Priyanshu Mohanty 
In the heart of India’s educational landscape, where tradition meets innovation, there exists a narrative of remarkable perseverance and visionary leadership. This is the story of Sri Rajesh Kumar Jha, whose distinguished career as the Director of NIFT Bhubaneswar and former Director of NIFT Kolkata has profoundly shaped the realm of Fashion and Design education in India.
Imagine stepping into the vibrant world of NIFT Bhubaneswar, where the air is charged with creativity and ambition. At the helm of this transformative institution is Rajesh Kumar Jha, a beacon of excellence whose journey began in the dynamic city of Gandhinagar (Gujarat). As you delve into his early career in government services, where he served as an Assistant Professor. This was not merely a role but a commitment to sculpting future leaders of Fashion and Design.
You find Mr. Jha navigating the complexities of quality academic inputs in NIFT Gandhinagar, His pioneering efforts in setting up state-of-the-art honest effort and fostering an environment conducive to learning are a testament to his unwavering dedication.
From Gandhinagar, Jha’s journey takes you to Raebareli (UP) and Kannur (Kerala), where he played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of NIFT’s new campuses. In Raebareli, you witness Mr. Jha’s relentless drive to overcome the myriad challenges of setting up a new institution. His efforts in procuring cutting-edge equipment, developing robust infrastructure, and building meaningful connections with the community are emblematic of his vision and resilience where you find Mr. Jha navigating the complexities of establishing NIFT Raebareli. His pioneering efforts in setting up state-of-the-art laboratories and fostering an environment conducive to learning are a testament to his unwavering dedication both in Administration and Academics etc.,
In Kannur-Kerala, Mr. Jha faced an additional layer of complexity: the language barrier. With most locals conversing in Malayalam or English, establishing the institution required not just administrative acumen but also a profound cultural sensitivity. Here, you see Jha’s determination manifesting through his personal visits to schools & colleges where he championed the cause of NIFT, enlightening students about the myriad opportunities it presented. His grassroots approach along with team members marked by perseverance and deep engagement, played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the thriving Kannur campus.
With the present responsibility as a Director of NIFT Bhubaneswar (Odisha state), Mr. Jha has successfully served as Director of NIFT Kolkata too and delivered both responsibilities & duties in diligent manner with progressive approach. In NIFT Kolkata as a Director, he has focused to make the campus as a green campus with beautification process for the campus aligned with world class institute and processed a series of result orientated aggressive developmental work in a very systematic manner, his motto was clear with all such developmental work is to create NIFT India as a top-notch world-class institute, there is no substitute of hard work and passion towards the development of the country.
Mr Jha’s academic credentials are equally formidable. With a Master’s degree in ‘Manufacturing Management’ from BITS-Pilani and a Bachelor’s in Industrial and Production Engineering from one of the oldest engineering college of the country which established in 1947, he has secured ‘First Class with Distinction’ in his Bachelor’s in Engineering, his scholarly pursuits are complemented by multiple postgraduate diploma’s viz, ‘Business Administration’ as well as in ‘Academic Administration and Supervision’ (both with first class) and his international certifications in Intellectual Property Rights from WIPO-KIPO-KIPA & KAIST, Certificate in Human rights from IGNOU, a short-term course in Mechatronics from IIT Delhi further underscore his comprehensive expertise. The numerous papers he has published and his presentations at prestigious conferences across India reflect a scholarly dedication that goes beyond mere academic achievement.
Yet, Mr Jha’s contributions extend far beyond academia. His leadership roles, including serving as the Academic Council Member of Nehru Gram Bharti University, Praygraj (Allahabad) and Chairman of the Board of Studies at Kannur University Kerala, Member of Local Management Committee at ATDC Kannur, illustrate his commitment to shaping educational policy and practice. As a patron of Hindi magazines like KALINGAM (in Odisha) and BANGLARAS (in West Bengal), he has championed the promotion of Hindi language and literature while honoring regional cultural identities. These endeavors highlight Jha’s belief that educational institutions are not just centers of learning but also catalysts for cultural and community development.
The narrative of his professional journey is intricately linked to his personal experiences and aspirations. Hailing from Madhubani (Bihar) and an engineering graduate by training, his early career began as an engineer followed with his journey in government service at Gandhinagar (Gujarat). His dedication to attracting students and meeting NIFT’s high standards was evident in his relentless efforts and frequent travels to integrate new technology.
Afterwards in RaeBareli (UP), he faced the daunting task of setting up a new NIFT campus, a challenge that involved overcoming numerous obstacles-from establishing labs and acquiring equipment to connecting with the public inorder to maintain the high standards of NIFT reputation.
In Kannur (Kerala) Mr. Jha encountered the challenge of language barriers, a testament to his adaptability and commitment to inclusivity. His personal visits to schools and his efforts to raise awareness about NIFT’s potential were instrumental in establishing a successful campus, reflecting his deep commitment & honesty to education and community engagement.
Mr. Jha’s belief in the transformative power of education extends to his efforts to promote regional languages and cultural heritage. His affinity for hindi inspired by his grandfather’s literary contributions towards the society who has authored several books of Hindi, led him to create the magazine Kalingam in Odisha, blending Hindi with the regional tone of Odia. This vision was later replicated in Kolkata with the magazine Bangla-ras, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of West Bengal.
On August 15th, Mr. Jha had the honor of meeting with Hon’ble Governor of odisha state and the newly appointed Chief Minister, Respected Majhi Sir along with Dy.CM of the state during an “At Home” celebration at the Governor’s residence. Their conversation, marked by a shared vision for development, highlighted Jha’s commitment to leveraging new ideas and initiatives for community advancement.
At NIFT, Mr Jha’s mission transcends traditional education. He is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the state, including its handlooms, handicrafts, and diverse cultural expressions. Workshops on crafting with Sabai grass, a material of great cultural significance, exemplify NIFT’s engagement in holistic development. Presently at NIFT Bhubaneswar as a Director Mr Jha’s mission is to develop this campus in very progressive way and paved the path for overall development in a very subtle way to be remembered for centuries. Mr. Jha’s vision is clear: NIFT is not merely an institution for degrees but a catalyst for state and community development, fostering innovation, cultural preservation, and community outreach.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jha’s journey is a compelling narrative of dedication, vision, and leadership. His contributions to fashion and design education, coupled with his commitment to cultural preservation and community development, embody the essence of an academician and leader dedicated to shaping a better future. As you reflect on his story, you are reminded of the boundless possibilities that arise from unwavering passion and a clear purpose an asset for our odisha state.
