Speakers

Colonel Professor Dr. Y.S. Siddegowda is a highly accomplished academic and administrative leader with a remarkable career spanning 41 years within the university system. He has left an indelible mark in the academic world with his extensive contributions. Dr. Siddegowda has published over 160 research articles and authored 6 books. He has successfully completed 17 major research projects, with one ongoing project valued at 6 crore rupees. His dedication to academic mentoring is evident through the guidance of 28 Ph.D. candidates. His administrative roles include serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Tumkur University, Karnataka, and Colonel in the National Credit Corps under the Government of India. Dr. Siddegowda has also held positions as the In-Charge Vice-Chancellor during his tenure as Registrar at Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University in Mysore and Karnataka Sanskrit University in Bangalore. He has been Registrar (Administration) at three universities on four occasions, demonstrating his strong administrative capabilities. Throughout his career, Dr. Siddegowda has been an active participant in academic events, attending and organizing over 850 conferences at the national and international levels. He has also served as an editor and member of prestigious national and international journals. Beyond academia, he has served as a consultant to various industries, NGOs, and professional organizations in Karnataka. Dr. Siddegowda’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the rank of ‘Honorary Colonel’ and ‘Colonel Commandant of National Cadet Corps (NCC)’ by the Government of India. He received the “Most Dedicated Vice Chancellor” award and the “Outstanding Academic Leadership” award, among many others. His illustrious career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and leadership in academia.

Dr. S. Mohan Kumar is the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Jagadguru Murugharajendra University (SJMU), a newly established private professional university in Chitradurga, Karnataka, since October 30, 2021. With a distinguished academic career, Dr. Mohan previously served as a senior professor at Malnad College of Engineering (MCE) and held the position of Principal at SDM College of Engineering and Technology (SDMCET), Dharwad, during May 2011–July 2014. He also served as the founder Principal of Government Engineering College (GECH), Hassan, from May 2009 to November 2010. His accolades include the Young Scientist BOYSCAST Award from the Government of India, and he worked as a visiting research faculty at the University of Minnesota, USA, in Robotics & Automation. Dr. S. Mohan has an extensive teaching and research career spanning over 38 years and currently serves as a Professor in Mechanical Engineering at MCE, Hassan. He has been instrumental in establishing pioneering research cells and interdisciplinary M.Tech. courses in Industrial Automation & Robotics, making significant contributions to engineering education in India. Recently, he was nominated as an Expert Committee member for the AICTE-Stanford Project, aimed at enhancing the employability of technical graduates from engineering institutions in India.

Dr. Prakash.S holds the distinguished position of Senior Vice President at East Point Group of Institutions in Bengaluru, where he leads the entire institution group at the top management level. His remarkable career features key leadership roles, including Vice President at Mohan Babu University, Executive Director at Chandigarh University, and Dean and Professor at Dayananda Sagar University. He commenced his career at NIIT Ltd, gaining valuable experience in the early stages. Dr. Prakash is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the “Outstanding Educationist” recognition for his significant contributions to technical training for the youth of Karnataka by the ICON Indian Business Awards. He has also received the “BEST EDUCATOR Award” from Salesforce, the “VMware Educator Excellence Award” from VMware Inc., and the EMC Academic Excellence Award. His impressive academic journey is complemented by numerous publications and patents. Passionate about revolutionizing education for the digital era, Dr. Prakash collaborates with EDTech companies as an advisor to drive changes in educational delivery. He actively engages with universities to design curricula for the Computer Science and Engineering stream, focusing on personalization of content, assessments, and curriculum. Dr. Prakash’s commitment revolves around empowering the next generation with digital literacy, promoting STEM education, fostering industry-academic partnerships, embracing online learning, and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. These initiatives not only enhance employability but also cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students, positioning India as a global tech leader.

Rohan Agarwal, a dynamic and forward-thinking director, initially ventured into the Iron & Steel industry in India. In a traditionally conservative sector dominated by family-owned businesses, he brought about a digital revolution. Rohan’s visionary leadership led to the establishment of fully automated steel processing units in Bangalore, significantly reducing downtime and boosting productivity. He introduced customized digital ERP systems and digitized reporting in steel trading branches across states, facilitating paperless transactions and expanding the business’s horizons. Beyond his industry achievements, Rohan’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident through his role as Chairman at Redbridge International Academy, a greenfield international school known for its top-notch infrastructure and innovative use of technology in education. Under his guidance, Redbridge swiftly implemented online classes during the pandemic, conducted webinars on critical topics, and leveraged e-tools for enhanced learning experiences. Rohan is also dedicated to giving back to society, engaging in food donation drives, language classes for support staff, and innovative digitized collection drives for the underprivileged. Rohan Agarwal exemplifies the digitally savvy, socially conscious millennial reshaping traditional businesses and contributing generously to society.

Sumanth Narayan, a prominent figure in education and social service, serves as Vice-Chairman of Shanthinikethana Schools and has held the position of Education Co-Chairman at the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). With an MBA background, he embarked on his career as an entrepreneur with Soft Guru Pvt. Ltd., significantly raising Bangalore’s profile in the global market through CEBIT (ICT Trade Fair) in Germany. Notably, he contributed to the launch of Ksrtc.in, an e-ticketing bus portal, and Gandhibazar.com, an e-commerce platform. Driven by a passion for social impact, Sumanth transitioned to education, emphasizing values, leadership, and multicultural learning at Shanthinikethana School. He actively engaged in various social and environmental causes, collaborating internationally for multicultural activities. Recognized for his dedication, he received the REX Karmaveer Education Change Champion Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra Award from iCONGO in partnership with the UN. Co-founding Adelie International Preschool in 2019, he created an innovative learning environment, underscoring his belief in the constant evolution of educational institutions in our ever-changing global community.

Prof. H B Raghavendra is a distinguished academic leader with an impressive 35-year career spanning teaching, research, and institutional governance. Currently serving as Vice Chancellor at CMR University, Bangalore, he previously held leadership positions at NorthCap University, Chandigarh University, and Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, where he served as Director and Director General. Prof. Raghavendra, a civil engineering graduate with a stellar academic record, boasts a wealth of international scholarships and is a Fellow of prestigious institutions. His visionary leadership has resulted in the establishment of several centers of excellence, including the International Automobile Centre of Excellence in partnership with Kangan Institute Melbourne, Australia. Prof. Raghavendra is a strong advocate for student success, having implemented effective examination system changes and educational initiatives. His extensive research contributions encompass soil engineering, structural rehabilitation, and water supply projects. He has received Best Paper Awards and presented at prestigious conferences worldwide. Prof. Raghavendra’s commitment to educational reform includes modular delivery systems, industry immersion modules, and thought laboratories, aiming to foster comprehensive student growth and development.