Speakers

Dheepan Thangavelu, Vice Chairman of Sri Shakti International School in Coimbatore, is a dynamic second-generation entrepreneur with a strong commitment to education. He holds an undergraduate degree from the College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, and began his career at Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, excelling as the Head for Industry Relations and Linkages. Recognized for his prowess in student job placements, Dheepan pursued an MBA from Babson College in Boston, USA, further enhancing his skills. His international experience includes roles with Education Pioneers in Nashville, Tennessee, and EduHub in Medellin, Colombia. Additionally, he contributed to African Leadership University in Mauritius as an Economics instructor. With a profound passion for education, economics, and sports, Dheepan Thangavelu brings a holistic approach to his leadership role at Sri Shakthi Group of Institutions.

B. Anantha Krishnan is the CEO Operations at Kalorex Group Of Institutions. Mr. Krishnan is a target oriented professional with 22+ Years of Experience in Techno-commercial and Operational roles in the field of Education. He has a good exposure in starting Schools and Educational Institutions right from the drawing board and establishing them into a profit venture. He also has an expertise in K-12 Joint-Ventures, Supplimentary Education programmes and tie-ups at Pan Asia level. Prior to joining Kalorex Group in 2014, he was associated with FIITJEE Limited in the position of DGM – Formal Education & International Ventures. He holds a B.Com. degree from the Delhi University.

Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff is a renowned edupreneur, vlogger, achiever, and podcaster who has made a significant impact in the field of education. As the CEO of Kalorex Group, she has played a pivotal role in establishing and managing several premier schools, including Delhi Public Schools and Calorx Public Schools, with a focus on excellence and technological innovation. With a passion for holistic education, Dr. Shroff advocates for SHROFFism, which emphasizes the importance of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being in leading a centred life. She believes in breaking away from traditional learning methods and encourages interactive and engaging teaching methodologies to make education more interesting and accessible to students. Driven by her commitment to social responsibility, Dr. Shroff actively engages in various CSR activities, particularly in providing basic education to the underprivileged. Her efforts in promoting inclusive education are evident through projects such as Visamo Kids and Prerna, a school for dyslexics. Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff’s remarkable contributions to the field of education have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the prestigious Secular India Award from the President of India, Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma & Woman of the year by American Bibliography Society, North Carolina. Her relentless dedication to empowering education and her inspiring leadership make her a true trailblazer in the industry.

Dr. K. Karunakaran, CEO of Hindusthan Educational Institutions, Coimbatore, is dedicated to fostering academically excellent and socially meaningful educational environments. With over 27 years of experience, he has served in various leadership roles, including as Dean at Sona College of Technology and Principal at Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science. Dr. Karunakaran’s commitment to institution building and innovation is evident in his management of 11 institutions, catering to 22,000 students and 1,000 teachers. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Annamalai University and has authored numerous research publications and books. Recognized for his expertise, he has been identified and trained as a leader for academics by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Dr. Karunakaran’s philosophy, “Let’s make a beautiful world by nurturing beautiful minds,” reflects his vision for education.

Prof. Dr. D. Viswanathan is the Rector – Research and Development, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai. He is the former Vice Chancellor of Anna University, Chennai. Dr. Viswanathan did his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Annamalai University, Master’s Degree in Production Engineering at the College of Engineering, Guindy, University of Madras. He obtained his Ph.D. from I.I.T. Madras in the field of Metal forming (Mechanical Metallurgy). During his Ph.D. Programme he worked on Trissule Missile Project, which was   sponsored by His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the then Director of DRDL in 1984. Dr. Viswanathan has closely associated for his research and development with DRDO, HAL, Atomic Research Centers, ISRO, RRL, DMRL and many leading industries. He has guided five Ph.D. scholars in the field of Mechanical Engineering and Media Technology. He has published more than 50 National and International research publications. He received the most prestigious “International Socrates Award” from the European Business Assembly, UK at the famous Oxford Hall and this award was conferred on him for his outstanding achievements in excellence in technical education and research, remarkable reputation and successful professional achievements. He is the first Indian to receive this award. He was also awarded as “Colonel Commandant of NCC”, by the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India.