Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai is a renowned Indian scientist, educator, and academic leader with over five decades of experience. He currently serves as Vice-Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, and Chancellor of ICFAI University, Himachal Pradesh. He has held several key positions, including Chairman and Vice-Chairman of UGC, Executive Director of NAAC, and Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, Mahatma Gandhi University, and Cochin University. He also served as Executive Vice-President of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and held senior government roles in Kerala. A visionary institution-builder, Prof. Pillai has significantly contributed to higher education, scientific research, and policy development, shaping India’s academic landscape with his strategic insight and lifelong commitment to learning.