

- Shri. A S Kiran KumarFormer Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). Former Secretary, Department of Space Government of India
Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar is a stalwart in India’s space exploration journey, having served as Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space. With a career spanning decades, he has played a pivotal role in steering India’s space programme towards global recognition. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved groundbreaking milestones, including the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission and advancements in Earth observation, satellite navigation, and communication technologies.
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An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Shri Kiran Kumar has been instrumental in the development of over 50 electro-optical imaging sensors that have powered India’s satellite missions since 1979. His vision has strengthened India’s self-reliance in space technology, enabling critical applications in meteorology, disaster management, and remote sensing.
A recipient of the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, he has been globally recognised for his contributions to space research, including the prestigious International von Kármán Wings Award and the Chevalier de l'Ordre national de la Légion d'Honneur from France.
Shri Kiran Kumar’s insights will be invaluable in shaping our curriculum and research in space sciences, engineering, and technology-driven innovation. His mentorship will empower students to explore new frontiers in aerospace, sustainability, and satellite applications, reinforcing Atria’s commitment to cutting-edge education and industry relevance.
An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Shri Kiran Kumar has been instrumental in the development of over 50 electro-optical imaging sensors that have powered India’s satellite missions since 1979. His vision has strengthened India’s self-reliance in space technology, enabling critical applications in meteorology, disaster management, and remote sensing.
A recipient of the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, he has been globally recognised for his contributions to space research, including the prestigious International von Kármán Wings Award and the Chevalier de l'Ordre national de la Légion d'Honneur from France.
Shri Kiran Kumar’s insights will be invaluable in shaping our curriculum and research in space sciences, engineering, and technology-driven innovation. His mentorship will empower students to explore new frontiers in aerospace, sustainability, and satellite applications, reinforcing Atria’s commitment to cutting-edge education and industry relevance.

- Dr. Keshab PandaFormer CEO L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS). Board Member, Senior Advisor PE & Startup and Principal Mentor Tech Services for Global Companies
Dr Keshab Panda is a distinguished leader in technology, engineering, and business strategy, having served as CEO & MD of L&T Technology Services (LTTS). With over three decades of experience in research, product engineering, and industrial innovation, he has played a crucial role in positioning LTTS as a global leader in engineering and R&D services.
A graduate of IIT Bombay with an advanced management degree from Wharton Business School, Dr Panda has been a visionary in driving digital transformation across industries, from AI and automation to smart manufacturing and sustainability. His leadership has facilitated technological breakthroughs that have redefined business models across multiple sectors.
Currently serving as a mentor and advisor to global technology firms and private equity enterprises, he continues to shape the future of engineering services and tech entrepreneurship. His expertise in product strategy, business intelligence, and startup mentorship makes him a valuable addition to Atria University’s Industry Advisory Board.
Dr Panda’s presence at Atria University will enrich our engineering, AI, and digital transformation programmes, providing students with exposure to real-world applications and industry-driven innovation. His insights will help bridge academia and enterprise, equipping graduates with the skills and strategic thinking required to excel in the evolving technological landscape.
A graduate of IIT Bombay with an advanced management degree from Wharton Business School, Dr Panda has been a visionary in driving digital transformation across industries, from AI and automation to smart manufacturing and sustainability. His leadership has facilitated technological breakthroughs that have redefined business models across multiple sectors.
Currently serving as a mentor and advisor to global technology firms and private equity enterprises, he continues to shape the future of engineering services and tech entrepreneurship. His expertise in product strategy, business intelligence, and startup mentorship makes him a valuable addition to Atria University’s Industry Advisory Board.
Dr Panda’s presence at Atria University will enrich our engineering, AI, and digital transformation programmes, providing students with exposure to real-world applications and industry-driven innovation. His insights will help bridge academia and enterprise, equipping graduates with the skills and strategic thinking required to excel in the evolving technological landscape.

- Dr. Shekhar C. MandeFormer Chairman, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) & Former Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)
Dr Shekhar C. Mande is a renowned structural and computational biologist whose work has significantly contributed to understanding protein structures, particularly in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As the former Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, he led India’s largest network of scientific research institutions, driving advancements in biotechnology, healthcare, and industrial research.
His extensive research spans X-ray crystallography, computational biology, and genome-wide protein interaction studies, with a focus on infectious diseases. His contributions to tuberculosis research have been particularly impactful, with his lab pioneering structural characterisations of key bacterial proteins and redox systems.
A recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, Dr Mande has been elected Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Indian Academy of Sciences. He has held leadership roles in multiple scientific advisory boards, including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Italy) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), shaping global scientific policy and research collaboration.
Dr Mande’s expertise in scientific research and biotechnology will strengthen our focus on innovation and interdisciplinary learning, empowering students to drive impactful discoveries.
His extensive research spans X-ray crystallography, computational biology, and genome-wide protein interaction studies, with a focus on infectious diseases. His contributions to tuberculosis research have been particularly impactful, with his lab pioneering structural characterisations of key bacterial proteins and redox systems.
A recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, Dr Mande has been elected Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Indian Academy of Sciences. He has held leadership roles in multiple scientific advisory boards, including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Italy) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), shaping global scientific policy and research collaboration.
Dr Mande’s expertise in scientific research and biotechnology will strengthen our focus on innovation and interdisciplinary learning, empowering students to drive impactful discoveries.