Jury Panel- Academia

Dr. V.S. Chauhan, a renowned Indian Scientist and Rhodes Scholar, is recognized for his significant contributions to the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology. As the former Director of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), a United Nations-affiliated institution, his remarkable 16-year leadership was marked by groundbreaking advancements in scientific research. His most notable accomplishment involves the development of a revolutionary recombinant vaccine targeting malaria, leaving an enduring impact on the global scientific community.

Beyond his scientific pursuits, Dr. Chauhan's commitment to education and ethical standards is exemplary. Serving as the Executive Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), he championed the fundamental importance of upholding ethical integrity within academia. His unwavering dedication to promoting gender empowerment has transcended boundaries and significantly impacted multiple domains.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the Government of India conferred the prestigious Padma Shri in 2012, one of the nation's highest civilian honours. Dr. Chauhan's life's work is a testament to his unwavering dedication to scientific innovation, ethical education, and advancing gender equality. He stands as a beacon of inspiration and a guiding force in shaping the future of academia in India.

Prof. (Dr.) Raman Kr Jha comes with academic and Administrative experience of almost 32 years. Started his career at the University of Delhi Colleges 1990, Served at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Sikkim, for 12 years from 1997, as Prof and Dean, Led Surendra Institute of Engr & Mgmt. at Siliguri, WB, as Founder-Principal for four years from 2009, as 2ndVC at Indus International University, Himachal Pradesh, for 3 years, from 2013 and led Amity University Jharkhand for ~7 years from 2016, as its founder Vice-Chancellor till 31st Dec 2022. Now, he is serving as VC of ICFAI University Jharkhand. 

Coming from a disciplined school life at Sainik School Tilaiya(1976-83), he is inspired and known for his Purpose, Continued Dedication, and Complete Integrity with a divine Operational approach; he took conscious responsibility for all Academic, Administrative, and strategic leadership with a focus on PIC- (Passion, Imagination and Commitment). His deep sense of spirituality and human values in every act made him people-oriented, and he is passionate about shaping lives. He has recently been acknowledged with the Elite Academician Award by IEEE, USA, and THE Higher Education Leader Award 2022 by FELA. He owes everything to the students and faculty at SST, DU and SMU, WBTU, IIU, AUJ, and IUJ, where he was touched by the purpose of life (Learning and being Human) along with his friends, family, and children. Now, he is focusing on a world Education Project to impact the whole space with universal consciousness.

Prof. Rao is the current Vice-Chancellor of Mangalayatan University in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Previously, he held the Vice-Chancellor position at Mizoram University from 2017 to 2022. He boasts a rich academic background with a D.Sc. in Biotechnology, Ph.D. in Zoology, and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science. Additionally, he holds multiple master's degrees, including an MBA in Big Data Analytics. His 29-year tenure as a Professor at Acharya Nagarjuna University focused on Aquaculture Biotechnology, Microbial Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology. Prof. Rao established the Biotechnology department there and introduced various biotechnology-related courses. His prolific research includes over 259 papers, eight patents, and numerous authored books. He has made substantial contributions to Mizoram University's success and played a key role in implementing the National Educational Policy in the North-Eastern and Eastern regions. His extensive international collaborations and awards underscore his significant impact in the academic field.

Dr. Kamlesh Misra a Distinguished figure in the field of Higher Education, rose from a rural setting to global recognition, exemplifying an illustrious academic journey. . With an MA in Economics and a Ph.D. from Northeastern University, Boston, he is recognized as a skilled strategist and innovative leader, possessing a wealth of experience in organizing and managing educational and research institutions.

His impactful roles at the National Institute for Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and tenure as an HDFC Associate Professor, including his notable technical contributions to the 1st Punjab Finance Commission and his participation in a USAID-funded program on fiscal decentralization and Financial Management at Harvard University underline his commitment to knowledge advancement. Transitioning to the private sector, he focused on establishing and leading higher education institutions, holding pivotal leadership positions such as Dean and Director. Noteworthy achievements include founding Auro University in Surat and initiating Rishihood University as its Founding Vice-Chancellor.

Recognized with several accolades, including the "Global Leader in Higher Education" (AKS Education, 2022) and the "Mahatma Gandhi Influence Group Economy Award" (ESTAH Society & SVR Group, 2020), his visionary leadership and prolific publications have left a profound and enduring impact on the landscape of higher education in India, leaving an enduring legacy.