Speakers

Dr. Shilpa Jejurkar, Principal of MIT Pune’s Vishwashanti Gurukul Schools, brings 25 years of rich experience in education. With a background in English and Social Science, she holds a PhD in Behavior Counseling, MPhil in Economics, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from IITT UK. Driven by a passion for inclusive education, she has opened doors for differently-abled children, aiming to integrate them into mainstream education. Starting her career at DAV School, Dr. Jejurkar expanded internationally as an educator and speaker. A staunch advocate of empowering facilitators, she emphasizes core life skills in her teaching approach. Recognized for her achievements, she was awarded the prestigious Acharya Chanakya Shikshavid Samman 2020 and has received numerous accolades, including the Green Educator Award, Innovative Principal Award, and International Experiential Leader Award. Dr. Shilpa Jejurkar is not only a visionary leader at the school she heads but also mentors and guides educators wherever her pedagogical journey takes her.

Dr. Asmita Jagtap, an exemplary individual driven by a deep commitment to healthcare accessibility, serves as the Executive Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth Health Sciences in Pune. With a firm belief that healthcare is a fundamental right for all, she passionately leads the Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical Foundation, overseeing a network of seven hospitals dedicated to providing affordable healthcare services. In addition to her pivotal role in healthcare, Dr. Jagtap holds the position of Patron Member at Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, contributing her expertise and guidance to over 75 educational entities within the institution. As a Trustee of Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical Foundation, she plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing the operations of the foundation’s seven hospitals. Dr. Asmita Jagtap carries forward the legacy initiated by her father, Dr. Patangrao Kadam, who laid the foundation for improved healthcare and education. With a focus on promoting affordable healthcare at the grassroots level, she continues to uplift communities through her dedicated service and leadership. Her approach is characterized by a warm and compassionate demeanor, reflecting her unwavering commitment to serving humanity with a smile.

Dr. Amit Oak serves as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and is also a Professor and Head of the Department of Management Studies at Vidyalankar Institute of Technology in Mumbai. As the COO, he oversees institute operations, manages budgetary allocations, supervises financial management, and directs Student Council activities. With a diverse background in the corporate world, including roles in training, mentoring, media, film finance, and financial services marketing, Dr. Oak brings practical and result-oriented management lessons to students. He emphasizes the institute’s commitment to nurturing business leadership and preparing engineers and managers with technical knowledge and 21st-century skills aligned with Industry 4.0. Dr. Oak is dedicated to providing an excellent learning experience that encourages students to think creatively while staying grounded in social realities.

Dr. Vijaya Puranik is the Director of Sinhgad Institute of Management and Computer Application in Pune. With a background in Electronics and Applied Physics, she initially worked as an engineer at ACE Electronics and later as a lecturer in Electronics. Driven by innovation, she developed stress management tools like the “Chronoscope Counter” and the “Optical Keyboard” for the manufacturing industry. Holding a Masters in Management Studies (MMS) and a Master’s in Personnel Management (MPM), she has dedicated 25 years to teaching management, specializing in OB, HRM, OD, and Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Puranik earned her Ph.D. from S.N.D.T University, Mumbai, focusing on an analytical study of leadership in diverse organizations. A Certified Psychometric Testing Professional and an expert in organizational development, she serves as a registered guide for doctoral work at Pune University and is a Board of Studies member. Her contributions extend to designing psychometric testing and counseling activities for MBA students over 15 years. With 22 research papers and authored books on Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, and Innovation Technology Management, Dr. Puranik is recognized for her expertise in behavioral sciences. She is a sought-after guest speaker at management institutes and has conducted training programs for senior managers, IAS officers, and cooperative sector managers. A life member of ISTD, Pune Management Association, Marathi Manas Shastra Parishad, and NHRD, she actively contributes to the academic and professional development landscape.

Prof. (Dr.) Sunita M. Karad, currently serving as the Director of MIT College of Management and ICT at MIT ADT University in Pune, boasts a remarkable 27-year journey from lecturer to Dean. Recognized with accolades like the ASMA Annual Convection Award (2019) and the Neelam Gorhe Best Educationist Award (2021), she excels in mentoring, strategic thinking, and leadership. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Dr. Karad has contributed significantly to the academic realm. Her roles include YCMOU Director, MITCOM Director of IT, and Lecturer at MIT. Dr. Karad has organized conferences and published papers on innovative global trends. Beyond academia, she’s actively engaged in advisory roles and initiatives promoting education, sustainability, and women’s recognition. Her commitment to excellence extends to various domains, establishing her as a distinguished figure in both academia and industry.