Dr. M. V. V. S. Murthi
Founder
Dr MVVS Murthi is a distinguished name in education and philanthropy. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has made significant contributions to the development of society. Dr Murthi is widely recognised as the Founder and Chairman of GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management), a renowned educational institution in India.
Born with a passion for education, Dr Murthi dedicated his life to providing quality education to countless students. Under his visionary leadership, GITAM has become a leading institution, offering diverse academic programs and promoting research and innovation. Driven by his belief in the power of education to transform lives, he established numerous schools and colleges across India, opening doors of opportunity for aspiring students.
Besides his exceptional educational contributions, Dr Murthi is also a dedicated philanthropist. He actively supports various social causes and initiatives to empower the underprivileged sections of society. His benevolent endeavours include providing scholarships, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure support to uplift marginalised communities. He has implemented numerous projects through his charitable foundation focusing on education, healthcare, and rural development.
Dr Murthi's unwavering commitment to social welfare has earned him the respect and admiration of many. His initiatives have touched the lives of countless individuals, enabling them to realise their dreams and lead better lives. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding contributions to education and philanthropy.
Dr MVVS Murthi's relentless pursuit of educational excellence has left an indelible mark on society. His inspiring journey inspires and uplifts generations, making him a true beacon of hope and change.
Sribharat Mathukumilli
President
Sribharat Mathukumilli is the President of GITAM Deemed to be University, established in 1980 in Visakhapatnam. GITAM now spans four campuses in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, 12 schools, and serves over 26,000 students and 80,000+ alumni.
Transformative Leadership at GITAM: Under Sribharat’s visionary leadership, GITAM is evolving into a premier knowledge-driven institution. He has initiated several transformative projects, including the Swechha Waldorf-inspired School and the Kautilya School of Public Policy, designed to cultivate global citizens and future leaders.
Political and Public Service: In 2024, Sribharat successfully contested the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat as a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate, winning by a 5,00,000 + majority. His political vision is centred around implementing transformative reforms that benefit the people of Visakhapatnam, India, and beyond.
Educational Background and Early Career: Sribharat holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and a joint MBA/MA from Stanford University. These academic experiences have profoundly influenced his approach to leadership and education.
Community Engagement and Entrepreneurship: He serves on the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute board in Hyderabad and is an active member of TiE Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, Sribharat has promoted entrepreneurship as the former president of the Entrepreneurs' Organization Andhra Pradesh and as an advisor to various startups.
Contributions to Renewable Energy: Before joining GITAM, Sribharat spearheaded the establishment of a 3.5MW solar power plant and led his family’s venture into solar power generation. He also played a key role in developing a hydro-energy power plant in Odisha.
Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan
Chancellor
Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan, Chancellor of GITAM Deemed to be University, is a distinguished scientist, academician, and policy leader with over 40 years of impactful contributions to research, education, and governance. A Rhodes Scholar and Padma Shri awardee, Dr. Chauhan is internationally renowned for his expertise in genetic engineering, biotechnology, and translational research.
Dr. Chauhan’s academic journey began with a D.Phil. in Chemistry from the University of Oxford, followed by a Ph.D. and M.Sc. from Delhi University. He served as Director of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) from 1998 to 2014, where he spearheaded transformative research in malaria biology and biotechnology. His pioneering efforts led to the development of India’s first recombinant malaria vaccine, which is currently in clinical trials. Dr. Chauhan’s innovative work in peptide-based drug platforms has advanced cancer-targeted therapies and antimicrobial treatments.
As Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Executive Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), he implemented policy reforms to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in India. With over 270 peer-reviewed publications and collaborations with premier institutions, Dr. Chauhan has left an indelible mark on global science and education.
At GITAM, Dr. Chauhan provides strategic direction to establish the university as a leader in applied education and translational research. He has championed the creation of the Multidisciplinary Units of Research in Translational Initiatives (MURTI) Centre, addressing societal challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and advanced materials. His leadership has driven innovation through initiatives such as the Technology Exploration and Product Engineering (TEPE) Lab, Makers’ Space, and specialized centers focusing on AR/VR, autonomous systems, aerospace design, and biomedical devices.
Dr. Chauhan’s visionary leadership ensures GITAM nurtures students and researchers to solve global challenges through innovation, entrepreneurship, and impactful education, positioning the university as a hub of excellence and societal progress.