Inspiring Excellence through Education and Fortitude
Dr. Ankit Agarwal’s story is a vivid example of endurance, adaptability, and his insatiable desire for personal and professional self-realization. As he was born in a country with a bright history, he turned away from the cricket fields to the sessions held in Australia and walked towards a self-reflective journey graced with academic achievements. Nevertheless, Dr. Agarwal had to face his own battles. Though it was agonizing to lose his grandparents during his teenage days, who had pretended to be invulnerable for a while and made him realize their finite nature of life, it turned out that the best option to subdue the pain of losing them was to enroll in colleges abroad.
After a series of initial obstacles, from working at a hostel as a toilet cleaner to later working as a lecturer at the University of Adelaide in Australia, he came to see every one of these occurrences as a stepping stone for his self-development and evolution. He learned from every phase of life, adapted to resilience, and stayed grounded throughout. This has been fundamental to his career as an educator and as someone who has endured setbacks and risen.
Dr. Agarwal’s business and education portfolio reflect a commitment to continuous learning and community service. From working in security and IT retail to various positions of Business/System Analysts, Pharmaceutical companies, health and publishing sector, starting an eBook startup, and academia, each venture is guided by a sincere desire to make a positive difference. His approach emphasizes continuous improvement, borrowed from the Japanese philosophy of ‘Kaizen,’ understanding the importance of reflection in empowering the self to better meet evolving needs and the growing needs of the people around him.
Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Dr. Agarwal resonates with the concept of diligent action, emphasizing the significance of focused effort in achieving success. While acknowledging the role of luck, he firmly believes that success is primarily derived from refining processes rather than mere chance. Embracing this philosophy, Dr. Agarwal understands that persistence and resilience are essential for overcoming challenges, whether they are looked at through the prism of financial growth or interpersonal relationships.
Dr. Ankit Agarwal’s passion lies in guiding students to unlock their potential and flourish. Motivated not only by the impartation of knowledge but also by the profound insights gleaned from students’ curiosity, and diverse perspectives, he finds constant inspiration in witnessing their growth and transformation. The exchange of knowledge ignites his passion each day, compelling him to be available for his students 24×7.
When asked about his stance on the rat race versus the tiger mentality, Dr. Agarwal advocates for charting an independent course. He emphasizes the importance of defining success on personal terms, prioritizing fulfillment by staying authentic to self, and transcending the trap of comparison. He believes helping all individuals within his sphere of influence, recognizing that true freedom arises from the courage to forge one’s own path, even in the face of adversity.
With an illustrious career like his, Dr. Agarwal has received numerous accolades that underscore his excellence. His academic achievements include a Diploma, a Bachelor, two Masters Degrees in IT and Research, and most recently a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Management from the University of Adelaide (2021). He also received the Outstanding Leadership Award, Dubai (2024), Commendations for the Enhancement of and Innovation in Student Learning (2023), and Student-Led Teaching award (2019) and Executive Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017).
Additionally, his other professional accomplishments, such as being the Program Director and lecturer at the University of Adelaide, Australia, receiving the Best Employee award, (2015-2021), Customer Champion Award from PC World, UK (2007-2008), the Online Transaction Fraud Prevention Award from Streamline, UK (2007), and being appointed as a Board Member of Dream Cricket Australia (2024) prove Dr. Agarwal’s significant contributions to academia, teaching, community, and business alike.
In closing, Dr. Agarwal shares reflective prose:
To be in a position to earn is to be in a position to give,
Just as our parents bestowed upon us, we too can reach that level of generosity.
The true test lies in relinquishing attachment to possessions and practicing forgiveness for what eludes us.
Self-discovery leads to a love that knows no bounds, independent of any reciprocation.
At times, we lose sight of and demand what we deem rightfully ours,
Yet, what’s right and wrong is not ours to decree.
Let us abandon the illusion of perfection and embrace our flaws, like the gentle wind brushing dew from a flower.
In this dance of learning and self-awareness, we merge with the essence of our being.