Speakers

Saba Karim is a dynamic business leader with a profound passion for driving sustainable, scalable, and high-growth enterprises. Currently serving as the Head of Public Sector for LinkedIn in India, Saba leads the “Academics and Government vertical,” where she spearheads efforts to create a lasting impact. Saba’s professional journey is marked by her tenure at renowned companies such as LogMeIn, Vu Technologies, Radio Mirchi, and HyperCity, where she honed her skills and made significant contributions to the business landscape. Her career is a testament to her ability to build and nurture sustainable customer relationships, delivering value through insightful and consultative interactions. Beyond her professional endeavors, Saba is an enthusiastic practitioner of yoga and a cycling aficionado, reflecting her commitment to a balanced and active lifestyle. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Agriculture and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pune University. Saba Karim’s career trajectory embodies her dedication to fostering sustainable businesses, client relationships, and personal well-being, making her a well-rounded and influential figure in the world of business and beyond.

Vamsi Koka is a distinguished professional currently serving as the Dean of Strategy and Operations at the Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management (HITAM) in Hyderabad, Telangana. With over two decades of experience as both a management consultant and entrepreneur, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Vamsi’s expertise encompasses various aspects of business, and he has actively contributed to higher education by working towards the establishment of institutions of excellence. Vamsi is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business, where he completed his executive MBA, and Heriot-Watt University in the UK, earning a Master’s degree in Embedded Systems Engineering. His consultancy work has empowered small and medium-sized enterprises by providing strategic guidance, fostering business model innovation, enhancing brand positioning, and implementing digital marketing strategies. His entrepreneurial journey includes collaborating with startups across diverse sectors, including digital media, mobile technology, healthcare, e-commerce, and education, both in India and internationally. Beyond his professional commitments, Vamsi is a multifaceted individual. He is an accomplished blogger, a captivating public speaker, a skilled brand storyteller, and a dedicated mentor to startups. His unwavering dedication to education and his broad-ranging expertise make him a prominent figure in the academic and business landscape.

Dr. Nagaraj Samala is a distinguished academician and accomplished administrator, currently holding the position of Associate Dean at the School of Innovation and Management (SIOM) in Hyderabad, India. With a career spanning over 19 years, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and administration, leaving a significant impact on the education sector. Dr. Nagaraj’s expertise lies in Marketing and Business Analytics, and he is highly respected for his contributions to this field. His commitment to producing high-quality scholarly work is evident through his impressive track record of over 25 publications, which have garnered more than 500 citations. His work has been published in reputed journals, including those indexed in ABDC-A & B, Scopus, and SCI. In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Nagaraj plays an active role in the academic community. He currently serves as a Guest Editor for the Journal of Consumer Behaviour (ABDC-A) and holds positions as a reviewer and editorial board member for several esteemed journals. His dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering academic excellence makes him a notable figure in the field of Marketing and Business Analytics. Dr. Nagaraj Samala’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and research.

Bishnu Pal serves as the Dean of Academics at École Centrale School of Engineering, Mahindra University in Hyderabad, Telangana. With a rich academic and research background, he has made significant contributions to the field of Guided Wave Optics and Photonics education. Prof. Pal has received numerous accolades and honors for his work, including the Esther Hoffman Beller medal, Distinguished Lectureship, and SPIE Maria J. Yzuel Educator Award. His extensive research spans various areas within optical communications, making him a distinguished figure in the academic and scientific community. He has published and reported over 200 research papers and research reviews in peer reviewed international journals and conferences, delivered over 50 plenary/invited talks at international conferences in India and abroad, and has co-authored one each Indian and US patent. He has been on the Organizing/Technical Program Committees of over 50 reputed international conferences/workshops, and has guest edited over 10 special topical issues of several international journals.

Dr. K Sriharsha Reddy is a dedicated academic leader with over two decades of experience in the field of management education in India. Serving as the Director at IMT Hyderabad, he has consistently strived to create a high-quality learning environment for various stakeholders. Dr. Reddy is an alumnus of the London School of Economics (LSE) and has enriched his knowledge through short-term programs at esteemed institutions like Harvard Business School, ISB, and IIMC. In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Reddy is a published author with a book on “Banking & Insurance” and has contributed significantly to the fields of Banking, Finance, and FinTech through research papers. He has collaborated on research projects with organizations like NABARD and NPCI, while also conducting training programs on topics such as IndAS, Digital Banking, and Treasury Management for banking professionals in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Dr. Reddy’s involvement as a Steering Committee Member of the CFO forum, CII Telangana, and as an Advisor to the Hyderabad Management Association underlines his influence and expertise in the management and financial sectors.

Dr. P. Santosh Kumar Patra is a renowned academic leader and the Group Director of St. Martin’s Engineering College. With a strong academic background, holding degrees in B.E, M-Tech, and a PhD in Computer Science & Engineering, he is a dedicated advocate for education and innovation. Dr. Patra is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, notably being the sole individual in Telangana to receive the Governor Award four times. He has also been honored with the “Rastriya Gaurav Award,” “Rastriya Vikas Ratan Award,” “Dronacharya Award,” “Young Leader of the Year,” and the “IBAE International Award” in Dubai. Dr. Patra’s outstanding contributions extend to securing substantial funding for consultancy and industry-sponsored projects, totaling Rs. 444 crores from GHMC, Hyderabad, and Rs. 150 crores from HMWSSB, Hyderabad. His dedication to research has garnered him Rs. 1.8 crores in funds from DST, IIT Bombay, and AICTE. He is also a prolific author with numerous patents, books, and research papers to his name. Dr. Patra’s multifaceted involvement in various professional organizations and advisory roles underscores his commitment to academic excellence. His recent recognition with the “National Happiness Unicorn Award” further solidifies his status as a distinguished leader in education and well-being.

Sri Enugala Vikram Reddy is a Co-Chairperson of the Viswa Bharati Education Society. He acquired B.Tech. from MGIT Hyderabad. After completion of his graduation, he has completed MBA from U.S.A. He is Serving as a Director for Eva Motion Studious. B Tech- Computer Science (JNTUH) MBA – Project Mnagement, Keller Graduate School of Management Leadership in Etchical Practice – Harvard University, USA. Award Recieved for Educational Entrepreneur of the year in 2016, organised by CNBC TV 18

Dr. H.S Saini, Managing Director of Guru Nanak Institutions (GNI) is into 18th year of his association with the reputed colleges. He worked earlier at IMT-Gurgaon and Amritsar University before moving to Hyderabad to take up the key job at GNI. Dr Saini said they had a dream at the time of launching of the institutions and it has been fulfilled due to visionary touch and continued support of Chairman Tavinder Singh Kohli. He says GNI continues to nurture new generation of students with its strong and committed faculty. In a chat with The Hans India, Dr Saini shares the journey thus far, GNI achievements and USP, diversity and future plans.