Dr. Manjunath Bhandary: A Visionary Transforming India’s Higher Education Landscape
In a nation striving to align education with innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, Dr. Manjunath Bhandary has emerged as a formidable force shaping the future of Indian academia. A technocrat by training, a social thinker by conviction, and an institution builder by action, he is widely recognized as a transformative leader in higher education. His decades-long work reflects a rare combination of engineering precision, political insight, and grassroots commitment.
He began his academic journey in Mechanical Engineering before expanding his intellectual horizons with an M.A. and M.Phil. in Political Science, a combination that gave him both technical expertise and a deep understanding of social frameworks. His scholarly pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. for his research on “Women’s Participation in Panchayat Raj – A Case Study of Shimoga District,” underscoring his dedication to inclusive governance and empowerment at the grassroots level.
His leadership journey started not in administrative offices but in student movements, where he was recognized early as a youth leader with clarity of vision and the ability to mobilize collective action. These formative experiences shaped his compassionate yet forward-thinking approach to education, one that measures success not merely in degrees but in empowerment, innovation, and societal upliftment.
International recognition has followed his work. He is a recipient of the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship from the Eisenhower Foundation, Philadelphia, USA—an honor awarded to global leaders who demonstrate outstanding vision and impact. This fellowship provided opportunities to exchange ideas with education innovators worldwide, further refining his mission back home. He has represented India at numerous international platforms, including the World HIV/AIDS Conference in Barcelona, and conceived impactful initiatives such as the “Rajiv Vikas Kendra” to generate one crore rural jobs and the “Indira Jyothi” scheme to provide LPG connections to below-poverty-line families in Karnataka.
Despite global accolades, his focus remains rooted in grassroots development. He has adopted the Government Higher Primary and High School in Bengre Kasaba, Karnataka, working to enhance infrastructure and create opportunities for underprivileged children. His belief that “schools should be spaces of possibility” underpins his efforts to make education accessible and transformative.
Among his many honors are the Asian Excellence Award 2024 for Best Engineering College of the Year, the Academic Insights Educational Award 2024 as India’s Most Inspiring Educational Leader, and the Eminent Engineers Award from The Institution of Engineers (India). His proposals for rural job creation and energy access have been incorporated into state-level policies, demonstrating his influence beyond academia.
In 2002, he founded the Bhandary Foundation, dedicated to initiatives in education, health, culture, and sports. This vision led to the establishment of Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management in 2007. Situated on a 35-acre riverside campus in Mangaluru, the institution has been recognized among the Top 25 Most Innovative Private Institutions in India. Accredited by NBA and NAAC with an ‘A’ grade, and recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Government of India, Sahyadri is a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
Under his leadership, the college has incubated over 22 student startups, partnered with 400+ companies for recruitment drives, and achieved placement packages as high as ₹72.30 LPA. State-of-the-art labs for Robotics, AI/ML, IIoT, and 3D printing foster hands-on learning, while initiatives like the Sahyadri Science Talent Hunt and Sahyadri Center for Social Innovation encourage social responsibility alongside technical expertise.
In an era where higher education often tilts toward commercialization, he stands out as a purpose-driven leader committed to building institutions that not only educate but also inspire. By integrating academic excellence with real-world problem solving and community engagement, he has redefined the role of higher education in nation-building.
As India navigates a rapidly evolving global landscape, his journey serves as a powerful reminder that education—when led with vision, heart, and social purpose—becomes the most transformative force for the future.

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