1st Day: Inaugural Session
Inaugural Glimpses from the
CIPU's Bharat Higher Education Summit 2025:
Distinguished Speakers
Inaugural Address
Prof. (Dr.) T. G. Sitharam
Chairman,
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi
Keynote Address
Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sahasrabudhe
Chairman, Executive Committee,
NAAC and Chairman, NBA,
Bangalore
Presidential Address
Dr. Rahul V. Karad
Founder & Chief Patron,
CIPU & Executive President, MIT-World Peace University, Pune
Special Address
Mr. Murali Bukkapatnam
Chairman,
TiE Global Board of Trustees, & Founder & CEO, Volksy Technologies, Hyderabad
Special Address
Prof. (Dr.) D. P. Agrawal
Former Chairman,
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC),
New Delhi
2nd: Day Plenary Session
Panel Discussion on ‘Public-Private Partnership in Research Capacity Building
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/xwIyuGPxUno
This session explored how collaborative models between academia, industry, and government could drive research excellence and innovation. Panelists discussed best practices, funding mechanisms, and policy frameworks that could strengthen research ecosystems in higher education. The discussion focused on fostering meaningful partnerships that enhanced institutional research capacity and global competitiveness.
Session Moderator:
Prof. (Dr.) Anil Kashyap – President and Chancellor, NICMAR University, Pune
Distinguished Panelists:
Prof. (Dr.) Roop Mahajan – Lewis Hester Chair Professor, Virginia Tech, USA
Prof. (Dr.) Padmakali Banerjee – Vice Chancellor, IILM University, Gurugram
Prof. (Dr.) Nihar Ranjan Biswas – Vice Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry
Dr. (Mrs.) C. Tara Satyavathi – Director, ICAR – Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad
Panel Discussion on ‘Leadership Skills for Digital Age’
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/DOG2c7LakPw
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, academic leaders must embrace digital transformation to drive institutional success. This session examined the essential leadership competencies required to navigate digital disruption, implement technology-driven learning models, and create future-ready institutions. Experts shared insights on digital fluency, data-driven decision-making, and leading in an increasingly tech-centric education landscape.
Session Moderator:
Prof. (Dr.) Parvinder Singh, Chairperson, CIPU Northern India Regional Council & Vice Chancellor, Lamrin Tech Skills University, Punjab
Distinguished Panelists:
Dr. Onkar Bagaria, – Trustee & CEO, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur
Prof. (Dr.) Rajita Kulkarni, – President, Sri Sri University, Cuttack
Prof. (Dr.) Arun Kumar Pujari – HOD of AI & CSE, Adviser & Professor Emeritus, Mahindra University, Hyderabad
Prof. (Dr.) Monika Sethi – Vice Chancellor, KK Modi University, Chhattisgarh
Panel Discussion on ‘Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets in Academia
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/M09t-1_ANVc
Entrepreneurial thinking is becoming essential in higher education to drive innovation, problem solving, and industry impact. This session delved into strategies for embedding entrepreneurship within academic institutions, empowering faculty and students to pursue innovation, and building a culture that supports startups and commercialization. Panelists shared global best practices and discussed how universities can be catalysts for economic growth and societal transformation.
Session Moderator:
Prof. (Dr.) Rampgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani
Distinguished Panelists:
Prof. (Dr.) Pawan Kumar Singh – Director, IIM Tiruchirappalli
Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy – Vice Chancellor, The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati
Dr. Madhu Chitkara – Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab
Dr. Yogesh Bhramankar – Innovation Director, MoE's Innovation Cell, Delhi
Mr. Rajesh Pagadala – President, TiE Hyderabad & Pagadala Constructions Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad
Panel Discussion on ‘Leadership in Research and Innovation’
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/rU4eEuZ0KSA
Research and innovation are at the core of academic excellence and national progress. This session brought together thought leaders to discuss how universities can strengthen research capabilities, drive interdisciplinary collaborations, and ensure research integrity. Panelists explored key themes such as research inclusion, impact, intelligence, and ethical leadership in advancing knowledge and shaping the future of higher education.
Session Moderator:
Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Sancheti, Chairperson, CIPU National Committee on R&D and Industry-Academia Collaboration & Vice President, Research Relations and Academic Affairs, Elsevier (India)
Distinguished Panelists:
Prof. M. Krishnamurthy – Centre Director, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad
Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Shaligram – Hon. Director, ISRO-UoP Space Technology Cell, Savitribai Phule Pune University
Prof. (Dr.) K. P. Venugopala Rao – Director, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Hyderabad
Prof. (Dr.) Bishnu Pal – Professor & Dean, Ecole Centrale School of Engineering & HoD, Physics, Mahindra University, Hyderabad
Prof. (Dr.) Kumar Moutlaganti – Vice-Chancellor, Osmania University, Hyderabad