Dr Sudhir Salunkhe

I did my BSc (Physics) with a 1^st Class Gold medal in Technical Electronics from N. Wadia College, Pune- 1 in 1985. On selection by the Services Selection Board and making it to the all India merit at the 2^nd position. After a year and half of basic and flying training, got commissioned as a Pilot in June 1986. Completed a year long conversion on helicopters to qualify as a Helicopter Pilot.

Did my 1^st field posting tenure at Silchar (Assam). Converted on to a twin engine Helicopter and added some operational flying hours.  Due to medical issue had to change my branch to Administration. From 1987 to 2008, did various key tenures as the Head of Personnel matters at various AF stations. Had the proud privilege of getting a tenure as an Instructor at the prestigious National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune. Our Squadron (J) got the Chiefs of Staff Banner after a gap of 23 years.

Completed my MBA Personnel, from Pune University in the part time program for Defense personnel alongside my duties at NDA. After two tenures as Head of Personnel matters at Bikaner airbase and Dy Chief Administrative Officer of an operational unit at Assam, I got the opportunity of working as the Chief Administrative officer at an operational unit in Jodhpur. The unit got best non flying station trophy after inspection of operational readiness on all parameters.

On the basis of my track record and performance, I was picked up for transfer to Air Force Station Bidar, Karnataka as Officer-in-Charge of Hawk works services (Civil Infrastructure works). The Budget outlay of 120 crores was sanctioned in 2001 for Bidar (Main Operating Base) for Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)-Hawk built by British Aerospace.  Had the privilege of coordinating with British Aerospace Field Service Representatives, Training Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters Vayu Bhavan.

After completing my next tenure at Pune at a Base Repair Depot (BRD), took premature retirement from IAF. Joined Future Education Limited for Infrastructure development Project of 84,000 SFT for a fully residential Business School (iFEEL). Served as Senior Manager, Administration, Registrar, and Dean from 2013 till Dec 2022.  Completed my Ph.D. in Management in 2022.

Studied for Career Counseling Analyst Certification and got the Edumilestones certification in 2023. At present fully devoted to Career counselling to guide students and working professionals. Having experienced life in molding young Cadets at NDA and at iFEEL Business School, I can relate to the aspirational Gen Zee to Gen Alpha at a personal level. I am based at Viman Nagar, Pune.  Maharashtra (India)