Dr. Sunita Karad: The Educator Who Dared to Rethink Learning

Transforming MIT-ADT University into a space where ideas grow, curiosity thrives, and education feels truly human.

“Why should education stay locked inside classrooms?” That’s the question Dr. Sunita Karad asked two decades ago – and her answer reshaped MIT‑ADT University. As Executive Director, she’s spent over 30 years pushing the boundaries of learning in Pune, weaving technology, design, and empathy into every part of the campus.

Sunita doesn’t see education as a one-way street. She believes in lighting curiosity, not just filling heads with facts. That vision led her to launch India’s first Open Distance Learning program at MIT‑ADT, opening doors for working professionals, students in remote towns, even learners abroad. What this really means is education for everyone, not just those in urban centers.

Breaking away from traditional methods, she brought in AI‑defined learning paths, virtual simulations, and interactive video lectures. This isn’t about tech for its own sake – it’s about meeting learners where they are, in ways that stick. Plus, under her leadership, MIT‑ADT earned an A‑grade from NAAC in its first cycle – an example to the systems she built.

Sunita’s impact is not confined to policy rooms or strategy sessions. She started as a professor and rose through roles like Dean of Infrastructure and Director of the Management College. In every position, she’s kept one focus – making education meaningful. Now, she mentors students, shapes institutions, and champions a culture of research and innovation.

While many focus only on numbers and rankings, she brings attention back to what truly matters. Learning with purpose. Building real connections. Growing as people. She is shaping more than just a university. She is forming a generation that will lead with thought and care. That is why we are proud to feature her story.

Let us learn more about her journey:

A Leader with a Clear Purpose

Prof. Dr. Sunita Karad brings over 30 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the Executive Director of MIT-ADT University in Pune. Her journey began in 2006 as Director of MIT College of Management, and since then, she has taken on key roles that reflect her deep understanding of education and long-term commitment to institutional growth.

Under her leadership, MIT-ADT earned an “A” grade from NAAC in its first cycle. She was also instrumental in launching the university’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) program, using AI tools and virtual platforms to reach students in rural areas and abroad. These efforts reflect her belief in accessible, future-ready education.

Strengthening Systems for Lasting Quality

The NAAC “A” grade in 2025 was not just a milestone, it was proof of systems built with care. Dr. Karad led the groundwork that improved teaching, research, infrastructure, and inclusivity across the university. Since its founding in 2015, MIT-ADT has evolved into a multi-disciplinary institution offering courses in design, engineering, humanities, food science, maritime studies, and Vedic knowledge.

She has used her background in management to align curriculum with industry demands. Courses in MBA, BBA, and STEAM are tailored for real-world relevance. She also established the School of Holistic Development to focus on skills like communication, creativity, and physical well-being, essential traits for all-round growth.

Innovation that Includes Everyone

Dr. Karad believes that learning should be possible for every student, regardless of location or background. The university’s ODL School was shaped by this idea, especially in response to the learning disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Through AI-driven tools, game-based learning, and smart virtual classrooms, the university created a flexible digital learning model. This initiative doesn’t just support India’s education policies, it also brings startup mentorship, research tools, and career guidance to underserved students. Her work proves that quality learning can be both innovative and inclusive.

Connecting Classrooms to Careers

To bridge the gap between education and employment, Dr. Karad led MIT-ADT in signing MOUs with 48 companies, connecting students to internships, hands-on projects, and job offers. These collaborations include leading names in tech and engineering, and they reflect her belief that education should extend beyond theory.

The university had already worked with firms like Tata Motors and Apple, and its incubation center has supported over 27 student-led startups. With labs, funding, and expert mentorship in place, students are not just learning, they are building. This industry-integrated approach is a hallmark of her leadership.

Recognition Rooted in Real Work

Sunita’s work has received many honours. In 2024, she was awarded the MSME Academia Excellence Award. In 2021, she received the Neelam Gorhe Best Educationalist Award from MIT-ADT. She was also listed among “Times Power Women” in 2018. These recognitions reflect her contribution to education and public life.

She takes part in national and international forums. She speaks on issues facing the education sector and shares her experience. She represented MIT-ADT at NAFSA 2025 and similar global events. This shows her interest in taking Indian education to the world stage.
Her future goals are focused. She wants to expand the reach of ODL across India. She aims to keep improving the university’s NAAC and NIRF rankings. She also plans to grow the research and innovation park to test ideas that solve global problems.

In 2022, she filed a patent for AI-based big data tools in human resource management. This shows her interest in research as well as policy. She brings both thought and action into everything she does. Her leadership is shaped by a belief that education should be excellent and fair. Her work shows how one person can help build a system that serves students today and prepares them for tomorrow.

Prof. Dr. Sunita Karad’s work goes far beyond titles and awards. She is building systems where tradition meets technology, where access meets innovation, and where every student, regardless of where they come from, gets a fair shot at success. Her leadership shows what’s possible when education is treated as a mission, not just an institution. That’s why she’s on our cover.