Pandit Ameet Umrikar is a revered figure in the realm of Vedic sciences, bringing over two decades of profound knowledge and experience to the Ajeenkya D Y Patil Group. His academic journey includes an advanced degree in Vedic Studies from the traditional Gurukul system, supplemented by extensive training in Vedic astrology, rituals, and philosophy.
Pandit Umrikar has dedicated his career to the study and application of Vedic principles in both personal wellness and organizational leadership. His prior roles encompass positions such as Vedic Consultant, Scholar, where he has been instrumental in pioneering integrative approaches that bridge traditional Vedic wisdom with contemporary practices.
He has prestigious vedic qualifications such as Jyotish Pravin, Jyotish Visharad and Jyotish bhaskar and also on texts including the Vedas, Upanishads,Puranas and Vastu. Specialization in Vedic astrology and ritualistic practices he is Fluent in Sanskrit, English, Marathi and Hindi, is skilled in integrating Vedic insights into modern business and wellness strategies
As Vedic Officer, Pandit Umrikar leads our initiatives to embed Vedic principles into our corporate culture, enhancing ethical practices, personal development, and sustainability. He designs and directs programs that leverage Vedic ways to support employee wellness and fosters an environment of holistic growth.
Pandit Umrikar is committed to harmonizing age-old Vedic knowledge with modern enterprise, nurturing a balanced and enlightened organizational ethos that promotes comprehensive development and prosperity.
Dr Anand Lingaraj Shigli, MDS, is presently working as Dean and Head of the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D Y Patil Dental School, Lohegaon, Pune since June 2017. Previously he served as Dean of Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, constituent unit of Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune. He is the Board of Study member and Ethical committee member of various Universities. He has numerous publications in National and International journals to his credit. He has been a Postgraduate and PhD examiner at various universities. He was the recipient of the “Most Promising Dean “ at the 3rd International Dental Students Conclave and “Best Principal “ award in Connexon 2016. He is a member of various national and international professional bodies.
Asheka Tenzin, Academic Director of D Y Patil International Schools and Member of the Executive Board of Directors at ADYPG-Franchise School Business, is an accomplished educator who specialises in teaching and training students and educators across multi-IB programmes. She's actively engaged in the IB community, serving as an IB Consultant, Evaluation Leader, and Programme Leader. She's also a MYP School Visiting Team Member and chairs the MYP Coordinators network for IB Asia Pacific (South). As a certified teacher trainer, Asheka has been successfully organising events like UNCONFERENCE at her school which gathers educators from across the globe in a collaborative and informal setup to share expertise, experiences, and innovative teaching methods. It fosters networking, peer learning, and the exchange of insights to enrich classroom practices and enhance teaching approaches.
Bhavik Anjaria is an accomplished education leader with a deep commitment to elevating international quality standards. He holds a Gold Medal in Economics from Mumbai University and an executive program in Leadership & Change Management from MIT Sloan Business School.
Throughout his professional journey, Bhavik has held significant positions in established institutions such as D Y Patil Group and Taurian World School in India. Further, he contributed as Head for South East Asia at Laureate International University Network (USA) and served as India K-12 CEO at GEMS Education (UAE).
Bhavik has adeptly transformed educational institutions in India and beyond through his expertise in change management. His extensive travel and understanding of global education systems have positioned him uniquely to collaborate with top 1% universities worldwide, assisting them in formulating Asia-centric strategies.
Back home in India, Bhavik has played advisory roles for various State Governments, contributing to initiatives such as the development of Rajiv Gandhi Education City in Haryana, Public Private Partnerships in School Education in Rajasthan and public education reforms in Kerala. His expertise was also recognised by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, leading to his contribution on a panel focused on foreign universities in India.
His portfolio also indicates a strategic foresight, with successful setups of international schools and universities in India and abroad, supplemented by his experience in mergers and acquisitions.
In summary, Bhavik Anjaria brings a blend of practical experience and academic insight to the education sector, both in India and on a global scale. His consistent efforts in the field speak to his dedication and expertise.
Dr. Debjani Dasgupta, Director School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, comes with 40 years’ experience in the field of science and education. She has touched the lives of several thousand students in these glorious years of service. She was awarded the prestigious Kansas State Fellowship (Govt. of USA), for her Post-Doctoral Research Programme in Cancer Biology. She received the Department of Atomic Energy fellowship for her Doctoral studies at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India. She topped her M.Sc. programme in University of Mumbai and received several other honors and awards. Subsequently, she served as Member of the Academic Council and Chairman of Board of Studies of the University of Mumbai.
Dr. Dasgupta was selected by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission at the Institute of Science, Mumbai where she rose to be the Head of Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. She was awarded several Research grants by the Govt. of India enabling her to establish state-of-the-art laboratories. Her Ph.D. students are well placed in the industry and academics in India and abroad. With numerous publications and presentations in national and international conferences, Dr. Dasgupta has contributed immensely to her subject.
Her intense passion for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics lead her to introduce relevant innovative programmes and novel teaching – learning processes. Her fearless intuitive leadership with effective communication has inspired other to a common shared vision of excellence in academics. She has created a vibrant ecosystem of research and innovation in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Food Science and Technology.
An excellent classical dancer, a holistic personality, a sensitive mentor are other features add to her brilliant academic leadership.
Prof. (Dr.) Eknath B. Khedkar, Vice President of Ajeenkya D Y Patil University and Ajeenkya D Y Patil Group is a distinguished academician, renowned teacher, researcher, an astute administrator and a generous philanthropist. An outstanding leader of management education, he has performed key leadership roles at many premier management institutes and corporate in his remarkable career. He is distinctively recognised as a modern Management Guru amongst peers. He has served more than 20 years as Director of various prominent Management Institutes. Dr. Khedkar is the former Vice Chancellor of Ajeenkya D Y Patil University. He has also contributed immensely as Dean, Faculty of Management, Savitribai Phule Pune University. Under his dynamic leadership, he has catapulted many commendable developments in both the Universities. A renowned expert in the area of Business Administration, he has 117 research paper and 46 books to his credit apart from being on the editorial advisory boards of several national and international journals. Dr Khedkar holds 13 international patents to his credit and 1 national patent has been published under his name. Dr. Khedkar was awarded his Ph.D. in Business Administration from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He is also a recognized Ph.D. guide in Organizational Management and Financial Management of Savitribai Phule Pune University. 29 students have been awarded Ph.D. degree under his guidance.
Currently, Dr. Khedkar is the Director of Dr D Y Patil School of Management. Furthermore, he is the Vice President (Asia Pacific & Middle East), International Society for Data Science and Innovation – Global, IIM Nagpur. He is also holding the position of Secretary- Association of Private Universities in Maharashtra (PERA) and Executive President - Association of Management of MBA/MMS Institutes in Maharashtra. He is also the President of Shri Ganesh Adhyatmik and Sanskrutik Pratishthan. He is currently the Member of Board of Management of Janata Sahkari Bank Ltd. He was also the Vice President- Asia Pacific Division & Board Director -Decision Science Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. He was also the Director of The Muslim Co-op Bank Ltd. Pune. Dr Khedkar has also held prestigious positions and served as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary of Shri Kshetra Ranjangaon Ganpati Devasthan Trust (Ashtavinayak Temple) for 17.5 years. Dr. Khedkar has also served as a chairman – Board of Foreign Trade Management and Organization Management, Savitribai Phule Pune University. Dr. Khedkar has also served earlier as a member of various State and National level committees viz. he was appointed many times as expert member of the State Level Committee by the Directorate of Technical Education, Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Higher & Technical Education Minister of Maharashtra. He was also instrumental for finalising norms of fixations of fees by Fee Regulating Authority as member of the subcommittee.
Dr. Khedkar has organised several top management programs, national and international level conferences and seminars including international conferences at Sri Lanka and Malaysia. He is profoundly involved with executive education at senior and top management levels. He has been bestowed with several prestigious national and international awards and recognitions like ‘Glory of India’ at Bangkok (Thailand); ‘Shikshan Bhushan’; ‘Samaj Shree’, ‘Rajeev Gandhi Award’, Best Vice Chancellor Award, Best Director Award and International Best Research paper Award at Singapore.
Dr Farook Sayyad (DME, B.E, M.E, PGDM, Ph.D. & PDF (Malaysia)) is a Ph.D. and Post Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and is currently working as a Principal in Ajeenkya DY Patil School of Engineering, Lohegaon, Pune. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, he has authored books on Theory of Machine-I, Theory of Machine-II, Kinematics of Machinery, Manufacturing Processes, Dynamics of Machinery and Mechanical Vibration & Noise Engineering. He has published more than 35 books for various universities in India (SPPU, MU, GTU, UPTU, PTU, RGTU, BATU & SU). He has published several research papers in reputed national and international Journals and conferences. He has published many Patents in Intellectual Property India as well as Australia, South Africa and Germany. He is also a member of various national bodies on technical education and also working as editorial board member and reviewer of various international journals.
Hrridaysh is the Vice Chancellor of Ajeenkya DY Patil University. With a unique blend of numerous senior roles in K-12 and Higher Education, educational, government, start-up, board work, and corporate experience over 27 years, he established a reputation for excellence, delivered high-quality education opportunities, developed talent and had an outstanding track record of creating significant new value and transformation.
He has a wealth of knowledge in organizational design, change management, and implementing innovative solutions in traditional and non-traditional environments. He is experienced in leveraging technology for business advantage and market leadership and is passionate about leading change to refocus on what matters most – great outcomes.
Engager of design thinking, benchmarking, and continuous improvement strategies to build scalable processes and systems, he has been responsible for driving strategic plans, communications planning, product roadmaps, brand positioning, and go-to-market initiatives.
Ish Patil is a young entrepreneur and artist with a diverse background in business management, education, healthcare, and hospitality. After completing her schooling at Dhirubhai International School Mumbai and her International Baccalaureate from Aiglon College in Switzerland, Ish graduated from the Parsons School of Design New York. She launched her career by founding the fashion brand, Back In Bombay, amidst the global pandemic, honing her skills across product design and marketing strategies.
As a fourth-generation member of the legacy business, the D Y Patil Group, Ish started participating in its operations in education, healthcare, and student housing, enhancing her expertise in educational management and strategic operations. In addition to her involvement in the family business, Ish has founded and managed entrepreneurial ventures in the fashion and hospitality sectors. These initiatives emphasize creativity and customer satisfaction, reflecting her broad managerial acumen.
Ish is also actively developing her career as an artist, integrating her creative vision with her entrepreneurial ventures. Her artistic endeavors enrich her business interests, adding depth to her approach to innovation and aesthetic expression.
Committed to leveraging her entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talents, Ish aims to advance strategic objectives and prepare for significant leadership roles within and beyond the D Y Patil Group, striving for excellence across multiple sectors.
Dr. Kamaljeet Kaur Siddhu boasts an extensive professional career spanning over 23 years, demonstrating expertise across Corporate Affairs, Finance, Legal, and HR domains. She holds a doctorate in Marketing and is esteemed as a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Additionally, she is an honoured alumna of IIM Kashipur. Dr. Kamaljeet completed her Master's in Commerce with a specialization in HR and Business Finance, and she further holds a Law degree. Her academic journey includes various postgraduate diplomas and certifications, including Psychology. She is also a certified CSR and ESG Professional.
Her notable past roles encompass Vice President in Corporate Affairs, Legal, and HR at City Corporation Limited; Head of Legal and Company Secretary at Tata BlueScope Steel Limited; Chief Business Officer at Ethix Group of Companies, and Company Secretary at Federal-Mogul Anand Sealings India Limited, among other notable roles. Additionally, she has served as a nominee Director in various companies like Doodle Designs Private Limited, City Multihousing Private Limited, and Amanora Knowledge Foundation. She is also a member of the Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation Network.
Beyond the corporate realm, Dr. Kamaljeet has made significant contributions, notably serving as the President of Rotary Club of Pune Hadapsar (2018-19) passionately engaging in social work for Rotary District 3131 reflects her dedication to critical areas such as Conflict Resolution, Environment, Literacy, Youth, and Women Empowerment.
Her accomplishments extend to being a Two-time Triple Crown Award Winner and serving as an Area Director in District 125 of Toastmasters International. Additionally, Dr. Kamaljeet dedicates her expertise as a Visiting Faculty, teaching Management & Law subjects to MBA students. She is also an active presenter at various Seminars, often serving as an External Examiner for various Management Institutes.
Kinnari Shah’s teaching field spans over two decades. Her teaching journey began at Jai Hind College of Commerce and Economics, Churchgate, where she assumed the role of a lecturer for Marketing Management. As her path unfolded, she joined a CIE school, imparting Business Studies to A Levels students. It was during this time that her voyage in the IB realm commenced, first as a CAS Coordinator and Faculty of Business Management.
Throughout her career, she embraced the opportunity to teach both MYP and DP, ascending to positions of influence, such as DP Coordinator and later Vice Principal. These roles facilitated interactions with faculty and students across the educational spectrum. Steadily, she assumed the mantle of Head of School at D Y Patil International School, Worli, a position she has successfully held for the past four years.
The school, under her guidance, took a bold step in offering three distinct curricula post Grade 10, setting a unique precedent in the city. The school offers A Levels, IBDP and IBCP in Gr. 11 and 12. Her expertise was acknowledged by the International Baccalaureate, as she was appointed as a Workshop Leader, Internal Assessment Moderator, and DP Examiner. She is also an IB Evaluation Leader, Programme Leader and IBDP Consultant. This position enabled her to evaluate educational systems and processes globally, providing invaluable insights into international curricula and academic approaches.
As Head of School, her meticulous approach resulted in the establishment of streamlined communication procedures, internal and external. Policies were crafted to enhance the school's functionality, while curriculum articulation was meticulously aligned for both internal cohesion and external examination success.
Her vision extends beyond the classroom, aiming to foster a learning environment that nurtures life skills and shapes students into global citizens. She's a firm believer in evolving curriculum delivery, emphasizing skill development over mere content dissemination. Her dedication to enhancing educational methods has propelled her into the echelons of educational leadership.
Prof. Dr. R. GOPAL is basically an Engineer from I.I.T., Kharagpur in Mechanical Engineering. Subsequently he did his MBA, ICWA, PhD and Post-Doctoral Research degree - D. Litt.
Currently, Dr. R. Gopal is the Director, Head of the School of Management and former Dean of the D.Y. Patil University, School of Management. He has more than 27 years of corporate experience at Bush India Ltd., Larsen and Toubro, Tata Consultancy Services and at Siemens. Additionally he has more than 30 years of teaching experience in various B Schools in and around Mumbai in the areas of Marketing, Finance, and General Management etc. He was also the visiting faculty in several B Schools in USA. In the USA, he has conducted several program on topics like “How to Business in India”.
He has also published more than 200 research papers both in Indian and foreign journals. He has been awarded the Best Outstanding Research Paper at the Asia Pacific Marketing Conference held in Malaysia. He is also a reviewer to several international journals having a high impact factor. He is the guide for M. Phil and PhD students of several universities in India. More than 100 research scholars have received their PhD and M. Phil degree under his guidance. He is also the author of several books and is the Chief Editor to several national and international journals of repute. Additionally he has written several books on Management which have been highly received by the student and corporate community.
He is also advisor to several Management colleges in and around Mumbai. He is also Independent Director on Board of several startups and MSME's. He has been appointed as a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the ADYPG franchise school business. The objective is to set new quality standards in the K- 12 education system and to develop strategies and implement them so that the K 12 schools of the group become world standards.
Dr. R. Gopal is the recipient of the:
His motto is to transform every student into an achiever so that every student will create a success story.
Shan Liz Sanju, the Head of School at D Y Patil International School, Nerul, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the educational community. With a strong background in Chemistry and Education, Shan Liz is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where students, parents, and staff are encouraged to share their concerns and ideas. Her educational philosophy revolves around instilling values and ethics, prioritizing students' needs, and adapting to changing educational trends.
Throughout her career, Shan Liz has held key leadership roles, including IBDP Coordinator and Subject Incharge for Chemistry, showcasing her expertise in international education standards. She has a proven track record of guiding teams to excellence and growth, emphasizing a 'Lead from behind' approach that empowers her colleagues.
Apart from her extensive work experience, Shan Liz has contributed significantly to the education sector through workshops, seminars, and training programs. She has participated in events focused on innovative teaching and learning, leadership skills, and the implementation of the National Education Policy. Additionally, she has served as an examiner for various educational boards and completed certifications in career coaching and college counseling.
With a passion for recognizing and nurturing the unique abilities of students and faculty, Shan Liz Sanju stands as a beacon of inspiration in the educational field. Her multifaceted expertise, coupled with a genuine commitment to holistic education, makes her an invaluable asset to the D Y Patil International School community.
Dr. Srijith is a dynamic and experienced healthcare professional with a proven track record in both pre-operational and operational phases of medical facility management. With a strategic mindset and strong leadership skills, he excels in driving excellence across medical departments while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and patient-centric care.
Dr Srijith has nearly 2 decades of experience in Healthcare Delivery, Strategy and Business Development, and Consulting Organizations. He has deep knowledge and expertise of all aspects of healthcare industry in India and particularly in Mumbai. He Co-founded Medtitans as India’s First Doctor’s Social Network which quickly grew up to have nearly 12000 engaged users. Dr Srijith was also one of the founder members of Everonn Medical Education, a part of the Everonn Education group which was then the second largest education company in India. At Everonn Medical Education, Dr Srijith led the team responsible for development of Academic Medical Centers across the country.
Dr. Srijith Nalinakshan epitomizes excellence in healthcare management, serving as the Director of Medical Operations with an unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare delivery. With a profound understanding of both pre-operational and operational phases, Dr. Srijith orchestrates a symphony of medical expertise and strategic vision to elevate standards and ensure optimal patient care.
In summary, Dr. Srijith embodies visionary leadership, adeptly navigating the intricate landscape of healthcare management to drive excellence in both pre-operational preparations and operational efficiency. With a steadfast dedication to innovation and patient-centric care, Dr. Srijith Nalinakshan continues to redefine the paradigm of healthcare delivery.
At the D Y Patil International School, Pune, our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience is led by an outstanding educational leader, the esteemed Principal, Ms. Surabhi Deshpande.
With her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to our school's mission, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our students and the entire school community. Ms. Surabhi Deshpande brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education at the D Y Patil International School. She holds a Post Graduate Degree, and a degree in Education. Her career in education spans over 26 years. She has held various roles in the field of education, including Teaching, School Administration, and Quality Control Audits based on the TEEP model of education excellence.
She fosters a culture of excellence and innovation within our school. She is known for her approachable nature, actively engaging with students, parents, and staff. She is a strong advocate for clear, timely, transparent communication and collaboration, and she believes in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all. 'We do what we say, and we say what we do' is her work principle.
As a leader, Ms. Surabhi Deshpande is dedicated to staying current with the latest educational trends and innovations. She encourages the teaching staff to embrace innovative teaching methods and technologies, ensuring that the students receive a forward-thinking education that prepares them for the challenges of the future.
With Ms. Surabhi at the helm, D Y Patil International School, Pune continues to thrive as a nurturing and empowering institution. The ADYPG is proud to have her as the Principal of our flagship school and she is highly acknowledged and appreciated for her unwavering dedication to the students' success at the DYPIS.
Ms. Surabhi Deshpande stands as a beacon of educational excellence and leadership, dedicated to empowering the next generation with knowledge, skills, and values that will serve them throughout their lives. She continues to shape the future of DYPIS students with her indomitable will power and leave an indelible mark in the world of education.
Surbhi Shah is a trailblazer in Educational Leadership.
She stands at the forefront of educational innovation as a founding leader of the International School of Belgium. Her extensive background in educational administration is marked by a visionary approach to both learning and leadership, establishing her as a pivotal figure in setting the institution's strategic course.
With a deep-seated commitment to educational excellence, Surbhi successfully spearheaded the acquisition of the Antwerp International School. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she founded the D Y Patil International School Belgium and later, the International School of Belgium, thereby significantly enhancing the educational landscape in the Europe.
Surbhi is adept at integrating global perspectives into curriculum development, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education that equips them for future challenges. Her efforts in community engagement are exemplary, reflecting her dedication to enriching educational experiences through strong, impactful partnerships.
Renowned for her collaborative leadership style, Surbhi inspires educators and students alike, fostering an environment of shared goals and mutual respect. Her strategic vision and passion for quality education are key drivers behind the school’s commitment to maintaining high standards on an international platform.
As a crucial member of the board, her contributions are not only vital in shaping the educational landscape but also in ensuring the enduring success of the school’s mission to deliver top-tier international education. Surbhi Shah’s unwavering dedication and forward-thinking leadership continue to make her an invaluable asset to the educational community.
Dr. Sushant Patil, an accomplished professional in the filed fo education for over two decades, holds a Bachelor's degree in Law, a Masters in Management, and a Ph.D. in Management.
Dr. Sushant is Trustee at Dr. D. Y. Patil Educational Enterprises Charitable Trust and Dr. D. Y. Patil International Academy, and an advisor to the Ajeenkya D Y Patil Group. He also serves on the governing body of Ajeenkya D Y Patil University. He has key roles as Founder President and Chairman of Dr. D. Y. Patil Educational Federation, Varale, Talegaon, Pune; Director at D. Y. Patil University, Ambi, Talegaon Dabhade and Director at Padmashree Dr DY Patil (Deemed to be University), Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
In his capacity as the Executive Director of the "Association of Management of Unaided Engineering Colleges of Maharashtra," Dr. Sushant effectively handles responsibilities and maintains positive relationships with key statutory bodies like AICTE, HRD Ministry, UGC, Council of Architecture, Pharmacy Council, Dental Council, CBSE, etc. Notably, he has been pivotal in establishing over 40 colleges, demonstrating expertise in this core area.
Dr. Sushant Patil is a sought-after speaker and chairman, invited to share his educational vision at various national and international platforms. He is also an entrepreneurial spirit, providing support to startups across diverse sectors. His global perspective is enriched through assignments and delegations in over 10 countries, shaping his views on education and entrepreneurship.
A humble person by nature grounded to the roots of motherland and culture; always like to be associated and surrounded with positive people. Having a vision to create an innovative ecosystem and incubation centre for students, which will enable them to challenge their potential and equip them to generate and execute innovative ideas which will eventually lead to a successful career. Has long-term and a positive association with many NGO’s, Charitable Foundations and CSR organizations; for the betterment of the society.
Creating a passion that combines professional skills and personal excellence has made Sunil Reddy a bright young star on the horizon of the Group. He currently pursues the group’s overseas enterprises as Business Manager of the International School of Belgium. Simplicity and sincerity make for the formula of a successful professional, as is evident with him. His inspiration comes from his learnings as a student at DY Patil University, where he received his Master’s degree in Business Management. His alma mater continues within his journey as he puts into process the elements of innovation, development and trust. Soft spoken and humble, Sunil’s dynamism lies in having his work speak for itself.
An experienced, accomplished business and financial leader, and a qualified chartered accountant (rank holder). Her irrepressible impulse to “create” has coalesced in a successful career spanning more than 2 decades. She brings infectious energy to work and passionately and articulately chart organisation’s path to continued and greater success. She is a hands-on leader skilled in developing and inspiring teams to contribute to enterprise growth and new initiatives.
She is responsible for new business growth and provides leadership to new initiatives in its formative stages while establishing an effective team and mentoring incoming leaders to take over the reins of the business.