Mr. Manjunath Bhandary, born on October 14, 1962, is a multifaceted leader who has made significant contributions to both education and politics in Karnataka. With a strong academic background that includes an M.Phil. and Ph.D., focusing on “Women’s Participation in Panchayat Raj System he has combined his scholarly pursuits with a deep commitment to social service, making him a prominent figure in his community. In 2002, Mr. Bhandary founded the Bhandary Foundation, driven by a mission to uplift society through education, health, sports, and culture. His vision came to life with the establishment of Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management (SCEM) in Mangaluru in 2007. SCEM quickly gained recognition as a leading institution in the region, offering Bachelor of Engineering degrees, MBA programs, and Ph.D. research opportunities. Accredited with an “A” grade by NAAC and recognized as one of the top 25 Most Innovative Private Institutions in India by ARIIA in 2020, SCEM stands as a testament to his dedication to educational excellence.

His contributions extend beyond national borders. He was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship by the Eisenhower Foundation in Philadelphia, USA, a recognition that highlights his role in promoting international understanding through the exchange of ideas among emerging leaders. His global influence is further evidenced by his participation in various international forums, including representing India at the World HIV/AIDS Conference in Barcelona. His visionary thinking has also led to the proposal of impactful projects like “Rajiv Vikas Kendra,” aimed at creating one crore job opportunities in rural India, and “Indira Jyothi,” which provided one lakh gas connections to families below the poverty line in Karnataka. Under his leadership, SCEM has launched several initiatives to foster innovation and creativity among students. Programs like the Sahyadri Science Talent Hunt (SSTH), Sahyadri Center for Social Innovation (SCSI), and the Sahyadri Incubation/Industry Studio emphasize project-based learning and encourage students to develop solutions for societal challenges. These initiatives align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating his commitment to creating a positive impact on society through education.

His political journey began in 1978 when he joined the Student Congress during Smt. Indira Gandhi’s by-election in Karkala. Over the years, he has held various significant positions within the Congress party, including President of the District National Student Union of India (NSUI), General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), and Vice President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). Currently, he serves as a Member of the Legislative Council in Karnataka and the Working President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. In 2014, Mr. Bhandary contested the Parliament election from the Shivamogga Lok Sabha Constituency against Mr. Yeddyurappa, the former Chief Minister. Although the election was a challenging endeavor, it highlighted Mr. Bhandary’s dedication to serving the public and his commitment to political engagement. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his dedication to social progress have established him as a respected leader in both the political and educational spheres. His visionary leadership continues to inspire and impact countless lives, making him a pivotal figure in building a better future for all.

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