Krea University appoints Dr. Mahesh Rangarajan as Vice Chancellor

Krea University appoints Dr. Mahesh Rangarajan as Vice Chancellor

Eminent scholar of history and environmental studies to lead Krea University’s efforts to re-imagine education

31st March 2021, Sri City: Krea University announced the appointment of Dr. Mahesh Rangarajan as its next Vice Chancellor, effective July 2021. 

A scholar of global renown, Dr. Rangarajan has a BA (Hons.) in History from Hindu College University of Delhi, an MA and a DPhil, both from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar.  His wide experience in academia includes faculty positions as Professor of Modern Indian History at the University of Delhi and Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Ashoka University, where he previously served as the Dean of Academic Affairs.  He has also taught at Cornell University, Indian Institute of Science and National Centre for Biological Sciences. His first book ‘Fencing the Forest’ was published in 1996 and the most recent ‘Nature and Nation’, in 2018. His co-edited works include ‘India’s Environmental History’, and ‘At Nature’s Edge’. Having started his career as a journalist, he has also served in roles outside academia, including as the Director of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi.

Dr. Rangarajan’s appointment by the Chancellor of Krea University, Mr. N. Vaghul, comes after a rigorous global search launched by the University last year. The search was led by a committee co-chaired by Dr. Vishakha Desai, Senior Advisor for Global Affairs to the President of Columbia University and Mr. Kapil Viswanathan, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Governing Council. Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Kapil Viswanathan, said, “As a scholar and an administrator with a global outlook, Dr. Rangarajan is well placed to further Krea University’s mission to help humanity prepare for an unpredictable world.  We look forward to Dr. Rangarajan’s leadership, building on Krea University’s strong foundations of ethics, innovation, excellence, inclusivity and accountability.”

Dr. Vishakha Desai, co-chair of the search committee added, “As a renowned scholar of history and environmental studies, Dr. Rangarajan embodies the spirit of interwoven learning that Krea University stands for. His experience in the academy and in public institutions would serve to strengthen Krea University’s commitment to bridging the intellectual world with the one beyond.” 

On his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mahesh Rangarajan said, “It is my honour and privilege to accept this position, and join the extraordinarily talented faculty, staff and students of Krea University in pursuit of our shared mission. I will strive to uphold the high standards of innovation and excellence that Krea University stands for.” Krea University’s current Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sunder Ramaswamy will complete his tenure in June 2021 and will continue to be associated with Krea as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Economics.  As the inaugural Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ramaswamy played a key role in shaping Krea University in its formative years.   

Today at 6pm — Dr Sunder Ramaswamy speaks on “Covid, Education and the Big Change”, a panel session at IE Thinc event hosted by Indian Express

Today at 6pm — Dr Sunder Ramaswamy speaks on “Covid, Education and the Big Change”, a panel session at IE Thinc event hosted by Indian Express

`IE Thinc’ is an initiative of The Indian Express which seeks out decision-makers, thought leaders, and policymakers to discuss specific issues that are a challenge to society. Vice-Chancellor Dr Sunder Ramaswamy will be a speaker in the panel on “Covid, Education and the Big Change”, along with other Indian educators. 

Tune in at 6 PM IST today for this high-powered dialogue discussing the unprecedented disruptions in education and all the massive changes and solutions needed. 

Register for the event here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5015930942205/WN_RrJesoN2SsmjAdIS8s62Zw

Dr Anantha Nageswaran at the Michigan India Conference 2021

Dr Anantha Nageswaran at the Michigan India Conference 2021
The Michigan India Conference is the Annual India Conference hosted by the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor students, with a focus on opportunities and challenges that faces the Indian economy. Dr Anantha Nageswaran, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Krea University and Member of the PM Economic Advisory Board, was part of the opening panel, sharing his insights on this year’s theme ‘Stability and Change’.

LEAD at Krea part of panel discussion on key issues on financing MSMEs

LEAD at Krea part of panel discussion on key issues on financing MSMEs

Executive Director of LEAD at Krea University, Sharon Buteau, was a panellist at a live Q&A session on ‘Financing for MSMEs’. The event was organised by the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship India  (G.A.M.E India) and broadcasted on Facebook Live. The panel delved into strategies for enabling a formal credit line for MSMEs, and the challenges faced by NBFCs in raising capital.

Top management journal ‘Information Systems Frontiers’ publishes paper authored by Dr Amit Das & Dr Shobha Das

Top management journal ‘Information Systems Frontiers’ publishes paper authored by Dr Amit Das & Dr Shobha Das

The Springer Journal’s Information Systems Frontiers, ranked A in the ABDC list of management journals, has published ‘E-Government and Entrepreneurship: Online Government Services and the Ease of Starting Business’, jointly authored by Dr Amit Das and Dr Shobha Das from IFMR Graduate School of Business at Krea University. The paper examines the effect of offering government services online on the ease of setting up new businesses around the world. Read the paper here.

‘Writing, Research, Community’: Krea Engage with our research centres

‘Writing, Research, Community’: Krea Engage with our research centres
Senior representatives from Krea research centres assembled for a virtual panel discussion, attended by prospective undergraduate students and their families. The panel highlighted the path-breaking research work and opportunities for Krea students to engage in them through projects and internships. Moderated by Kala Anand (Director – Communications, Partnerships & Career Services at Krea University), the panel discussion featured Preethi Rao from LEAD at Krea University, Deepanshu Khandelwal from Catalyst Atal Incubation Center (AIC), Soumya Kapoor from IWWAGE, and Vasudha Katju from Centre for Writing & Pedagogy (CWP).

Understanding management consulting & the Venture Capital domain

Understanding management consulting & the Venture Capital domain

The Undergraduate Career Services Office (CSO) organised an exclusive interaction with Ms Paula Mariwala — Founder/Co-President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs India and Executive Director of Seedfund Investment Advisory Company. In this fireside chat, she highlighted the skills and competencies that undergraduate students must develop to find a place in the dynamic management consulting domain. Paula also introduced students to the emergence of boutique consulting firms and encouraged students to explore futuristic opportunities with these firms. Responding to questions about the venture capital industry, Paula patiently walked them through the different categories of funding firms. She shared her experience as a startup investor, also highlighting the growth of impact funding/investment firms which Krea undergraduate students should actively pursue.

Krea leadership at Chennai International Centre (CIC) panel discussion

Krea leadership at Chennai International Centre (CIC) panel discussion

The Chennai International Centre (CIC) organised a virtual panel discussion titled ‘India-US Gravity: What will pull the 2 nations together?’ featuring Indian and international luminaries from the world of finance, policy and education. R Seshasayee, Governing Council – Krea University, was a panellist and shared his insights on the Indian-American relations, drawing from his rich experience as a global leader and industry veteran. Dr Sunder Ramaswamy, Vice-Chancellor – Krea University, moderated this high-powered global dialogue.