Prof. Sudhi Rajiv

Vice-Chancellor

Having extensive experience as an administrator holding many prestigious positions, Dr. Sudhi Rajiv, Vice Chancellor of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communications, Jaipur, was Dean, Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences & Professor and Head, Department of English at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. She was also Director of Kamla Nehru College for Women (a constituent college of J.N.V. University) and also Founder Director of Centre for Women’s Studies at J N Vyas University. She was nominated to the Syndicate of Jai Narain University thrice & was also a member of Rajasthan State Knowledge Commission for English Skills. She was also nominated as member to the Rajasthan State Higher Education Council. Along with her current responsibility, she also took additional charge of the Vice Chancellor of Jagatguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University from August 22, 2022 to October 3, 2022 and of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University, Jaipur from December 27, 2022 to March 8, 2024.

One of the foremost academicians in the country, Prof. Sudhi Rajiv has been at the forefront of English Literature and Communications education in the country having a teaching experience of more than four decades. She is among the very few two time Fulbright Scholars in the country. During 1993-94, she was a Senior Fulbright Fellow at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA. For fall 2010, she was a Visiting Fulbright-Nehru Professor in English at Ohio University in Athens,USA, where she taught courses in both African American and South Asian Literature. She was at the University of Toronto on a Canadian Studies Faculty Enrichment Program in 2012. Prof. Rajiv was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia in 1990-91 and also taught at Temple University Philadelphia in 1991.

She did her Ph.D. in African American Literature in 1985 and her book, Forms of Black Consciousness, was published in 1992 from New York (Advent Books). She has guided several research scholars. She has also published papers on South Asian Literature, African American Literature, Global English and Women’s Studies in India and the U.S.

In a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Prof. Sudhi Rajiv has redefined excellence in academia, administration and education. Her contribution during her former role as the Director of Kamla Nehru College for Women, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, has been immense. Her dynamic leadership and vision have remodeled the quality of academic discourse in her domain and transformed her into a thought leader with an impact.

Her tenure as the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Education & Social Sciences at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, and later as Dean, International Relations, Poornima University, Jaipur, has brought about a landmark change in education outcomes and public interface of these institutions. Her interdisciplinary and non-partisan thinking has promoted international exchange and academic research. Her effective communication skills and an affable disposition have facilitated her work with her counterparts at national and international platforms. The universities owe their positions as centers of education to her exemplary work as a leader and administrator.

Prof Sudhi Rajiv has an insatiable drive towards brilliance that shines through every facet of her multifarious career. Her ability to spearhead transformation in education delivery through her excellent administrative skills has strengthened her position as an organisation builder and a passionate academician. Her work in education has metamorphosed academic outcomes and standards in many disciplines.

With her depth of passion and enthusiasm for social issues centred on women and caste/racial discrimination, she has been the voice of the country, leading vociferous advocacy on issues of cultural and social importance. Her efforts to effect a change in societal malpractices have made her the harbinger of women empowerment and gender equality.

Prof. Sudhi Rajiv has presented papers, participated as Key note/Plenary speaker and chaired many sessions at National and International Seminars and Conferences at the US, France, Canada, South Asia, South East Asia where her ideologies have helped define and determine policies, practices and teaching discourse in a gendered and ethnicised society. She is also a National Trainer for Capacity Builiding of Women Managers in Higher Education Program.

Prof. Sudhi Rajiv dons many hats with the aplomb of a natural captain. Apart from her contributions to the field of education, her natural eloquence makes her a sought after speaker. She is also a renowned social activist propelling meaningful changes in society.

Her contributions in the field of academics and beyond have earned her spectacular accolades like Lifetime Achievement Award for English Studies from International Multidisciplinary Research Foundation, India & IMRF Institute for Education & Research, Dubai Chapter, UAE in 2019 and a second Lifetime Achievement Award in Academic and Research from Math Tech Thinking Foundation, Fajilka Punjab, India in association with Poornima College of Engineering, Jaipur, India in 2024. Dr. Ambedkar Fellowship Honour from Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy, New Delhi was conferred upon her in 1997 for her commitment to social justice and equality.

Prof. Sudhi Rajiv is a patron of art, music, poetry and dramatics, adding another brilliant dimension to her already illustrious personality. Her storied career holds inspiration for many future leaders, making her a role model of multitudinous brilliance.