DR.MANORANJAN PUTHAL
Managing Director
Dr. Manoranjan Puthal is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of diverse experience spanning government, corporate, and development sectors. Renowned for his strategic acumen and ethical leadership, he brings a rare blend of visionary thinking, operational excellence, and a deep-rooted commitment to public value. Dr. Puthal is widely recognised for his ability to lead with integrity, inspire high-performing teams, and drive sustainable impact through a balanced approach that harmonises professionalism with empathy.
Influenced by the profound philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo Ghose, and Rabindranath Tagore, Dr. Puthal draws strength from a synthesis of ethical living, spiritual depth, and cultural wisdom. He upholds the values of truth, integrity, punctuality, and selfless service as core principles in both personal and professional life. Equally, he is deeply inspired by the transformative power of technology and the work of modern technocrats who are shaping the digital age. Believing in the balance of timeless ideals and forward-looking innovation, his leadership is both principled and pragmatic. Dr. Puthal fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, mentoring teams, building trust, and encouraging innovation at all levels of the organisation. He is passionate about nurturing talent and creating a culture where individuals are empowered to grow, contribute, and make meaningful change.
Dr. Puthal holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), as well as a Doctorate in Management. His academic interests reflect a deep concern for the evolving landscape of education in India, particularly in the areas of higher and technical education. He is also keenly focused on subjects such as skill development, vocational education, entrepreneurship, and the emerging gig economy—fields that are closely aligned with the aspirations of today’s youth and the changing needs of the workforce.
Dr. Puthal began his professional journey at the Human Life Centre, an institution affiliated with XIM University and Loyola School, Bhubaneswar. Known for promoting holistic development, the Centre focuses on personal, interpersonal, and community growth, in line with its guiding motto: “Live the fullness of life.”
During his entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Puthal provided consultancy and technology solutions in the area of enterprise resource planning to various reputed organisations. He worked closely with leading industrial and energy sector companies, including the TATA Group (mining and alloys), Aditya Birla Group, Rungta Mines, FACOR, Indian Oil, and Reliance Energy. In these roles, he contributed to strategic planning, process optimisation, and operational efficiency, particularly in the mining and mineral processing sectors. Alongside, he continued to support initiatives in education and governance.
He later joined Odisha eGovernance Services, where he played a pivotal role in designing and implementing scalable, citizen-centric digital governance solutions for the state. Subsequently, he was associated with IL&FS Education and Technology Services, where he further deepened his engagement with the education, skilling, and governance ecosystem of Odisha, working on inclusive and technology-driven development initiatives across the state.
At OKCL, Dr. Puthal is guiding the organisation towards becoming a knowledge-driven and socially responsible enterprise. His focus lies in promoting digital education, empowering youth through employability skills, and enabling inclusive growth through techAs a speaker and thought leader, he continues to share his ideas and insights with diverse audiences, inspiring them to embrace purpose-driven leadership and sustainable development.nology. He is particularly passionate about empowering women and encouraging young minds to reach their full potential.
A committed researcher and policy thinker, Dr. Puthal has made significant contributions to areas such as skill-based education, social empowerment, and digital inclusion. His forward-looking approach and ethical decision-making have helped OKCL gain recognition as a pioneering organisation in the field of e-learning and digital empowerment.
Dr. Puthal has authored several research papers and thought pieces focusing on higher education reforms, skill development, and digital inclusion, reflecting his deep engagement with India’s evolving socio-economic landscape. His articles have been featured in leading newspapers and publications, where he regularly writes on topics such as youth empowerment, the role of technology in education, and the future of work. Through his writings, he contributes to shaping public policy dialogue and inspiring transformative action in the fields of education and governance.
As a speaker and thought leader, he continues to share his ideas and insights with diverse audiences, inspiring them to embrace purpose-driven leadership and sustainable development.
Dr. Puthal’s journey is marked by his unwavering dedication to service, simplicity, and societal impact—values that continue to shape the vision and mission of OKCL under his leadership.