Prof. Dr. Shrihari Honwad
Distinguished Academician, Former Vice-Chancellor & Higher Education Leader
Prof. Dr. Shrihari Prakash Honwad is one of India's most distinguished academicians, educational administrators, and engineering researchers, with decades of leadership in higher education. A Chemical Engineering graduate from BITS Pilani, he earned both his Master's and Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, establishing a strong foundation in engineering, research, and academic excellence. Throughout his illustrious career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping higher education through visionary leadership, institutional transformation, and academic innovation.
A highly respected university leader, Prof. Honwad has served as Vice-Chancellor and President of some of India's leading universities, including Sir Padampat Singhania University (SPSU), GD Goenka University, and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES). He has also served as Provost of MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, and as Principal of D. J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai. Beyond these leadership roles, he continues to contribute as an academic advisor and expert to national and international education organizations, promoting excellence in higher education, institutional governance, and skill development.
As a member of the Honorary Board of Advisors of the Pune Ideas Festival, Prof. Honwad brings unparalleled expertise in education policy, engineering, research, innovation, and leadership development. A passionate advocate of India's National Education Policy (NEP 2020), he champions outcome-based education and believes that true education should develop the "Head, Hand, and Heart"—combining knowledge, practical skills, and ethical values. His guidance will strengthen the Festival's mission of positioning Pune as India's Ideas Capital by fostering dialogue on the future of education, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and nation-building.
