Higher Education Citation

An official citation honouring the awardee’s excellence, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the field of education and nation-building.

National Awardee Teachers ( 21)

Dr. Shreedevi Devindrappa Kalyan

Dr. Shreedevi Devindrappa Kalyan

[Pure Science Maths]

Faculty of Science and Technology, Sharnbasva University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka

Dr. Shreedevi Devindrappa Kalyan is a Faculty of Mathematics at Sharnbasva University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka. She is a Ph.D. in Applied mathematics and a committed academic, researcher and mentor with more than 12 years of service in higher education. Her research expertise covers fluid dynamics, mixed convection, micropolar and nanofluids, and magnetohydrodynamic with papers published in reputed national and international journals. She has also authored books on mathematics and fluid mechanics and successfully guided Ph.D. scholars.

Dr. Shobha M E

Dr. Shobha M E

[Pure Science Maths]

Manipal Institute of Technology, Udupi, Karnataka

Dr. Shobha M E is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the Manipal Institute of Technology with over 13 years of dedicated service. Dr. Shobha has published many research papers, including Scopus-indexed journals, and has guided Doctoral and Masters theses. Her teaching methodology combines conceptual rigour with real-world applications, enabling students to move beyond rote learning and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. She has also contributed significantly to student and community well-being by serving in various capacities and organizing impactful initiatives in health care, environmental awareness and activism.

Dr. Anjana Bhatia

Dr. Anjana Bhatia

[Pure Science Botany]

Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab

Dr. Anjana Bhatia is a faculty in the Botany Department at Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar. She blends experiential learning, nature camps and game-based approaches which fosters curiosity and lifelong learning among students. Dr. Bhatia has also conducted impactful research funded by Anusandhan Research Foundation Network (ANRF) and has been instrumental in strengthening science infrastructure in the college under DBT Star College Programme. Her stellar contribution was acknowledged by Department of Biotechnology by inviting her to share her transformative journey as a model for other colleges. Her outreach extends beyond the classroom to NSS, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Swachhata missions and women’s empowerment initiatives and effectively bridging academic learning with community engagement.

Dr. Debayan Sarkar

Dr. Debayan Sarkar

[Pure Science Chemistry]

IIT Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Dr. Debayan Sarkar is a Faculty of Chemistry and is also head of the Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT) at Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore). He has developed innovative techniques of teaching Chemistry by employing 3D models and instituting student-village interface for meaningful rural development initiatives. He has developed Visible Light Food storage technology for use by small and marginal farmers. He has also contributed many research papers in national and international journals of repute.

Dr. Chandan Sahi

Dr. Chandan Sahi

[Pure Science Biology]

Indian Institute of Science Education & Research Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Dr. Chandan Sahi is a faculty of Biology with specialization in Stress and Molecular Chaperones in IISER Bhopal. He has re-developed and revised both theory and lab courses in molecular biology and microbiology, with a focus on clarity, engagement and real-world relevance. His teaching approach combines visual tools, interdisciplinary analogies and hands-on modules to support students from varied academic backgrounds. He uses problem-solving tasks, conceptual writing, peer learning and continuous feedback to evaluate deeper understanding and critical thinking. Through these contributions, Dr. Sahi ensures that learning remains inquiry-driven, inter-disciplinary and outcome-oriented, empowering students to become independent thinkers and responsible scientists. He is also an ace researcher with publication in National and International Journals of repute.

Prof. Vijayalaxmi J

Prof. Vijayalaxmi J

Engg. & Arch. Architecture]

School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

She is a Faculty of Architecture in SPA, Vijayawada and specializes in combining research and teaching to advance sustainable design, climate-responsive architecture and smart building materials. Her teaching style is marked by engaging students in problem-solving through real-world "live" projects, utilizing labs for hands-on material testing and passive design modelling, promoting NEPs emphasis on conceptual understanding. She has authored and edited books and created online courses on SWAYAM portal in the domain of ‘Sustainable Architecture’ for college students and industry professionals. She has also contributed in Introductory course on Architecture and Design for school students creating a subtle engagement to promote sustainable built environment.

Prof. Sanket Goel

Prof. Sanket Goel

[Engineering & Architecture Electrical & Electronics Engineering]

Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana

Prof. Sanket Goel is an educator and innovator whose teaching and learning pedagogy integrates research, development, innovation and entrepreneurship to create societal impact. At BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, he has led multidisciplinary projects in microfluidics, biosensors, and smart systems, translating research into practical technologies and enabling technology transfer. As Founding Investigator of the MMNE (MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics) Lab and Head of CREST (Center for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies), he organizes training programs, hands-on courses, and colloquia that connect academia, government and industry, while offering access to advanced design practices and state-of-the-art equipment. A co-founder of three spin-offs, Cleome, Pyrome, and Sensome, he fosters indigenous innovation and career development. In the classroom, he has restructured curricula with industry-aligned, lab-intensive courses integrating cleanroom practice, simulations, and design sprints. Having mentored over 2,000 learners, his teaching blends conceptual clarity with hands-on rigor, delivering impactful outcomes in healthcare, environment and affordable diagnostics.

Prof. S Siva Sathya

Prof. S Siva Sathya

[Engineering & Architecture Computer Science]

Pondicherry University (A Central University), Puducherry

Dr. S. Siva Sathya, Professor, Department of Computer Science at Pondicherry University, is a distinguished academician with over 25 years of service in higher education. She has played a pivotal role in curriculum design, student mentorship, and promoting experiential learning. Her research bridges AI and societal impact, particularly in healthcare, through collaborations with premier institutes. She developed MITRA, a women’s safety application, earning the prestigious “Naari Shakti Puraskar” from the Hon’ble President of India, recognizing her excellence in leveraging technology for social good. Beyond technology, she nurtures a deep passion for art and yoga.

Dr. Nilakshi Subhash Jain

Dr. Nilakshi Subhash Jain

[Engineering & Architecture Cyber Security Deptt]

Shah and Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Dr. Nilakshi Jain is Head of the Cyber Security Department at Shah and Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College, Mumbai with 17+ years of teaching and research experience. She integrates Outcome-Based Education with NEP 2020, making learning practical and impactful. She is author of textbooks on cyber security and AI which serve as reference materials for students. She has also published papers and filed patents in areas like digital forensics, deepfake detection, and secure infrastructure. She also mentors students in hackathons and start-ups and also conducts cyber awareness project through bootcamps and rural campaigns to create ethical, cyber literate and skilled cyber defenders for Digital India.

Prof. Manoj B S

Prof. Manoj B S

[Engineering & Architecture Deptt. of Avionics]

Central Sanskrit University, Bhopal Campus, Madhya Pradesh

Prof. Manoj BS is working as a Senior Professor and Associate Dean, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He has developed several teaching innovations including DeepTeaching enabling high-impact experiential learning for students. His DeepTeaching method blends Technology-Integrated Teaching, Mentee-Centric Mentoring (MCM), and Multi-Track Modular Teaching (MT2). MT2 enables multi-modal learning by creating various activity tracks within an academic course. His research areas include computer networks, AI, satellite networks, brain computer interfaces, wireless ad hoc and mesh networks and complex networks. He published widely in international peer-reviewed publications including textbooks, journal publications and international conference publications. His research is widely cited with more than 7300 citations, an h-index of 33, and an i-10 index of 91.

Prof. Shankar Sriram Sankaran

Prof. Shankar Sriram Sankaran

[Engineering & Architecture Computer Science and Engineering]

SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Dr. V. S. Shankar Sriram is a Professor and Dean, School of Computing, SASTRA Deemed University, having over 24 years of experience promoting experiential and adaptive learning. His research focuses on AI, Network Security and Cyber-Physical Systems. He has mentored many Ph.D. scholars, securing a patent and developing an indigenous Intrusion Detection System for SCADA/OT, successfully transferred to industry. With an h-index of 22 and i10-index of 40, he has published extensively, created AR/VR content for STEM education, and advanced AI-driven solutions in Alternate Dispute Resolution. He serves on several academic & research advisory boards and continues to drive excellence through sponsored research, FDPs, consultancy, and innovative educational initiatives. He has conducted cybersecurity awareness programs for government agencies, including the Tamil Nadu Police and the Indian Air Force.

Prof. Vineeth N B

Prof. Vineeth N B

[Engineering & Architecture Computer Science and Engineering]

IIT Hyderabad, Telangana

He is a Faculty at Department of Computer Science & Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. His major areas of interest are Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Explainable AI and Reasoning. His endeavour is to make the latest topics in these fields accessible to students nationwide and beyond. By making complex concepts engaging and understandable, his courses have inspired many students to specialize and pursue careers in AI, deep learning and computer vision. He has also designed NPTEL Online Course on “Deep Learning for Computer Vision” Furthermore, his dedication to mentoring has fostered the growth of numerous aspiring AI researchers, significantly shaping the future of the field in the country.

Prof. Vibha Sharma

Prof. Vibha Sharma

[Arts English (Language)]

Department of English, Faculty of Arts, Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Vibha Sharma, Professor in the Department of English at Aligarh Muslim University, integrates performance, workshops, interactive and innovative pedagogies, combining theatre studies with Indian knowledge systems. She has developed the MOOC Course under SWAYAM, Studies in Theatre, and led a GIAN course. An accomplished playwright and actor, she actively writes and performs in plays, mentoring students in theatre practice. She is also serving as a national-level faculty development resource person for Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching Centres (PMMTTCs). She also spearheads internships, outreach, and engages learners across India, especially the underprivileged.

Prof. Srivardhini Keshavamurthy Jha

Prof. Srivardhini Keshavamurthy Jha

[Arts Management]

IIM Bangalore, Karnataka

Srivardhini K. Jha, Professor of Entrepreneurship at IIM Bangalore, is committed to fostering a learning environment that is both rigorous and engaging. She has designed contemporary curricula, introduced innovative pedagogies, and developed contextually grounded content that enriches learning in both offline and online settings. Her experiential courses enable students to apply academic concepts to real-world challenges, making learning impactful and relevant. As Chairperson of N S Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), IIMB’s startup incubator, she has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. She has mentored thousands of entrepreneurs, supported ventures across diverse sectors, and spear headed initiatives that have strengthened incubation quality nationwide. Her influence extends into the policy domain, where she has contributed to Startup20, the National STIP 2020, and Karnataka’s Research, Development and Innovation Policy, thereby advancing the national discourse on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Prof. Amit Kumar Dwivedi

Prof. Amit Kumar Dwivedi

[Arts Management]

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi is a Professor at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII). He teaches courses on Family Business and New Venture Creation. His research expertise lies in Entrepreneurship Education and MSME Policy, with publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and books. Notably, he has co-authored many Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) India National Reports (2014-2024) and one International Report on Women Entrepreneurship. Additionally, he has authored many Reports on Tourism Entrepreneurship for various state governments. Dr. Dwivedi collaborates with state governments to design long-duration integrated projects on Entrepreneurship Education and Student Entrepreneurship. Currently, he is leading student entrepreneurship and MSME development projects in Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Chhattisgarh, Pondicherry, Gujarat, Odisha and other regions.

Dr. Zoramdinthara

Dr. Zoramdinthara

[Arts Mizo (Language)]

Mizoram University, Mizoram

Dr. Zoramdinthara is a faculty at Department of Mizo, Mizoram University and has 19 years of teaching experience. He has published many research papers and presented multiple research papers as a resource person at state, national and international platforms. He has authored three books—Mizo Fiction: Emergence and Development, Green Pasture, and Thingsiri Par—and edited three volumes. He has been honored with many awards for social service and community involvement. He promotes diverse pedagogical methods and educational technology. For promotion of Mizo literature, he conducts various literary writing competition among the students and observed important international literary days. Beyond academics, he promotes student well-being through health, environmental, and life-skill programs under NSS, emphasizing holistic education, critical thinking, and nation-building.

Prof. Ganesh Timmanna Pandit

Prof. Ganesh Timmanna Pandit

[Arts Sanskrit (Language)]

Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi

Shri Ganesh Timanna Pandit is a Professor at Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi. He has developed instructional material for Shiksha Shastri I & II Year students. He has supervised many PhD scholars and has various publications in journals and non-journals to his credit. He has also been resource person in various faculty development programmes held from time to time in various universities. He has been involved in multiple research projects. Besides his academic duties, he has also contributed to academic/campus activities as member of various committees in the University.

Dr. Proshanto Kumar Saha

Dr. Proshanto Kumar Saha

[Arts Social Science Psychology]

Rajiv Gandhi University - A Central University, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh

Dr. Proshanto Kr. Saha is a Faculty at Department of Psychology specializing in Forensic Psychology and Neuropsychology at Rajiv Gandhi Central University, Arunachal Pradesh. With over 14 years of experience, Dr. Saha has demonstrated a profound commitment to educational excellence by establishing Neuropsychology Laboratory and development of Neurofeedback Intervention Training Modules. His scholarly pursuits are marked by research output in reputed journals and bolstered by securing major sponsored research projects (DST, ANRF, DHR-ICMR etc.). Dr. Saha is also committed to social outreach, offering psychological support to child abuse victims and leading faculty development initiatives. His work reflects a strong dedication to academic excellence and societal improvement, demonstrating a holistic approach to his profession.

Dr. Menda Devananda Kumar

Dr. Menda Devananda Kumar

[Arts Telugu (Language)]

Dr. Lakireddy Hanimireddy Government Degree College, Mylavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Dr. M. Devananda Kumar is a Faculty of the Department of Telugu at Dr. Lakireddy Hanimireddy Government Degree College in Mylavaram, Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Devananda Kumar's outstanding contributions have been recognized with prestigious accolades. He is a passionate innovator in education, known for his best practices, which include the intricate art of creating thallapatra granthas (palm-leaf manuscripts) and the production of educational videos for the Student Learning Management System (LMS).

Prof. Purushottam Balasaheb Pawar

Prof. Purushottam Balasaheb Pawar

[Polytechnic Mechanical Engineering]

SVPM Institute of Technology and Engineering, Baramati, Pune, Maharashtra

Prof. Purushottam Balasaheb Pawar is lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Department and his teaching philosophy is centered on active learning, employing dynamic methods and implementing best practices such as interactive walls to create an engaging classroom environment. He has actively promoted IPR awareness and cultivated a love for reading by starting a dedicated Readers' Club for his students. Beyond the classroom, he has championed innovation and entrepreneurship, guiding students through the development of socially impactful projects under initiatives like Mission Clean City, which have secured various state and national-level awards. His academic contributions include the publication of five books and more than thirty papers. Through the successful implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), he has focused on empowering students to achieve tangible, real-world outcomes. These efforts collectively demonstrate a dedication to holistic student development and academic excellence.

Shri Urvish Pravinkumar Soni

Shri Urvish Pravinkumar Soni

[Polytechnic Instrumentation & Control Engineering]

Government Polytechnic, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Prof. Urvish Soni is a Lecturer in the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering. With prior industrial experience at Reliance Industries, he brings real-world exposure into academics. He established the Project and Innovation Lab, a model startup ecosystem, and initiated the One Student One Skill Momentum to nurture employable and entrepreneurial skills in every student. His efforts focus on transforming classrooms into hubs of creativity and problem-solving, enabling students to design affordable, community-driven solutions. His work reflects a perfect blend of academic excellence, innovation and social responsibility.