Prof Dheeraj Sharma’s Impact on IIMs and National Policy-Making

Prof Dheeraj Sharma is a distinguished academician, thought leader, and policy advisor, widely recognized for his contribution to management education and governance in India. With deep expertise in marketing and behavioural studies, Prof Dheeraj Sharma has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic and strategic direction of leading Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and beyond.

Academic Background and Global Expertise

Prof Dheeraj Sharma holds a Ph.D. in Marketing and Behavioural Sciences from Louisiana Tech University, USA. His early research focused on consumer psychology, cross-cultural communication, and marketing ethics. Exposure to international academic frameworks enabled him to adopt global best practices, which he later introduced to Indian management institutions.

Leadership at IIMs: Faculty at IIM Ahmedabad and Director of IIM Rohtak

Before taking over as Director of IIM Rohtak, Prof Dheeraj Sharma served as a full-time faculty member at IIM Ahmedabad—one of Asia’s top B-schools. At IIM Ahmedabad, he taught core and elective subjects, ranging from international business to ethical marketing practices, leaving a profound impact on students and peers alike.

Under his leadership, IIM Rohtak has seen transformative changes, including curriculum redesign, faculty development, gender diversity initiatives, and an increased focus on research output. Prof Dheeraj Sharma’s vision elevated the institute’s national standing and reputation among public management institutions.

Promoting Industry-Relevant Education

A key focus area for Prof Dheeraj Sharma is to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements. At IIM Rohtak, he introduced industry-centric courses, innovation labs, and experiential learning modules. This practical orientation has equipped students with skills that meet contemporary business challenges.

Policy Advisory Contributions to the Government

Beyond academia, Prof Dheeraj Sharma is an influential advisor to multiple ministries within the Government of India. He has collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs, and others to design communication strategies, monitor behavioural trends, and shape public engagement campaigns like Fit India Movement and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

His behavioural science insights have helped inform key policy decisions, especially in areas requiring mass mobilization and sentiment analysis.

Scholarly Work and Publications

An accomplished researcher, Prof Dheeraj Sharma has published widely in leading peer-reviewed journals. His research spans subjects such as political branding, crisis communication, marketing ethics, and behavioural strategy. His academic work is globally referenced and used in universities and think tanks worldwide.

Public Engagement and Media Recognition

Prof Dheeraj Sharma’s expertise frequently features in national media. From panel discussions on TV channels to opinion columns in The Hindu, Indian Express, and Business Standard, his insights are sought on topics like education reform, youth policy, and institutional governance.

Champion of Ethical and Inclusive Education

One of the hallmarks of Prof Dheeraj Sharma’s leadership is his commitment to ethical values and inclusivity in education. From promoting gender balance in B-schools to advocating for socially responsible business practices, he is shaping a value-driven educational ecosystem in India.

Vision for the Future

As a scholar, strategist, and policymaker, Prof Dheeraj Sharma continues to influence both academic and governance landscapes. His rare combination of academic excellence and policy insight positions him as a key figure in India’s pursuit of globally competitive, socially responsible management education.