Chanakya University Infotoday

Dr. S. Somanath Assumes Office as Chancellor of Chanakya University; Reconstituted Board of Governors Announced

June 13, 2025

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 12: Chanakya University marked a momentous occasion today as Dr. S. Somanath, Eminent Scientist and Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), officially assumed office as the Chancellor of Chanakya University on 12th June 2025. In his inaugural address, he laid out a bold and inspiring vision for the University’s future, urging the academic community to go beyond conventional benchmarks and focus on shaping the character and competence of every student. He envisioned Chanakya University as a modern-day Nalanda or Takshashila–rooted in India’s civilizational values and responsive to future challenges.

Highlighting a critical structural gap, Dr. Somanath called attention to the disconnect between academia and industry. He emphasized that academic research must feed into the nation’s economic growth and encouraged Chanakya University to take the lead in pioneering high-impact, industry-relevant innovation.

He also spoke about the need to cultivate an ecosystem that naturally attracts top talent from around the world–a space where growth, innovation, and collaboration thrive, and where students aspire to be part of a larger mission.

The event was graced by Founder Chancellor Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Pro-Chancellor Sri M. P. Kumar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. H. S. Subramanya, Chief Operating Officer Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Registrar, Deans, Department Heads, Faculty, Staff, and Students–marking a transformative new chapter in the University’s journey.

The university also announced the reconstitution of its Board of Governors in accordance with the Chanakya University Act. Dr. Somanath will chair the newly formed Board, which includes a distinguished panel of leaders from academia and industry:

Prof. M.K. Sridhar, Padma Shri Awardee and President, Centre for Educational and Social Studies, Bengaluru.
Sri M.P. Kumar, Pro Chancellor, Chanakya University, Ex-Officio.
Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Vice Chancellor, Chanakya University.
Sri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Axilor Ventures; Co-founder, Infosys.
Sri T.V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners.
Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (UGC nominee).
Prof. B. Mahadevan, Former Professor, IIM Bangalore.
Prof. Nandini N., Former Professor, Bangalore University.
Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Secretary, Centre for Educational and Social Studies.
Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka (Ex-Officio Member).
Prof. H.S. Subramanya, Pro Vice Chancellor, Chanakya University.
Prof. Sushanth T Joshi, Registrar, Chanakya University.

This dynamic leadership team signals a bold new chapter for Chanakya University as it aspires to become a global hub of learning, innovation, and societal transformation–anchored in India’s timeless civilisational values.

Education

Deekshanta Samarambha 2025 – First Convocation ceremony of Chanakya University

January 21, 2025

Chanakya University celebrated a momentous milestone today with its first convocation ceremony, Deekshanta Samarambha 2025, held at the University’s global campus, in Bangalore. The grand event witnessed an august gathering of luminaries from various fields, faculty, students, and proud parents. Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Vice Chancellor welcomed the gathering.

His Excellency Governor of Karnataka and Visitor to Chanakya University Sri Thaawarchand Gehlot in his message “l am delighted to know that Chanakya University is celebrating its first convocation ‘Deekshanta Samarambha 25’. I am glad that Chanakya University is built on the idealistic principles of collective philanthropy for social aspiration representing the true idea of India and that it has been nurtured with qualities rooted in Indian traditions and universal values. I send my best wishes and warm greetings to the Management, members, and Students and I wish greater glory to Chanakya University”.

In his message, Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Pro-Visitor and Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka, lauded the University’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and its efforts to empower students to become global leaders. He emphasized the role of higher education in driving societal transformation and congratulated the graduating students on their remarkable achievements. “Deekshanta Samarambha 2025 is a significant moment not only for Chanakya University but also for the higher education landscape in Karnataka. It symbolizes the culmination of rigorous academic pursuit and the beginning of a journey to contribute meaningfully to society,”.

The event’s highlight was the Convocation address delivered by Sri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Laureate and renowned child rights activist. In his inspiring Convocation address speech, Sri Satyarthi urged, “As you embark on this new journey, I urge you to remember that compassion is the foundation upon which we build a just and equitable society. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights of every child are protected and nurtured.”

“Dream of a world where every child can grow up with dignity and freedom. Discover your own unique strengths and passions and use them to make a positive impact. Do realize your dream and execute in your life and do not be afraid to challenge the status quo and push for change”.

“But remember, with every right comes a responsibility. The responsibility is to act, speak out, and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. As you go forth, I charge you to be the champions of child rights, to be the guardians of compassion, and to be the leaders of a brighter, more just future”.

During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon the first graduating batch of students across various disciplines. Outstanding achievers were honored for their exemplary performance.

Chanakya University, established to redefine higher education through innovation and inclusivity, takes immense pride in its first convocation. The university remains committed to empowering young minds and contributing to nation-building through academic excellence and research.

Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Chancellor of Chanakya University, presided over, Sri M. P. Kumar, Pro-Chancellor; Sri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman Axilor Ventures Co-founder Infosys, Prof. B. Mahadevan, Professor IIM -B, Bangalore; Prof. L. Gomathi Devi, Vice – Chancellor, Maharani Cluster University; Justice A. V. Chandrashekhar, Former Judge High Court of Karnataka; Dr. Sushant T Joshi, Registrar; Dr. Sandeep Nair, Registrar (Evaluation), Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Chief Operating Officer; Members of the Board of Governors, Board of Management, Academic Council, Deans of various Schools, Faculty, and Staff graced the occasion during the Convocation ceremony.