Prof. (Dr.) Surendra Kumar Meena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy (BOT) from the National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped (2002), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India. He completed his Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) with a specialization in Hand Therapy from NIMS University, Jaipur, in 2011, and earned his Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from CMJ University in 2023.
Additionally, he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Administration (PGDHA) from Apollo Hospital, Education & Research Foundation & Medvarsity, Hyderabad, in 2008. In 2022, he achieved a prestigious certification in SOTI from the University of Southern California, distinguishing himself as the only Indian to complete this course. With 22 years of extensive experience, Prof. Meena has made significant contributions to the field of Occupational Therapy, spanning academic, clinical, and research domains. He has published over 37 research papers in reputed international and national journals and has successfully guided 23 MOT candidates. He is also the author of a book titled Barriers and Facilitators of Geriatric Smart Home Technology Implementation.
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the All India Occupational Therapists Association, the Academic Council of Occupational Therapy, the Society for Hand Therapy, the Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, and the Rajasthan Association of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. Prof. Meena has held numerous professional positions across various capacities viz. the Vice-President of the All India Occupational Therapists Association (2020-2024) and as an Executive Committee (EC) Member of the same organization for two consecutive terms (2012-2016 and 2016-2020). He has also been an EC Member of the Society for Hand Therapy India (2020-2024). Since January 2004, he has been the Convener of the Rajasthan Branch of the All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA). Additionally, he is the Founder and President of the Rajasthan Association of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, Jaipur, a position he has held since 2014.
He has been an active member of various Academic Bodies, contributing significantly to curriculum development and academic governance. His notable roles include Member of the Committee of Courses for Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur (July 2007 - July 2010); Member of the Board of Studies at NIMS College of Paramedical Technology; Member of the Board of Studies for Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in the Faculty of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at UEM University, Chomu, Jaipur (2016-2019); Member of the Board of Studies for Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in the Faculty of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at Vivekananda Global University, Jagatpura, Jaipur (2020-2024); General Council Member of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India (2022-2024).
Prof. Meena has made significant contributions to the field of Occupational Therapy through his active participation in scientific and academic programs. He has contributed to 28 scientific programs as Judge/Session Chair on National level conferences, attended 35 Continuing Occupational Therapy Education (COTE) programs on different themes at both national and international levels. He has also attended 34 National Conferences/Workshops/Seminars/Symposiums on diverse topics. Prof. Meena has been the University UG/PG External Examiner at several prestigious universities, including Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore; Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University, Jabalpur; West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata; Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai; University of Gujarat, Ahmedabad; and NIMS University, Jaipur.
Prof. Meena has been conferred with 24 prestigious awards across various categories in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of Occupational Therapy and academia. His notable achievements include Certificate of Appreciation for his dedication to fostering understanding between nations, presented by the Occupational Therapy Delegation to India (Led by Karen Jacobs, Former President of the American Occupational Therapy Association and Professor & Head at Boston University, USA) in 2007 and 2011, AIOTA’s Professional Excellence Award for his outstanding contribution and commitment to the Occupational Therapy profession at Nagpur in 2018, Research Excellence Award 2021 by the Institution of Scholars; Best Teacher Award 2021 by the Institution of Scholars; Letter of Appreciation from the Government of Rajasthan for his role in advancing Occupational Therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic; Indian Education Awards 2023 for his significant contributions to education; Top 100 Professors in India (2023) by Hypedge Media Group; and National Inspiration Award 2024, Excellence Doctor Award 2024, and Academic Excellence Award 2024 at INCOT, New Delhi. In addition, Prof. Meena has successfully organized five National Conferences in Rajasthan, further advancing the reach and impact of Occupational Therapy in India.
Prof. Meena has actively contributed to Special Olympics Bharat in various capacities, showcasing his dedication to the organization's mission. His notable roles include serving as a volunteer and Clinical Director for the FUNfitness program, trainer for Floorball and the Motor Activity Training Programs, representing India at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Youth Leadership Summit 2019 held in Singapore, serving as a Member of the National Educator Advisory Committee (2022-2024), and Elected Member Finance & Business Expert (2023-2027). In recognition of his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the Special Olympics Bharat program, he was awarded a prestigious Certificate of Commendation in 2017 at New Delhi.