XIM University Ph.D Scholars (Part-Time)
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Khushbu Prajapati - XUPH2607
Academic Background: PG course in CSR leadership from XLRI, Jamshedpur; MA in Habitat Policy and Practice from TISS, Mumbai and BA in Sociology from IGNOU.
Industry Experience: With over 13 years of experience in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the NGO sector, my work delves into empowering marginalised communities, mainstreaming vulnerable children into formal education, and fostering partnerships for impactful social change through different education initiatives to universalise secondary education. During this time, I have worked with communities of some very remote, tribal-dominated, and mining-rich areas of eastern India to understand the learning gaps and issues with children's education. Additionally, I have extensively worked on the conservation and development of tribal culture, providing me with a very different perspective and learning in the field of tribal development.
Research Area: Focus on CSR and ESG, with interests in sustainable development and Responsible business -
Mahesh V - XUPH2608
Academic Background: M.Tech in VLSI Design from Amrita University ( 2013-2015) and B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT, 2008-2012).
Industry Experience: I am an academician and entrepreneur with over 10+ years of experience in Innovation, entrepreneurship ecosystem development, and academic leadership. In my current responisbility i head an entrepreneurship ecosystem for a leading university. I have Co-Founded startups and was involved in end-to-end product development.
Research Area: Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial mindset, ecosystem development. -
Sangeeta Mansharamani - XUPH2612
Academic Background: I have my academic foundation in Psychology and Social work, followed by a PG Diploma in Applied Statistics.
Industry Experience: I have 10+ years of experience in the social sector, primarily working with women and children, as well as in policy research. As part of a team, I have undertaken multiple consulting projects in the social sector, including research, policy briefs, and white papers.
Research Area: My current research interest lies in policy formulation and implementation, and the role of international institutions, esp. in the context of broader systems, decision-making, and areas such as food systems and livelihoods -
Soumya Prakash Biswal - XUPH2618
Academic Background: PhD in Chemical Biology, M.Sc. in Biotechnology, and B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Genetics and Chemistry.
Industry Experience: Multidisciplinary professional with 3+ years’ formal experience and 10 years’ freelancing in scientific communication, publishing, editorial leadership, digital marketing and peer review.
Research Area: Consumer psychology, AI marketing, digital behaviour and high-credence services. -
Sudarshan Das – XUPH2619
Academic Background: MSW from UU (2010); PGDPHN from IIPH-Delhi (2017); Executive Programme (Business Management) from IIM-Visakhapatnam (2025), B.Sc(I.T.& Mgt.) from UU(2003).
Industry Experience: Development and CSR professional with 15+years of experience as I worked across iNGOs (PCI, Care India, WVI), & a few of Corporates. Currently serving as AGM–CSR at GRM Minerals.
Research Area: Integrating ESG Frameworks into CSR for Sustainable Rural Development -
Abhipsha Das - XUPH2501
Academic Background: MBA in Human Resource Management from XAHR (XIM University - formerly known as Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, 2017-2019) and B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from ITER (Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, 2013-2017).
Industry Experience: I am a management professional with over 5 years of experience in end to end talent acquisition and human resource business partnering. My latest stint was that of an HRBP at Spotline. I was previously associated with Capgemini, Invesco and Karvy data management services limited (internship).
Research Area: Organizational behaviour - Mental health -
Ajay Kukreja – XUPH2502
Academic Background: MBA – HR from Jiwaji University, Gwalior (1992) and B.Sc from Barkatullah Vishwavidyalay, Bhopal (1990) .
Industry Experience: I am a management professional with 30+ years of experience in the field of Human Resource Management. I was previously associated with Hitachi Rail as the Sr. Director HR for Asia Pacific; Sr. Director (Global) for the Security business with Honeywell Inc. and based out of Atlanta. I am now embarking on an entrepreneurial journey.
Research Area: Human Resources – Organization culture, Gig working companies, Gig workers -
Kishore Kumar Mohanta- XUPH2505
Academic Background: M.Sc. Agriculture (Extension Education) from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar and B.Sc. Agriculture from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
Industry Experience: Highly motivated Agriculture Professional with a Postgraduate degree from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology and a graduation degree from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Experience in Livelihood Development, Cluster Management, Market Linkage of Vegetables, Grant application with expertise in working with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fishery Cooperatives Societies (FCSs)in Odisha and Chhattisgarh through organizations like CYSD , MART Academy ,NAFED and MART Global Management Solution LLP.
Research Area: Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation -
Saubhagya Samal – XUPH2512
Academic Background: PGDM (PT) from XIM, Bhubaneswar (2008-11) and Advanced Management Porgramme in Public Policy (AMPPP) from Indian School of Business (2023-24) .
Industry Experience: I am a development consulting professional with around 25 years of experience. I have supported in implementation, policy advocacy and policy formulation in various areas including skills development, livelihood, Agriculture – Nutrition convergence, Educations etc. Currently I am working with Bharti Institute of Public Policy at Indian School of Business and manage all project related activities and also oversee the end-to-end delivery of its flagship program, Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy. Previously I have worked with Big4 consulting firms like PwC India and KPMG India.
Research Area: CSR & ESG and its impact on Rural Management -
Sumit Kumar Panda–XUPH2517
Academic Background: MBA from School of Rural Management, XIM University. B.Tech from Institute of Technical Research and Education, SOA University, Bhubaneswar.
Industry Experience: I am a management professional with 6+ years of experience in Project Management, Data Analysis, HR & Operations, Sourcing, Sales, Business development, Liasoning with multistakeholder organization and government body. Currently, I am working in the REWARD project in the School of Rural Management, XIM University. Prior to this, I was working with Lernern-edtech initiative of Gram Tarang Centurion University, Bhubaneswar. I have extensive experience of working with HDFC Bank as an Area Head for financial inclusion of various products. I had worked with micro-finance institution for women group formation, lending & micro-enterprise development in the interiors of Odisha.
Research Area: Marketing communication, Market Research, Sustainable Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Brand Management, Tourism -
Ankit Kumar – XUPH2401
Academic Background: M.TECH from Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Rajasthan (2020-2023) and BCA from Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna (2016-19).
Industry Experience: I am an IT professional with 05+ years of experience in Technical Development, System Optimization and Software Engineering in Technology Services. Currently I am working in the role of Senior Project Engineer at Wipro Ltd for a Retail client responsible for developing and optimizing custom applications, enhancements to streamline business processes and ensuring seamless integration between systems to support efficient retails operations.
Research Area: Internet of Things, Wireless Sensor Networks and Embedded system. -
Babasish Nanda – XUPH2404
Academic Background: MA in Sports Journalism - University of Central Lancashire (2015-16). BA in Journalism and Communications - School Of Communication, Manipal University (2012-15).
Industry Experience: I am a cricket broadcaster with 15 years’ worth of experience in live broadcasting, sports production, cricket commentary & cricket content solutions. I was previously associated with Sports Interactive, one of Asia’s top sports agencies where I was a leader in their digital content space working with the IPL, ISL, PKL, NDTV, Star Sports & numerous other notable brands.
Research Area: Sports Journalism - Elite cricket Pathways and the state of Odisha -
Kumar Aradhya – XUPH2410
Academic Background: Master of Fashion Management from NIFT Hyderabad (2007-09).
Industry Experience: I currently run a startup focused on industrial equipment for garment manufacturing. Previously, I was the Product Head for Superdry India with Reliance Brands Ltd. and a Brand Manager with Future Group. I have also been a guest lecturer at various NIFT centers.
Research Area: My research interests include Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Consumer Behaviour, focusing on consumer decision-making processes, and branding and merchandising strategies. -
Manoj Kumar Neelamegan – XUPH2411
Academic Background: Master of Research (Management) from the University of Liverpool, MBA from Amity University and B.Sc. in Hotel Management from Bharathiar University.
Industry Experience: Manoj Neelamegan, with nearly two decades of international experience, excels in overseeing educational institutions and driving strategic business development. He has collaborated with prestigious Australian and European institutes and has worked alongside the Ministry of Education in Lao PDR, significantly contributing to the global education sector. As a staunch advocate for sustainable development, Manoj mentors and coaches start-ups, fostering innovation and growth.
Research Area: Sustainable Development, Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Tourism Studies. -
Debasis Mohanty – XUPH2303
Academic Background: MBA from SCMHRD, Pune (Symbiosis International University, 2013-15) and B. Tech in Computer Science from ITER, SOA University (2007-11).
Industry Experience: I am a management professional with 10+ years of experience in project management, delivery management and pre-sales in Information Technology and Consulting. Currently I am working in the role of Delivery Manager at Wipro Ltd for a Healthcare client responsible to manage full stack projects ranging from applications to infrastructure including cloud. I was previously associated with TCS, Pidilite (Internship) and Deloitte (Live Projects) during my MBA.
Research Area: Information Systems – Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence. -
Jnana Ranjan Tripathy - XUPH2304
Academic Background: M.Tech in Computer Science Berhampur University, B.E in IT – BPUT, Odisha.
Academic Exposure: More than 12 years of teaching experience in various Engineering Colleges & University. Taught both UG & PG students throughout.
Research Area: Artificial Neural Networks. Keen interest in Blockchain Technology. -
Prasun Chaturvedi –XUPH2307
Academic Background: MBA, BM – XIMB; BE, Comp Science & Engineering – Utkal University.
Industry Exposure: More than two decades of executive experience in global IT consulting and services, part of a prominent conglomerate, offering technology and business solutions to clients worldwide. Passionately addresses theoretical gaps at the intersection of responsible governance, adoption of transformative emerging technologies, and the elevation of government services and citizen participation.
Research Area: Responsible AI Governance at School of Governance and Public Affairs -
Dibakar Porichha XUPH21004
Academic Background: L.L.M from North Odisha University Baripada, MSW from Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agri., Tech. & Sciences. Deemed University. PGDRD (Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development) and PDJMC (Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Media Communication) from IGNOU
Industry Experience: Legal practice in the courts of Session court, Commission Court, Honourable High Court Cuttack, and assisting senior Counsel in the Honourable. Supreme Court Delhi since last 12 years. Advocate as Central Government Counsel (Government of India Ministry of Law and Justice Department of Legal Affairs Judicial Section) before High Court of Orissa, for 3yrs, Empanelment on the Panel of the Advocates of Oriental Bank of Commerce, Circle Office-Bhubaneswar, for 3 years. Director & CEO Catholic Charities NGO 6 Years. Legal Aid, trainings and teachings to community leaders
Research Area: Minority Justice and Dignity