Our Team
Our Mr. Sunder Raju is the Founder of Atria University and the Chairman of Atria Group which includes several well-known ventures in Hospitality, Real estate, Power, and Information Technology. Mr. Sunder Raju started Atria University in 2018 with a vision to script a new learning experience that places the students at the center.
Mr. Sunder Raju holds a rich experience in a wide array of industries and is known for his ability to transcend barriers of technology and operations to build a team of professionals that demonstrate value-driven output to the community as a whole.
Mr. Sunder Raju has received an Eminent Engineer recognition award from the Institution of Engineers in 2013 and has also been nominated to the Prime Minister’s Sectoral Innovation Council to deliver a road map for innovation and create an ecosystem for inclusive growth & development in the social sector. He is also the Hon. Secretary of the State Lawn Tennis Association, Karnataka and was instrumental in transforming this said Association into putting up Infrastructure of International standard and hosting a World Legends Tournament and ATP World Doubles.
Our Mr. K. Nagaraju is a member of the Board of Trustees at Atria University and the Executive Director of the Atria Group.
With over 40 years of experience, he oversees the management of the Radisson Blu Atria Hotel, Atria Power, and Atria Education. He supervised the development of Atria Power’s projects across India. As the Vice President of the South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA) and an Executive Committee member of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Mr. Nagaraju has played an influential role in advocating for and promoting the interests of the Indian hospitality industry.
With his wealth of experience in hospitality, construction, power generation, and education, Mr. Nagaraju recognizes how an overhaul of the current education system is imperative to equip the next generation with industry-oriented skills of the future.
Our Kaushik Raju is a Member of the Board of Trustees at Atria University and serves as the Chief Operations Officer of the Atria Group.
His leadership extends beyond the Atria Group as the founder of Lore, an organisation at the forefront of the locavore movement. Lore comprises Farmlore, an internationally acclaimed fine dining molecular gastronomy restaurant, and Hydrolore, a hydroponics company that offers sustainable and affordable farming solutions adaptable to any space. Additionally, Mr. Kaushik Raju has had a successful foray into the mobility industry as the founder of Intellicar Telematics, a start-up specialising in integrated IoT solutions for fleet tracking and predictive maintenance, which was acquired by TVS Motor in 2020.
With a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape, Mr. Kaushik Raju recognizes the importance of implementing new teaching methods to help students in taking an industry driven approach. With a focus on improving and elevating the paradigm of higher education in India, he aims to make the formal process of learning more novel, relevant and interactive.
Our Dr. Rajeevan Madhavan Nair, is a distinguished Climate Scientist, boasting over 38 years of research experience in weather and climate science. Dr. Rajeevan’s illustrious career has been marked by significant contributions to various prestigious institutions.
Currently serving as the MOES Distinguished Scientist at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum, Dr. Rajeevan’s career includes impactful roles at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, the India Meteorological Department, and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the Department of Space (DOS). Dr. Rajeevan left an indelible mark during his tenure as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Earth Sciences, retiring from government service on July 31, 2021. His tenure witnessed pioneering contributions, including the launch of the ambitious Rs 4200 crore Deep Ocean Mission and the development of India’s Blue Economy and Arctic policies.
Dr. Rajeevan’s research focus has encompassed Indian monsoon variability, monsoon seasonal prediction, climate change, and extreme weather events, showcasing his commitment to advancing meteorological sciences. With over 160 research papers, an H-Index of 56, and more than 14,800 citations, his scholarly impact is evident. A Fellow of all three Science Academies of India and an Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, Paris, Dr. Rajeevan is currently a member of the Research Board of the UN/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva. His accolades include editing two books published by Springer: “Climate Variability and Change over the Indian Region” and “Societal and Economic Impact of Earth Sciences.”
Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan’s multifaceted expertise and profound contributions make him a pivotal figure in Atria University’s pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.
From the Vice Chancellors Desk
In the dynamic landscape of higher education, universities not only have the task of imparting knowledge, but also of shaping the future. In the field of science education, a university's vision must take into account the profound impact of disruptive technologies and promote solutions for sustainability.
Atria University recognises that disruptive technologies - from artificial intelligence to e-mobility and biotechnology - are reshaping industries and societies at an unprecedented pace. We also recognise the urgent need to tackle pressing environmental and societal challenges. Climate change, the depletion of natural resources and social inequality require interdisciplinary science-based solutions. We know basic sciences have paved the way to the discoveries and technological revolutions that are reshaping the world we live. Our science degree programmes therefore emphasise not only technical skills, but also holistic approaches that incorporate environmental and sustainability aspects.
Recognising that real world problems do not exist in isolation; we offer courses that provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on projects that reflect the complexity of the world outside the classroom. Collaborative research initiatives, internships with industry partners, and community-based projects allow students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways and cultivate the skills they need to effect positive change. We also strive to create a culture of inclusivity that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
At Atria University, we train our students with the knowledge, skills and mindset they need to tackle the complex challenges and to work on the right solutions for a sustainable future.