Speakers

Dr. James is a distinguished wetland hydrologist with a rich academic and professional background. Graduating in Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, he furthered his studies with an M. Tech. in Coastal Engineering and a Ph.D. from Calcutta University. With extensive post-doctoral work at the Institute of Hydrology, UK, he spent 30 years at the Center for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in various capacities, retiring as Scientist-G and Executive Director. Transitioning to academia, he has held multiple leadership roles at Karunya University, Coimbatore, including Pro-Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. Dr. James has led over 80 funded research projects, authored 150 publications, and served as a consultant to prestigious agencies like the World Bank and UNDP. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Hemaprabha Award from the Institution of Engineers (I), his contributions to wetland conservation and hydrology are invaluable.

Thayagu Valliappa, Vice-Chairman of Sona School of Management, brings extensive experience across diverse industries, including manufacturing, technology, logistics, and education. As Executive Director of the Sona Valliappa Group, he spearheads dynamic and flexible company strategies, emphasizing technology integration and process optimization. Notably, he has led initiatives in education, enhancing learning methodologies and incorporating technology for over 10,000 students across institutions. In the textile sector, he focuses on building a brand for specialized products like workwear and uniforms. His real estate and infrastructure projects have seen collaborations with major corporations, achieving milestones like the rapid construction of a 100,000 sq ft factory. Thayagu has held prestigious positions in chambers of commerce and is recognized for his leadership as the youngest President of the Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce. Additionally, he holds key roles in various educational institutions and ventures, underscoring his commitment to innovation and development across sectors.

Prof. R. Nandagopal, currently serving as the Director General of Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja College, Coimbatore, brings over four decades of academic experience to his role. Formerly the Director of PSG Institute of Management and Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) Kochi, he has held leadership positions in esteemed institutions like Institute of Public Enterprise and Loyola College. Recognized for his teaching excellence, he received awards from Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programmes (ACBSP) and is a fellow member of the All India Management Association (AIMA). Prof. Nandagopal is a founding member of ABBS and has held leadership roles in various national and regional organizations. With a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Madras and extensive academic credentials, including an MBA from Madurai Kamaraj University, he is an accomplished author, having published over 100 research articles and guided 24 Ph.D. scholars. Proficient in financial management and organization restructuring, he continues to contribute significantly to the field of management education and research.

Prof. Venkat Rangan, Vice Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, appointed by Amma in 2003, brings a wealth of experience in academia and entrepreneurship. Prior to his role at Amrita, Dr. Rangan was a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he founded and directed pioneering research in Multimedia Systems and Internet E-commerce. A prolific scholar, he has over 75 publications in prestigious journals and conferences and holds more than 20 US patents. Dr. Rangan’s contributions extend beyond academia; he founded ACM Multimedia 93, the premier conference on multimedia, and ACM/Springer-Verlag Multimedia Systems, the leading journal in the field. His entrepreneurial ventures include founding Yodlee, Inc., a highly successful online account aggregation company. Recognized as a top innovator in Internet technologies, Dr. Rangan continues to shape both academia and industry with his visionary leadership and groundbreaking research.

Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, a distinguished academician and researcher, currently serves as the Pro Chancellor at Jeppiaar University. With over three decades of teaching and research experience, she is renowned for her innovative contributions to education, particularly in the field of Biotechnology. Dr. Stanley holds a doctorate and post-doctorate in Biotechnology and has garnered extensive research expertise during her tenure at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. Her specialization areas encompass Environmental Biotechnology, Marine Biotechnology, and Cell and Molecular studies. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, she has received prestigious awards such as the Outstanding Teaching Award, the Young Scientist Award, and the JRD Tata Award for Innovative Research. Dr. Stanley is also an accomplished author, having published three textbooks that are widely adopted in Indian and foreign universities. Her dedication to academia and research continues to inspire students and colleagues alike.

Dr. George Arvind is a distinguished leader in education, blending a background in medicine with a fervent dedication to transforming educational paradigms. Currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the esteemed Sunbeam Group of Schools in Tamil Nadu, spanning Vellore, Walaja, and Chennai, he oversees a diverse educational landscape catering to over 7,000 students across CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards. Driven by a commitment to excellence, he pursued a diploma in ‘School Leadership’ from Harvard Graduate School of Education and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from University College London. Dr. George’s global perspective is enriched by his studies of educational systems in Finland and the USA, making him a sought-after speaker at conferences and workshops, where he shares insights and experiences to inspire educators nationwide. With a visionary approach, Dr. George Arvind continues to shape the future of education, embodying excellence and innovation.

Anitha is a dynamic educationist and life coach with a diverse background in academia and creativity. With an M.Sc, B.Ed., and M.Phil qualifications, she has held various teaching and administrative roles in prestigious institutions like Everwin School and Kristhu Jayanthi CMI Public School. Anitha has excelled as a biology teacher, vice principal, principal across different grade levels, and program coordinator. In the realm of creativity, she has showcased her talents as a reporter, radio jockey, video jockey, editor, writer, and director across various media platforms. As the Chief Executive Officer of Suyam Kids Pre School and the founder of Suya”Nalam” Vazhilviyal Payilkalam, she is dedicated to holistic education and body-mind transformation programs. Anitha’s multifaceted expertise reflects her commitment to empowering students, teachers, and parents alike.

Prof. Dr. B. Sendilkumar, a distinguished academician and administrator, currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation, overseeing 13 undergraduate and 13 postgraduate courses across four campuses. With a diverse educational background including BDS, MBA, MPH, and MPhil in Hospital Health System Management, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Dr. Sendilkumar’s commitment to academia is evident through his completion of a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and multiple honorary awards, including D.Litt and D.Sc. His prolific career spans 23 years, during which he has authored numerous research papers, patents, books, and articles. A sought-after speaker and panelist, he has organized numerous national and international conferences and webinars, contributing significantly to knowledge dissemination. Dr. Sendilkumar’s dedication to student welfare and academic excellence has earned him recognition as a compassionate educator and effective administrator.

Prof. Shanmugam Subramaniam, Chairman of United Educational Institutions, Coimbatore, is a visionary leader with a passion for education. With degrees in Civil and Software Engineering, he founded United Infotech Computer Education, placing over 10,000 students in top software companies. Prof. Subramaniam also established numerous educational institutions and chairs United Educational Institutions. Additionally, he contributes to various sectors as a director and charter member of organizations like United Infotech and Rotary Coimbatore Elite, reflecting his commitment to holistic development.