A popular café, nestled in a quiet, modern office complex in Gurgaon, serves as a refuge for three friends who gather regularly for their weekend meetings—a time for deep, meaningful, yet unstructured conversations.
These three—Ashok Bhan (a noted Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court), Raj Nehru (a senior corporate executive turned education administrator), and Ashok Ogra (a media and management professional turned educator) -are an unlikely trio at first glance. Their backgrounds, temperaments, and even the way they hold their coffee cups are vastly different. Yet, it is precisely these differences that enrich their conversations, each one bringing a unique perspective to the table. Occasionally, other friends join in, adding even greater charm and depth to their gatherings.
Last weekend, the conversation focused on Dr. (Prof.) Raj Nehru, who is completing two terms totaling 10 years as the Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU) in Gurgaon.
Raj’s visionary approach has been instrumental in laying the foundational pillars of the university. He spearheaded the establishment of academic programs and infrastructure, ensuring that the university not only meets but exceeds the educational aspirations of students and faculty. His dedication to creating a robust academic environment has been a cornerstone of the university’s success.
Raj Nehru’s journey is a fascinating one: from a fiery student leader to a corporate strategist, and ultimately to a distinguished figure in the education sector. It is a story of evolution, of ambition tempered by experience, and of ideals transformed into action.
Raj’s early education began in the scenic region of Kashmir, where he was born and raised. This background laid a strong foundation for his later academic and professional pursuits. Despite completing his graduation at a makeshift campus set up in Jammu after the 1990 migration, Raj’s determination and passion for learning drove him to excel in his studies. The trauma of migration instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and adaptability, qualities that would later define his growth and leadership style.
He quickly rose through the ranks in the private sector, with his ability to see the bigger picture—honed in the crucible of student leadership—becoming one of his greatest strengths.
During his corporate career, Raj worked with several renowned multinational companies, including the esteemed brand Apple Inc. He was involved in driving large-scale HR initiatives, managing talent development programs, and implementing organizational change strategies. His work often focused on aligning human resource practices with business objectives, earning him recognition for enhancing organizational performance through effective people management.
However, the world of business, with all its challenges and rewards, felt incomplete—merely a stepping stone to something greater. During this time, Raj began to reflect on the nature of leadership, the responsibilities that come with influence, and the role of education in shaping not just careers, but lives. He realized that his true calling was not in the pursuit of profit, but in the cultivation of minds.
His corporate experience provided him with a deep understanding of the skills and competencies required in the modern workforce. This understanding later influenced his approach to education and skill development, particularly in his role as the Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University. He emphasized the importance of practical, industry-relevant skills in education, reflecting his belief that academia should closely align with industry needs.
From a passionate young activist to a strategic corporate leader, to an influential educator, each chapter of Raj’s life has been a step in a journey that is as much about discovering the world as it is about discovering himself. As he looks back on the path he has traveled, he understands that each stage of his life, each role he has played, is not separate but a continuation of the same story—a story of learning, of leading, and of making a difference in whatever way he could.
Raj was also a boxer in his younger days. He must have learned that each bout is a test of character as much as it is a test of skill, demanding not only agility and power, but also the capacity to think several moves ahead, to anticipate an opponent’s strategy, and to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
Raj is actively involved in various national and international forums focused on education and skills development. He has served as an advisor and consultant to several educational institutions, government bodies, and corporate organizations. He is also a well-regarded speaker and has been invited to deliver talks at numerous conferences and seminars on topics related to skill development, higher education, and employability.
In addition to his professional and social commitments, Raj Nehru has a range of personal interests and hobbies that he passionately pursues. He is an avid reader with a particular interest in books on ancient Kashmir, leadership, management, and education. Together with his talented and charming wife, Sunaina, he established the UTSAV Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving underprivileged children. UTSAV is a concept aimed at ‘Celebrating the Festival of Life.’
Back to the café conversations between the three friends: their discussions often touch on weighty matters such as community affairs, the struggles and challenges of negotiating the unfortunate migration, and what it means to leave behind one’s homeland—along with the possibility, or impossibility, of returning.
For Ashok Bhan, Raj Nehru, and Ashok Ogra, the longing for home is something they carry with them every day—a quiet ache that sometimes flares into a fierce desire to go back and reclaim what was lost. But the idea of returning is complicated, fraught with the realities of a place that has changed in their absence, just as they have changed by leaving. As their words flow, there is always a sense of shared understanding, of grappling with the same fundamental questions of identity, belonging, and the passage of time.
As expected, these unstructured exchanges remain inconclusive, but they always become memorable. As the conversations wind down, there is a lingering sense that something special has been experienced -something that will stay long after the coffee cups have been cleared away.
(The Author works as Advisor for reputed Apeejay Education Society, New Delhi. Previously, he has worked in Discovery Channel as Vice President in charge of entire South Asia Region)
