Our Guiding Light

The SMART Lab is deeply inspired by the vision and values of His Holiness Shri Vibudhesha Tirtha Swamiji, the 29th Pontiff of Udupi Shri Admar Mutt. Swamiji was a spiritual leader who also believed strongly in the power of modern education and scientific research to build a better society. In 1993, after naming his successor, he stepped away from his main religious responsibilities to focus fully on social and educational work. He started more than 30 schools and colleges across India and went on to establish the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research (PPISR) in Bengaluru—a unique institute where science could grow freely, with a spirit of service to the nation. Swamiji believed that science and spirituality could go hand in hand, a belief that continues to inspire the work we do in our lab.

We are also grateful to His Holiness Shri Vishwapriya Teertha Swamiji, former Chairman of PPISR, for his thoughtful guidance, and to His Holiness Shri Eeshapriya Teertha Swamiji, the current Chairman, for his continued encouragement and support. Their leadership helps us stay true to the values on which PPISR was built.