Dean’s message

Dr. Vineeth Paleri

Professor and Director-Academics, School of Engineering, Chanakya University

Shaping Leaders for Justice and Governance

In an ever-changing world, where the rule of law is both a shield and a sword, our mission is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.

In the global context, the challenges we face are manifold yet ripe with opportunities for growth and transformation. From advancing human rights to tackling environmental crises, the role of legal practitioners and policymakers has never been more crucial. At Chanakya University, we recognize the interconnectedness of legal systems across borders and the imperative of understanding diverse perspectives to address pressing issues of our time.

Our purpose and vision for the school of law, governance, and public policy

We are driven and founded on higher knowledge, service, and social transformation principles to build a globally relevant educational ecosystem rooted in our great nation’s rich legacy and vision for the future. We embody this commitment to shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. We aim to provide an education integrating interdisciplinary approaches with applied learning and research, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges through evidence-based solutions.

Our guiding principles at The School of law, governance, and public policy

  • A leading school for applied learning and social transformation
    We aspire to be at the forefront of legal and policy education, focusing on teaching, research, and service to address societal needs and foster social change.
  • Real-world relevance and practical impact
    The School of Law, governance, and Public Policy emphasizes practical problem-solving, encouraging students to engage with current and future challenges using data-driven, evidence-based approaches. our curriculum and pedagogy are designed to prepare students for impactful careers that contribute meaningfully to governance and public policy.
  • Innovative pedagogy for complex problems
    We employ cutting-edge, student-centered pedagogical methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of law, governance, and public policy. Through hands-on learning and real-world case studies, we prepare our students to navigate and address the complex issues shaping society today.
  • A unique curriculum with a global vision
    As our country’s first school offering both mainstream and alternative perspectives on law and public policy, integrating IKS into its curriculum. We provide students with the tools and insights to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. Our curriculum is firmly anchored in the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), ensuring our students are prepared to contribute to global change.

Rising with Chanakya:

The school of law, governance, and public policy’s curriculum powers our purpose.

Our commitment to our mission extends far beyond the conventional. As we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, doers, and creators, our approach is elevated through an enriched curriculum that transcends the usual and doesn’t simply replicate the past. This enriched curriculum ensures that our vision, values, and founding ethos come to life meaningfully, rising above dated and ordinary paradigms.

Through our distinct Chanakya pathways, we provide a three-way advantage:

  • We teach what must be taught much better: imparting a strong conceptual foundation, timeless knowledge, and essential skills that form the core of every student’s journey.
  • We go beyond and expand learning: areas where we push the boundaries of the traditional curriculum model, enriching and broadening perspectives.
  • We ensure our students maximize: through enriched programs and insights with exceptionally unique offerings designed to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow, we are enriching and distinctly empowering them to rise with ideals and ideas.

Below, you will find the detailed elements that distinguish our commitment to shaping students, their futures, and the society they will serve with Chanakya pathways.

Expanders:

  • 18 credits in electives: Cyber Law, Environmental Law, Space Law, International Law, Bhartiya Jurisprudence, Health Law, and IPR (across centres)
  • Innovation in pedagogy: Role plays, thematic skits, and short videos for experiential learning
  • Robust Engagement with practitioners: Engaging professionals and entrepreneurs to deliver guest lectures and mentorship
  • Skill development: Leveraging the Entrepreneurship Centre (Consciousness Entrepreneurship) to build technical and life skills
  • Enhancing students’ proficiency in legal writing, argumentation, and communication through focused modules on drafting, negotiation, and presentation skills

Maximisers:

  • Focus on the Indian Knowledge System: The School integrates IKS into its curriculum (Bhartiya Jurisprudence).
  • Emphasis on formative assessment with a minimum of 60% weightage
  • Capstone projects at the undergraduate level
  • Interdisciplinary teaching and learning: Faculties from other schools anchoring core courses (e.g., economics, finance and marketing, corporate and commercial law, forensic science, toxicology, etc.)
  • Emphasis on preparing teachers/researchers in India and the use of AI/ML for predictive analysis from case laws (LLM)

Our purpose and vision for The school of law, governance, and public policy

We are driven and founded on the principles of higher knowledge, service, and social transformation to build a globally relevant educational ecosystem rooted in our great nation’s rich legacy and vision for the future. We embody this commitment to shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. We aim to provide an education integrating interdisciplinary approaches with applied learning and research, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges through evidence-based solutions.

Our guiding principles at School of law, governance, and public policy

  • A leading school for applied learning and social transformation
    We aspire to be at the forefront of legal and policy education, focusing on teaching, research, and service to address societal needs and foster social change.
  • Real-world relevance and practical impact
    The School of Law, governance, and Public Policy emphasizes practical problem-solving, encouraging students to engage with current and future challenges using data-driven, evidence-based approaches. our curriculum and pedagogy are designed to prepare students for impactful careers that contribute meaningfully to governance and public policy.
  • Innovative pedagogy for complex problems
    We employ cutting-edge, student-centered pedagogical methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of law, governance, and public policy. through hands-on learning and real-world case studies, we prepare our students to navigate and address the complex issues shaping society today.
  • A unique curriculum with a global vision
    As our country’s first school offering both mainstream and alternative perspectives on public policy, integrating IKS into its curriculum. We provide students with the tools and insights needed to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. Our curriculum is firmly anchored in the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), ensuring that our students are prepared to contribute to global change.

Rising with Chanakya: Public policy curriculum powers our purpose

At Chanakya University, our commitment extends far beyond the conventional. As we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, doers, and creators, our approach is elevated through an enriched curriculum that transcends the usual and doesn’t simply replicate the past. This enriched curriculum ensures that our vision, values, and founding ethos come to life meaningfully, rising above dated and ordinary paradigms.

Through our distinct Chanakya pathways, we provide a three-way advantage:

  • We teach what must be taught much better: imparting a strong conceptual foundation, timeless knowledge, and essential skills that form the core of every student’s journey.
  • We go beyond and expand learning: areas where we push the boundaries of the traditional curriculum model, enriching and broadening perspectives.
  • We ensure our students maximize: through enriched programs and insights with exceptionally unique offerings designed to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow, we are enriching and distinctly empowering them to rise with ideals and ideas.

Below, you will find the detailed elements that distinguish our commitment to shaping students, their futures, and the society they will serve with Chanakya pathways.

Expanders:

  • Deep specialisation: Cyber and Space Policies, Environmental/Sustainability Policy, Data Analysis for Policy
  • Teaching-learning practices: Crisis simulation, policy hackathons, outreach through policy briefs, seminar courses (policy dialogue)
  • Robust engagement with practitioners: Engaging practitioners and policymakers with an emphasis on the local context
  • Skills development: Leveraging the Chanakya Centre for Sustainability, SCB Chair on International Relations, and Centre for Public Health to build technical and life skills

Maximisers:

  • Diverse courses: Education Policy, Indian Foreign Policy (IKS and How India Sees the World), Policy Meta Analysis. One-of-a-kind courses in the country
  • Focus on Indian Knowledge System: The school integrates IKS into its curriculum, including ancient learnings derived from texts like the Arthashastra.
  • Bharatiya jurisprudence: A major knowledge creation part for law and evidence-based public policy for MAPP, based on SDGs with a specific focus on education and health
  • Emphasis on formative assessment: With a minimum of 60% weightage, incorporating learner-centric assessment patterns
  • Interdisciplinary teaching and learning: Faculty expertise in varied domains anchoring core courses in economics, finance, and marketing

Our purpose and vision

We are driven and founded on the principles of higher knowledge, service, and social transformation to build a globally relevant educational ecosystem rooted in our great nation’s rich legacy and vision for the future. We embody this commitment to shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. We aim to provide an education integrating interdisciplinary approaches with applied learning and research, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges through evidence-based solutions.

The Chanakya fellow – who and why

A Chanakaya Fellow embodies the spirit of critical inquiry, creativity, and deep commitment to solving real-world problems. Guided by the timeless wisdom of Chanakya, mentored by world class thinkers, Fellows are not just here as learners but blossom as thinkers who challenge assumptions, finds solutions, and professionals who apply knowledge to transform society.

At Chanakaya University, we seek individuals who are not only passionate about knowledge but are dedicated to lifelong learning and growth. Our Fellows are interdisciplinary professionals, drawing connections across fields, and using their insights to address complex societal issues. They approach every challenge with a holistic mindset, ensuring that their contributions lead to lasting impact.

Through the Chanakaya Fellowship in Social Sciences as a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Sciences program, we invite those who envision to rise with purpose, ready to embrace this journey of exploration, enrichment, and transformation. Join us as we together build a future that is informed by deep knowledge, driven by purpose, mentored by the greats, and committed to making the world better.

Our guiding principles

  • A leading school for applied learning and social transformation
    We aspire to be at the forefront of legal and policy education, focusing on teaching, research, and service to address societal needs and foster social change.
  • Real-world relevance and practical impact
    The School of Law, governance, and Public Policy emphasizes practical problem-solving, encouraging students to engage with current and future challenges using data-driven, evidence-based approaches. our curriculum and pedagogy are designed to prepare students for impactful careers that contribute meaningfully to governance and public policy.
  • Innovative pedagogy for complex problems
    We employ cutting-edge, student-centered pedagogical methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of law, governance, and public policy. through hands-on learning and real-world case studies, we prepare our students to navigate and address the complex issues shaping society today.
  • A unique curriculum with a global vision
    As our country’s first school offering both mainstream and alternative perspectives on public policy, integrating IKS into its curriculum. We provide students with the tools and insights needed to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. Our curriculum is firmly anchored in the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), ensuring that our students are prepared to contribute to global change.

Rising with Chanakya: a distinct curriculum powers our purpose

At Chanakya University, our commitment extends far beyond the conventional. As we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, doers, and creators, our approach is elevated through an enriched curriculum that transcends the usual and doesn’t simply replicate the past. This enriched curriculum ensures that our vision, values, and founding ethos come to life meaningfully, rising above dated and ordinary paradigms.

Through our distinct Chanakya pathways, we provide a three-way advantage:

  • We teach what must be taught much better: imparting a strong conceptual foundation, timeless knowledge, and essential skills that form the core of every student’s journey.
  • We go beyond and expand learning: areas where we push the boundaries of the traditional curriculum model, enriching and broadening perspectives.
  • We ensure our students maximize: through enriched programs and insights with exceptionally unique offerings designed to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow, we are enriching and distinctly empowering them to rise with ideals and ideas.

Below, you will find the detailed elements that distinguish our commitment to shaping students, their futures, and the society they will serve with Chanakya pathways.

Expanders:

  • The choice to select courses from foundation courses
  • Experiential learning: Rural immersion integrated with the curriculum program (e.g., GRAAM/Jaanagraha/AIGGPA)
  • Close interaction and continued engagement with eminent professionals, leaders, bureaucrats, and policymakers from the government, development agencies, and think tanks for collaborative learning and research
  • International faculty members from the top 50 global universities anchoring courses in person.

Maximisers:

  • International  and great thinkers as faculty members from the top 50 global universities anchoring courses in-person
  • Transformative pathways with an option for Masters/PhD (40 credits)
  • Emphasis and positioning of social sciences as a core discipline
  • Option for dissertation or internship/capstone project
  • Proactive engagement of the Advisory Board for distinguished lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions

Programme Highlights

The program aims to produce graduates who are:

  • Internship as the last trimester
  • 3600 Integrity Score and individual mentoring by Executives from Industry
  • Rural Immersion for developing social entrepreneurship orientation.
  • Faculty drawn from International Universities, Leading corporates and Indian Institutions.
  • Courses curated to expose students to the latest trends in the Business World

Benefits

Research at Chanakya University is inspired by its Purpose– ‘creating knowledge and transformative leaders for holistic development’.

The University has imbibed its liberal education framework from the new National Education Policy to create an environment of constant curiosity emanating from concern towards issues that need sustainable solutions.

Campus

Faculty members

Prof. P. Ishwara Bhat

Honorary Professor

Ph.D., Mysore University

Former Vice-Chancellor, KSLU
Prof. Chetan Basavaraj Singai

Dean, School of Law, Governance, and Public Policy; Academic Lead

Ph.D., MAHE, NIAS, Bengaluru

Chief Consultant and Convenor, Technical Secretariat, National Steering Committee, NCF
Dr. Pradeep Kumar

Associate Professor, School of Law, Governance, and Public Policy

Ph.D., Mewar University, Chittorgarh

Former Dean Academic Affairs, NLU, Sonipat
Kum. Anusha M. Virupannavar

Assistant Professor of Environmental Law and Constitutional Law, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy

LL.M., Karnataka State Law University

Former Faculty, KLES’ Law College, Bengaluru
Kum. Ambika Bhat K S

Assistant Professor, School of Law, Governance, and Public Policy

LL.M

Dr. Kumara Swamy T. R.

Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy

Ph.D., Bangalore University

Former Senior Consultant, NCF
Kum. P. Susmitha

Assistant Professor, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy

LL.M., Azim Premji University

Former Faculty, Karnataka State Law University
Sri Arpit

Assistant Professor, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy

LL.M. (Hons.)

Dr. Harshita Kulkarni

Assistant Professor, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy

Ph.D., Karnatak University, Dharwad

Former visiting faculty at National Forensics Sciences University, Dharwad
Prof. Jean-Louis Arcand​

Visiting Faculty

Professor of International Economics, Geneva Graduate Institute

President — Global Development Network
Prof. Nikolai Wenzel

Visiting Faculty

L.V. Hackley Chair for the Study of Capitalism and Free Enterprise

Distinguished Professor of Economics, Fayetteville State University
Dr. Omkar Joshi​

Visiting Faculty

Ph.D., Sociology, University of Maryland, College Park

Researcher, Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland
Dr. Disha Sharma

Visiting Faculty

Ph.D., JNU; Post-Doc Fellow, SPIA, Princeton University

Air Pollution Expert, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Shritha K. Vasudevan

Visiting Faculty

M.A., University of Florida, USA

Visiting faculty, National Law School of India University
Sri Krishnan Venkataraman

Visiting Faculty

M.S., Harvard University

Trustee, Sadvidya Paripalana Trust
Sri Akash Gupta

Visiting Faculty

Ph.D., GD Goenka University

Assistant Professor & Assistant Director, Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Jindal Global Law School
Sri Shashi Kant Saxena

Visiting Faculty

PG Diploma in Labour Laws & Labour Relations

Former law officer, National Thermal Power Corporation

Advisory Committee

Dr Ramaswami Balasubramaniam

Member-HR, Capacity Building Commission, Government of India

Dr Masayuki Deguchi

Professor Emeritus, National Museum of Ethnology & Professor, Graduate University for Advanced Studies

Prof Shalini Bharat

Former Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai.

Prof Arkalgud Ramaprasad

Professor Emeritus of Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago

Prof. (Dr.) V. Nagaraj

Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli

Testimonials

Public Policy and its Future Elucidation by Sri Indradeep Ghosh

In a session organised by School of Law Governance and Public Policy, Sri Indradeep Ghosh discussed the transformation of public policy over the years, highlighting the shift from a centralized, top-down approach to a more decentralized, participatory approach. He emphasized the complexities and challenges in designing and implementing effective public policies, including the need to

Expert Lecture on the Muslim Law of Inheritance Explores Personal Law’s Complexities

An insightful lecture on the Muslim Law of Inheritance, delivered by Prof. Sarsu Thomas, Director of Manipal Law School, addressed critical issues within personal law. Prof. Thomas highlighted the limitations of the current legal framework, which only recognises male and female categories, raising concerns about inheritance rights for transgender individuals in cases of intestate succession.

Distinguished lecture on “Understanding Poverty in Developing Economies” by Prof Jean-Louis Arcand

In his distinguished lecture, Professor Arcand eloquently elucidated the benefits of adopting a child anthropometric approach to understand and measure poverty comprehensively. He underscored the imperative of devising local solutions to developing nations’ challenges rather than merely importing strategies that have proven successful in developed countries. Professor Arcand aptly illustrated this point by referencing initiatives

Workshop on “Facets and Features of Federalism in India” by Dr Ishwar Bhat

In a captivating workshop at Chanakya University, Dr. Ishwar Bhat delved into the nuanced intricacies surrounding the concept of federalism, a foundational principle of the Indian Constitution. He shed light on the unique manifestation of federalism in India, emphasizing the pragmatic importance of functional federalism over rigid adherence to theoretical frameworks. His notion was that

Guest Lecture by Mr Prasanna Karthik

Mr. Prasanna Karthik, a Fullbright and Clinton Global Initiative Fellow, had a guest lecture on “Emerging fields of public policy in India” with the fellowship students of Chanakya University. Mr. Prasanna Karthik touched upon various topics, from the emerging landscape of public policy in India to the importance of honing effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Guest Lecture by Dr Anupama Shetty

In a thought-provoking session at Chanakya University, Dr. Anupama Shetty from Biocon Foundation provided invaluable insights into the pivotal role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in local development. Focusing on practical examples, She revealed the significance of CSR initiatives in addressing pressing societal challenges and fostering inclusive growth. She highlighted two impactful CSR projects by

Interaction with Mr Joseph Rozen

Joseph Rozen, a renowned expert in international relations, Asian affairs, and national security, engaged with fellowship students at Chanakya University. Rosen, who has a distinguished background as the director of APAC and Euro-Asia affairs at the Israeli National Security Council, provided valuable insights during the session. During the interactive session, Rozen addressed various queries posed

Interaction with Amb N Parthasarathi

Ambassador N. Parthasarathi’s address to the Chanakya Fellows at Chanakya University provided a captivating insight into his illustrious career as a veteran diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Drawing from his extensive experience, Ambassador Parthasarathi recounted his journey from clearing the Civil Services exam to representing India as Ambassador. Ambassador Parthasarathi intertwined historical anecdotes

Interaction with Team from Janaagraha Center for Civic and Democracy

The Janaagraha team’s interaction session with the Chanakya fellows at Chanakya University was an illuminating exploration of critical issues at the intersection of civic participation, municipal finance, and policy research. Mr. Shivkumar Menon and Mr. Jitesh Pandey discussed the imperative of fostering an informed citizenry within the urban landscape. Emphasizing the pivotal role of civic

Interaction with Professor Michael Gunter

Professor Michael Gunter spoke on the subtle dynamics of microstates, the challenges associated with United Nations (UN) membership, and the multifaceted nature of regional conflicts. The expertise of Professor Gunter brought attention to various crucial aspects, providing invaluable perspectives on these urgent global matters. Professor Gunter elucidated the distinct obstacles that these small organizations encounter

Exploring the ancient roots of Bharatiya jurisprudence and its contemporary relevance.

The School of Law, Governance, and Public Policy at Chanakya University convened the inaugural roundtable on ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Shastra’ on January 20, 2024. Scholars and professionals from a wide array of backgrounds, spanning the legal profession, education, research, and Shastric traditions, actively participated in the program. The roundtable delved into the ancient roots of Indian jurisprudence, recognizing

Interaction with Ambassador P S Raghavan

During a session at Chanakya University, former diplomat and ambassador PS Raghavan highlighted the significance of advancing Indian academic literature in international relations while engaging with students of Chanakya Fellowship in Social Sciences (CFSS). The subtle divergence between the perspectives of practitioners and academicians regarding the process of foreign policy-making was a key focus of

Distinguished lecture series: A Talk on a Decade of Indian Foreign Policy: Evolving Aspirations

Chanakya University organized a day seminar on “Indian Foreign Policy Evolving Aspirations” from the School of Law, Governance and Public Policy. Prof. Harsh Pant from King’s College London expatiated around India’s evolving landscape of Foreign Policies and its role in maintaining India’s Image on the International Forum. The program started at 3:30 pm in the

Research

Research at Chanakya University is inspired by its Purpose– ‘creating knowledge and transformative leaders for holistic development’.

The University has imbibed its liberal education framework from the new National Education Policy to create an environment of constant curiosity emanating from concern towards issues that need sustainable solutions.

Inspiring Ideas

Let us collectively demonstrate Bengaluru’s capacity, akin to its prowess as an economic powerhouse, to also emerge as a model of sustainability. Our aim is to establish Bengaluru as a beacon of economic dynamism and environmental stewardship simultaneously.

We are fostering an environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The establishment of the Chanakya school of Biosciences represents a bold step forward in our collective pursuit of leveraging education and research to address pressing global challenges.

I came to pay my respects to Acharya Chanakya ji. Great ideas are manifested in this University Campus. I invoke the blessings of Thakur, Maa, Swamy ji on all of you and on this institution and on all the present and future students.

I wish the university the most success and look forward to visiting the campus regularly as well as supporting Chanakya University. With best wishes

I applaude you for putting together a bold vision of a world class University. The building represents the Grandeur of the university. I wish you all the very best and I hope to see Chanakya University in the top ranking in a few years.

Going around the campus soaking in the energy and watching a miracle emerge is inspiring for all the skeptics who think that a ‘New India rising’ is a slogan they need to come here to see it happening.

Sri Prashanth Prakash

Founding Partner, Accel

Dr. Kiran Mazumdar- Shaw

Chairperson – Biocon Limited

Swami Tadyuktananda

Sri Ramakrishna Vidyarthi Mandiram

Sri Surendra Ramanna

CEO,TRC-WWC

Sri Phaneesh Murthy

Entrepreneur and philanthropist

Dr. R Balasubramaniam

Member, Capacity Building Commission, GoI Founder, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement

Placement and Internship partners

Collaborations

University collaborations foster academic excellence, innovation, and global partnerships, enabling research, student exchange, and shared resources for transformative education.

Student Testimonials

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