Indian women have come a long way while constantly confronting prevalent patriarchal norms and breaking the glass ceiling. Today, most sectors in India, especially the educational sector, are thriving with women leaders at their helm. Envisioned and founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sri Sri University started its operation as one of the pioneering private universities in Odisha in 2009. located on a 188-acre campus situated in Cuttack, the university today has evolved into one of the leading educational hubs, offering over 60 courses across a wide range of practices to over 3000 students.

At the helm of the university’s public relations and executive training is Prof. Vijaya Lakshmi Mohanty, an accomplished educator, institution builder, Professor, Good Governance & Public Policy; Director – HRDC, Director, AIU-SSU-AADC, Director, Sri Sri Advanced Global Center for Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies (SSAGC-CRPS) at the university.

Erudite Student & Philanthropic Parents

Prof. (Dr.) Vijaya Lakshmi Mohanty is the daughter of humanitarian and philanthropist Mr. Manoranjan (Nandia) Mohanty and Dr. Mrs. P.S. Manikyeswari of Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. Raised in a joint family of 22 members, her parents instilled in her and her brother, Srinivas (Nitai), strong moral values. Prof. Mohanty holds three postgraduate degrees, an MSc in Physics from NIT Rourkela, an MA in Public Administration (recipient of two Gold Medals) from Utkal University, and an MBA, alongside a PhD in Public Administration and an LLB from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.

As the only daughter in her household, her parents chose to educate her locally in Rairangpur until her intermediate studies. She attended Rairangpur Girls High School and Rairangpur College, later completing her graduation (1992-95) from Maharaja Purna Chandra College in Baripada, where her mother was posted as District Malaria Officer. She then pursued Physics at NIT (then Regional Engineering College), Rourkela from 1995-97 being the topper in the batch. Her academic journey continued at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, where she emerged as a top student in her Department of Public Administration. Known for her scholastic excellence, she consistently topped merit lists, receiving numerous merit certificates, scholarships and Gold Medals.

Prof. Mohanty is widely acclaimed for her versatility in public relations, governance skills, impactful service projects, as a meditation trainer and an impactful author.

An Accomplished Author & Biographer

Prof. Mohanty is an accomplished author. Her recent biography, ‘President Droupadi Murmu: A Reflection of Changing Bharat’, is a tribute to India’s 15th President and an inspiring exploration of President Droupadi Murmu’s life. Hailing from the same hometown as the President of Bharat, and being her acquaintance, she could author one of the most authentic biographies, The book is appreciated widely with many recognitions from the Government. Ministry of External Affairs has procured the book for all the embassies of various countries. The book is originally published in English. The Hindi one is being released shortly.

She has penned down over fifty research articles and book chapters in national and international publications, four books, published a patent on Ethical Political Leadership, and drafted more than five thousand press releases.

Ethics in Governance and Leadership is quite a possibility and is the best option

Visionary Institution Builder & Compassionate Educator

Prof. Mohanty, as the founding member of Sri Sri University in Cuttack, Odisha, played a pivotal role in establishing Odisha's first private university under the guidance of her spiritual Master, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, serving as the sole team member on-site from 2006 to 2010. She teaches at the PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s levels, inspiring students toward impactful societal contributions and has curated over 100 training programs for a wide range of professionals, including political leaders, civil servants, and academics, amassing over 100,000 hours of experience in teaching, training, and research.

Prof. Mohanty has trained 500 doctors and medical educators in Odisha on Art of Living stress management techniques and is currently guiding seven doctoral scholars. Her role as Principal Investigator on projects with Navaratna PSU emphasizes her dedication to governance research. A certified Yoga Trainer, she has taught meditation under The Art of Living for the past two decades, consistently integrating these responsibilities with her commitment to service and education.

As the Head of Public Relations and Social Outreach at Sri Sri University, she has also been instrumental in fostering community engagement and promoting the university’s mission. With a portfolio of over five thousand press releases, Dr. Mohanty’s work in public relations is a model of ethical and effective communication, highlighting the impact of values-based education.

Researcher in Good Governance & Ethical Leadership

Prof. Mohanty's focus on good governance is rooted in her belief that leadership should serve the greater good. Her patent in Ethical Political Leadership outlines a path for aspiring leaders to prioritize “Lok Sangraha,” or community welfare, over self-interest. She views ethical governance as essential for sustainable leadership and frequently cites historical examples like Mahatma Gandhi and King Janak. Recently she is nominated as the Joint General Secretary (East) of the prestigious Indian Political Science Association (IPSA) which is a one of the largest non-profit professional Organization for Political Science research, rigorous inquiry, and knowledge dissemination.

Spiritual Seeker, Meditation Trainer and Advocate for Holistic Education

A dedicated spiritual practitioner, Prof. Mohanty incorporates Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation, vegetarian diet into her daily life. As an Art of Living meditation teacher and a Government of India-certified yoga trainer, she guides thousands of students in life skills and holistic well-being. Her daily practices of Padma Sadhana, Sudarshan Kriya, and Sahaj Samadhi meditation, inspired by her spiritual Master Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, are essential to her balanced approach to her responsibilities.

Prof. Mohanty’s unique blend of roles—as an institution builder, educator, researcher, and spiritual teacher—makes her an inspiring personality worth emulating. It reminds one of the glorious eras of empowered women and teachers who built nations.