General BodyGeneral Body

Shri. Samir Somaiya graduated from Cornell University with a Masters in Chemical Engineering in 1992. He secured an MBA from Cornell University in 1993 and a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University in 2005. He won the American Institute of Chemical Engineer’s Award for Scholastic Achievement in 1989 and the American Institute of Chemists Award in 1990.

He joined Godavari Biorefineries Ltd (GBL) in 1993. He has taken the company forward through a focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability supported by research and innovation. Continuing the heritage of his father and grandfather, Shri. Samir Somaiya plays an active role in initiatives that improve the quality of life of the underprivileged sections of society. Under his guidance, the Somaiya Trust manages over 30 different educational institutions of learning extending from elementary to Ph. D. in diverse areas such as medicine, engineering, the arts and sciences, religion, vocational studies, education, languages, etc. There are over 35,000 students and 1,300 faculty. There is also a 500-bed urban teaching hospital, and a 40-bed rural hospital. The Trusts jointly run 8 schools, 6 of which are in rural Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Shri. Samir Somaiya is the President of Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU), Chairman of K. J. Somaiya Trust, K. J. Somaiya Medical Trust, K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR), and Girivanvasi Pragati Mandal.

As a Visiting Instructor in the School of Chemical Engineering at Cornell University, he combines his love for education and Chemistry. He has played an active role in the Sugar and Chemical Industry in India. From 2006- 2008, he was the Chairman (Western Region) of the Indian Chemical Council and the President of the Indian Sugar Mills Association in 2009.

He is a Committee Member of the Green Chemistry Initiative, Constituted by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister; Advisory Board, School of Chemical Engineering, Cornell University, USA; Center for Indic Studies, the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, USA and Council of Religious Leaders – Astana, Kazakhstan.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Nandkumar Kunchge is Director of K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR), Sameerwadi, Karnataka. He served agricultural community for more than 30 years through seeds industries (Mahyco, Mahabeej, Bejo Sheetal/ Kalash seeds) as Principal scientist and later as Director (Biotechnology) for six years.

His research interest has been focused on agricultural development applying modern tools, experienced in crop biotechnology: Development of genetically modified crops (recalcitrant crops like Cajanus cajan, Allium cepa), biosafety studies of Bt. Brinjal (A complete make in India product), regulatory affairs, doubled haploids (Solanaceae & Cucurbits), polyploids, plant protoplasts, molecular breeding, micro propagation. Keeps keen interest in precision & organic agriculture with sustainable eco-friendly systems to conserve & enhance natural plethora.

Dr. Nandkumar has led multiple projects as Principal Investigator, supported by BIRAC, DBT Govt. of India under PPP model, coordinated for systematization of programs with International linkage to keep pace with global standards (e.g. ISTA accreditation) In this context travelled to more than 12 counties, led technology negotiations with IPR awareness. Dr. Nandkumar has been selected as Cochran Fellow, by USDA, USA in 2015 & represented India seed industry. He is passionate in scientific networking, technology hunting & its judicial applications, He has published a book chapter, five research papers, delivered lectures in training program (e.g. IARI, IIVR), organized trainers training programs, workshops, International Conference (AgTech Global Summit 2012), African delegation study tours (2013-2023). Also mentored more than 25 students for their masters & Industrial sandwich training program (BCIL supported), guided 3 Ph. D students as co-guide, working as Adjunct Professor for Institute of Chemical Technology (Marathwada Centre). He serves as member on board of studies for various Universities.

Show more … Show Less …

Mr. Amol Dive has been a part of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd (GBL) for the past 12 years. His responsibilities at GBL as Manager, Research and Development (R&D) include looking after strain development, fermentation process development and biological routes to use sugar and sugar waste to create value addition.

In his 12-year journey, he has tried to work on technology or process development of Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), Lactic acid, C5 sugar separation from bagasse stream, xylitol, ethanol from C5 sugar, and Ubiquinone process for optimization.

He has also been a part of numerous technology trials worldwide such as bio-butanol technology by a UK based company, xylitol technology by USA and China based companies, sodium pyruvate production technology from the University of Iowa and Bio-On technology from Italy for the production of Poly Hydroxyl Butyrate (PHA).

He spent two years at the ‘National Chemical Laboratory’ (NCL), Pune where he worked as project assistant II. Prior to this, he also worked at ‘CIPLA’ pharmaceuticals in Quality Control and was a Lecturer at ‘College of Computer science and Technology’, Latur.He has completed his Masters of Science in Biotechnology from Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded. He also has a Master’s in Business Administration (Part-time) in marketing from SIMSR, Mumbai University.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Amol Patwardhan currently working as an Assistant Professor of Zoology at K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Mumbai since August 2010. He had Masters in Entomology (2001), Ph.D. in Entomology (2007) and he is Recognized as a Guide for Ph.D. in Zoology at University of Mumbai. He has 21 scientific publications, a Popular book on Ecotourism in Marathi, 13 Popular publications on nature and wildlife. he is a Resource person of talks, slide shows and nature trail (Since 2003)..

He was Awarded for his excellence by Somaiya Trust in 2014. Consultancy on Insect contamination in commercial products, EIA surveys Wildlife photography – photos in various books, magazines, calendars are his valuable contributions to the society.

Social responsibilities: He is on the Board of Trustees of Hope Nature Trust; founder member of Cave Research and Protection Organization; working on nature conservation, awareness, cave protection. He Travelled across India for documenting butterflies Visited France and Belgium (2013) on Cultural exchange

Show more … Show Less …

Amrita graduated in Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from Simmons College, Boston, USA with special emphasis on Development Economics, International relations, and Marketing Management. She was the committee head, Orientation committee in the year 1990, President of International students’ organization in the year 1991.

Amrita’s many responsibilities reflect her dedication to the promotion of charitable causes and education. Amrita is a Trustee of Somaiya Trust and Somaiya Vidyavihar Trust, Chairperson of the Help a Child to Study Project and Director of Kitab Khana. She is also involved in governing council of the Somaiya School.

Show more … Show Less …

Mr. Anuj Sharma is an Executive Director, Somaiya Properties & Investment Pvt. Ltd. (SPIPL) and spearheads agroforestry based sustainable development project on 2400 acres of Narmada Farm. Before joining Somaiya Group, Mr. Sharma has worked with Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and an Agri based start-up. He has extensive experience in diversified fields such as Natural Resource Management, Landscape restoration, Ecotourism, Farm forestry, Green Financing, Climate change adaptation & mitigation.

Mr. Anuj Sharma holds Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology and has done his post-graduation diploma in Forest Management from Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.

During his tenure with NHAI, he has played a pioneer role in developing Vision Document for Green Highways Mission for the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India. Similarly, his role in developing four community-based ecotourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh has also been documented. As a part of an Agri-based startup, he has worked in collaboration with farmers of 12 districts of Madhya Pradesh to take up bamboo plantation in the catchment region of Narmada River. Mr. Sharma is currently overseeing a pilot project on commercial cultivation of Stevia rebaudiana (Meethi Tulsi) in Madhya Pradesh.

Apart from the professional works, Mr. Sharma has keen interest in taking up social works. Inspired by the efforts Shri Samir Somaiya & Ms. Amrita Somaiya, Mr. Sharma has recently started a small initiative “Sandhya Shala” to impart free education to rural students who are taking up board exams and competitive exams.

Show more … Show Less …

Balachandra Bakshi, the Executive Director of Godavari Biorefineries brings 25 years of valuable experience in the field of fertilizers, sugar, ethanol, and power industry. He oversees Sugar, Co-gen, Distillery divisions and is responsible for coordination with government, regulatory bodies, and other relevant bodies/associations like Mazdoor Union/Employees Association for healthy industrial relations. He is also responsible for public relations for the company.

Prior to this, he was associated with ZuariAgro Chemicals Ltd., Goa for 14 years. He was accountable for the development of the market with farmer training programs/crop seminars and dealers’ network. Mr. Bakshi is a graduate in Agricultural Science from the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, Karnataka.

Show more … Show Less …

Deepak Sahu has done his M.Sc. in Applied Geology (2010 - 2012) from University of Delhi and B.Sc. Geology from Ravenshaw University. He is a Head of the Department and Assistant Professor in K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Mumbai from March 2014 to Present Date. He has served as an Assistant Professor in St. Xaviers Autonomous college, Mumbai from June 2013 to March 2014 and Senior Geologist in Innodata Pvt. Ltd., Noida from August 2012 to June 2013.

Deepak’s Research Interest is in Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry. He has completed a research project funded by University of Mumbai.

Show more … Show Less …

Buhler leads MSU AgBioResearch, a group of more than 350 researchers from seven MSU colleges and has a network of 14 research centers and an annual budget of over US $ 125 M. AgBioResearch engages in innovative, multidisciplinary research to generate advancements in food, health and the environment.

Prior to his current duties he held positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and United States Department of Agriculture. At MSU he has served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Associate Director of AgBioResearch and Associate Dean for Research for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and as interim Dean of the CANR from 2011 to 2013 and again in 2016. Buhler's professional activities have generated over 330 publications including 130 refereed journal and review articles, 3 books and over 100 invited presentations. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Weed Science Society of America, and North Central Weed Science Society.

Show more … Show Less …

Faiyaz Ahmad Khudsar, trained in wildlife biology, has been working in the field of wildlife conservation and management across many protected areas in the country for the last 20 years. His field of expertise is wildlife research & management and ecological restoration.

Khudsar is a Master of Science in Environmental Biology from University of Delhi and Doctor of Philosophy in the area related to biodiversity assessment and monitoring wild ungulates population from the Jiwaji University. He has diploma in Environmental Law and a certificate for Training of Trainers Conservation: Practitioners Course from George Mason University, USA.

He has been teaching/Supervising Students of Master degree from University of Delhi, School of Planning & Architect (SPA), New Delhi and South Bihar Central University, Bihar, India for their Classes/dissertations. He has carried out long term ecological research on the establishment of second home for the Asiatic Lions in the Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh and was also involved in research on standardization of techniques for mass capturing of crop raiding Nilgai & translocate them to other protected areas for enriching prey base. He has national and international publications and a book along with chapters in books to his credit and delivered numerous oral/poster presentations in various national and international workshops/seminars/conferences. He has also been awarded the Carl Zeiss roll of honour award for excellence in wildlife conservation in 2008.

He is currently working as a Scientist in the Biodiversity Parks Programme at the Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE), Delhi University which is a successful ecological restoration program (with the help of species assemblage in the form of biotic communities) in the midst of Delhi, an example that can be replicated elsewhere for restoration of floodplain and any other degraded landscape.

Show more … Show Less …

Professor of UNICAMP, Top Level (1A) Researcher of the National Council for Research and Technology (CNPq), Head of the Genomics and Bio-Energy Laboratory and Coordinator of the Ph.D. Program in Bioenergy (UNICAMP-USP-UNESP). In the private sector, he is Cocoa Producer (since 2000) and partner at an equity company (PGSP). He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Düsseldorf, Germany (1994 - Konrad Adenauer Foundation) and postdoctoral stage at IQ / USP (1996). He joined UNICAMP in 1997 and became a Lecturer in 2004.

He was Co-Founder of GranBio (2011) and Chief Scientist until October 2016. Director of the National Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory from 11/16 to 11/17. Member of the Biotechnology Committee (CNPq 2016-18), Member of Conselho Técnico de Biossegurança - CTNBIO (2018-2020), Member of the Academy of Sciences of the State of São Paulo, Expert of the European Community for Bio-Economy and Counselor of the World Economic Forum for Biotechnology. It has trained 83 master’s and doctoral students and currently guides 15 doctoral students, 6 masters, 5 ICs, 4 postdocs and 8 collaborating researchers. He has 36 patents, many of them applied to the productive sector; has 6 software registrations granted by INPI. In the scientific literature, he it has 158 articles published in international journals of high impact, with approximately 7100 citations (H-Index 42), one book, 9 book chapters, and a large number of science dissemination articles. He was honored with several awards, including the Scientific and Technological Merit of the State Government of São Paulo (2000), Governor Award of the State of São Paulo (Honorable Mention, 2000), FINEP Award for Technological Innovation (2003), Effective Contribution for the Development of Agriculture in Bahia (2006), 6 INOVA / UNICAMP Inventors Awards (Licensed Technology 2012/2015 and Patent Granted in 2015), Santander Science and Innovation Award (2014), Patent 1000 from UNICAMP. In 2017, he was elected as one of the 100 most influential personalities in Energy and in 2020 he was selected as LinkedIn Top Voice.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Hariram Chavan is an educationalist having a rich experience of more than 25 years. He is working as a Professor at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Engineering and Information Technology. Dr. Chavan has served as Head of Department, Information Technology during his previous tenure. He has exceptional administrative skills to achieve the highest possible standards of excellence along with excellent leadership and management qualities.

Dr. Chavan completed his Ph.D. from VJTI, Mumbai in 2017. He has been a Member of Syllabus Setting Committee in University of Mumbai since 2014 and has designed the syllabus for various courses at UG and PG level including CGVRS, Soft Computing, Data Science and ADBMS. Dr. Chavan has made significant research contributions in the field of Machine Learning reflected through his patent published in 2016 and minor grant received from University of Mumbai in 2013-2014. In 2011 and 2012, his research work was appreciated and awarded by International Conference on Technology Systems and Management, and VJTI, respectively. Being a pioneer in Data Science and Deep Learning, he has been providing technical consultancy as well as conducting workshops rigorously in this evergreen and challenging area. Dr. Chavan has the privilege of being invited by INS Valsura, Indian Navy for a 2-week workshop on ‘AI and Big Data’ in June 2019 at Gujarat. With a zest to customize the latest technology to solve real world problems, recently submitted an international research proposal at European Union Horizon 2020 for ‘Personalized Risk Prediction using Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics and Cloud Computing’ that facilitates speedy diagnoses of COVID-19 patients with accuracy.

Show more … Show Less …

Bressiani is an Agronomic Engineer in 1989, Master of Agronomy in 1993 working with genetic repeatability in sugarcane early selection stages, Ph.D. in Agronomy in 2001 with concentration in Genetics and Plant Breeding at São Paulo University working with family selection in sugarcane.

Bressiani worked as plant breeder in sugarcane at CTC for 15 years, from 1992 and 2006, where he had an opportunity to work with sugarcane germplasm collection, hybridization and parent's selection, seedlings production and early selection stages, regional varieties selection and disease resistance, positioning new varieties at sugar mill growers. During this period, Bressiani participated in the development of 16 new varieties of sugarcane.

In late 2006, Bressiani left CTC and started as Sugarcane Breeding Manager at Canaveral’s / Monsanto and structured the sugarcane breeding team and pipeline in 11 States in Brazil. Until November 2011, when Bressiani entered Granbio, eight new varieties of sugarcane were developed.

In GranBio, a company that built the first cellulosic ethanol plant in the southern hemisphere, since November 2011 as Agricultural Technology Director, Bressiani has the responsibility to bring the biomass solution for 2G ethanol and/or biochemical plants, especially the development of energy cane. Until now 11 new varieties of energy cane were developed and commercial fields are being planted across Brazil, especially in poor environments.

Show more … Show Less …

Kalmesh Gurupad Yaladagi is an Organic farmer having a rich experience of more than 15 years in Organic Farming. He was born in 1969. He has studied up to 7th std.

He is a progressive farmer undertaking cultivation of recently released sugarcane varieties namely C0265, SNK632, SNK07680, SNK07337, C02001/15, 98005 and 91010. He is also practicing intercropping in sugarcane with onions, soyabean, beans and marigold to utilize the space available between sugarcane rows and generate high revenue. Kalmesh is also involved in the cultivation of horticultural crops like mango, guava, lemon, sapota, custard apple, papaya, fig, ber and coconut trees including many vegetables crops.He has planted forest plants like Tamarind, Eucalyptus and Neem in addition to agricultural and horticultural crops. Kalmesh is having Dairy enterprise with 20 cows, ten buffaloes, two Oxen and a Geer bull. He is utilizing cow dung and urine for the production of organic manure.He is having his own Biodigester, Azola production unit, Gobar gas unit and Vermicomposting unit in his farm.

Shri Kallappa has vermicomposting unit with the production capacity 1000-1200 tonnes per annum. He is also producing 60-70 tonnes of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) per year.Kallappa is a leader of organic farmers association in his village. He has participated in Pusa Agricultural Science Exhibition, 2006-07 at New Delhi and 9th International Agriculture and Horticulture workshop, 2013 at New Delhi. He has an international exposure of visiting to China from govt of Karnataka, 2009-10.

Kallappa has been involved in establishment of many agricultural products and technology-based unit namelyShri Kalmeshwar Vermiculture Production and Marketing Unit, Shri Kalmeshwar Organic materials Production and marketing Unit, Shri Kalmeshwar Biodigester Unit, ShriBasaveshwara Flour Mill, Shri Kalmeshwar Organic Jaggery Production Unit and Kalmeshwar Azolla Unit. He has also received many national and professional society awards namely, Krishi Pandit Award, Indian Agriculturist Award, K. L. E Krishi Pandit Award, Bharat Shanti National Award, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Award, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Award, Krishishri Award, Basavashri Award, Shivayoga Siri Award, Siddha Ganga Shri National Award, Krishi Seva Ratna Award Karunad Kand Award, Kalashri Award, Innovative Farmer Award and Tippu Sultan Award. Kalmesh is grateful to the support and encouragement rendered by the Karnataka State Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Universities for his journey towards sustainability and growth. Still, he is interested to grow as an organic producer and expects much more support and encouragement in his near future.

Show more … Show Less …

Mr. Kartik Ramesh Patel has completed B.E. in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Vivekananda Education Society’s Institute of Technology, Mumbai in 2010 and pursued M.E. in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Mumbai in 2015. He is registered as research scholar for Ph.D. in University of Mumbai in 2020. Mr. Kartik Patel joined K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Somaiya Vidyavihar University as Assistant Professor in Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering in January 2016. His research area is in wireless communication and internet of things. Currently he is working on the project on “Ground Water Exploration” with Team Water Mappers, Netherlands.

Dr. Karim Maredia is a Professor and Senior Global Scholar in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU). He serves as the Director of International Programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. Dr. Maredia has worked on numerous international development projects funded by the USAID, USDA, UN-FAO, the World Bank, Rockefeller Foundation, Winrock International, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Prior to joining MSU, Dr. Maredia worked with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico as a Research Scientist for three years. Dr. Maredia has extensively traveled to more than 60 countries around the world and has disseminated knowledge, information and new technologies widely to the global agricultural development community. He has published more than 50 papers, book chapters and co-edited six books. For his contributions to International Human Resources Development, Dr. Maredia was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Doctor Honoris Causa) by the University of Ricardo Palma in Lima, Peru in May 2009. In March 2010, Dr. Maredia received the prestigious Ralph Smuckler Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University. In September 2016, Dr. Maredia was awarded with prestigious International Leadership Award by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture. In April 2017, Dr. Maredia received the Globie Award from the International Students and Scholars (OISS) office at MSU for providing mentorship to international students and scholars from all over the world.Since 2017, Dr. Maredia has been serving as a Member of the African Union (AU) High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies. For his contribution towards the development of international plant protection strategies internationally and global promotion of food security, in November 2019, Dr. Maredia received the prestigious International Plant Protection Award of Distinction from the International Plant Protection Congress.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Kashinath Patil is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay with 20 plus years of teaching and research experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering. He is associated with Somaiya Vidyavihar since 2013. Previously, he worked as Vice-Principal and Professor at SND College of Research Center, Nashik and Dean, Research and development at Konkan Gyanpeeth College of Engineering, Mumbai from 2001 to 2011.

Dr. Patil has an exemplary academic record with a gold medal in Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, and is also the recipient of Best Ph.D. award at IIT Bombay. His master’s and Ph.D. is in Energy Systems Engineering from IIT Bombay.

He has successfully completed multiple funded research projects (2 major, 20 minor, and 4 consultancy projects). The research outcomes involved19 publication in peer-reviewed journals, 2 book chapters in CRC press by Wiley publications and 10 copyrights. Dr Kahinath and his research team has published six patents on various technological products & processes, and have developed and delivered seven products to different industry partners. He has trained 20 postgraduate and 01 Ph.D. students on various projects, and currently supervising 2 Ph.D. scholars.

A farmer by roots and engineer by professor, Dr Patil have created multiple impactful research contributions to empower farmers. Pearl beads dyeing, drying and separation device, multi crop drying cum grinding system for herb and grains, solar cooker and bagasse ash bricks are few of many indigenous sustainable and energy conservation products developed by his core team.

He was awarded the best researcher award for academic year 2014-15 and 2018-19 at the institute level and honored with S. K .Somaiya Excellence in Research award - 2018 by the Somaiya Vidyavihar Trust.

Show more … Show Less …

Larry P. Walker describes himself as a country boy from Detroit, Michigan. He received a B.S. in Physics from Michigan State University (MSU) in 1974. However, his evolving interests in environmental and natural resources challenges lead him to complete M.S. and Ph.D. (1975 and 1978) degrees in Agricultural Engineering from MSU. Dr. Walker was appointed as an assistant professor at Cornell University in January 1979 where he rose through the rank to become a full professor in 1993. During his time at Cornell, he has led multidiscipline research activities focused on pretreatment and scarification of lignocellulosic feedstock, abiotic and biotic interactions in aerobic degradation processes, and the application of systems biology modeling to direct metabolic activities in yeast to drive more carbon to biofuels and bioproducts. His research activities have yielded over two hundred peer and non-peer reviewed articles.

Dr. Walker has served in numerous leadership roles including membership on the National Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee (2000 -2005) and leadership of the Northeast Sun Initiative, a regional bioenergy and bioproducts initiative, from 2004 through 2012. He is the recipient of the 2008 Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Outstanding Alumnus Award. In 2009 he was elected as a fellow in the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering. Also, in 2009 he was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association. In 2017 he received the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Engineering, Michigan State University. He is the Co-Editor in Chief for the journal “Industrial Biotechnology” and he currently serves as a Director for Godavari BiorefineriesInc (2009 – Present). For his leadership in industrial biotechnology, he received the “Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Leadership and Legacy Award” in 2018. He serves on the Governing Board of K. J. Somaiya Institute of Engineering and Information Technology and the Academic Council of Somaiya Vidyavihar. In 2020, he joined the General Body of K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research, (KIAAR), Sameerwadi, Karnataka, India.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Ninad Dileep Mehendale, is a post doctorate from KIT Germany and currently working as an Associate Professor in the Electronics Department at K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering. Dr. Ninad has offered a variety of next-generation subjects at KJSCE, which are AR-VR Systems, Sound and Music Engineering, 3D Printing Technologies, Advanced DIY electronics, Camera and Optical engineering, and Deep learning with Autonomous vehicles. Prior to KJSCE, He was working as a Scientist with the Institute of Microstructure Technology at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany for 1 year. During this period, he developed a 'Real-Time Microfluidic bioreactor with NMR measurement capabilities'. He also developed a machine-learning algorithm to classify FTIR signals obtained during waste to biofuel production process. He has also worked as faculty at the Vidyalankar Institute of Technology for 6 months and at D. J. Sanghvi College of engineering for 6 years.

Dr. Ninad holds a Ph.D. Degree in Microfabrication and Image processing from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. During his Ph.D. work, he developed a hand-held cell sorting machine using passive microfluidics. His research product RAPID device was internationally recognized as the only finalist from India to make into the prestigious Houchen portable microfluidics award during the MicroTAS 2017 conference in the USA. He was a Gold Medallist during his M.Tech. at NMIMS University. During his masters, he developed a two-axis tracking system for maximum power transfer, which was revolutionary at that time. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunication and Diploma in Industrial Electronics. During his diploma, he received a Ratan Tata scholarship for being a topper in MSBTE diploma exams. Dr. Ninad is the founder and was Chief Researcher for 11 years at Ninad`s Research lab at Thane. He made more than 1900 projects in various domains ranging from computer programming to robotics.

Dr. Ninad is currently consulting many industries, such as, STEMI (Europe), Xenium Digital (India), and LoftiZade Center of Excellence (India). Also, Dr. Mehendale is consulting many academic institutions like Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, SBMP, Terna Group of Institutions and Kohinoor Technical Institute. His current research is going in the field of sound signal processing, where is received Mumbai University, Minor Project Grant, to develop a Robotic ear system for an emergency vehicle such as ambulance and use IoT to generate the alarm signal. Also, he is working on a collaborative project, with IIT Mandi, in developing Plant disease detection using Machine vision and Developing an Autonomous sensor-based system for the Plant growth chamber.

His core areas of expertise are Signal Processing, Machine Vision, Embedded Systems, Microfluidics and Microfabrication, MEMS, NMR and Bioprocessing of waste, Robotics, Deep learning, AR-VR technology.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Parvathi JR is a Coordinator-Research Promotion of Somaiya Institute for Research and Consultancy, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. She has a decade and a half years of teaching, research and administrative experience. She focuses on identifying interdisciplinary teams within the University, possible collaborators with mutual research interests, and ideating possibilities to strengthen research dialogue and culture in the University.

Dr. Parvathi has completed her undergraduate in Biochemistry, Post-graduation and a Doctoral degree in Biotechnology. Her research specialization and interest lie in microbial barcoding and diversity studies. Her doctoral research focused on employing micro-diverse clusters of 235 ribosomal segments to differentiate E.coli rom other UTI pathogens, C. koseri, K , pneumonia, and Eaerogenes, and establish their clonality. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and holds patents for innovative dual-run electrophoretic unit and copyrights for the algorithms and software developed for restriction digestion-based microbial DNA barcoding.

Under the SW-MSU Global Alliance on Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Development, she is the home lead for culture-independent studies under the Microbial Solutions thematic area. The team explores to gain insight into the 'microbial science and their dynamics of traditional liquid manures for microbiome engineering studies and co-design STEAM models for education, research, and outreach verticals. She is a bioscientoonist and is passionate about creating multilingual instructional scientoons and illustrations and building a network of creative educators and communicators.

Show more … Show Less …

Paul is a Chief Agronomist of Locus Agricultural Solutions. Locus AG is an agricultural products company with a broad portfolio of microbial and natural products for improved soil health and the environmental benefits driven by improved soil health. He has occupied scientific, developement, operations and senior administrative positions with start-up and Fortune 500 companies.

He has extensive international experience and has been a co-founder of several agricultural and renewable-energy based companies with a specific focus on increasing agricultural crop diversity and productivity; improving the nutritional content of food; and increasing the economic stability of rural agricultural communities through more productive agricultural systems. Paul has also served for the past 33 years as an Adjunct Professor of Horticulture and member of the Graduate Faculty at North Carolina State University. He is an Associate Editor of the Journal Industrial Biotechnology where he focuses on agricultural innovation and outreach, and is a Chairman of the Governing Board of the Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition. Paul received his undergraduate degree from Lewis and Clark College (Ecology and Secondary Education) and his Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology from Colorado State University where he worked on the development of cropping systems for dry-land agriculture.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. R. B. Khandagave has done his B.Sc. Agri, M.Sc. Agri and Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. He is currently serving as the Director of S. Nijalingappa Sugar Institute (SNSI), Belagavi, since 2013. He has visited Australia (2001), Guatemala (2005), Thailand (2016) and Argentina (2019) to present papers in ISSCT. He has visited Kenya (2003), Brazil (2007) for Somaiya group, and Zambia (2011) for SP Group to survey Cane area feasibility for establishing Sugar Mills. Has attended a seminar on Sweet Sorghum at Nashville, U.S.A (2006).

In SNSI, he is an instrumental in starting a three-year B.Sc. (Sugar Science and Technology) degree course first of its kind in the state, affiliated to Rani Chennamma University and has established a tissue culture laboratory. He has published 58 research papers, 32 popular articles, 3 books and 3 bulletins. He attained a certificate of recognition for SNSI, Belagavi as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. SNSI, Belagavi is recognized as one of the voluntary Centers for AICRP on Sugarcane. While serving at Godavari Bio-refinery Ltd., Sameerwadi, he has contributed to screening new varieties for the locality and taken lead role in adopting cane development activities including participatory approach by the farmers in adoption of new technologies in sugarcane. He is a member of the sub-committee for Grant-in-in aid for research project under Sugar Development Fund (SDF), constituted by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India; Member of the Sugarcane Control Board constituted by the Government of Karnataka; technical committee constituted by the Sugarcane Control Board for assessing the revenue of sugar factories and providing suggestions to Sugarcane Control Board for fixing sugarcane price in Karnataka; Governing Council member of K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research, Sameerwadi; Governing Council member of Bharatiya Sugar, a Journal published from Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune.

Show more … Show Less …

Lieutenant General Ramesh Halagali Param Vishisht Seva Medal PVSM AVSM, SM was the Deputy Chief of the Army staff, Indian Army. Halagali hails from Halagali village in Mudhol taluka in Bagalkot District, Karnataka. He studied at Sainik School, Bijapur in Bijapur district, Karnataka. Halagali was commissioned into Sikh Light Infantry in December, 1972 and was Director General of Military Training until he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff on 11 February 2012. Lt. Gen. Halgali, was a whistle-blower in 2009, for converting 70-acre land adjacent to Sukna military station land scam in West Bengal.

Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, has recently assumed the responsibilities of The Executive Director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited. She has been associated with the Company for more than 25 years managing and directing research activities connected with renewable feedstock. Her last position held in the organization was Head of Chemical Business Unit.

She has a Master in Sciences (Organic Chemistry) from Sagar University and a Masters in Philosophy (Organic Chemistry) from Jabalpur University, India. She also holds a doctorate in Chemistry from Mumbai University, India.

Show more … Show Less …

Mr. Shrinivas Bableshwar, a graduate in Chemistry and and Post Graduate in Sugar Technology is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chemical Engineering from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

Mr. Shrinivas Bableshwar began his relationship with Godavari Biorefineries Limited over 40 years ago. His journey began with the Company as a Lab Chemist and through his experience and expertise, he has contributed in every role that he has taken. He has retired from the Godavari Biorefineries Limited as a Director of Works.

Show more … Show Less …

Mr. Shanul Laxmanrao Pagar did B.Sc. (Chemistry) in 1996 & M.Sc. (Organic Chemistry) in 1998 from University of Pune. He got the patent with Godavari Biorefineries Limited for “ Process for preparation of high flash point frothing agent” filed in India, USA, Canada, South Africa, Chile, Peru, Australia, Russia, Poland, Kazakhstan and Brazil. The same has been granted in USA (No. 15/129,722 date. March 20, 2018) also applied for the provisional patent for “A process for production of branched alcohol” He is Principle Member of PCD-9 (BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS): Organic Chemicals, Alcohols & Allied Products sectional committee. He participated in “India Advanced Security Vulnerability Assessment Workshop” held at Sandia National Laboratories between 11-15^th June, 2018 at Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

He has over 20 years of experience in Process Development for Alcohol-Based Chemicals, Technology Transfer, Different type of unit Operations, Literature Survey & Team Management. He is currently working with Godavari Biorefineries Limited, Sakarwadi District- Ahmednagar as Research & Development Manager. He is having wide experience in production of cost effective and eco-friendly speciality chemical derived from feedstock ethyl alcohol. He is Proficient in process development and parameter optimization from Laboratory scale to Commercial level within stipulated time period with budget & actual expenses and pilot plant trial. Rendering the technological transfer for commercial production and coordinating the continuous reaction with heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysts.

He has developed the process of Crotonylidene diurea (CDU) as a Biodegradable slow-release Nitrogen fertilizer to improve the physical, Biological & chemical qualities of soil & sustained crop productivity. He has associated with Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri & University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) , Dharwad University to study this fertilizer on different crops.

In the State level seminar organized by Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, he has initiated in the bulletin of Crotonylidene Diurea a boon to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency & Crop Yield, published in 2018 (Pub. No – MPKV/Res.Pub. /253/2018).

Show more … Show Less …

Shyamal Virnodkar likes teaching, a noble profession that is why she is here at K. J.Somaiya Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, serving as an assistant professor. She always ensures the things that have been taught in the lectures and/or practical have been understood by good students, average students and especially poor students. She planned every lecture in advanced and covers the syllabus from the examination point as well as knowledge point of view. She utilizes entire lecture time to impart the knowledge. She has good subject knowledge and lectures are well organized. As a teacher, she always consider the overall development of students. She wants her students to be good, responsible citizens.

She has taught Computer Programming-I, Computer Programming-II, Computer Networks, Operating System, Computer Organization and Architecture, System Programming, Artificial intelligence, Digital Signal and image Processing, Computer Vision, System Security, Theory of Computer Science, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming.

As a teacher, she is honest and unbiased. She always tries to improve the performance of poor students by making them aware about their current status. She completes her assignment given by higher authorities within the given period with honesty and sincerity. She loves to take new responsibility. At home she likes cleanliness and neatness.

Her parents and teachers play important role in nurturing her life. Things that she learned from her mother are ‘Change in work is rest’, never hurt anybody, be patient. And her keywords are honesty, truthfulness, awareness of own responsibility. She is self-motivated and responsible person.

She has done her schooling at IES’s Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Kanyashala No. 01, Dadar, Mumbai, 28, Maharashtra, India. She is graduated from Datta Meghe college of Engineering, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She has done master’s in computers from MGM’s College of Engineering, New Panvel, Maharashtra, in 2008. Currently she is pursuing her Ph.D. at College of Engineering Pune, Maharashtra, India. Her research interests are Image Processing, Remote Sensing and Machine learning. Recently she has published many research papers in peer reviewed journals and international conferences.

Show more … Show Less …

Mr. Suhas Uttam Godage is working as General Manager (Distillery division) in Godavari Biorefineries Limited, Sameerwadi, and Karnataka State. He has been a part of the Company for more than 25 years, managing and directing production activities connected with various feed stocks. In 400 KLPD plant (which is highest capacity in India in single location) achieved highest production and yield by utilizing B-Heavy Molasses, Sugar Syrup & Sugarcane Juice.

Mr. Suhas has completed his B.Sc. (Chemistry) from Pune University in Alcohol Technology from VSI, Pune and Master of Business Administration (Marketing) from Yashvantarao Chavhan University (YCMOU), Nashik.

He is having experience of Erection and commissioning of 400 KLPD rectified spirit plant of Alfa Laval and 140 KLPD ENA plant of Praj, 350 KLPD Ethanol Plant. He has also expertised in erection & commissioning of M/s Thermax Incineration Boiler (Cap: 40 TPH@45 Kg/Cm2 pressure). He is also taking care of Planning and Controlling the process of Fermentation and Distillation (Praj and Alfa Laval Plants) of 400 KLPD RS / 140 KLPD ENA/ 350 KLPD MSDH plant for attaining the organization goal and meet maximum recovery.

Mr. Godage has received Prestigious Awards for Distillery Unit of GBL. Namely, Best Distillery Golden Award for Efficiency and Performance by SISTA; National Level Indian Green Energy Award in the category of Outstanding Renewable Energy Generation Biofuel; National level ICC Award for Water Resource Management in Chemical Industry.

Show more … Show Less …

Prof. Udipi Shrinivasa has done his B.Tech. (1969), M.Tech. (1971) from IIT Madras and Ph. D (1976) from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is a former Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

His areas of interest and expertise in Mechanical Engineering are Vibration analysis, Finite element analysis, Design optimization, Alternative fuels and Sustainable development of rural areas. Dr. Shrinivasa is the unassuming leader of few words with an unassailable conviction. He was actively engaged in SuTRA (Sustainable Transformation of Rural Areas) programme of the Indian Institute of Science.

His thrust has been to use non-edible oils to ignite a process of rural enrichment. He prepared a Master Plan and executed a Honge Oil programme in 7 villages around Kagganahalli, funded (Rs. 278 Lakhs) by Karnataka’s Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Dept. He served as one of the Honorary advisors for the 15-Cr India’s first Biodiesel project of Southern Online Biotechnologies Ltd., Andhra Pradesh.

Show more … Show Less …

Teaching since a very long time has been an innate passion of his family, and he is incredibly proud to be the 12th teacher that has long been a part of his family tradition

After graduating in Physics from Shivaji University in 1996, he pursued a Masters in Solid State Physics from the same University in 1998. After Post Graduation, he completed a one-year Diploma in Computer Programming. His aptitude for research developed right through his shaping years when he was reasonably experimental. As a seven-year-old, he still vividly remembers his first experiment (growth of stone which he keenly observed for a whole month after an interval of 6 hours) that gave way to his science-based aspirations. Moving forward, he completed Ph.D. in Nanostructured Magnetoresistive oxides.

As a part of career advancement, he joined Mudhoji College, Phaltan as a Lecturer for two years. After that, he joined Dr BabasahebAmbedkar Technological University as a lecturer. He served there for four years. During these four years, he worked simultaneously as a visiting teacher for Physics at Raigad Military School and Novoday Jawahar Vidhyalaya, Mangaon. As a faculty at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Engineering & Information Technology (KJSIEIT) since 2005, it has been his vision to leverage the potential of Applied Physics with its allied researches to create research-based culture. As a Ph.D. student and then research guide, he has triumphantly published 12 research articles and also study material for MCA, University of Mumbai. He has worked as a research recognition committee member for Savitribai Phule Pune University and also working as elected member of College Development Committee (CDC) since 2010. Hence, he believes that his position of a Dean, Research, Development& Consultancy is the logical culmination of his professional goal to contribute significantly towards the research breakthroughs with scientific aptitude in faculty and students.

The multi-disciplinary domain of Physics combines core fields of engineering spheres with astronomical & analytical skills to provide an answer to the most complex problems of routine life. The outcome of the research cum ingenious inspiration culminated in establishing Cells like Infinite Loop, Vyom Club and New Leap Initiative in the year 2016. The significant achievements of Team KJSIEIT-New Leap Initiative being that it has been awarded the prestigious Amateur Radio Club License with Callsign VU2CWN for Club for Radio Operations and Wireless Network (CROWN) By Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing of Department of Telecommunications, Government of India on 10th September 2020, National winner of Touch the Jovin Moon-Mission Design conducted by ISRO December 2017 to May 2018 and to get the amateur radio call sign VU3CDI. These competitions motivated him to take up challenging real-world problems and to develop a solution which would help in solving the intricacies of space researches.

Development of these cells leads him to work upon various multi-disciplinary projects like:

• Upper-Air Sounding System for Indian Navy
• GPS Radiosonde for IMD
• Development of Picosatellite and Deployer Bus (Somaiya POD) with ISRO
• Weather Prediction Model for IMD
• Farmers Wallet with MSU, USA
• VHF-FM Cross Band Repeater at Institute which can serve crucial roles in disaster management emergency communications across Mumbai.
• Personal Weather Station for Weather enthusiastic in India
• Development of Groundstation for satellite Tracking and many more.

His leisure time activities are marked with reading books/journals on many topics, mostly on International affairs. Also, he has always been mesmerised about woods, mountains and nature bustle. Mountaineering and trekking is another area of enthusiasm because as a Physics teacher, it is the easiest way to connect with the environment and of course, it is one sort of meditation for him!

Show more … Show Less …

Mr. Vinay Joshi is a Post Graduate in Commerce with specialization in Financial Accounting and Cost & Management Accounting from the University of Pune. He has been associated with diverse industries including Sugar, Ethanol, Chemicals, Food Processing, Power and Book Publishing and has been associated with the Somaiya Group of Companies for over 40 years in various capacities. He has retired from Godavari Biorefineries Limited as an Executive Director.

Mr. Vinay Joshi has been unanimously elected as President of The South Indian Sugar Mills Association – Karnataka (SISMA-K) for 2 years (2016 & 2017). He represents the interests of sugar industry before the Central and State Government authorities in India. Mr. Vinay Joshi has successfully managed mergers, consolidation and acquisitions proposals in the fields of Sugar, Ethanol, and Ethanol based chemicals.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Kanavi is the Assistant General Manager for corporate social responsibility and the Chief Coordinator in the Help A Child project. His core focus is identifying needy and meritorious students for scholarships by way of qualifying exam, personal interview, home visits etc. in Karnataka and Maharashtra, interacting with student beneficiaries and college principals for student’s progress and keeping regular contact with donors for updating student’s progress and donations. Also organizes workshops on personality development, resume writing, spoken English, donors meet. He is a motivation for past beneficiaries in giving back to society.

Conducts social activities in Godavari Biorefineries’ area of operation in Karnataka and Maharashtra such as medical camps, cataract operations, education programs, self-employment trainings, awareness about ill effects of tobacco, alcohol, HIV / AIDS / TB, rural sports, rural culture, flood relief, wild life protection programs etc.

Previously, organized field demonstration for farmers and study tours and encouraged farmer’s associations to avail facilities from concerned departments. He holds a Master of Science degree in agriculture and a Ph.D.

Won ICC (Indian Chemical Council) award for best Social Responsibility, represented Karnataka for the Republic Day Raj path parade as an NCC Cadet, University Blue in Athletics, stood first place in South Zone University's youth festival and participated in many national level NCC and NSS camps.

Show more … Show Less …

Dr. Vilas A. Tonapi is Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad and is with the Sorghum and Millets programme since 1990. He has also served as Head, Division of Seed Science and Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He had his graduation and post graduation from UAS, Bengaluru (Dharwad campus) and Ph.D from TNAU. He did his Post-Doc from University of Queensland, Australia. His special attainments include Planning, development and management of crop improvement programs and strategies (both conventional and biotechnology led) for food and nutritional security of self and cross-pollinated crops for dry and irrigated ecosystems, Participatory seed system development.

Developmental initiatives in seed technology, seed quality assurance, new seed policy and development of sustainable community seed systems, seed industry development, Protection of Plant varieties, Farmers' Rights & IPR management, DUS Testing, and research on physiological, biochemical and molecular basis of seed vigour/longevity. He has been awarded R. V. Swaminathan Gold medal for his Ph.D. and J. N. TATA endowment award & GRDC fellowship for Post-Doctoral programme. He has been the consultant to FAO on seed system development. He was part of USDA Global ergot collection and characterization mission. He has been awarded the distinguished service award of seed industry by Andhra Pradesh Seedsmen Association. He has been associated as an expert to DAC, Dept. of Science & Technology, DBT, and ICAR. He has to his credit 52 research papers in peer reviewed journals, 30 authored and edited books, and more than 75 papers presented in various seminars and symposia.

Show more … Show Less …