The Visionaries Who Built Chanakya University: Founders & Thought Leaders Behind the Institution

Chanakya University Bangalore is a purpose-driven higher education institution. Its vision and mission are inspired by the greatest teacher, strategist, and philosopher Chanakya (Kautilya). Among the best universities in India for engineering, CU aims to blend ancient wisdom with modern knowledge systems.

Led by a remarkable team of founders, thought leaders, and visionaries who grace leadership, council & committees, and faculty, Chanakya University is committed to developing a transformative model of education for the 21st century and delivering sustainable leaders for today and tomorrow.

Leaders Building The Chanakya University’s Legacy

  • Dr. S. Somanath, the Chancellor and former ISRO Chairman, embodies this spirit of nation-building by leading the Board of Governors with a focus on innovation and social progress.
  • Industry icons like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Biocon founder), Sri Kris Gopalakrishnan (Infosys co-founder) and Sri T.V. Mohandas Pai brings entrepreneurial insight, echoing Chanakya’s emphasis on economic strength as the foundation of a thriving society.
  • Academic stalwarts such as Prof. M.K. Sridhar, Prof. B. Mahadevan, and Prof. Yashavantha Dongre anchor the institution in scholarly depth and value-based learning.

Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Education

Chanakya, renowned for the Arthashastra and his insights on statecraft, economics, and military strategy, once said, “Education is the best friend.” This timeless principle forms the core of the university’s academic philosophy, where ancient wisdom is not merely studied as history but applied as a guide for real-world learning and practice.

For example, students in the BA Hons Political Science explore governance through both modern political theories and ancient Indian statecraft. Those pursuing BA Hons courses engage with global perspectives while understanding India’s intellectual traditions.

Similarly, in BBA Honours, the emphasis is on entrepreneurship and sustainable leadership, aligned with Chanakya’s view that strong economies drive strong nations. This ensures students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with timeless values that guide ethical decision-making.

Practical Relevance in Business & Technology

The founding visionaries believe education must be practical. In management education, this philosophy shines through in MBA programmes. Students diving into MBA course details at this MBA university discover curricula enriched with real industry case studies and mentorship from corporate leaders.

Specialisations such as MBA in Finance and Marketing combine technical expertise with ethical considerations—a reflection of Chanakya’s principle that wealth must always serve the greater social good.

Engineering, too, embodies this integration of past and future. With innovation labs and industry-led projects, Chanakya University is fast emerging among the best universities in India for engineering, where students learn cutting-edge technology without losing sight of values like sustainability and social responsibility.

Founders as Modern Gurus

The university’s founders position themselves not merely as administrators but as modern-day gurus—mentors who guide, inspire, and challenge students. This echoes the gurukul tradition, where learning was holistic, character-building, and purpose-driven. These modern gurus can be of great help for:

  • Mentorship for career and entrepreneurship
  • Assistance for internships and placements
  • Lifelong learning and communication skills
  • Networking at the national and international level

Conclusion

The founding members and distinguished academicians & industry leaders as advisors at  Chanakya University are more than thought leaders; they are custodians of an ancient legacy, reimagined for today’s challenges. 

Chanakya University Bangalore aims to create a holistic ecosystem by bringing together scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, where wisdom (jnana), will (iccha), and action (kriya) remain at the heart of modern higher education.

This unique blend makes Chanakya University Bangalore one of the most promising institutions of our time, positioning it not only among the best universities in India for engineering but also as a beacon of holistic, values-driven learning for students across disciplines.

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