Dr. Picheswar Gadde, Chancellor of Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, is a visionary leader with a deep commitment to advancing higher education in India. With over three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Gadde has been instrumental in transforming Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth into a premier institution of learning. Under his leadership, the university has expanded its academic offerings, strengthened research initiatives, and fostered a culture of innovation.
Dr. Gadde is known for his strategic focus on global collaborations and academic excellence. He has spearheaded numerous partnerships with international universities, enabling Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth to offer world-class education to its students.
His vision extends beyond academics; he is a strong advocate for holistic student development, emphasizing the importance of nurturing leadership qualities, ethical values, and social responsibility among students. One of Dr. Gadde’s key priorities is the integration of digital technology in education. 8 He has led efforts to modernize the university’s infrastructure, promoting the use of digital tools for both learning and research. His focus on sustainability is also evident, as he has championed initiatives aimed at making Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth a carbon-neutral campus.
Dr. Gadde’s leadership has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. His unwavering dedication to the pursuit of excellence continues to inspire the university community, positioning Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth as a leader in higher education both nationally and internationally.
Can you walk us through your career journey leading up to your current role, and share how each step prepared you for the responsibilities you have today?
My career journey began with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and management, blending technical knowledge with leadership. Early on, I ventured into advertising with Creative Eye Limited, where I helped drive the company to a top position in India’s emerging media industry. This experience honed my Business Prizm 10 Most Inspiring Education Leaders In India 2024 skills in innovation, marketing, and adaptability.
In 1998, I shifted my focus to education, founding the Lingaya’s Institute of Management & Technology. Over time, this led to the establishment of multiple institutions under the Lingaya’s Group, including Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, which earned Deemed-to-be University status. These institutions aim to provide quality, innovative education across various fields, addressing diverse needs.
Our global collaborations with universities like the University of New Orleans and Michigan State University have further enriched our academic offerings. As Chancellor, my engineering background, advertising experience, and leadership roles in various educational bodies have prepared me to lead Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth with a forward-thinking vision.
Throughout my career, I have held significant roles, such as Chairman of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International School of Textiles & Management and Secretary of the Association of Self Financed Institutions in Haryana. These experiences have shaped my philosophy of “Par Excellence with Human Touch,” focusing on delivering holistic education that combines academic rigor with compassion and social responsibility.
What strategies or practices do you implement to ensure you remain effective at work while also maintaining your personal well being?
Balancing professional effectiveness with personal well-being is essential, especially in leadership roles. As Chancellor of Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth and Chairman of Lingaya’s Group, I’ve developed strategies that help me stay effective while prioritizing health and happiness. A consistent routine is key—I start my day at 5:30 AM with exercise and meditation to center myself. Regular physical activity keeps me fit and reduces stress, often sparking creative ideas. I stay intellectually stimulated by reading broadly and attending seminars, which provides fresh insights into global trends.
Engaging with students and faculty energizes me and reinforces our institution’s core mission. Delegation also plays a crucial role—I trust my capable team to manage operations, allowing me to focus on strategic priorities. Continuous learning keeps me motivated, and personal development is integral to my effectiveness. I maintain strong personal relationships for emotional support and take periodic breaks to recharge. Mindfulness and stress management techniques, like meditation and journaling, help maintain a positive outlook. Effective time management, including prioritizing “deep work,” is essential for productivity. Above all, a clear sense of purpose keeps me motivated, reminding me of the impact we’re making through education
Will you please throw some light on how you foster innovation within your institution?
At Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, fostering innovation is central to our mission. We emphasize creating a diverse, collaborative environment, integrating disciplines like management, technology, and health sciences to inspire cross-pollination of ideas. This interdisciplinary approach encourages faculty and students to think beyond traditional boundaries
Our international collaborations, with institutions such as the University of New Orleans and Michigan State University, expose students and faculty to global perspectives and innovative teaching methods. Research is a cornerstone of our innovation strategy, with investments in state-of-the-art labs and centers like our AI and Machine Learning facility. These resources empower faculty to pursue cutting-edge projects that advance both education and industry solutions.
Industry partnerships are key. We regularly invite experts for workshops and guest lectures and have set up an incubation center supporting start-ups. Entrepreneurship is woven into the curriculum, and events like hackathons foster innovative thinking. We encourage risk-taking with a ‘failure forgiveness’ policy, ensuring that experimentation is valued over immediate success. Our commitment to continuous learning keeps faculty updated with global trends, while technology, including virtual reality-based learning, enhances student experiences.
Additionally, our Innovation Council, comprising faculty, industry experts, and students, drives initiatives, workshops, and resource allocation for new projects. Competitions and sustainability efforts, such as the ‘Green Campus Initiative,’ further promote real-world problem-solving and environmental responsibility.
By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and valuing innovative contributions from all community members, we ensure that innovation thrives at every level of our institution.
How does your institution stay true to its founding principles while adapting to modern educational demands?
Balancing our founding principles with modern education demands is a challenge we embrace. Since 1998, our motto, “Par Excellence with Human Touch,” has emphasized top-quality education while nurturing compassionate, socially responsible individuals. We focus on holistic student development, integrating character building, ethical leadership, and social responsibility into the curriculum. For example, engineering students develop low-cost water purification systems for local villages.
Modern educational tools—smart classrooms, virtual labs, and online platforms—complement, not replace, the human element of education. We blend advanced technology with hands-on experience to maintain personal connections.
Faculty development emphasizes continuous growth, mentorship, and student engagement. Our curriculum reflects industry advancements while prioritizing critical thinking and ethics.
International collaborations, entrepreneurship education, and research align with global trends and local needs. T he Centre for Continuing Education offers skill development programs, emphasizing ethical leadership and social responsibility.
What are your top priorities for the institution in the next five years?
Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth stands at a pivotal moment as we look ahead to the next five years. Our priorities are driven by our commitment to excellence, responsibility to society, and vision for education’s future.
I am dedicated First, we aim to expand our global presence by establishing five new strategic partnerships with leading institutions in North America, Europe, and East Asia. T hese partnerships will include joint research, dual degree programs, and collaborative online courses, with a focus on increasing international student exchanges and study abroad opportunities. passing on the valuable experience and knowledge I’ve gained to students and faculty. Witnessing my students’ success brings me immense joy and fulfilment. The trust SRM University-AP has placed in me as the Dean of the Paari School of Business is an honor, and I strive to uphold it consistently.
Second, we will strengthen our research capabilities by increasing funding by 100%, establishing three new research centers, and doubling our publications in top-tier journals. We also plan to increase patent filings by 150% and deepen industry connections through the creation of Industry Advisory Boards and an “Industry Immersion” program.
Third, we are committed to embracing digital transformation by developing at least 100 high-quality online courses and integrating Virtual and Augmented Reality into 30% of our practical training. We will also launch an AI-powered personalized learning platform.
Fourth, sustainability will be a central theme, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality within five years. Sustainability will be integrated across the curriculum, and we will launch a master’s program in Sustainable Development.
Lastly, we remain dedicated to holistic student development by enhancing wellness programs, leadership development, and community service opportunities. We will ensure financial sustainability by diversifying revenue streams, including research grants, industry partnerships, and continuing education programs.
These priorities, aligned with our founding principle of “Par Excellence with Human Touch,” will guide us as we navigate the future of education. Sole Agenda of Life.