Jan 27: BITS Pilani, an Institute of Eminence, hosted the valedictory event of the LEAD Academics: Leadership Programme for Senior Academic Administrators, marking the successful culmination of a six-month hybrid leadership certification programme dedicated to strengthening leadership capacity within India’s higher education ecosystem. The two-day event, held on 19-20 January 2026 at the BITS Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus, brought together programme participants, mentors, and distinguished academic and administrative leaders for reflection, recognition, and knowledge exchange.
The first day featured capstone project presentations where the participants showcased evidence-based leadership interventions addressing key institutional priorities, including academic excellence, faculty development, student engagement, and systemic strengthening. These projects demonstrated the practical application of leadership concepts in diverse higher education settings.
The valedictory function on the second day centred on celebrating achievements and reinforcing the continuity of leadership practice. Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, delivered the Chief Guest Address, emphasizing the growing need for visionary and adaptive academic leadership amid rapid transformations in the higher education landscape.
Speaking at the event, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao said, “Programmes like LEAD Academics play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education leadership in India. The sector is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and institutions require leaders who can navigate complexity with clarity, purpose, and empathy. I am confident this programme will contribute meaningfully to strengthening academic ecosystems across the country.”
The event also featured an address by Mr. Ravi Mishra, Chief Human Resources Officer, BITS Pilani, who highlighted the significance of leadership development and positive institutional culture.
The programme was presided over by Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus, and included a special address by Mr. R. Subrahmanyam, Professor of Practice at BITS Pilani and Former Secretary to the Government of India, Higher Education Department who reinforced on the fact that strong and visionary leadership in higher education institutions is essential for overcoming the challenges, and for realizing the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Prof. P. Sankar Ganesh, Institute-wide Coordinator, LEAD Academics, presented the programme report, following which certificates were awarded to participants for the successful completion of the programme.
The LEAD Academics initiative has cultivated a vibrant network of academic leaders committed to excellence, innovation, and systemic impact across India’s higher education landscape.
The next batch of the LEAD Academics programme is scheduled to begin in March 2026.