The Fan-Faculty Feature: Get to Know Your Faculty, Asst. Prof. Ujwal M S

1. Hello Professor Ujwal! Could you introduce yourself to the students who haven’t met you yet?

Hi, I’m Ujwal M S. After working in the corporate sector for a couple of years, I joined academics. I hold an MBA in Finance and an MCom which provided me with a strong foundation to work in the industry but soon realized that I was drawn to teaching and mentoring.

Apart from teaching, I have also been actively involved in management research for the last four years. Overall, I am passionate about making finance easier and more approachable.

2. Do you remember the first time you taught a class? How did it go?

The first time I taught a class, I was a fresher and so were my students. Both of us were a bit nervous. Though I am a calm person, I had decided to be strict so that I could maintain control in the classroom, and it worked well. The session went great.

3. We heard that you’re a man of many talents. From collecting medals in athletics to lighting up the dance floor, how did sports and dance shape who you are today, both personally and professionally?

Being part of athletics taught me to be disciplined, stay strong during tough times, and work towards my goals. Dancing helped me become more creative and confident. Both experiences shaped who I am, improved my teamwork and leadership abilities, and made me more confident and determined in my professional life.

4. Finance and cricket don’t usually go together but if you had to build a dream cricket team with finance faculty, what position would you play?

I would take the role of the captain, leading the team with strategy—just like I lead financial decisions by managing risks, looking at opportunities, and making sure every action is well thought out and done as a team.

5. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day of teaching balance sheets and financial ratios?

I start my day by going to the gym. After a long day of teaching balance sheets and financial ratios, I like to relax by taking a ride while listening to music. Once I reach home, I either watch some movies or series.

6. What’s the most “naughty but harmless” prank you’ve ever pulled during your student days (or been a part of)?

There are a few pranks, but the best one was when we, being mischievous students, went to the classroom and told everyone that the teacher was on leave and they should go to the playground. In reality, the teacher was present, and only a few of us stayed back in the class when the teacher walked in. It happened during the last week of our semester. Everyone, including the teacher and students, had a big laugh about it!

8. What were the things that got you scolded the most in school/college? Looking back, do you think it helped shape your personality in some way?

I often got scolded in school for talking too much in class and being too playful with my friends. I didn’t take my studies seriously and usually studied only a day before exams. I was more interested in activities like sports and dance. Teachers used to scold me, saying that I couldn’t build a future in sports or dance and that I needed to focus on studies to succeed in my career.
Looking back, those experiences helped me build good communication skills and a sense of humor, which are now very useful in both my personal and professional life.

9. If you could time travel to your past, what would be a piece of advice you would give the younger you and why?

I would tell my younger self to focus on being consistent instead of trying to be perfect, and to be patient because small, regular efforts can lead to big achievements over time.

10. What’s a fun or surprising thing your students don’t know about you?

Teacher by profession, performer by passion — 400+ dance shows, 5 TV reality competitions, regional movies. National-level athlete, state-level cricketer, gym freak, gamer, auto modifier, and fashion enthusiast. Always blending creativity with discipline!

11. If we looked at your recently played songs or playlists, what kind of music would we find?

You’d find a mix of house, chill, trance, hip-hop, and soulful music — depending on the mood. I enjoy music that either helps me relax or keeps my energy high.

12. Who’s someone you look up to, personally or professionally, and what have you learned from them?

My parents come first, of course, followed by my teachers.
I look up to them because they have always supported me and shown strong values and commitment. They have taught me to work hard, be honest, and keep learning throughout life—both personally and professionally.

13. If you could instantly master any skill outside of finance, what would it be and why?

At Online Manipal and MAHE, passionate educators like Assistant Professor Ujwal, blend academic rigor with practical experience to create a well-rounded learning environment. With the right guidance and support, we aim to help learners build strong futures.

Catch up with Professor Ujwal on LinkedIn and Instagram for more finance and fun updates.