Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar is the Principal Director of Symbiosis Society, and the Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University). The Symbiosis International University is a multi-disciplinary, multinational, multi-cultural University that having 45000 students from all States of India and international students from 85 countries. The Symbiosis Society not only has under its ambit the Symbiosis International University but also has K12 Schools, College of Arts and Commerce and Museums- the Afro Asian cultural museum and the Dr. Ambedkar Museum.

Dr. Vidya holds a Post Graduate Degree in Medicine, a Degree in Law and Ph.D. in 'Internationalisation of Higher Education in India’. Having presented papers at various National & International Conferences, she has numerous research publications to her credit and has also authored several books. Ranked No.14 amongst India’s top 25 Powerful Women, Dr. Vidya has been instrumental in bringing in innovative approaches to promote internationalisation of higher education in India.

As a member of University Grants Commission (UGC) for two terms, Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) under Ministry of Education and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under Ministry of External Affairs, she has been a facilitator of innovative approaches to higher education in India.

Dr. Vidya has been appointed as a member of the expert group on Global Outreach of Higher Education, formulated by UGC to implement the National Education Policy 2020 that was rolled out by the Ministry of Education Govt. of India, member of the Advisory Group of Analytical and Advisory work (ASA) World Bank, Advisory Committee of the IAU for the global survey on internationalization and member of the Board of Trustees of Muscat University, Oman.

She is a Chairperson of the FICCI Committee on Higher Education and serving 3rd term. Dr. Vidya has been appointed as Member of India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) Trust set up by Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of India, to promote the ‘Brand India’ label in overseas markets, member of the Expert Group constituted by the UGC for Development of Educational Framework for Global Citizenship in Higher Education Institutions and UGC Expert Committee constituted to prepare the guidelines for Credit-Based Courses and Internship opportunities.

She has elected as Member of the Central Governing Council of Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) set up by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Member of the General Assembly of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Governing Body of Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Governing Board member of the International Sports University, Government of Maharashtra and Member of the NEP implementation committee of Government of Maharashtra. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Bajaj Holdings & Investment Limited.

Dr. Vidya has been appointed as the first Chair of the OBREAL Global India Chapter a for a period of 3 years. She is a member on the Board of several organisations like Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Research Committee of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Public Health Foundation of India, Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences Indore, Symbiosis Skills and Open University, Pune. She is a member of many corporate bodies such as Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Confederation of India Industry (CII), Maratha Chambers of Commerce and Industries (MCCIA) and Not for profit organisations like HK Firodiya Foundation, India International Centre (IIC), Pune International Centre (PIC) & Pune Citizens Police Foundation (PCPF).

She has also been a member on many other organizations such as Independent Director on the Board of RITES Limited under Ministry of Railways, Government of India, Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP) Committee, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Yeshwantaro Chavan Maharashtra Open University, State Knowledge Advisory Board of Higher Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sub-Group on Higher & Technical Education and Skill Development of Chief Minister’s Advisory Council, Government of Rajasthan.

Dr. Vidya’s hard work has won her numerous awards and accolades. Her continuous endeavour to innovate and initiate has helped Symbiosis attain its present respect and admiration. Having accomplished all such feats, Dr. Vidya is now committed to shaping Indian higher education globally through her extensive work in the field of internationalisation of higher education.

Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, an accomplished academician and seasoned professional, is the Vice Chancellor at Symbiosis International (Deemed University).

Dr. Raman's contributions extend beyond the classroom, as he has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations with universities in Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States. His prolific research in Information Systems, IT Strategy, Entrepreneurship, AI, Big Data, has earned him recognition with national and international academia. Aston University's Aston India Centre for Applied Research, College of Business and Social Sciences, has appointed Dr. Raman as an Honorary Professor for a three-year term ending in 2027.

Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman's commendable contributions have earned him recognition in both administrative and research spheres. In 2024, he was appointed as a distinguished member of prestigious committees by the University Grants Commission. Dr. Raman's wealth of expertise promises to significantly enhance these committees, as his participation will play a pivotal role in effecting amendments and refining existing processes.

Education

With a remarkable educational journey that includes a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Engineering and an MBA in Systems and Marketing, and a doctoral degree in Management from Pune University,

Experience

Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this esteemed institution. His extensive career spanning over two decades is a testament to his diverse experience in the corporate, academic, and research domains. He has served Symbiosis for over a decade in different capacities including Professor & Director Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology, Professor & Director Symbiosis Institute of Business Management – Pune, Dean – Faculty of Management and Director – Strategy & Development.

Achievements

Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman has authored a multitude of research papers featured in prestigious international journals indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science, further enhancing his academic credentials.

Jean Monnet Chair Professor 2021-2024(EUC-LAMP Co-Funded by European Union), Fulbright Scholar, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M., NET, Ph.D., PG Diploma in German, RBP (Hindi), CTM (Competent Toastmaster) Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune Dean, Faculty of Law, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune (SIU)

Dr. (Mrs.) Shashikala Gurpur is a distinguished academician and orator having presented more than 325 invited lectures, workshops and seminars across India, Thailand, US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia, Canada and UAE. She has an outstanding career with a wide range of experience in teaching, research and industry and is continuing with Symbiosis Law School since 2007. She is a pioneer of EU Legal Studies in India.

Having received her formal schooling in Kannada medium in Gurpur, she holds degrees in science and law from Mangalore University. Dr. Gurpur received Ph.D. in International Law from Mysore University where she was also the topper and Gold medalist in LL.M (PG topper with 3 gold medals at Mysore University). In the backdrop of long years of experience in legal literacy and gender training, having worked as Co- Director in gender and human rights-based wing of an NGO for 2 years, she has also worked as HR Manager & Administration in MNC Abu Dhabi, UAE from the year 2004 to 2007.