Nirupama Kocherlakota

Nirupama Kocherlakota is the Associate Director and Professor of Liberal Arts at MIT World Peace University, a role she has held since October 2022. With over 17 years of experience in academia, she previously served as Professor and Head of the School of Liberal Arts, as well as Director of the International Division at Ajeenkya D Y Patil University from August 2018 to September 2022. Additionally, she founded and directed the Pune Academy of Language Studies for nearly 13 years.

At Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, she was instrumental in setting up the International Centre, where she managed internationalisation efforts, marketing strategies, and student engagement. Nirupama also held various academic and administrative roles at the Indira Group of Institutes and Riverdale International School.

Nirupama holds a PhD in Creative Writing in English from Kalinga University (2018-2022), an MA in English Language and Literature from Acharya Nagarjuna University (2004-2006), and a Bachelor of Education from St. Joseph's College of Education for Women (2002-2003), where she graduated with distinction. Her expertise spans research, curriculum design, business communication, and teacher training, making her a prominent figure in academic leadership and international collaboration.

Nirupama Kocherlakota is an experienced academic leader and international collaborator, currently serving as the Associate Director and Professor of Liberal Arts at MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU) in Pune, Maharashtra. Since October 2022, she has been guiding the Liberal Arts faculty at MIT WPU, bringing her extensive knowledge of internationalisation, curriculum design, and language studies into the university's broader mission.

Before joining MIT WPU, Nirupama held the dual roles of Professor and Head of the School of Liberal Arts and Director of the International Division at Ajeenkya D Y Patil University from August 2018 to September 2022. During her tenure, she made significant contributions to the university’s liberal arts programmes and successfully expanded its international division, which involved liaising with global partners and supporting student mobility and cultural exchanges. Her work in this role highlights her capability to balance academic responsibilities with the strategic demands of global collaboration.

Nirupama’s career began at Riverdale International School in Pune, where she worked as an English faculty member and IGCSE Coordinator from April 2006 to June 2007. Following that, she took on the role of English Lecturer at the Indira Group of Institutes, Pune, from August 2007 to January 2010. Her responsibilities there included designing and delivering English language curricula for international students and providing business communication training for undergraduate and postgraduate students across various programmes, including BCA, PGDM, MCA, and Mass Media. In addition, she mentored and trained students in group discussions and interview techniques, preparing them for professional success.

In 2010, she founded the Pune Academy of Language Studies, where she served as Director until September 2022. This role reflected her deep commitment to language education and international engagement. During this period, she also held the position of Director of the International Division at Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth (TMV) from August 2010 to July 2018. At TMV, she was responsible for setting up the International Centre, which served as the university’s hub for international activities. She played a critical role in planning student engagement activities, organising conferences, and cultural festivals, and providing essential support for the university's internationalisation efforts. Her role also extended to curriculum design for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and teaching business communication to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She was an active member of TMV’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team and led the university’s placement initiatives.

Nirupama’s academic credentials are equally noteworthy. She earned her PhD in Creative Writing in English from Kalinga University, completing her doctoral studies between 2018 and 2022. She also holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from Acharya Nagarjuna University, awarded in 2006, and a Bachelor of Education degree with a focus on teaching English from St. Joseph's College of Education for Women, which she completed with distinction in 2003. Additionally, she completed her secondary education in science at Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Nirupama Kocherlakota envisions fostering global academic collaborations that bridge cultural and educational divides. She aims to create inclusive learning environments that encourage critical thinking, interdisciplinary studies, and international engagement, empowering students to become well-rounded, socially conscious leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.