Leadership in Education: Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s Role in Expanding Higher Education in Tribal Rajasthan
New Delhi [India], January 16: The conversation around higher education in India often focuses on big cities and well-known institutions. Yet, some of the most meaningful educational change is driven by individuals with vision and commitment. In Abu Road, in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, Dr. Rajkumar Rana, Chairman of Madhav University, stands out as one such leader, quietly shaping access to higher education in a predominantly tribal region.
When Dr. Rajkumar Rana founded Madhav University in 2013, Sirohi did not have a university of its own. Students from tribal families faced limited options. Many had to travel long distances, while others were forced to discontinue their education altogether. Recognising this gap, Dr. Rajkumar Rana took a decisive step. For him, setting up a university in Abu Road was not about creating an institution alone; it was about creating opportunity where none existed. His belief remains simple and powerful: education must reach those who need it the most.
Under the leadership of Dr. Rajkumar Rana, Madhav University has grown with a clear focus on inclusion, relevance, and quality. The university today offers diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, professional, and medical programmes across 11 faculties, including Homoeopathy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Commerce and Management, Law, Education, Agriculture, Arts and Science, and Yoga and Naturopathy.
Dr. Rajkumar Rana has ensured that students studying in a tribal region receive learning facilities comparable to those in leading institutions across the country. Modern laboratories, digital libraries, research and incubation centres, media lab, and innovation facilities reflect his belief that location should never limit quality. Spread across a 100-acre green campus, the university offers a disciplined and supportive environment that encourages both academic excellence and personal growth.
A unique feature of Madhav University under Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s leadership is its experiential learning initiatives. Medical and allied health students gain practical knowledge through free health camps conducted in adopted villages like Wada, Bharja, Bhujela, Kasindra, Achpura, and Amthala, as well as in nearby villages such as Jodphali, Kivarli, Dhanari, and several others. These camps allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while serving tribal communities, a direct reflection of Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s commitment to blending education with social impact.
In addition, Dr. Rajkumar Rana established India’s only on-campus school for special-abled tribal children, providing education to around 100 children. These students receive free education, daily transport from remote villages, speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, behavioural and developmental support, psychological and IQ assessments, regular medical care, and a safe, structured, and emotionally supportive environment. For B.Ed. Special Education and allied health science students, this school offers hands-on, practical experience in inclusive teaching and child development, ensuring their learning is both experiential and socially meaningful, another example of Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s visionary approach to education.
What clearly defines Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s leadership is his focus on value-based education. Many students are first-generation learners, and under his guidance, they are encouraged to see education not only as a path to employment but as a way to build character, confidence, and social responsibility. Discipline, honesty, respect, and humility are not taught as concepts alone; they are lived daily on campus.
The results of Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s vision speak for themselves. More than 500 students have secured government jobs, a significant achievement for a tribal region. Thousands of others have progressed to higher studies and professional careers. Today, families that once hesitated to send their children for higher education now actively seek admission at Madhav University, reflecting the trust built under Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s leadership.
The university’s academic credibility has strengthened steadily under Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s guidance. Madhav University is accredited by the UGC and approved by statutory bodies such as NCTE, NCH, RNC, INC, PCI, BCI, CCH, and RCI. A defining milestone in Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s leadership journey was the achievement of the NAAC ‘A’ Grade in the very first accreditation cycle, highlighting strong governance, academic planning, and student-focused systems.
Beyond academics, Dr. Rajkumar Rana has positioned Madhav University as a socially responsible institution. Through initiatives in health awareness, women empowerment, sustainability, skill development, and community outreach, the university actively contributes to regional development, further strengthening his identity as an education leader rooted in service.
Madhav University’s journey reflects Dr. Rajkumar Rana’s long-term thinking. Instead of rapid expansion, his focus has remained on building quality, trust, and meaningful outcomes. Under his leadership, education has become a bridge, connecting aspiration with opportunity and effort with achievement.
Looking ahead, Dr. Rajkumar Rana is positioning Madhav University for national and global recognition. The university is preparing for participation in NIRF and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, alongside efforts to achieve a higher NAAC grade. Under his leadership, Madhav University is expanding research and innovation initiatives, building international collaborations, and introducing skill-based, industry-aligned programs to enhance student employability. Technology-driven learning platforms, digital libraries, and experiential community programs are being strengthened to provide students with holistic, practical, and socially impactful education.
A key priority for Dr. Rajkumar Rana remains increasing the number of students securing government and public-sector jobs through focused academic support, career guidance, and skill development. Through his vision, consistency, and people-first approach, Dr. Rajkumar Rana continues to emerge as a distinctive voice in Indian higher education, demonstrating how purpose-driven leadership can build institutions, transform regions, and create lasting impact.
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