Speakers

Ujjwal Kandahari, armed with a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from South Asian University, serves as a Senior Technical Analyst at DigitalEd India, a trailblazer in crafting innovative digital education solutions. With a rich background spanning over 3 years, Ujjwal excels in data analysis, business development, and market expansion, utilizing an array of tools and platforms. Previously, at Binary Semantics Ltd., Ujjwal honed expertise in data quality enhancement, visualization, and mining. Additionally, as a Subject Matter Expert in Mathematics at Evelyn Learning Systems Pvt. Ltd., Ujjwal played a pivotal role in content development and review for online educational modules. Renowned for problem-solving prowess and analytical acumen, Ujjwal is passionate about leveraging data and technology to advance educational access and outcomes for both students and educators alike.

Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari is the Business Director for South Asia at D2L, a leading global learning innovation technology company, where he leverages over 30 years of expertise in higher education, business development, and channel management. Prior to joining D2L in 2019, Dr. Prem held leadership roles at prestigious institutions such as IMI Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, and Universitas 21 Global. He also contributed significantly to renowned organizations like Laureate Higher Education Group and Amity University Online. With a vision to revolutionize the Indian ed-tech space, Dr. Prem spearheads D2L’s expansion, aiming to capture 30% of the market share through innovative learning management systems. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Prem is a dedicated humanitarian, serving as the Charter President of Rotary Club of Delhi Legacy. Outside of work and community endeavors, he finds joy in singing and cherishing moments with his family.

Dr. K. Ramasamy, Chancellor of Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, epitomizes the Gandhian ideal of leading by example. Born on May 1, 1948, in Nilaiyoor, Tamil Nadu, he embarked on a remarkable journey of academic excellence and service. Graduating from Annamalai University with an M.Sc. in Agricultural Microbiology, he pursued further studies at Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and Michigan State University, USA. Joining Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in 1970, he dedicated over 36 years to teaching, research, and administration. His pioneering work in aerobic/anaerobic microbiology secured substantial funding for over 30 projects from national and international agencies. As a mentor, he guided numerous postgraduate and Ph.D. students to success. With 152 research publications, 8 books, and 23 bulletins to his name, Dr. Ramasamy’s contributions have garnered 21 awards, 2 medals, and 6 fellowships, cementing his legacy as an academic luminary and visionary leader.

Dr. Selvam Jesiah, Professor and Principal at the Faculty of Management Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed University) in Chennai, is a distinguished academician with a rich history of leadership in higher education institutions. Holding key positions in major committees such as the University Development Council and Curriculum Committee, he brings extensive experience to his role. Previously, Dr. Selvam served as Dean (Academic) at Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) and held directorial positions at Indian Academy School of Management Studies in Bangalore. He is a University Gold Medalist and has contributed significantly to capacity-building programs for the United Nations Development Program in Sub-Saharan Africa. A prolific researcher, Dr. Selvam has presented numerous papers on management and public policy at prestigious international conferences. He is the author of “Governance Version 0.1,” a manual offering clear guidelines for effective administration of educational institutions. Additionally, he has been a trained NAAC Assessor since 2013, further enhancing his contributions to quality assurance in higher education.

Dr. S.V. Saravanan is serving as Principal of Asian College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. He obtained his B.E., M.E. and Ph.D., degrees in Mechanical Engineering and M.B.A., degree from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. He has been awarded with D.Litt. (Honorary Doctorate) as well. He was an alumnus of Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT), and Sri Krishna College of Technology, Coimbatore and he was research scholar of (late) Dr. S. Dhandapani, Professor and Head, Mechanical Engineering, CIT. Dr. Saravanan has more than 30+ years of teaching, research and administrative experience in engineering college to his credit out of which, 13+ years of experience as Principal in engineering college, 20+ years of experience as Professor in engineering college and Four years of experience as Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering Department in an engineering college. Till now, he has guided and produced six Ph.D. research scholars under Anna University, Chennai. He has a patent (applied and published) to his credit. He has published more than 100 research papers in various International/ National journals / conferences and has been a guide to more than 25 M.E. scholars and two Ph.D research scholars (ongoing). He has received various awards and accolades such as Best Faculty Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award, Life Time Achievement Award, Best Engineering College Principal Award, Kalvi Kalamani Award and several others.

Dr. L. Mahesh Kumar is a seasoned professional in the field of Mechanical Engineering, contributing significantly for over 25 years to both teaching and research. His expertise lies in Manufacturing Technology, with a specialized focus on Metal forming, Metal Casting, and Machining. Having begun his career in various institutions in Bangalore, he later joined Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur, and eventually rose to the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at St.Peter’s Engineering College, Chennai. Dr. Kumar further served as the Principal of SMK Fomra Institute of Technology, Chennai, and as the Director Academic at St.Peter’s University. His versatile engagement extends to being a visiting faculty at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University. Notably, he is an active member of various professional bodies, Secretary of the Indian Institute of Production Engineers (Tamil Nadu Centre), and the Chief Executive Officer of St.Peter’s Engineering College-Technology Business Incubator. Beyond his engineering pursuits, Dr. Kumar is deeply connected to Bharata Natyam, having dedicated 45 years to the art, including 20 years of performing Nrithya Nivedana in two temples.

Dr. K. Porkumaran, a distinguished academician and administrator, currently serves as the Senior Professor and Principal at Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Madurai Kamaraj University, and Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, his expertise lies in Control Systems. As Chairman of IEEE Madras Section and a key figure in IEEE India Council, he plays a pivotal role in fostering technological advancement and innovation. Recognized internationally for his contributions, he has received numerous awards, including the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan National Award and the prestigious Defence India Startup Challenge DISC 7 SPRINT. With over 28 years of teaching experience, 21 years in research, and a wealth of accolades and publications, Dr. Porkumaran continues to shape the landscape of engineering education and research in India.

Dr. C. Guna Sekaran, a seasoned professional with a diverse background, has excelled in both corporate and educational realms. With over 38 years of experience, he has held senior positions in esteemed companies such as Royal Enfield, Atlas Auto Ltd, and Eureka Group, demonstrating exceptional leadership and operational expertise. His achievements range from orchestrating significant sales orders to establishing successful brand strategies and even contributing to energy-saving initiatives for government bodies. Dr. Sekaran’s impact extends to the field of education, where he has revitalized institutions like Info Institute of Engineering and Amrita University through administrative reforms and strategic planning. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer of RVS Group of Educational Institutions, he continues to drive improvement and innovation. A dedicated team player, he attributes his success to collaboration and remains committed to lifelong learning and excellence.

Dr. S. P. S. Arul Doss, CEO of Gnanam School of Business (GSB) in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is driven by a profound ambition rooted in ethics, values, and excellence. He embarked on his journey as an academician, athlete, and enthusiast in the hospitality and agriculture sectors. Hailing from a lineage of philanthropy and visionaries, including his grandfather Mr. A.Y.S Parisutha Nadar, Dr. Arul Doss inherited invaluable virtues. His educational path led him from Monfort School, Yercaud, to Loyola College, Chennai, where he earned his B.Com. He pursued his Master of Business Administration at Karunya University and completed his Ph.D. at Bharathidasan University. With hands-on experience in education and a vision aligned with the founders’, Dr. Arul Doss aims to elevate GSB into a globally renowned business school through branding and innovative initiatives. Dynamic, goal-oriented, and compassionate, he envisions GSB as a nurturing ground for future business leaders, empowering them to shine in the corporate world.