Breaking Barriers: How a Baramulla Scholar Built a Global Academic Career

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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22 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 21: From the quiet village of Uplina in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district to the global academic stage, Prof (Dr) Rajinder Singh Sodhi’s journey is a story of perseverance, hard work and an unyielding commitment to education.

Born into a modest family, Sodhi, 44, the son of a late laboratory assistant, has risen through challenges to establish himself as a renowned academician, researcher, mentor and author in the field of Computer Science. His life, he says, has been guided by a single principle - never settling for limitations imposed by circumstances.

“Coming from a small village, opportunities were limited, but I always believed that education could change everything,” Sodhi said. “I did not want to remain confined to short-term goals or contractual roles. I wanted to build something meaningful and long-lasting in academics.”

With a career spanning more than two decades, Sodhi has made significant contributions to research and higher education. He has authored 12 books in Computer Science and has an extensive research portfolio that includes 195 papers published in reputed national and international journals. His work has also led to the filing of 45 patents, reflecting his focus on innovation and practical applications of knowledge.

As a mentor, he has guided 15 PhD scholars, nine M.Tech students and seven M.Phil candidates, many of whom are now contributing to academia and industry. “Mentoring young researchers has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Their success is my biggest achievement,” he said.

Sodhi has also held key editorial roles, serving as Editor-in-Chief of several national and international journals. He believes such responsibilities come with the duty to uphold academic integrity and encourage quality research. “We need to promote research that is not only innovative but also relevant to society,” he added.

His academic journey, however, was not without struggles. Between 2006 and 2012, he worked on a contractual basis in various colleges across Baramulla district. Dissatisfied with the uncertainty of such roles, he decided to move outside Jammu and Kashmir in search of better opportunities.

“I realised that if I wanted stability and growth, I had to step out of my comfort zone,” he said. “Leaving home was not easy, but it was necessary for my professional growth.”

He moved to Punjab in 2016, where he taught at a university in Bathinda for several years. Later, he worked at a university in Hisar from 2021 to 2024, followed by a stint at a university in Haridwar, Roorkee. He is currently serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Vidya University, Meerut.

Reflecting on his journey, Sodhi emphasized the importance of resilience and continuous learning. “Success does not come overnight. It requires patience, discipline and the courage to take risks,” he said. “Students from rural areas should not underestimate themselves. With dedication, they can compete at any level.”

In recognition of his contributions, Sodhi has recently been conferred with the prestigious “NextGen Scientist 2026” Award in New Delhi and has been nominated as a member of the World Research Fellow of London (WRFL).

Despite his achievements, he remains grounded and committed to inspiring others. “If my journey can motivate even one student from a small village to pursue education seriously, I will consider it a success,” he said.

Sodhi’s story stands as a powerful reminder that determination and education can overcome even the most challenging beginnings, offering hope to aspiring scholars across the region.