A New Era for Technology & Science: Dr. Karunakar Kotegar Appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor at MAHE

There's a palpable buzz in the air at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) with the recent announcement of a pivotal new appointment. The institution, a beacon of learning and innovation, has just named Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar as its new Pro Vice-Chancellor for Technology and Science. This isn't just another administrative change; it marks a significant step forward for MAHE, especially as it continues to push boundaries in critical technological and scientific fields.

Dr. Kotegar isn't new to the Manipal family, far from it. Many will recognize him from his distinguished tenure as a Professor and, indeed, the very Head of the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT). That's a pretty foundational role, setting the stage for his broader leadership within MAHE.

Beyond his departmental leadership, Dr. Kotegar has also made substantial contributions as the Director of the Directorate of Research at MAHE. This particular role gave him a bird's-eye view, really, of the entire research landscape across the university, undoubtedly preparing him for this even larger portfolio. Academically, his background is robust: a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.Tech in Mechatronics, and a Ph.D. from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). You can tell he's someone who deeply understands the intricacies of engineering and scientific inquiry.

His passion, I'm told, lies in some truly cutting-edge areas. We're talking about the exciting worlds of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and even Additive Manufacturing – fields that are fundamentally reshaping our world. It's no wonder he's garnered significant recognition for his work, including the Young Engineer Award from the Indian Society for Technical Education, the Career Award for Young Teachers from AICTE, and the prestigious VGST-CISEE award. These aren't just accolades; they're a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing knowledge.

Upon his appointment, Dr. Kotegar expressed genuine gratitude to the MAHE management. He also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to contributing to the institution's continued growth and excellence. It's a sentiment that speaks volumes, promising a tenure focused on driving forward MAHE's reputation as a hub for scientific and technological advancement.

He'll be joining a formidable leadership team, working alongside individuals like Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. H.S. Ballal, the Pro-Chancellor, who guides the overall vision. Furthermore, he'll be collaborating closely with Dr. P.L.N.G. Rao, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health Sciences, and Dr. N.N. Sharma, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning. This cohesive structure suggests a well-rounded approach to MAHE's future development, with Dr. Kotegar bringing crucial expertise to the tech and science domain.

Indeed, with Dr. Kotegar now at the helm of Technology and Science, one can anticipate a renewed vigor in research, innovation, and educational excellence within these vital sectors at MAHE. It's an exciting time to watch how his vision will shape the next chapter for students and faculty alike.