Chief Guest:

Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak

Vice Chancellor CSJMU, Kanpur, President of AIU,

Former Vice Chancellor of AKTU, Lucknow

Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak is a distinguished administrator and scholar with over 26 years of leadership in higher education. He holds degrees from Harcourt Butler Technological Institute (HBTU), Kanpur, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. As a computer scientist, Prof. Pathak has served as Vice Chancellor of eight universities across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, transforming institutions through his technological expertise. In 2024, he was elected President of the Association of Indian Universities, after serving as Vice President.

Prof. Pathak’s contributions to academia extend beyond administration, with 46 research publications and a patent in solar technology. He actively mentors PhD students and delivers lectures worldwide on technology and education. His leadership has earned him recognition on national task forces, including the New Education Policy implementation in Uttar Pradesh and the development of e-learning materials. He has also been honored with awards like the Global eLearning Award (2012) and Humanitarian Award (2021).

Known for his inclusive approach, Prof. Pathak fosters a collaborative environment in universities, promoting democratic values and student engagement. His visionary work bridges advanced technology with Indian traditions, making education accessible to all backgrounds.

Guest of Honors:

Prof. Ram Chet Chaudhary,

Padma Shri awardee, Chairman Participatory Rural Development Foundation

Dr. Ram Chet Chaudhary, an internationally renowned agricultural scientist and recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2024, has made significant contributions to global food security and sustainable agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Botany from Agra University, with research conducted at CSIR – National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. He later pursued postdoctoral studies at the Technical University of Munich, Germany.

Beginning his career as an Assistant Professor at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Dr. Chaudhary held pivotal roles as Chief Scientist and Director at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University further he served as a Rice Specialist for the World Bank in Nigeria. His decade-long role as INGER Global Coordinator at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) expanded his influence worldwide. At the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), he played a key role in enhancing food security across 40 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Currently, as Chairman of the Participatory Rural Development Foundation (PRDF), he continues to advocate for rural development. With over 390 publications and the development of 150 rice varieties, including heritage Kalanamak rice, his work has been transformative in Indian agriculture. Prof. Chaudhary's outstanding contributions have been honored with 57 national and international awards, solidifying his legacy in agricultural science.

Dr Stephen R. Barnhart,

President and founder of Barnhart International and IBEC, International Consultant for IU Panama

Dr. Stephen R. Barnhart, Ed.D. is a distinguished professional with a robust background in business, education, consulting, and management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, an Advanced Diploma in Electronics Technology, an MBA, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration. He was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Ministry from the Global Evangelical Christian College & Seminary and has served as both a Minister and Chaplain.

Dr. Barnhart's career is marked by notable accolades, including recognition for his consultancy work with the Kosovo Peacekeeping Mission and a letter of gratitude from the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia for his contributions to security. He has also been appointed as a security consultant to the Royal Family of Bahrain and received the Medal of Merit from President George W. Bush. His diverse roles include Police Officer, Sheriff’s Deputy, and Certified Electronics Technician, showcasing his multifaceted expertise.

Currently, he serves as the Technical Surveillance Advisor for a major law enforcement agency in Missouri and Italy. Dr. Barnhart is the Founder and Chancellor of the former College of Security, Technology and Management, and acts as an International Consultant for IU Panama. He leads Barnhart International and IBEC, focusing on international relations and education.

His contributions to various sectors have earned him recognition as a member of The Presidential Business Commission and as “Businessman of the Year,” as noted in the Wall Street Journal. He has facilitated educational opportunities with the Department of the Navy and consulted for law enforcement organizations in Italy. Dr. Barnhart’s commitment to community service is reflected in honors such as the Kentucky Colonel and the Grand Masters Award for Masons.

Recently, he achieved over 300% growth in one of his companies, reaching $1.5 million in revenue and gaining recognition in Ingram’s corporate magazine. His leadership in the International Association of Personal Protection Agents has expanded its membership significantly, establishing it as one of the largest executive protection organizations globally.

Dr. Peter Elmar Bordo

Executive Director, Workforce Career Institute in Ibajay, Aklan, Philippines

Dr. Peter Elmar Bordo is a distinguished Academician and Certified Career Strategist based in Richmond, BC, Canada. With extensive experience in educational management, business administration, teaching, career coaching, and customer service. He is recognized for his exceptional contributions in the academic and professional development fields.

Currently he is serving as the Executive Director at Workforce Career Institute in Ibajay, Aklan, Philippines and maintains professional relationships with external partners. In addition to his role at Workforce Career Institute, he is also the President of Careers360 Institute of Development in Vancouver, BC. He has previously held notable leadership roles, including Campus Director at Code Core College and Associate Campus Director at CDI College in Richmond, BC. He has a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives that improve campus performance, student satisfaction, and overall institutional success.

His career spans various roles such as Director of Marketing and Student Affairs at Academy of Learning Career College and Business Instructor at Canadian Tourism College, where he has contributed to both academic administration and student career success. He holds a Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership and Management), a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Education (English), alongside numerous accolades such as the Outstanding Community Outreach Strategist (2017-2023) and Outstanding Job Placement Awardee (2016).

Mr Sangsoo Koo

President of Indian Korean Association

Mr. Sangsoo Koo is a highly accomplished professional with a distinguished career across various industries, marked by corporate excellence and a commitment to social welfare. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from National Busan University in 1982 and later earned a degree in Business Administration from National Changwon University in 1999, establishing a solid foundation for his career in Korea’s industrial and technological sectors.

Koo started his professional career at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Heavy Machinery in 1983, where he served as Director until 1987. His leadership in managing large-scale industrial projects played a significant role in positioning Korea as a global leader in shipbuilding and heavy machinery production.

In 1988, Koo transitioned to LG Electronics, where he served as Director for over a decade. He was instrumental in the company's international expansion and in enhancing its competitive position during a period of significant technological advancement.

He continued his leadership journey as Managing Director at Taekyung Tech from 2000 to 2002 and ILJIN Electronics Pvt. Ltd. from 2003 to 2004, driving technological advancements and business growth in the tech industry.

Beyond his corporate endeavors, Koo has been deeply involved in social welfare initiatives. From 2014 to 2018, he served as Chairman of the Korean Association, promoting social equity and community development. He also contributed to peace initiatives as a member of The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council of the Republic of Korea during the same period.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Sangsoo Koo received the prestigious Medal of Honor from the President of the Republic of Korea on June 5, 2023, reflecting his lifelong dedication to leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.

SESSION CHAIR:

Dr Deepak Jain, Chief Executive Officer (Nirmal Integrated Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.) Academic & Administrative Process Consultant, NAAC Consultant, NIRF Consultant, NBA Consultant, Business Excellence/Quality Head, Certified Practitioner/Auditor ISO27001, GDPR, TL9000, CMMi, Six Sigma, Agile Scrum.

Dr. Prakash Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor, Head, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajkiya Engineering College, Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, India

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Veronika Yarnykh, Russian State University for Humanities, Moscow

Dr. Veronika Yarnykh received a Ph.D. degree in the Economy in the year of 2003. She is currently working as an Associate Professor in Media Communication in the Faculty of Journalism and Head of master's program “International Journalism & amp; Global Communications”, Co-leader of UNESCO Global Gown & amp; Town Initiative (together with Sao Paulo University). Her professional interests are in media education, L&D corporate system, global corporate communication, brand journalism. She is an UNESCO expert in media and information literacy, ICRD expert in MIL and media influence. She is also Visiting professor at Milan State University and host of MIL Talk. Her main research is devoted to brand journalism, corporate education system, corporate L&D system, global communication and modern urban media space

Prof. Devdutt Chaturvedi, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar

Dr. Devdutt Chaturvedi is working as Professor & Dean, School of Physical Sciences , Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar. He obtained his Ph.D. degree, from the Medicinal Chemistry Division of the Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR), Lucknow, India. Thereafter, He worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Georgia, USA & Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Germany. He has worked on several areas of organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. He has published more than 100 research publications in reputed international journals and filed 11 patents. His work has further been recognized from the various kinds of awards such as Most Cited Paper Award (2006-2009) for one of his Tetrahedron Letters publication, Young Scientist Award (2008-2009) from the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Highest Impact Factor Award (2009-2010) for publishing a review article in Chemical Society Reviews (IF: 54.56) and DST-Fast Track Young Scientist Award (2010) from the Govt. of India.

Dr. Deependra Singh, Director, Rajkiya Engineering College, Mainpuri

Dr. Deependra Singh currently serving as Director of Rajkiya Engineering College, Mainpuri. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical (Power Systems) from UP Technical University, Lucknow (2009), an M.E. in Electrical Engg. (Measurement & Instrumentation) from University of Roorkee (1999), and a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from HBTI Kanpur (1997). With over 23 years of academic experience and 10 years of administrative experience, Dr. Singh has held various positions, including Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and Hostel Warden. His expertise lies in Power Systems, High Voltage Engineering, Electrical Measurement & Instrumentation, and Power Electronics. A prolific researcher, Dr. Singh has published over 36 research papers in international and national journals/conferences and supervised 3 Ph.D. and 29 M.Tech. theses. He is a member of prestigious professional organizations, including IEEE, International Association of Engineers (IAENG), Institution of Engineers (India), and ISTE New Delhi.

Prof. Nandini Sahu, Former Director, Indira Gandhi National Open University

Dr. Nandini Sahu is a Former Director of School of Foreign Languages at Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi. Her area of research interests are Indian Knowledge Systems, Hindu Studies, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Folk Literature, English Studies, American Literature, Literary Theory and Systemic Research in Open and Distance Learning. She has guided Ph.D. as a supervisor and co-supervisor also. Her research work is published in reputed Journal and also in several books. She has composed remarkable poetry which is included in the syllabus of various Universities. She has attended International and National Conferences and received various prestigious awards like Bouddha Creative Writers’ Award from Konark Festival, Odisha in 2012, Gold Medallist for Contributions to English Studies in 2019, Poiesis Award of Honour(International), by Poiesis Online in 2019, Michael Madhusudan Academy Award in 2023, She is peer reviewer of Shodh Kosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts.

Prof. M. Samim, Director, Center of Nanoscience & Nanomedicine, Jamia Hamdard

Dr. M. Samim is the Director of the Center for Nanoscience & Nanomedicine at Jamia Hamdard. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 15 years in research, he has published 101 research papers in prestigious journals, authored 2 books, and contributed to 3 book chapters. His work has garnered 3,122 citations, with an h-index of 29 and an i-10 index of 66. He holds 6 patents and has supervised 31 PhD scholars and 92 M.Sc. students. Prof. Samim has been awarded 6 research projects from organizations such as DBT, DST, OPCW, DRDO, and UGC. He has also received several awards and holds memberships in various professional organizations.

Prof. Guddi Bisht Panwar, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal , University

Dr. Guddi Bisht Panwar is a Professor in the Department of Hindi at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, with 25 years of teaching experience and 16 years of research experience. A distinguished scholar, she has published 54 research papers in reputed journals, authored 2 books, and contributed 11 book chapters. Dr. Panwar has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences, showcasing her expertise in Hindi literature. Her academic contributions have earned her prestigious awards, reflecting her dedication to advancing research in the field. Dr. Panwar continues to inspire students and scholars through her exemplary work and commitment to higher education.

Prof. Kuldeep Kumar Saxena, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara

Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Saxena is the Deputy Dean and Head of the Research and Development Cell at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India. With a vision to lead in publications through fostering a robust research environment and collaborations, he is committed to empowering students and faculty to produce impactful scientific research at international standards. Dr. Saxena completed his PhD from IIT Roorkee in 2018 and has held academic positions at esteemed institutions, including GLA University and Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology. He has over 329 research publications, an h-index of 46, and international collaborations with renowned institutions across the globe. Honored with awards like the International Travel Support from DST-SERB, he has also served on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals. His current research projects focus on advanced materials, with several funded by government agencies. Dr. Saxena continues to motivate interdisciplinary research and global partnerships.

Dr. Mohd. Vaseem Akram, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation(ONGC), Vadodara

Dr. Mohd. Vaseem Akram is Senior Geophysicist in Oil and Natural Gas (ONGC), Vadodara. Currently he holds the position of Senior Geophysicist at ONGC Vadodara. He did his Ph.D. in Physics from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. His diverse interests in black hole physics and gravitational collapse, reflecting a keen curiosity and a multidisciplinary approach to scientific exploration. He has published numerous research papers in reputed journals. He has presented his research work in various International and National Conferences.

Mr. Harsh Mehrotra , Co-founder & CEO Blue Planet Skills Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

Mr. Harsh Mehrotra is a highly experienced professional with over 16 years of success in managing client relationships in various leadership roles at well-known companies in India. Currently, he plays a pivotal role at Blue Nudge, where he has been instrumental in integrating an ed-tech platform into the Blue Planet action program, aimed at education for sustainable development. Under his leadership, Blue Nudge has emerged as a leader in raising awareness about behaviour change to combat climate change. Harsh spearheaded the Collective Responsibility Drive, inspiring 10 million young people to adopt sustainable practices and collect 1 billion pieces of plastic waste. His initiative was recognized by Niti Aayog's Mission Life as one of the top 75 ideas. Harsh also led Blue Planet to set a Guinness World Record for collecting the most paper waste. With a focus on actionable solutions, he emphasizes that tackling climate change requires more than social media, advocating for impactful, on-ground initiatives.

Dr. Mohammad Shahnawaze Ansari, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Mohammad Shahnawaze Ansari is an Assistant Professor at the Center of Nanotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with over a decade of research experience in nanotechnology. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, specializing in sputtered magnetite thin films for spintronics. Dr. Ansari's research interests include spintronics, electrochemical sensors, and nanocomposites, with over 40 publications in reputable international journals. He has made significant contributions to flexible spintronics and carbon/polymer-based metal-oxide nanocomposites, and he currently leads a project on NiFe2O4 nanostructures funded by the Center of Nanotechnology. Throughout his career, Dr. Ansari has coordinated and co-investigated numerous projects, including those funded by prominent institutions like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the National Research Foundation of Korea. His expertise also extends to electron microscopy, where he supervises the university's electron microscopy unit. Additionally, Dr. Ansari is a reviewer for prestigious journals such as ACS Applied Energy Materials and Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. His scientific impact is reflected in his impressive citation count, h-index of 19, and i10-index of 26.

Dr. S. Chitra, Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan

Dr. S. Chitra, an Assistant Professor in English at Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, boasts over two decades of tertiary teaching experience. She specializes in English Literature, Language, curriculum design, and course development. Her research interests span Culture Studies, Contemporary Literature, Postcolonial Studies, European Literature, and Gender Studies. Dr. Chitra has completed several funded research projects, including a study on English language proficiency at Sherubtse College, and faculty attrition factors. A milestone achievement was her collaboration with St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, on Bhutanese folklore. Dr. Chitra has directed Shakespeare’s Macbeth, securing multiple awards, and actively promotes folk traditions through storytelling sessions. She is also an IELTS trainer and holds certification from the University of Cambridge. With over 50 research publications, she has co-edited books on ecocentric literature and served as a keynote speaker, resource person, and international doctoral thesis examiner. Dr. Chitra’s academic contributions enrich both national and international platforms.

Dr. Pratima Solanki, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Dr. Pratima Solanki is an Assistant Professor at the Special Centre for Nanoscience, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her research interests include biosensors, nano-biointerfaces, nanotoxicity, and water remediation using nanomaterials. She has co-authored over 200 publications in prestigious international and national journals, with 12,460 citations, an h-index of 60, and an i10-index of 195, according to Google Scholar. Dr. Solanki holds sixteen patents and has successfully coordinated several major research grants from BIG, BIRAC, DST, DBT, ICMR, and DHR, India. She has supervised 11 Ph.D. students, with 4 currently under her guidance, and has mentored several graduate students. Dr. Solanki is a member of prominent professional societies, including the Electrochemical Society (since 2021), the American Chemical Society (since 2019), and the Indian Science of Nanomedicine (Founder Member) at AIIMS. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including one at NSEST-2023 in Hyderabad, and the prestigious Visitor Award for Research in Biological Sciences in 2019, presented by the Honourable President of India. Dr. Solanki has presented her research at over 70 conferences and symposia and serves as a guest editor for journals such as IET Nanobiotechnology, ECS Sensor Plus, and the Journal of the Electrochemical Society.

Dr. Nilesh D. Pawar, BITS Pilani, Goa

Dr. Nilesh D. Pawar has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at BITS Pilani, Goa campus, since July 2020. He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and his M.Tech. from IIT Kharagpur. Prior to joining BITS Pilani, he was an Assistant Professor at Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, from June 2019 to April 2020. Dr. Pawar's research focuses on droplet growth dynamics during condensation, droplet coalescence, multiphase flow and lattice Boltzmann simulations. He has successfully led several sponsored projects, including a SERB-funded project on microchannel diagnostics and two BITS Pilani-funded numerical investigations on particle manipulation and droplet nucleation. His work has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge in fluid dynamics and microfluidic technologies. He has published his research paper in a reputed journal.

Dr. Raj Bahadur Singh, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur

Dr. Raj Bahadur Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Material Science and Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from IIT (BHU) Varanasi, where he developed expertise in bulk ultrafine-grained low carbon steel. Dr. Singh has been recognized for his work through various fellowships, awards, and invited talks. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, particularly focusing on materials science and metallurgical engineering. His key research interests include severe plastic deformation, tribology, and the development of advanced materials. Dr. Singh is also a member of multiple prestigious technical institutions such as the Indian Institute of Metals and the Electron Microscopy Society of India. Besides teaching, he plays an active role in organizing national and international conferences, as well as conducting short-term training programs on advanced material characterization techniques. Dr. Singh continues to contribute significantly to his field through his research, mentoring, and academic leadership.

Dr. Kumari Sunita, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University

Dr. Kumari Sunita, an Assistant Professor in Botany at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University. She is an accomplished educator and researcher with over 12 years of teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has made significant contributions to plant physiology and plant pathology, with a strong focus on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, environmental remediation, and agricultural plant science. Her research interests also encompass ethnobotany, stress physiology, and biological nitrogen fixation in underutilized legumes.

She has received 18 prestigious awards, including recognition for her outstanding contributions to teaching and research in higher education. She is actively involved in cutting-edge research, including projects funded by the Council of Science and Technology, UP, focusing on biofortification of golden sweet potatoes. With 34 published research papers and five books, she is a prominent figure in her field and frequently invited to deliver lectures. Her expertise also extends to industrial production of plant-based biopesticides and biofertilizers.

Dr. Sumit Tiwari, Shiv Nadar University , Greater Noida

Dr. Sumit Tiwari works with Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Budha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. He received his M.Tech and Ph.D. degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. He worked with Professor Patrick Phelan’s Group at Arizona State University, USA as a research fellow for 06 months under the fellowship named “Building Energy Efficiency Higher & Advanced Network (BHAVAN) Fellowship Program,” which is a program executed by Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) and department of science and technology (DST). He got Shrimati Vijay-Usha Sodha Research Award for the session 2018-19 given by the Center for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi. He is working on different solar thermal technologies, namely, photovoltaic thermal (PVT) greenhouse drying system, PVT greenhouse heating system, PVT greenhouse biogas heating system, solar still, PVT air collector, passive cooling of the building, and solar adsorption cooling system, etc.He has published several SCI journal papers with high-impact factors, international conference papers, book and book chapters in his field. He has also been featured consecutively last three years among the Top 2% of scientists worldwide working in the energy field as per a list jointly prepared by Elsevier and Stanford USA.

Invited Speakers