About the Chair

Established in February 2023, the Dr. Ramdas Pai Chair on Education is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) within contemporary education. We believe that by grounding modern knowledge in the rich heritage of Bharat, we can empower Indian youth with the values, skills, and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and to a sustainable global future.

The Dr. Ramdas Pai Chair on Education at Chanakya University is steadfast in its commitment to instill in Indian youth the values, knowledge, and skills that will empower them to proudly manifest Indian civilization in the modern world and contribute meaningfully to nation-building and global well-being. We believe that a purpose-driven education shall immerse students in the foundational principles of Indian civilization and foster an understanding of the essential interconnectedness of all creation. It is envisioned that the Chair on Education with its collective and collaborative initiatives would greatly influence our current understanding of education and enable us to create possibilities for establishing a sustainable world order.

Vision

To create new knowledge through research and dissemination in the domain of education to empower educators and educational institutions.

Overall Objectives

The overall objective of the Dr Ramdas Pai Chair on Education is to pursue research and carry out dissemination work related to various aspects of education. Specifically, the objectives include creation of new knowledge and dissemination of the same through various activities enlisted below but are not limited to:

1. Conduct and commission research projects in various areas of education;
2. Organize seminars, symposia, workshops, and conferences to facilitate networking and exchange of ideas;
3. Initiate and conduct dissemination activities such as the publication of articles, working papers, monographs, books etc.,;
4. Liaison with various industry and state bodies in its pursuit of research;
5. Create courses and disseminate knowledge;
6. Pursue extension and outreach activities in the domain of education;
7. Any other relevant activities in the domain of education.

Advisory Committee:

Prof. Sudhakar Venukapalli
Chairman

Dr. Sudhakar Venukapalli is a member of the NCTE & ICPR, New Delhi, under the Government of India, and previously served as the Dean of the School of English Language Education and Professor of Education at The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU). His expertise lies in the domains of education policy, teacher education, and the dynamics of Indian society, economy, and polity. 

Prof. K. Ramachandran
Member

Prof. K. Ramachandran brings his expertise as a Senior Advisor at UIC, specializing in education policy, teacher development, and the internationalization of education. His insights contribute significantly to shaping educational strategies and initiatives both nationally and internationally. 

Dr. J. K. Bajaj
Member

Dr. JK Bajaj, the former Chairman of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) in New Delhi, possesses profound knowledge in various facets of Indian society, economy, and polity. His research spans the scientific and technological traditions of India, Indian ideas and institutions, and religious demography, making him a distinguished scholar in his field. 

Dr. M. D. Srinivas
Member

Prof. M. D. Srinivas currently holds the position of Chairman at the Centre for Policy Studies, Chennai. His academic background is rooted in theoretical physics, with a focus on the conceptual and mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge in the history and philosophy of science, along with insights into various aspects of Indian society, economy, and polity. 

Prof. Induprasad
Member

Prof. Indu Prasad serves as the Vice Chancellor of Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and directs the School of Continuing Education and University Resource Centre (SCE-URC) at the institution. With a background in education, particularly in teaching children with disabilities, she has dedicated her career to teacher education, education policy, inclusive education, and addressing learning disabilities. 

Sri. Herambh Kulkarni
Member

Heramb Kulkarni, Director of Strategy and Development at CCE Finland, has spent over 15 years in Finland, spearheading innovative learning methodologies in schools globally. His expertise lies in educational technology, global education reforms, collaborative innovations, and the application of technology in education. He is renowned for his leadership and contributions across educational institutions and start-ups in Europe and India.