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Leadership & Governance

Leadership & Governance

The Governing Bodies of Swami Rama Himalayan University form the cornerstone of its institutional framework, providing strategic vision, administrative oversight, and academic direction. Comprising the Board of Governors, Board of Management, and Academic Council, these bodies work in a coordinated manner to guide policy formulation, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold the highest standards of education and research. Together, they play a vital role in shaping the University’s growth, strengthening academic quality, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous advancement.

The Board of Governors (BOG) is the APEX Body of the University that lays down policies, makes decisions and takes steps that are desirable for effectively carrying out the objectives of the University.
Category Current Members
President, SRHU
(Sub Section 2(a) of Section 27 of the Act)		 Chairperson Dr Vijay Dhasmana
Vice-Chancellor, SRHU
(Sub Section 2(b) of Section 27 of the Act)		 Member Secretary Dr Rajendra Dobhal
Two distinguished academicians nominated by the Visitor
(Sub Section 2(c) of Section 27 of the Act)		 Member Dr. Pawan Sinha,
Founder, Pawan Chintan Dhara Ashram,Ghaziabad
Member Prof. P M S Chauhan
Former Chief Scientist, CDRI Lucknow
Sector – M, M492, Aashiyana, Lucknow
Two distinguished academicians nominated by the State Government
(Sub Section 2(d) of Section 27 of the Act)		 Member Prof. Meenu Singh, Director – AIIMS, Rishikesh
Member Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Principal, Government Degree College, Satpuli, Pauri Garhwal
The Principal Secretary/Secretary, Deptt. of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttarakhand
(Sub Section 2(e) of Section 27 of the Act)		 Member Ex-Officio Member
Three distinguished persons nominated by the President from Administration / Corporate / Management / IT etc.
(Sub Section 2(f) of Section 27 of the Act)		 Member Shri Rakesh Oberai, Industrialist
2-A, Race Course Road, Dehradun - 248001
Member Shri Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Government of India
A-802, Gulistan Residency, Plot 1B, Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi
Member Dr Shashi Bala Singh, Distinguished Scientist, Former Director, NIPER, Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, Hyderabad
Five distinguished persons nominated by the Sponsoring Body
(Sub Section 2(g) of Section 27 of the Act)		 Member Dr Prakash Keshaviah, Eminent Scientist
Member Dr Vijendra D. Chauhan, Academician
Member Dr Sunil Kumar Saini, Eminent Oncological Surgeon
Member Prof. Shivaram Malavalli, Entrepreneur
Member Justice Shri Brahama Singh Verma, Former Judge, Uttarakhand High Court
Category Current Members
Vice Chancellor Chairperson Dr. Rajendra Dobhal
Pro Vice Chancellor Member Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari
Registrar Member Secretary Commander Challa Venkateswar (Retd.)
Finance Officer Member Mr. Avnish Shalya
Principal Secretary/Secretary, Deptt. of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttarakhand Member Principal Secretary/Secretary, Deptt. of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttarakhand
Five persons nominated by Sponsoring Body Member Shri Vikram Singh, Member – Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust
Member Shri D.P. Gairola, HJS (Retd.), Member (Law), Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission
Member Ms. B. Maithili, Member – Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust
Member Shri Dilip Kumar Kotia (Retd. IAS), Former Secretary, Govt. of Uttarakhand
Member Prof. M.S.M. Rawat, Former Vice Chancellor, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand
Three Principals of constituent colleges/schools nominated by the President Member Principal – Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences
Member Principal – Himalayan College of Nursing
Member Principal – School of Management Studies
Two Professors on the basis of seniority cum rotation nominated by the President Member Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan, Professor, Deptt. of Orthopaedics, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences
Member Dr. D.C. Dhasmana, Professor, Deptt. of Pharmacology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences
Category Designation Name of the Member
Vice Chancellor Chairperson Dr. Rajendra Dobhal
Pro Vice Chancellor Member Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari
Registrar Member Secretary Commander Challa Venkateswar (Retd.)
Dean, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences Member Dr. Ahamadulla Shariff
Principal, Himalayan College of Nursing Member Dr. Sanchita Pugazhendi
Dean, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Member Dr. Preeti Kothiyal
Dean, School of Bio-Sciences Member Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Dean, School of Science & Technology Member Dr. Pramod Kumar
Principal, School of Management Studies Member Dr. Ritvik Dubey
Principal, School of Yoga Sciences Member Dr. Rudra Bhandari
Controller of Examinations Member Dr. Archana Prakash
Three external academicians nominated by the Hon'ble President Member Dr. Vinod Kumar (Former Vice-Chancellor, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat HP and Former Professor & Deputy Director, IIT Roorkee), Gulmohar 1001, Shipra Srishti, Ahinsa Khand 1, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad-201014
Member Dr. Geeta Parwanda, Dean cum Principal, Faculty of Nursing, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut (UP)
Member Prof. D.S. Rawat, Vice Chancellor, Kumaun University, Nainital
Heads of Departments nominated by the Vice Chancellor Member Dr. Sampan Singh Bist, Professor & Head, Department of ENT, HIMS
Member Dr. Anurag Rawat, Professor & Head, Department of Cardiology, HIMS
Member Dr. Grace Madonna Singh, Professor & Head, Mental Health Nursing, HCN
Member Ms. Upma George, Associate Professor & Head, Obst. & Gynae. Nursing, HCN
Professor who is not HOD nominated by the Vice Chancellor Member Dr. Shaili Vyas, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, HIMS
Member Dr. Rajkumari Sylvia Devi, Professor, Himalayan College of Nursing
Member Dr. Mukesh Bijalwan, Professor, School of Science & Technology
Member Dr. Ganesh Kumar, Professor, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Member Dr. Vivek Kumar, Professor, School of Bio-Sciences
Member Dr. Shweta Sethi, Professor, School of Management Studies
Associate Professor nominated by the Vice Chancellor Member Dr. Kunal Gururani, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiology, HIMS
Member Dr. Ashutosh Bhatt, Associate Professor, School of Science & Technology
Member Dr. Subodh Saurabh Singh, Associate Professor, School of Yoga Sciences
Member Dr. Kanchan Bala, Associate Professor, HCN
Member Dr. Rajat Praveen Dimri, Associate Professor, School of Management Studies
Member Dr. Priyank Purohit, Associate Professor, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Member Dr. Gourav Kumar, Associate Professor, School of Bio-Sciences
Assistant Professor nominated by the Vice Chancellor Member Dr. Pooja Baloni, Assistant Professor, School of Science & Technology
Member Dr. Mala Tripathi, Assistant Professor, School of Yoga Sciences
Member Mr. Rahul Pandey, Assistant Professor, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Member Dr. Geeta Bhandari, Assistant Professor, School of Bio-Sciences
Member Ms. Priya J.P. Narayan, Assistant Professor, HCN
Member Dr. Yashaswi Dhiman, Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Immuno Haematology & Blood Transfusion, HIMS
Member Mr. Amar B. Sathe, Assistant Professor, School of Management Studies
Co-opted non-academic persons for their specialized knowledge by Academic Council Member Dr. Amjad Husain, Director - Himalayan Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Member Prof. Yogendra Singh, University Librarian
Member Dr. Pradeep Kumar Varshney, Director - Internal Quality Assurance Cell
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Nursing Advisor at Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan is a highly regarded American nursing leader and researcher who has dedicated decades to advancing nursing education and clinical practices at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) and Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Dehradun, India. Serving as the Nursing Advisor, she has been instrumental in shaping the Himalayan College of Nursing into a center of excellence, emphasizing the integration of compassionate care with modern medical technology.

Dr. McKeehan’s academic background is extensive, including a Ph.D. in nursing from the Case Western Reserve University and post-doctoral research at Ohio State University. Before her long-term commitment to the Himalayan Institute, she held prestigious academic positions, such as the Dorothy Rider Pool Professorship at Allentown College. Her research expertise spans oncology nursing, continuing education strategies, and innovation diffusion in healthcare settings.

At HIHT, she is a central figure in tradition and mentorship, often leading the symbolic Lamp Lighting and Oath Ceremony for new nursing students. Her work focuses on fostering a vibrant research culture and ensuring that nursing curricula meet international standards while remaining rooted in the visionary humanitarian principles of the institute's founder, H.H. Dr. Swami Rama.

Former Director, LBSNAA

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.)

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.) is a distinguished former Indian Administrative Service officer (1985 batch, West Bengal cadre), historian, and author. He is most widely recognised for his tenure as the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) from 2019 until his retirement in March 2021. Throughout his 36-year bureaucratic career, he served in high-profile roles, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal and Secretary of Industrial Development in Uttarakhand.

Since retiring, Dr. Chopra has emerged as a prominent literary figure and public intellectual. He is the Founder and Festival Director of Valley of Words, an international literature and arts festival based in Dehradun. An acclaimed author, his works include We, the People of the States of Bharat: The Making and Remaking of India’s Internal Boundaries (2022) and The Great Conciliator: Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Transformation of India (2025).

He holds a PhD in Management and has been a fellow at prestigious institutions like Cornell University and the World Bank. Currently, he continues to contribute as a columnist for ThePrint and serves as a Senior Fellow in Contemporary History at the Prime Ministers' Memorial and Library.

FRSB, FRSB

Prof. Graham Roy Ball

Prof. Graham Roy Ball, FRSB, is a distinguished expert in bioinformatics and computational systems biology. He currently serves as a Professor at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), where he is the Director of the Medical Technology Research Centre. He also holds a significant role as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Intelligent OMICS Ltd, a company specializing in AI-driven biomedical discovery.

Prof. Ball's work focuses on applying Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and machine learning to solve complex biological problems. His research spans cancer systems biology, drug discovery, and the development of "molecular digital twins" for disease states. He is particularly noted for his work on the Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+), a system that uses biomarkers to improve breast cancer patient stratification.

Before joining ARU, he was a Professor of Bioinformatics at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for over two decades, where he led the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre’s biostatistics efforts. He has published more than 280 journal papers and holds multiple patents in the field of AI and omics data analysis. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals like Proteomics.

Prof. & Researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni, MD, MS, is a world-renowned leader in pediatric critical care and resuscitation science. He serves as a Professor and Endowed Chair at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He is the founding director of the CHOP Academy for Resuscitation of Children and the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Nadkarni has served as President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (2023-2024) and Co-Chair of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). His research focuses on advancing CPR quality, sepsis management, and pediatric life support, contributing to over 850 peer-reviewed publications. He has also been a key figure in global health initiatives, including the ABC Stop the Bleed program in India and missions with Operation Smile.

Dr. Nadkarni has received numerous accolades, such as the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the AAP Distinguished Career Award. He continues to mentor over 150 clinician-scientists while leading international efforts to strengthen the "chain of survival" for critically ill children worldwide.

Former Director General, UCOST

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal is a highly accomplished civil servant and technocrat who served an illustrious 29-year tenure in the Industries Department of the Government of Uttarakhand. While he is often associated with leadership in state councils, he is most distinguished for his role as the Director of Industries. During his service, he was instrumental in positioning Uttarakhand as a leader in the MSME and Startup sectors.

A leather technology engineer from HBTU Kanpur with a Master’s in Economics, Nautiyal’s career spanned the private sector, public sector banking, and the Ministry of MSME. He is credited with leading the state to secure the first position in the North India Geographical Indication (GI) festival in 2022, successfully promoting indigenous products like Munsiyari Rajma and Ringal Craft.

Currently, he serves as a member of the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office, where he continues to facilitate investment and entrepreneurship for the state’s diaspora. His proactive approach has made him a respected figure in Indian industrial circles, recently earning him recognition at the Raj Bhavan for his lifelong contributions.

Former Fellow University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra is a renowned Management Guru and academician with over 40 years of experience in teaching, research, and consulting. He is particularly recognized for his tenure as a Fellow in the Department of Economics & Accounting at the University of Liverpool, UK, where he served from 1996 to 1997. His international academic footprint also includes serving as a Senior Visiting Faculty at Tulane University, USA.

In India, Prof. Mishra has held several prestigious positions, including Director of the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) and officiating Vice Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University, Indore. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Allahabad and is widely known for pioneering the study of Indian Ethos in Management, blending ancient Vedic wisdom with modern business theories.

A prolific scholar, he has supervised numerous doctoral students and authored several books and research papers. Prof. Mishra is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the Founder President of organizations like the Shri Krishna Foundation and Utkarsha, which focus on spiritual wisdom and community development. His multifaceted career is marked by prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship and the United Nations Fellowship.

Ex Director, National JALMA

Prof. Kiran Katoch

Prof. Kiran Katoch is a highly respected academic researcher and medical scientist who served as the Director of the National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD) in Agra. With over four decades of experience, she has been a leading figure in the research and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in India. Her work is characterized by a unique focus on bridging clinical medicine with laboratory research to improve patient outcomes in mycobacterial infections.

A prolific scientist, Prof. Katoch has authored or co-authored over 150 research publications in prestigious national and international journals. Her seminal contributions include studies on the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy and the investigation of cardiovascular involvement in leprosy patients. For her outstanding research, she was honored with the Dr. C. G. S. Iyer Oration Award in 1989.

Beyond her administrative and research roles, she has served as the Editor of the Indian Journal of Leprosy and the President of the Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI). Even after her tenure as Director, she remains active as an ICMR Distinguished Scientist Chair, continuing to advocate for integrated health systems and innovative research to solve local health challenges.

Executive-in-Residence, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research

Mr. Prabhat Pani

Mr. Prabhat Pani is a distinguished corporate leader and academician with over 40 years of experience, currently serving as an Executive in Residence and Executive Director of the Centre for Impact in Sustainable Development at SPJIMR, Mumbai. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he began his career with the Tata Administrative Services (TAS) and has held numerous leadership roles across the Tata Group.

His corporate journey includes serving as the CEO of Ginger Hotels (Roots Corporation Ltd) and as the Executive Director of Taj SATS Air Catering. He also spent significant time in the telecom sector, holding senior roles at Tata Teleservices, Airtel, and BPL Cellular. Prior to his academic transition, he served as Head of Partnerships & Technology at Tata Trusts, where he led large-scale social impact initiatives.

At SPJIMR, Pani focuses on Sustainable Development and social sector interventions, bridging the gap between corporate efficiency and developmental needs. He is also a Senior Advisor at The Conference Board and continues to mentor social sector professionals. His work remains centered on building institutional capacity and leveraging technology for broad-based community impact.

Media Executive & Board Member, Times Group

Mr. A.P. Parigi

Mr. A.P. Parigi, is a veteran leader in the Indian media, entertainment, and telecommunications sectors with over 40 years of experience. He is most widely recognized as the Co-Founder of Radio Mirchi, where he served as the Managing Director and CEO of Entertainment Network India Ltd. (ENIL). Under his leadership, Radio Mirchi grew into India's largest private FM radio network, fundamentally changing the country's audio landscape.

Throughout his career, Parigi has held several high-profile roles, including Group CEO of Network18, CEO of BPL Mobile, and MD & CEO of Eros International Media. His strategic vision also spearheaded the Times Group’s entry into the Out-of-Home (OOH) media business. Beyond corporate leadership, he has served on the boards of major entities like Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India) and has been an advisor to global institutions such as the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

An alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics and the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, Parigi was the first non-American to receive the Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009. Today, he continues to mentor next-generation leaders and advise organisations on growth, corporate governance, and digital transformation.

Former Director, IHBT

Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, FNA, is a distinguished agricultural biotechnologist and the former Director of the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT). Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), where he oversees the selection of top-tier scientific talent for India’s agricultural research sector. His leadership is defined by a commitment to converting high-end biotechnology into sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the Himalayan region.

During his tenure at CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Kumar achieved major milestones, including the historic introduction of Heeng (asafoetida) and monk fruit cultivation in India. His research spans plant molecular biology and genomics, specifically focusing on how Himalayan flora adapts to extreme environments. A fellow of all three major Indian science academies (FNA, FNASc, and FNAAS), he has published over 120 research papers. His work continues to play a vital role in strengthening India's bio-economy and ensuring long-term food security through innovation.

Pro-Chancellor, Perdana University, Malaysia

Dr. Mohan Swami 

Dr. Mohan Swami is a distinguished physician, entrepreneur, and educational visionary who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Perdana University, Malaysia. A graduate of Mysore University, India, he began his medical career in 1978. He initially gained prominence in Sabah, where he established the largest private medical group practice, laying the foundation for his extensive career in healthcare management and corporate leadership.

Dr. Swami is widely recognized as the driving force behind the establishment of Perdana University in 2011. Under his leadership, the institution launched as a landmark public-private partnership, collaborating with world-class entities like the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Beyond academia, he is the Executive Chairman of Chase Perdana Sdn Bhd and has held significant leadership roles in various multinational corporations across the healthcare, property, and hospitality sectors.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Swami is a deeply spiritual individual. He serves as the President of the AHYMSIN (Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International) and Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University. For his immense contributions to education and the Malaysian economy, he was conferred the title of Tan Sri. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Botswana in Malaysia, bridging international relations through diplomacy and philanthropy.

Mahamandleshwar Juna Akhara

Swami Avdheshanand

Swami Avdheshanand is one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders and the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, the largest order of Hindu monks. Born on November 24, 1962, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, he displayed a profound spiritual inclination from childhood. Seeking higher truths, he renounced worldly life at a young age to practice intense meditation and austerity as a hermit in the Himalayas.

His teachings are rooted in Advaita Vedanta, focusing on self-realization, universal brotherhood, and the harmony of all religions. Beyond his role as a monastic leader, he is a globally respected philosopher who has addressed the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, advocating for global peace and environmental sustainability.

As the founder of Prabhu Premi Sangh, he oversees extensive social welfare projects, including healthcare initiatives, educational programs for the underprivileged, and environmental conservation efforts like the "Green Kumbh." A prolific author and orator, his discourses reach millions via television and digital platforms. Known for his serene demeanor and intellectual depth, Swami Ji continues to bridge the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and modern global challenges, guiding seekers toward a life of purpose and spiritual clarity.