Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan Appointed Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University

Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan Appointed Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University

ServiceSetu Academics congratulates Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan on assuming office as the Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University.

Ashoka University has announced the appointment of Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan as its new Vice Chancellor, marking an important milestone in the University's continued journey towards academic excellence and global recognition.

Professor Krishnan is one of India's most accomplished academic leaders, with an illustrious career spanning more than three decades in higher education, research, innovation, and institutional leadership.

He served the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) for nearly 30 years, including as its Director, where he played a significant role in advancing academic quality, research excellence, innovation, and international collaborations. He also served as the Director of the Indian Institute of Management Indore, further contributing to the growth of management education in India.

An internationally respected scholar, Professor Krishnan has devoted over 20 years to studying the relationship between strategy and innovation. His academic journey includes serving as:

• Jamuna Raghavan Chair Professor of Entrepreneurship at IIM Bangalore

• Visiting Fellow at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

• Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Advanced Study of India, University of Pennsylvania

His pioneering book, From Jugaad to Systematic Innovation: The Challenge for India, has been widely acknowledged for highlighting the need to transform India's innovation ecosystem from frugal improvisation to systematic innovation. His expertise has also been sought by the Government of India, NASSCOM, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on several national innovation initiatives.

Beyond academia, Professor Krishnan serves as a Trustee of the Foundation for Excellence India Trust, supporting economically underprivileged yet academically talented students in pursuing higher education through one of India's largest scholarship programmes.

A New Chapter for Ashoka University

Since its establishment, Ashoka University has emerged as one of India's leading institutions for liberal arts and sciences, known for interdisciplinary learning, world-class faculty, and a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking.

With Professor Krishnan's distinguished academic background, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to innovation, Ashoka University is well positioned to strengthen its global standing and continue advancing excellence in education, research, and societal impact.

ServiceSetu Academics congratulates Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Mr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and the entire Ashoka University community on this important occasion.

We wish Professor Krishnan every success as he leads Ashoka University into its next phase of growth, innovation, and global academic excellence.