Prof. Dr. Sidharth Shankar Raju

Prof. Dr. Sidharth Shankar Raju
Born	19 January 1982, Kasrour village, Darbhanga district, Bihar, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Academic, Professor, Author, Motivational Writer
Years active	2008–present
Employer	Vivekananda Global University
Title	Associate Professor & Head of Department
Known for	Hospitality education, tourism research, author of FAILHA
Spouse	Pooja
Children	2

Prof. Dr. Sidharth Shankar Raju (born 19 January 1982) is an Indian academic, hospitality educator, author, and motivational writer. He is currently serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Hotel Management at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur.

He is known for his contributions to hospitality education, tourism research, publications in Scopus- and UGC-CARE–indexed journals, and for his motivational autobiographical novel FAILHA – Haar Se Janmi Jeet Ki Zidd.

Early life and background

Prof. Dr. Sidharth Shankar Raju was born in Kasrour village in the Darbhanga district of Bihar. The region forms part of the culturally significant Mithila area, historically associated with the ancient Videha kingdom.

Mithila is traditionally regarded as the maternal homeland of Goddess Sita and holds an important place in Indian literary history, situated between the birthplaces of poet Vidyapati and Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’.

He was born into a rural family to Shri Vishwamohan Jha, a farmer and former village Mukhiya, and Smt. Sunaina Devi, a homemaker. He completed his early education in a government school in his native village, overcoming limited educational resources.

Education

Dr. Raju pursued higher education across multiple Indian states and international institutions, developing academic expertise in hospitality, tourism, and management.

• Ph.D. (2018–2021)

A Study and Analysis of Performance Evaluation of Low-Level Employees in the Tourism and Hospitality System

• M.Phil. (2017–2018)

Work Culture Diversities in the Internationalization of Business (Tourism Management)

• MBA – Hotel Management and Human Resource Management (2013–2015)

• Bachelor’s degree – Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism (2006–2009)

• Diploma – Hotel Management (1999–2000)

• Master of Commerce – Distance education

Additional qualifications

• Advanced Diploma in Computer Applications
• Certificate course in Human Resource Management from IBMI, Germany

Academic and professional career

Dr. Raju began his career in the hospitality industry, gaining international exposure in the United States and Singapore before transitioning into academics.

Industry experience

• Management Trainee, Hospitality & Tourism – Grand Hotel, Mackinaw Island, USA (2008)
• Food & Beverage Executive – Vail Resorts Corporation, Denver, USA (2009)
• Restaurant Manager & Training Manager – Sterling Holidays Resorts, Goa (2010)
• Assistant Manager (F&B Service) & Training Manager – Hilton Hotel, Singapore (2011)

Academic roles

• Junior Lecturer – Academy of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Dehradun (2012–2013)
• Senior Lecturer & Head of Department – Academy of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Dehradun (2015–2017)
• Assistant Professor & Head of Department – Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur (2018–2021)
• Associate Professor & Head of Department – Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur (2022–present)

He advocates education as a tool for ethical growth, social responsibility, and long-term personal development.

Research and publications

Dr. Raju has authored and co-authored numerous research papers published in Scopus-, Elsevier-, and UGC-CARE–indexed journals. His research interests include hospitality management, human resource development, artificial intelligence in hospitality, tourism economics, and sustainability.

Books

• Tourism in India – Status, Challenges and Opportunities
• Effect of Cultural Diversities in Business – Lulu Publications, USA
• Performance Evaluation Techniques in Hospitality and Tourism Management – Lulu Publications, USA
• Fibers and Fabrics: The Essentials for Beginners
• FAILHA – Haar Se Janmi Jeet Ki Zidd

Journal articles

His scholarly work addresses:

• Artificial intelligence in hospitality and talent management
• Smart hotel technologies
• Food waste management and ghost kitchens
• Employee performance evaluation
• Cultural diversity in international business
• Tourism development in Bihar

Editorial and professional memberships

• Editorial board member of multiple academic journals, including Scopus- and UGC-CARE–listed publications
• Professional member of:
  • Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)
  • American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
  • International Society for Development and Sustainability, Japan
  • Institute of Scholars

Awards and recognition

• Rashtriya Gaurav Award – National Award in the Education Sector (2021)
• Head of the Department of the Year – National Award (2022)

Visiting faculty and academic service

Dr. Raju has served as visiting faculty, external examiner, and academic board member at institutions including:

• NIMS University, Jaipur
• JNU Jaipur
• Graphic Era University, Dehradun
• Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur
• Jai Minesh Aadivashi University, Kota

Personal life

Prof. Dr. Sidharth Shankar Raju is married to Pooja, an Assistant Professor. The couple has two children. He is fluent in Hindi and English.