LEAD Academics - Leadership Programme for Senior Academic Administrators, organised by BITS Pilani University, marked the successful culmination of an intensive six-month hybrid leadership certification programme aimed at strengthening leadership capacity in higher education. The two-day event, held on 19th – 20th January 2026, brought together participants, mentors, and eminent academic and administrative leaders to reflect on learning outcomes and future pathways.
Over 30 participants from BITS Pilani’s Pilani, Dubai, Goa and Hyderabad campuses as well as from other reputed Institutes, such as Apex Professional University (Arunachal Pradesh), BML Munjal University (Haryana), Centre for Management Education, AIMA (New Delhi), ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (Hyderabad), Marwadi University (Rajkot), NICMAR University (Pune), Regional Eye Hospital (Warangal), RV College of Engineering (Bengaluru), and Vivekananda Global University (Jaipur) participated in this programme.
The first day featured capstone project presentations, during which participants showcased evidence-based leadership interventions addressing key challenges in academic excellence, faculty development, student engagement, and institutional strengthening. These presentations highlighted the practical application of leadership concepts within diverse higher education contexts.
The valedictory function on the second day, held at BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, focused on recognition, reflection, and continuity of leadership practice. Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani University, delivered the chief guest address, highlighting the importance of visionary academic leadership in the evolving higher education landscape. Mr. Ravi Mishra, Chief Human Resources Officer, BITS Pilani, shared perspectives on leadership development and institutional culture. The event was presided over by Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus. Mr. R. Subrahmanyam, Former Secretary, Ministry of Education and Expert Advisor to the programme, addressed the participants on governance and policy leadership. The programme report was presented by Prof. P. Sankar Ganesh, Institute-wide Coordinator, LEAD Academics. The function culminated by awarding the Certificates to participants in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.
The LEAD Academics programme has created a vibrant network of academic leaders committed to excellence, innovation, and systemic impact across India’s higher education ecosystem.
The next batch of LEAD Acdemics programme is scheduled to start in March 2026.
