Speakers

Dr. D. N. Mishra, Principal of D.A.V. School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar, is an accomplished academic with 27 years of teaching experience. He holds M.Com., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees, along with UGC NET certification. His expertise lies in Financial and Corporate Accounting, institutional building, and accreditation. Dr. Mishra is a member of several professional bodies, including the All India Commerce Association and the Indian Institute of Public Administration. He has authored textbooks on accountancy and published numerous research articles. As an active contributor to academia, he has mentored over 90 seminars, workshops, and webinars, and participated in international panels and conferences. Dr. Mishra’s real-time research projects, including financial literacy programs, demonstrate his commitment to educational advancement. His leadership and contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Mahatma Hans Raj Award and Bhavan Samman for his exceptional service in education.

Dr. Pratap Chandra Biswal is the Director and Professor at International Management Institute (IMI), Bhubaneswar, with over 22 years of experience in teaching, training, consulting, research, and academic administration. A dynamic academic leader, Dr. Biswal previously served as a Professor of Accounting and Finance at Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, where he also held various Dean positions from 2018 to 2023, leading key initiatives. Before MDI, he was the ICICI Bank BFSI Chair Professor at T. A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal. Dr. Biswal specializes in Risk Management, Derivatives, and Macroeconomic Policy Research, and has conducted numerous executive training programs. His research is widely published, and he has been involved in projects with organizations like the Government of India, WHO, RBI, and SEBI. Dr. Biswal’s contributions to academia and his expertise in finance make him a respected figure in his field.

Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Kumar Hota, the inaugural Vice Chancellor of DRIEMS University, Odisha, has made significant contributions to the field of technical education over his 30-year career. Before his appointment in 2023, he served as a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT). Prof. Hota was also the first Principal of Parala Maharaja Engineering College, Berahampur, and the College of Engineering and Technology, now OUTR. His leadership extended to serving as Chairman of the Odisha Joint Entrance Examination. As an NBA/NAAC Peer Team Expert, he has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of technical education. Additionally, Prof. Hota is actively involved with the Board of Management for several prestigious institutions, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Dr. G. Sridevi is a seasoned academic with over 30 years of experience in teaching, administration, and research. She earned her B. Tech from Kakatiya University (1990), M. Tech from R.E.C. Warangal (1992), and Ph.D. from JNTUK, Kakinada (2012). Dr. Sridevi has held significant academic roles, including 18 years at RVR & JC College of Engineering, Guntur, and 8 years at B.V. Raju Institute of Technology, Narsapur, where she served as Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department. With over 50 publications, her research focuses on soil stabilization using industrial wastes and pavement geotechniques. A committed member of professional societies, she serves on the National Executive Committee of the Indian Geotechnical Society and is the Secretary of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Southern Region. Her leadership in organizing academic events and student competitions underscores her dedication to advancing geotechnical engineering.

Dr. Heera Lal, IAS, is the Special Secretary of the Irrigation & Water Resources Department, GoUP, and Chairman & Administrator of the Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP. Born in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, he holds a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from G.B. Pant University and an MPA from Maxwell School, Syracuse University. He completed a Ph.D. on the “Role of ICT in Achieving Good Governance” and is pursuing D.Litt. in communication’s role in governance. Starting his career at NTPC, he joined PCS in 1994 and became an IAS officer in 2009. He has served in numerous roles in the UP government, including MD of UP Small Industry Corporation and Special Secretary in various departments. Known for his innovative governance and focus on IT-enabled services, he authored “Dynamic DM” and mentors Model Gaon, promoting rural development. His climate change initiatives and “Green Election” model exemplify his leadership.