Meet Leaders at Chanakya University: Inspiring Future Leaders

Chanakya University in Bengaluru is fast emerging as one of the top MBA universities in India. Set up in 2022 under the NEP 2020 framework, the institution blends b‑tech subjects, liberal arts, management, biosciences, and more, making it a holistic best university for MBA in India and beyond.

Visionaries Behind the Mission

At the helm is Chancellor Dr. S. Somanath, a former ISRO chief, appointed in June 2025. He succeeds founder-chancellor Prof. M. K. Sridhar, a Padma Shri awardee and renowned educator with over 40 years of experience in mentoring.

The Board of Governors includes luminaries such as Kris Gopalakrishnan (Infosys co‑founder), Mohandas Pai (Aarin Capital), Dr. Shamika Ravi (PM’s Economic Advisory Council), and Padma Shri Prof. B. Mahadevan of IIM‑Bangalore.

The International Advisory Committee is a powerhouse:

  • Dr. Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw, Biocon executive chair
  • Dr. Sitaram Jindal, Jindal Aluminium MD
  • Prof. Manjul Bhargava, Fields Medalist, Princeton
  • Late Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former ISRO chairman

Their collective wisdom shapes curriculum, strategy, and research culture.

The Legacy of Excellence: Qualities that Inspire

The management at the Chanakya University Bangalore has very transformational attributes. These are the prominent individuals who have significantly influenced industries and economies through innovative ideas, visionary leadership, entrepreneurship, scientific advancements, and effective policy-making.

As the chairman of ISRO, Dr. S. Somanath was a key figure in India’s space missions, including Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan. His story inspires students to dream big, to be precise, and to strive for technological excellence.

Kris Gopalakrishnan and Mohandas Pai are the symbols of an Indian IT revolution. Their entrepreneurial culture also educates students to be resilient, flexible, and capable of leading disruptive change, which is a highly sought-after capability among future business leaders at the best university for MBA in India.

As a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw shows that scientific innovation can be socially empathetic. This is evident in her story, which motivates students to mix the purpose with profit.

Another person who can be regarded as an epitome of academic brilliance and intellectual curiosity is Prof. Manjul Bhargava, a Fields Medal winner and an inspiration to aspirants seeking to develop strong foundations in their STEM and B.Tech subjects.

Having among the best economic advisors (such as Dr. Shamika Ravi) and policymakers (like Bibek Debroy) will provide students with real-life experience in how India is developing economically and how policies are developed, as well as their sustainability.

Foundations & Patron Support

The founding Pro‑Chancellor, Sri M. P. Kumar, and key patron Sri MR Jaishankar (Brigade) have provided strategic and philanthropic support. Other patrons include C K Birla, Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, Mohandas Pai, and Sajjan Jindal. 

This reflects a new model of the biggest university in India, not by headcount, but by collaborative backbone.

Inspiring Students Through Leadership & Mentorship

Students at Chanakya regularly interact with these global leaders. The university organises workshops, talks, and fellowships where students gain first-hand exposure to how industries operate, how policy is shaped, and how technology and management converge.

These engagements instil qualities like critical thinking, ethical leadership, innovation, and global competitiveness. It’s an ecosystem that nurtures future engineers, economists, scientists, and business leaders.

This deepens the MBA curriculum beyond theory, helping graduates become agile leaders attuned to India’s 6 % GDP growth, industrial transformation, and global market dynamics. 

It’s why Chanakya ranks among the top MBA universities in India with a future-ready edge.

Why It Matters

Chanakya’s ecosystem—spanning engineering, biosciences, management, policy, arts, humanities, and law—points to future leaders who are:

  • Skilled in b tech subjects and management alike
  • Ready to innovate in India’s ₹3 trillion higher education economy
  • Positioned in a multi‑disciplinary environment that produces true global citizens

It’s no surprise Chanakya is now counted among the best university for MBA in India—not just for its course offerings, but for the calibre of its visionary mentors.

Final Thoughts 

Chanakya University Bangalore stands tall—an institution shaped by ISRO sages, biotech pioneers, business titans, policy architects, and arts icons. Their collective guidance turns students into leaders who can navigate technological change, steer economic momentum, and shape India’s next growth story.

With such a constellation of visionaries, Chanakya is not just educating—it’s inspiring a generation.

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