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

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

India PR Distribution
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.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

ISRO-NASA NISAR mission: 5 things to know about the costliest Earth observation satellite
ISRO-NASA NISAR mission: 5 things to know about the costliest Earth observation satellite

Indian Express

time7 hours ago

  • Indian Express

ISRO-NASA NISAR mission: 5 things to know about the costliest Earth observation satellite

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), an Earth observation satellite, is scheduled to liftoff at 5:40 PM on July 30 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Designed to provide high-resolution data of our planet's surface, like land and ice, the satellite will showcase how Earth's topography changes over time and help understand natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes. Jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the satellite will be launched on the GSLV-F16 vehicle and has a price tag of $1.5 billion, making it the most expensive Earth observation satellite to date. Ahead of NISAR's launch, here are five things you need to know about the satellite. The two synthetic aperture radars, also called SARs, that will be aboard NISAR are designed to detect changes to Earth's surface down to fractions of an inch. NASA says that the satellite can see through clouds and light rain during both day and nighttime, enabling scientists to continuously monitor natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides. NISAR will also give scientists an 'unprecedented coverage of Antarctica' with information about how ice sheets change over time. Since NISAR will be able to sense minute changes to the Earth's surface, it will help governments to monitor and prepare for human and natural disasters. Talking of earthquakes, NASA says the satellite will help us identify which parts of a fault could slip or cause earthquakes. As for human-made structures like levees, aqueducts and dams, the data collected by NISAR over time can help detect if the land nearby is weakening key structures in the area and damaging their integrity. The satellite's main body has a dual radar payload that consists of an L-band system and an S-band system, with both being sensitive to land and ice surfaces of different sizes. These radar systems can also measure attributes like moisture content, surface roughness, and motion. Every 24 hours, NISAR will be generating roughly 80 terabytes of data. This information will be stored on the cloud and accessible to all. The satellite's two radar systems will monitor Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days. NISAR will also cover surfaces that haven't been previously covered by any other observational satellites. While the L-band is capable of penetrating deep forest canopies and offering insights into its structure, the S-band is ideal for monitoring crops. The data from these two radars will help researchers understand how forests, wetlands, permafrost and agricultural areas change over time. Developed by engineers at ISRO and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the S-band was built at ISRO's Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, while the L-band was built at a NASA facility in Southern California. These components were then integrated and installed on a modified ISRO I3K spacecraft bus, and the satellite was then transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre earlier this year in May. Since then, the satellite's launch has been delayed several times, with the last launch date pushed back after technical issues with the unfurlable antennae.

Shubhanshu Shukla Healthy, Space Mission Highly Successful: ISRO Chief To NDTV
Shubhanshu Shukla Healthy, Space Mission Highly Successful: ISRO Chief To NDTV

NDTV

timea day ago

  • NDTV

Shubhanshu Shukla Healthy, Space Mission Highly Successful: ISRO Chief To NDTV

In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned safely from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the nation's first human presence aboard the orbital laboratory. Facilitated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this mission is being hailed as a major milestone in India's journey toward human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme. Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Dr V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, confirmed that Group Captain Shukla is "totally healthy and totally happy" following his successful splashdown. "His medical parameters are being continuously monitored, and the information available to me from the doctors is very reassuring," said Dr Narayanan, emphasising the mission's safety and success. The mission, conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was designed to test India's capabilities in human spaceflight and gather critical data for the upcoming Gaganyaan programme. "This is a very satisfying mission," Dr Narayanan noted. "We sent Shukla ji to space very safely and brought him back safely. The entire country is happy because we are getting good input for our Gaganyaan programme." Group Captain Shukla's journey to the ISS was not just a technological feat but also a symbol of national pride. Prime Minister Modi lauded the mission in both a Cabinet Resolution and a speech before the opening of the budget session of the Indian Parliament, underscoring its significance for India's future in space exploration. Dr Narayanan elaborated on the unique challenges of human spaceflight compared to satellite missions. "The new thing is the human interface with the rocket system. That's why we are extremely happy that we could send him safely, bring him back safely, and gather valuable input," he said. He described the mission as "highly successful" and "fully satisfying," reflecting ISRO's confidence in its growing capabilities. The mission's success is expected to accelerate preparations for Gaganyaan, India's first crewed spaceflight, which aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit by 2027. Group Captain Shukla's experience aboard the ISS will provide ISRO with crucial insights into astronaut health, spacecraft systems, and operational protocols in microgravity. This achievement places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans to space and collaborating on international space missions. It also signals India's readiness to take on more ambitious projects, including lunar and interplanetary exploration. As the nation celebrates this historic milestone, ISRO continues to work diligently on the next phases of the Gaganyaan programme. With Group Captain Shukla's safe return and glowing health report, India's space odyssey has entered a bold new chapter - one that promises innovation, collaboration, and inspiration for generations to come.

CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates regional meet on space applications
CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates regional meet on space applications

Time of India

time2 days ago

  • Time of India

CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates regional meet on space applications

Gandhinagar: Inaugurating a regional meet on space applications in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, chief minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised the importance of leveraging space-based technology to enhance administrative efficiency. Representatives from Gujarat, Diu, Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli were present at the meeting, an official statement said. State govt departments and institutions are being encouraged to maximise the use of inputs derived from space technology in the planning, monitoring, evaluation and decision-making processes of their development programmes, disaster management efforts and strategic sectors. At the one-day regional meeting held in Gandhinagar, scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), policymakers and industry leaders convened to discuss and collaborate on the application of satellite technology for sustainable development in agriculture, disaster management and urban planning, the govt said. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad The statement added that in order to align with space sector reforms and the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Centre aims to reassess space technology usage and plan future infrastructure. A second national conference on 'Leveraging Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047' will be held on Aug 22 in New Delhi. As part of the preparations for this meeting, workshops are being organised at the state level by Isro and the department of space.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store