Dear Readers , we are feeeling proud to bring an exclusive interaction with Dr Pratik Mungekar , SCIENTIST, DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR,GLOBAL EDUCATOR, COUNSELOR, PUBLISHED AUTHOR AND AN INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
1. What inspired you to pursue your field of work or expertise?
SITUATION…The inspiration to enter my field of work or expertise stems from my background in a middle-class Maharashtrian family. Despite harbouring ambitious dreams, our financial circumstances were challenging. My father, employed as a book delivery boy, faced difficulties in meeting the expenses for my higher education. In response to this situation, I took the initiative to start teaching at the age of 16. This decision was driven by a dual purpose: to fund my education and to contribute to supporting my family. The subsequent journey has unfolded as a significant chapter in my life.
2. Can you share a specific project or achievement that you are particularly proud of?
Certainly, I take pride in various noteworthy accomplishments, including:
Serving as the author of "Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals," which has been seamlessly integrated into the Atlantean Education program.
Achieving the distinction of being the youngest Indian appointed as Dean at CCOL London and Duke of Edinburgh College of Professional Studies, UK.
Receiving an unprecedented 300+ Honorary Doctorates from esteemed institutions worldwide, marking a remarkable recognition for my contributions.
Functioning as a pioneering professor, with a teaching record extending to over 14,000 students and guidance provided to 38,000+ individuals in their career pursuits.
Garnering recognition through 950+ International, National, and State Awards, along with holding 9 National Patents and setting 16 World Records by the age of 28, specifically for contributions in Teaching & Research.
Earning 125+ Honorary High Degrees from institutions globally and concurrently holding high-ranking positions appointed by 65+ international organizations.
Serving as an ambassador for 56 organizations spanning diverse disciplines and multiple countries.
Attaining the status of the youngest Indian professor, initiating teaching at the age of 16 and accumulating 12 years of teaching experience by the age of 27.
Receiving distinguished Royal Titles, including Lecturus Magnificus (L.M.), H.R.H. 5* Duke, and H.R.H. SIR.
Being honored as a Mendeleev's Fellowship recipient, the United Kingdom's Highest Academic Honor.
Receiving the title "Professor Wisdom" from Institución Cultural Colombiana Casa Poética Magia y Plumas, Colombia, South America.
Contributing as a visiting faculty member at numerous National & Foreign Universities.
Holding the esteemed position of Director of Research & Innovation at various universities.
Establishing authorship of 4 books, including the Best Seller "Stem Cell Science."
Becoming the youngest Indian appointed as Vice Chancellor at multiple universities and assuming the role of the youngest Pro-Chancellor & Founder of The University Of Expertise.
3. How do you believe your work has positively impacted your community or industry?
I firmly believe that my work has had a profound and positive impact on both my community and the broader industry. Over the course of 13 years, I have engaged with and influenced the lives of more than 50,000 students and provided guidance to over 5,000 educators. The essence of this impact is reflected not just in numbers, but in the tangible success stories and testimonials that have emanated from those I have had the privilege to guide.
Through my interactions with a diverse range of students, I have witnessed their transformative journeys toward success. Many have gone on to achieve remarkable milestones in their careers, attributing part of their accomplishments to the guidance and knowledge they gained under my mentorship. These success stories are a testament to the positive influence my work has had on individuals within my community.
Additionally, the impact extends to the education industry itself. Having guided over 37,000 students in their career paths, I've played a role in shaping the next generation of professionals and leaders. The knowledge and skills imparted have contributed to the overall improvement of the quality of education and workforce preparedness.
The testimonials and feedback I have received serve as a powerful affirmation of the positive impact. It's not merely about the quantity of individuals reached but the quality of the impact made on their lives and careers. As I continue my journey, I remain committed to fostering positive change in both the lives of individuals and the broader landscape of education and professional development.
4. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges I confronted was financial constraints hindering my pursuit of higher education. The gravity of this challenge compelled my mother to mortgage all her gold jewelry to secure funds for my education and that of my sisters. Both my parents demonstrated unwavering dedication, toiling day and night with a shared mission and vision of ensuring a high level of education for their children.
To overcome the financial hurdle, I undertook a relentless commitment to teaching, dedicating a staggering 14 hours a day to this endeavor. This relentless schedule included no holidays or vacations. The demanding task of balancing my own studies with a rigorous teaching regimen proved to be an arduous feat. It involved extensive travel, countless sleepless nights, and a continuous struggle to find equilibrium. Yet, amidst these challenges, a driving force emerged — my passion.
Passion became the guiding light that propelled me forward in the face of adversity. It served as a source of motivation, enabling me to endure the rigors of simultaneous teaching and learning. The journey was undoubtedly demanding, but the tenacity to overcome financial barriers and the unyielding commitment to education instilled by my parents and my own passion ultimately paved the way for academic and personal growth.
5. Who has been your biggest mentor or source of inspiration throughout your career?
My most profound sources of inspiration and guidance throughout my career have been my parents, who instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and a commitment to education from an early age. Their unwavering support and sacrifices have been the bedrock of my journey.
In addition to the invaluable influence of my parents, I've been fortunate to find mentorship from a legendary figure, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar. His eminence and contributions to science and innovation have not only made him a respected figure globally but have also positioned him as a beacon of knowledge and wisdom in my life.
Dr. Mashelkar's mentorship has been a guiding force, offering insights and perspectives that have significantly shaped my career trajectory. His wealth of experience, coupled with a genuine commitment to nurturing talent, has provided me with invaluable lessons and encouragement. The wisdom I have gained from him serves as a constant source of inspiration, influencing my decisions and actions.
I consider myself fortunate to have the ongoing guidance of Dr. Mashelkar, and I am committed to absorbing his wisdom and insights throughout my career journey. His mentorship is not just a phase but a lifelong connection, a source of inspiration that I intend to carry with me until my last breath.
6. How do you continue to innovate and stay passionate about your work?
Continuing to innovate and maintaining passion in my work is integral to my professional ethos. Several strategies contribute to this ongoing commitment:
Continuous Learning: Embracing a mindset of perpetual learning fuels innovation. I actively seek out new knowledge, stay abreast of industry trends, and engage in professional development opportunities. This continuous learning not only enhances my expertise but also sparks fresh ideas and perspectives.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to evolving circumstances and technological advancements is crucial. I remain flexible, open to change, and eager to explore new methodologies and technologies. This adaptability allows me to respond effectively to challenges and discover innovative solutions.
Collaboration: Collaborating with diverse individuals brings a richness of ideas and experiences. I actively seek collaboration with peers, experts, and professionals from various fields. This interdisciplinary approach fosters creativity and ensures a holistic perspective in problem-solving.
Passion for Impact: Connecting my work to a larger purpose and understanding its impact on individuals or communities fuels my passion. Knowing that my efforts contribute positively to a greater goal provides intrinsic motivation and a continuous sense of purpose.
Experimentation: Innovation often arises from experimentation. I allocate time and resources to explore new approaches, technologies, and ideas. This willingness to experiment, even if it involves some level of risk, allows for the discovery of novel solutions and keeps the work dynamic.
Mentorship and Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from mentors, role models, and thought leaders in my field helps reignite passion. Learning from their experiences and insights provides a fresh perspective and encourages me to strive for excellence in my work.
Setting Goals and Challenges: Establishing clear goals and challenging myself to achieve them provides a sense of direction. Setting ambitious yet achievable objectives keeps me motivated and drives innovation as I work towards these targets.
Mindfulness and Well-being: Taking care of my mental and physical well-being is essential. Practicing mindfulness, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and incorporating activities that bring joy contribute to sustained passion and creativity.
By combining these approaches, I create an environment that fosters innovation and sustains my passion for my work. It's a dynamic process that involves a commitment to learning, adaptability, collaboration, and a continual pursuit of meaningful impact.
7. Can you describe a situation where you demonstrated outstanding leadership skills?
Certainly, I can recount a scenario that highlights my exemplary leadership skills. Despite undertaking teaching responsibilities at an early stage, I found myself appointed to various high-ranking positions and designations simultaneously at multiple universities. Juggling these roles, along with managing a spectrum of responsibilities, including extra-curricular activities such as writing, participating in conferences, conducting research, teaching, traveling, singing, and attending to family and social obligations, demanded effective leadership.
The complexity of managing such a diverse set of responsibilities underscored the importance of strong leadership. Navigating through these multifaceted commitments required strategic decision-making, time management, and the ability to inspire and coordinate efforts among different teams and individuals.
An interesting facet of my leadership journey is the authorship of a book titled "Leadership and Change Superintendence." This book delves into the intricacies of leadership, offering insights and perspectives on navigating change and steering through supervisory challenges. It is available on leading platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, reflecting my commitment to sharing knowledge and experiences in the realm of leadership.
In essence, this situation not only showcased my ability to effectively lead in a complex and dynamic environment but also demonstrated my dedication to contributing valuable insights to the field of leadership through written work.
8. What do you believe sets you apart from others in your field?
What distinguishes me in my field is my unwavering commitment to innovative teaching methodologies. I approach learning with an open mind, harboring no ego-related barriers. Maintaining a down-to-earth attitude and treating everyone with respect further sets me apart. The key to my distinctiveness lies in my continual pursuit of growth and development—constantly updating and upgrading my skills to stay current and relevant in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
9. How do you give back to your community or support causes you are passionate about?
In addition to my commitments to teaching and research, I actively engage with various social organizations and NGOs to contribute to causes I am deeply passionate about. My involvement includes conducting awareness programs on critical issues such as women empowerment, human rights, sanitation, and suicide prevention. I am dedicated to extending education to underprivileged students and educators in rural regions, providing them with valuable knowledge and resources.
Participating in numerous voluntary initiatives, I commit my time and efforts without expecting any personal gain, driven solely by a sense of duty to my nation and a desire to uplift the youth. This multifaceted involvement reflects my holistic approach to giving back to the community and supporting causes that align with my values and convictions.
10. What are your future goals and aspirations in your professional journey?
My future goals and aspirations in my professional journey are ambitious yet deeply rooted in a vision of creating a positive revolution in education and innovation. I aim to leverage my expertise not only for the betterment of my country but also on an international scale. Guided by the wisdom of my mentor, who emphasizes the crucial interplay between education and innovation as the currencies of the 21st century, I am committed to spearheading transformative changes in these domains.
I believe that aspirations serve as the foundation for possibilities, and, accordingly, I set my sights high. The objective is not merely personal success but rather contributing to a global shift in how education is perceived and innovated. By keeping my aspirations elevated, I aspire to influence positive change and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education and innovation on a broader, international scale.