Published on: August 24, 2026
Celebrating Indian Research Excellence on the Global Stage
Indian educators, researchers and changemakers recognized for outstanding research, scholarship and contribution to knowledge at the Global Research Conference × Harvard University
In an era defined by rapid technological change, interdisciplinary research and an increasingly connected world, the influence of Indian academics and professionals is reaching far beyond national boundaries. The Global Excellence Awards 2026 celebrate this growing contribution by recognizing eight distinguished Indian professionals whose work reflects outstanding research, academic excellence, innovation, professional expertise and meaningful societal impact.
Presented in connection with the Global Research Conference × Harvard University 2026, held in the United States from 11–17 August 2026, the recognition brings together accomplished individuals from education, finance, healthcare, entrepreneurship, law, management, humanities and social development.
The award certificates featured in the programme identify the honor as a Global Excellence / Certificate of Excellence recognition, presented in recognition of distinguished contribution, dedication and excellence in their respective fields.
The occasion was further distinguished by the participation of prominent international personalities, including H.E. Baron Alec Stern, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Prof. Dr. Parin Somani, CEO of the London Organisation of Skills Development; and Dr. Hari Krishna Maram, Chairman of the Global Economic Forum and AI Evangelist. The programme brought together leaders from education, research, technology, entrepreneurship and social impact, creating a setting in which achievement was viewed not simply through professional titles, but through the knowledge and impact individuals create.
The recognition is particularly significant because the eight awardees represent very different fields. Together, however, they tell one larger story: Indian excellence is increasingly interdisciplinary, research-driven and globally relevant.
The Visionaries Behind the Recognition
Dr. W. Selvamurthy
Science, Research & National Innovation
Dr. W. Selvamurthy serves as the President of the Amity Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation (ASTIF)and the Director General of the Amity Directorate of Science and Innovation. He is also the Chancellor of Amity University, Chhattisgarh.
Prior to his academic leadership at Amity University, he served as a Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller of Research and Development (Life Sciences and International Cooperation) at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
His distinguished background in science, research, innovation and national development adds an important scientific and academic dimension to the wider programme. His association with the initiative reflects the importance of connecting India’s strong foundation in scientific research with contemporary education, innovation and emerging areas of knowledge.
The participation of accomplished scientific and academic leaders such as Dr. Selvamurthy reinforces the broader message of the programme: India’s intellectual heritage, scientific capabilities and traditional knowledge can together provide a strong foundation for contemporary research, innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. Hari Krishna Maram
Chairman, Global Economic Forum | AI | Education & Innovation
Dr. Hari Krishna Maram, Chairman of the Global Economic Forum and an AI Evangelist, represents the intersection of education, technology, entrepreneurship and global collaboration. Programme material identifies him as a key international personality and leader associated with the conference.
His involvement reflects the larger purpose behind the recognition: creating platforms through which accomplished professionals can connect their individual achievements to wider conversations around research, artificial intelligence, education, innovation and human development.
H.E. Baron Alec Stern
Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy & Global Perspective
H.E. Baron Alec Stern, distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, was associated with the programme as Chief Guest. His presence brought an international dimension to the celebration and reinforced the conference’s emphasis on global collaboration and leadership.
His participation alongside academics, researchers and education leaders reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern excellence—where research, entrepreneurship, social responsibility and global engagement are no longer isolated domains.
Prof. Dr. Parin Somani
Global Education & Skills Development
Prof. Dr. Parin Somani, CEO of the London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD), is an accomplished academic, author, researcher and international education leader. Her work has been associated with education, skills development, leadership, research and social impact.
Her participation adds an important international academic dimension to the recognition and reflects the programme’s objective of creating meaningful connections between educators and professionals across countries and disciplines.
The Eight Indian Education Leaders of the Global Excellence Awards
Dr. Nirmala Joshi
Research Excellence • Finance • Academic Leadership
Dr. Nirmala Joshi represents the depth of India’s research and higher-education ecosystem. As Research Head and MET SEVA Head at Mumbai Educational Trust, she has contributed to research excellence, academic development and community-oriented initiatives.
Holding a Ph.D. in Finance along with postgraduate qualifications in Finance and Commerce, her expertise encompasses finance, wealth management, business research and strategic financial analysis. Her academic contribution extends significantly into research mentorship, having guided numerous doctoral scholars and more than 150 postgraduate research projects.
Her work also includes academic books, research papers in national and international journals and presentations at prestigious conferences. She has undertaken professional development programmes at institutions including IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIM Kozhikode and IIM Bangalore.
Her Global Excellence Award therefore recognises more than academic credentials. It celebrates a sustained commitment to research, mentorship, analytical thinking and the development of future professionals.
Dr. Sri Valli Chekuri
Healthcare Research • Rehabilitation • AI Innovation
Dr. Sri Valli Chekuri brings a distinctive combination of clinical expertise, research and technological innovation to the group of honourees.
With more than 15 years of clinical, academic and research experience across the United States, Canada and India, she has developed expertise in evidence-based rehabilitation, geriatric and neurological rehabilitation, artificial intelligence in physical therapy and technology-enabled healthcare.
Her research and professional work has explored areas including AI in post-operative rehabilitation, concussion management, virtual reality, telehealth and rehabilitation sciences. She has also developed patented AI-driven healthcare technologies and copyright-protected educational works.
Her recognition reflects a particularly relevant form of research excellence—one that moves from academic inquiry towards practical human outcomes. Her work demonstrates how artificial intelligence and digital technologies can support more personalised, accessible and evidence-based healthcare.
Dr. D. A. Thejeshwari
Research • Entrepreneurship • Natural Heritage & Social Impact
Dr. D. A. Thejeshwari represents an unusual convergence of entrepreneurship, research, philanthropy, education, cultural preservation and India’s natural heritage.
Since becoming Director of Mysore Fruit Products Pvt. Ltd. in 1990, she has played a transformative role in developing the organisation and expanding its international presence across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and North America. Her leadership has also promoted farmer-centric sourcing and stronger connections between agriculture and industry.
Her contribution extends beyond enterprise. She has supported women’s entrepreneurship, education, youth development and community welfare, while also contributing to cultural preservation and temple rejuvenation initiatives.
A particularly distinctive part of her intellectual contribution is her book Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of India, which draws upon extensive study, research, field observations and her interest in India’s botanical heritage. The work explores medicinal plants, traditional knowledge, therapeutic value and conservation.
Her Global Excellence Award celebrates a vision in which research, entrepreneurship, sustainability, culture and social responsibility can reinforce one another.
Dr. Prerana Rajkumar Kolhe
Educational Research • Institutional Excellence • Social Development
Dr. Prerana Rajkumar Kolhe embodies the role of education as both a knowledge system and an instrument of social transformation.
As Secretary of Jahnvis Multi Foundation, she has played an important role in strengthening educational institutions through administration, governance and academic leadership. Her work includes the development and administration of Jana Gana Mana School & Junior College across State and CBSE curricula.
Her contribution goes beyond institutional management. She has supported free education for deserving students, health camps, blood-donation initiatives and community-development programmes, reflecting her belief that educational institutions should actively contribute to the welfare of society.
Her recognition is therefore a celebration of educational leadership grounded in inclusion, community responsibility and institutional development.
Dr. Rajkumar M. Kolhe
Educational Research • Life Skills • Global Learning
Dr. Rajkumar M. Kolhe has built a career around educational institution-building, research, leadership and values-based learning.
As Founder President of Jahnvis Multi Foundation, he has guided the establishment of several educational institutions, including Vande Mataram Degree College, Jana Gana Mana English Secondary School, Jana Gana Mana Vidyamandir & Junior College, Jana Gana Mana Convent School and the JMF Institute of Paramedical Sciences.
His academic record includes a Ph.D., multiple postgraduate qualifications and more than 65 national and international research papers. He has delivered keynote lectures at academic forums and conducted hundreds of seminars, workshops and webinars.
One of his notable educational initiatives is the Life Skills Toolkit, aligned with NEP 2020 for students in Grades 6–10. The initiative focuses on leadership, decision-making, communication and preparing young people for real-world challenges.
His Global Excellence Award recognises a research and educational philosophy that looks beyond examination results towards character, capability, creativity and leadership.
Dr. Umesh Neelakantan
Management Research • Academic Leadership • Professional Education
With more than 31 years of experience across academia and industry, Dr. Umesh Neelakantan represents a long and distinguished contribution to management education.
Currently Director of Nirmala School of Business, Nirmala Institutions, he is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and holds a Ph.D. in Management. His career has included senior institutional positions such as President of BlueCrest University, Liberia, and Principal and Director of DC School of Management and Technology, Vagamon.
His areas of expertise include marketing, human resources, international business, entrepreneurship, leadership, organisational development and case-based learning. His acclaimed management case, The Business of RBK: A Role to be Understood, received national recognition.
His contribution demonstrates that research excellence is not confined to laboratories or academic publications. In management education, research becomes powerful when it shapes curricula, professional thinking, institutional leadership and the decisions of future business leaders.
Prof. (Dr.) Sandhya Tiwari
Research & Humanities • Digital Humanities • Academic Leadership
Prof. (Dr.) Sandhya Tiwari brings the intellectual depth of the humanities into an increasingly technology-driven academic world.
She serves as Professor and Head of the Department of English, Dean of the School of Languages and Dean of International Affairs (Additional Charge) at Central University of Kashmir, while also serving on its Executive Council. Her academic expertise spans Cultural Studies, Women’s Writings, South Asian Literatures, Gender Studies, Digital Humanities, Film Studies and Postmodernism.
An accomplished author and educator, she has delivered more than 900 academic sessions, including 32 keynote addresses. Her research mentorship has helped scholars secure UGC Junior and Senior Research Fellowships, while several of her mentees have successfully completed doctoral degrees.
Her recognition carries particular significance in the age of artificial intelligence. As technology transforms education and research, her work highlights the continuing importance of language, culture, critical thinking, empathy and human-centred scholarship.
Suchetha Raj
Legal Research • Entrepreneurship • Real Estate Development
Suchetha Raj brings the perspective of law and entrepreneurship to the Global Excellence Awards.
A legal professional, entrepreneur and land developer from Bengaluru, she has developed expertise in land acquisition, title due diligence, regulatory compliance, real estate transactions and property development. Her professional approach combines legal knowledge with commercial strategy and risk management.
Her participation in the Harvard programme also reflects the expanding influence of technology across professional services. As AI and emerging technologies reshape business operations, regulatory environments and decision-making, legal and entrepreneurial expertise becomes increasingly important in ensuring that innovation develops responsibly.
Her Global Excellence Award recognises a professional journey that demonstrates how specialised knowledge, entrepreneurial thinking and responsible practice can create value in an evolving global economy.
A Celebration of Research That Creates Impact
What distinguishes these eight recipients is the breadth of their work.
They are researchers and educators.
They are institution builders and mentors.
They are healthcare innovators and entrepreneurs.
They are authors, administrators, legal professionals and social contributors.
Their disciplines may differ, but their journeys share a common thread: knowledge becomes meaningful when it creates impact.
The Global Excellence Awards recognise this principle by bringing outstanding Indian professionals into an international environment where research, education, technology and innovation intersect. The wider Harvard programme also featured discussions around artificial intelligence, inclusion and leadership, with several of the awardees participating in sessions such as “AI for All – Building Impact, Inclusion & Leadership” and “AI for Every Mind | AI for All.”
The result is a compelling portrait of contemporary Indian excellence—one that moves beyond conventional definitions of achievement.
From finance to healthcare. From education to entrepreneurship. From management to humanities. From law to social development.
These eight leaders demonstrate that outstanding research is not simply about producing knowledge. It is about expanding knowledge, applying knowledge and ultimately using knowledge to improve lives, institutions and society.
At the Global Research Conference × Harvard University, their achievements were brought together under one powerful idea:
Excellence in research. Excellence in leadership. Excellence with purpose.
And that is precisely what the Global Excellence Awards 2026 seek to celebrate.
Global Economic Forum
The Global Economic Forum (GEF) is an international platform dedicated to bringing together leaders and institutions from academia, education, technology, business, entrepreneurship and society. Through conferences, research initiatives, leadership programmes and global networking platforms, the Forum seeks to promote collaboration, exchange of ideas and meaningful international partnerships. Its official platform highlights its focus on networking, collaboration and connections that foster growth and global partnerships.
The Global Research Conference × Harvard University 2026 forms part of this broader vision, providing an international platform where researchers, educators, professionals and thought leaders can share knowledge, build relationships and gain global recognition. The Forum also provides opportunities for researchers to publish their work and gain wider recognition for valuable contributions to their respective fields.
The Global Excellence Awards 2026 therefore represent an important extension of this mission. By recognising individuals for their outstanding research, academic contributions, professional excellence and impact, the awards seek to highlight the achievements of Indian professionals on an international platform and encourage continued contribution to knowledge, innovation and society.
For Further Details & Enquiries
Global Economic Forum
Phone: +91 99000 01511
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.globaleconomicforum.in
Global Economic Forum — Connecting Knowledge, Leadership & Global Collaboration.
