A Life of Vision and Service
In the vast landscape of Indian education, few leaders have made as formidable and inspiring an impact as Dr. Manjunath Bhandary. Known widely for his transformative work and visionary leadership, he has been a recipient of National Karnataka Education Award for two times, and has been awarded Engineer of the Year 2016 by the Institution of Engineers (India).
These recognitions only begin to tell the story of a man who blends technical acumen with social activism, a rare technocrat turned educationist who founded the Bhandary Foundation and established Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management in Mangalore.
A natural-born leader, Dr. Manjunath Bhandary began cultivating his leadership abilities early during his school and college years. These formative experiences opened expansive opportunities for him to emerge as a recognized leader and youth icon on the global stage. Through participation in numerous international conferences, seminars, and workshops, he gained profound insights into the academic and socio-economic fabrics of civil society. His contributions have earned him accolades worldwide, making him a deserving figure to grace the cover of our prestigious issue – India’s 25 Most Inspiring Education Leaders 2025.
Crafting a Legacy
Hailing from a modest agricultural family, Manjunath Bhandary’s early life instilled in him the core values of perseverance and integrity. Owning and cultivating his own land, he developed a deep-rooted passion for farming and a strong connection with the agricultural community. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of education, he also cultivated a commitment to creating broad learning opportunities for others. For him, agriculture and education are more than pursuits—they are avenues to contribute meaningfully to society, empower communities, and promote sustainable growth and development.
His academic journey ignited a vision that transcended conventional boundaries, blending technical expertise with committed leadership. He joined Engineering and later expanded his intellectual pursuits by earning a Master’s Degree in Political Science, equipping himself with a deeper understanding of social and political frameworks. This rare combination of a technocratic mindset and social activism has shaped his visionary approach to leadership and institutional transformation.
His commitment to research and advocacy is further exemplified by his Ph.D. in Political Science, awarded for his thesis titled “Women’s Participation in Panchayat Raj – A Case Study of Shimoga District.” This work reflects his enduring dedication to grassroots empowerment and inclusive governance – values that continue to guide the educational ecosystem he has built.
From Shimoga to the World Stage
Driven by a deep commitment towards serving the nation, Manjunath Bhandary ventured into Indian politics over four and a half decades ago – through student movements. He began his political journey in Shimoga as a student and youth leader, later contesting the 2014 Parliamentary election against former Chief Minister Sri B. S. Yediyurappa. In 2022, he was elected as a Member of Legislative Council of the Government of Karnataka and currently serves as the Working President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.
Emerging early as a visible leader, Bhandary represented his party and the nation on multiple international stages, engaging heads of state, ministers, CEOs, and entrepreneurs across the world. His participation in youth delegations included the American Council of Young Political Leaders’ exchange program, and he was invited as a special guest to the Indian Independence Day parade in New York, sharing the dais with eminent dignitaries from India and the United States.
In 2004, Dr. Manjunath Bhandary was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship by the Eisenhower Foundation, Philadelphia, USA—an honor bestowed upon visionary global leaders who demonstrate exceptional potential and impact. The fellowship promotes international understanding through the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and best practices among emerging leaders worldwide. This experience allowed Dr. Bhandary to engage with leading innovators in education across the globe, further enriching his vision and mission back home.
His global itinerary also took him to high‑profile forums such as the World HIV/AIDS Conference in Barcelona. Drawing on this exposure, he conceived impact‑driven initiatives like “Rajiv Vikas Kendra,” which was later adopted as the Common Service Centre (CSC) inspired by his proposal, was approved by the Union Cabinet, aimed at creating one crore rural jobs, and “Indira Jyothi,” which enabled the distribution of one lakh LPG connections to below‑poverty‑line families in Karnataka.
Despite these global accolades, Dr. Bhandary remains deeply committed to grassroots development. He has adopted several Government Higher Primary and
High Schools across Karnataka, with the aim of improving infrastructure and fostering a nurturing environment for underprivileged children.
Key Achievements
- World Icon Awards 2025 – Visionary Leader in Higher Education.
- Asian Excellence Award 2024 – Best Engineering College of the Year for Sahyadri College.
- Academic Insights Educational Awards 2024 – Honored as India’s Most Inspiring Educational Leader.
- Eminent Engineers Award – Conferred by The Institution of Engineers (India), Karnataka State Center.
- Proposed Rajiv Vikas Kendra to generate 1 crore rural jobs; implemented as Common Service Centres (CSCs) with ₹5,742 crore budget.
- Proposed Indira Jyothi Scheme to provide 10 lakh LPG connections to BPL families; included in Karnataka’s 2004 State Budget.
International Exposure
- Represented India in global youth exchange programs across 25+ countries.
- Invited by ACYPL, USA; witnessed the 9/11 Pentagon attack.
- Attended World AIDS Conference in Spain with former PM. ∙ Visited Israel on invitation from its Foreign Ministry. ∙ Guest of Honor at India Day Parade, New York.
- Led Indian delegation to World Youth Festival, Algeria.
- Participated in U.S. Presidential Election via Eisenhower Fellowship.
- Engaged in academic forums in Germany, Belgium, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and more.
An Overview of Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management:
Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management, Mangaluru was established in 2007 and is Autonomous since 2021, affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, including B.E., M.Tech, MBA, and VTU-recognized research degrees like M.Sc (Eng) and Ph.D. The institution is known for its strong foundation in values, quality, integrity, and inspiring leadership.
Located on a 35-acre riverside campus along the Netravati River, the college houses over 4,000 students and staff. Campus includes extensive academic, research, and hostel facilities. Sahyadri is approved by AICTE, UGC, and the Ministry of Education.
The institution holds accreditations from NAAC, NBA, and IE(I), and is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by DSIR. Ranked among the top 25 Most Innovative Private Institutions under NIRF (Innovation), it is also supported by MeitY under the GENESIS scheme to foster startups in Tier-Il and Tier- III cities.
Sahyadri is one of the prominent Engineering & Management Colleges in Karnataka and an archetypal college where a blend of Quality Technical Education is provided with an emphasis on Innovation & Entrepreneurship keeping in mind the Social responsibility. The college breeds a culture of Excellence, that empowers young minds and paves way for future leaders by incorporating strategic changes essential for students’ growth. The institute constantly strives to inculcate the latest teaching- learning methods to enhance the quality of teaching.
With a huge innovation and incubation space, the campus nurtures over 20 start-ups annually, supported by government initiatives like the GENESIS scheme and Karnataka Acceleration Network. The Skill and Placement team actively prepares students for careers through training, mentoring, and strong recruiter engagements.
Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management has been awarded the prestigious CSR grant from the Mphasis F1 Foundation for Innovation Lab, a recognition that places it among the nation’s most forward-looking institutions. The grant will support the establishment of a Global Innovation and Growth (GIG) Workspace, equipped with advanced infrastructure for GenAI, AR/VR, gaming, and frontier technologies, further strengthening Sahyadri’s commitment to skill development, innovation, and regional economic growth. This achievement is a testament to the collective vision and dedication of its leadership and faculty, positioning the institution as a hub for transformative learning and reaffirming its role in shaping the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
Sahyadri has consistently emphasized physical education and cultural engagement as integral to holistic student development. Beyond academic excellence, the institution fosters health, fitness, and psychological well-being through its dedicated Department of Physical Education, supported by skilled staff, modern facilities, and structured training programs. With a strong emphasis on integrity, leadership, and teamwork, Sahyadri has earned distinction in sports by securing 4th rank in VTU Sports & Games among 219 affiliated colleges. Likewise, cultural activities at Sahyadri provide a vibrant platform for students to showcase their artistic talents and creativity at various competitive levels, further enriching the campus experience.
“Walk-in with an Idea, Walk-out with a Product” Under Dr. Bhandary’s leadership, the campus is not just a place for learning—it is a launchpad for innovation and impact:
- Several student start-ups have been successfully incubated on campus, showcasing a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The campus hosts regular recruitment drives with a wide network of reputed companies, ensuring strong placement opportunities for students.
- State-of-the-art labs in emerging technologies such as Robotics, AI/ML, IIoT, and 3D printing provide students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
His initiatives like Sahyadri Science Talent Hunt (SSTH) and the Sahyadri Center for Social Innovation (SCSI) instill values of social responsibility while nurturing future- ready technologists. Building the Future, One Student at a Time In an era where education is increasingly commercialized, Dr. Manjunath Bhandary stands out as a purpose-driven visionary. His work transcends the conventional metrics of degrees and placements—it is about transforming lives, shaping futures, and fostering a generation that is both skilled and socially conscious. By seamlessly integrating academia, innovation, and societal impact, he has redefined what it means to be a leader in higher education. As India embraces a future shaped by knowledge, technology, and inclusivity, the role of committed educationists like Dr. Bhandary becomes more vital than ever. His journey is a powerful reminder that when education is led with heart, guided by vision, and rooted in social purpose, it becomes the most transformative force in nation-building. Dr. Manjunath Bhandary remains firmly grounded in his mission: “To create institutions that don’t just teach, but transform; that don’t just inform, but inspire.”
A Start of Something Beautiful
Motivated by a firm belief that education must equip students with both intellectual depth and practical skills to face real-world challenges, Manjunath Bhandary established the Bhandary Foundation in 2002. This initiative was envisioned to create cutting-edge facilities that promote not only foundational training but also advanced research and learning across various fields.
Under the Foundation’s guidance, Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management blossomed into a leading institution renowned for its innovative teaching methods and aesthetically designed infrastructure. Steadfast in its commitment to excellence, values, and leadership, the Bhandary Foundation has transformed Sahyadri into a benchmark for quality education and a center for academic innovation and societal advancement.
Overcoming the Odds
In a candid conversation, Manjunath Bhandary reflected on the early hurdles and defining moments in the establishment of Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management. He acknowledged that “building trust and attracting quality faculty and students were the initial challenges.” However, through relentless perseverance, transparent governance, and an unwavering commitment to quality, these obstacles were transformed into stepping stones that shaped Sahyadri into a renowned name in education.
When asked about his role as Chairman and the principles guiding the college’s growth, Bhandary emphasized his responsibility to “provide strategic direction, foster innovation, and ensure an environment where students and faculty can thrive.” He underscored that every decision he makes is rooted in integrity, inclusivity, and excellence, values that continue to drive the institution’s success.
In the Days to Come
When asked about his vision for Sahyadri College’s future, Manjunath Bhandary expressed a clear and ambitious outlook. He envisions the institution evolving into a vibrant hub for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. “My long-term goal,” he shared, “is to nurture graduates who are not only equipped to meet industry demands but who also embody social responsibility and leadership.”
Grounded and Balanced
On a personal front, Manjunath Bhandary enjoys a rich and fulfilling life that helps him stay grounded amid his multifaceted commitments. He has a passion for reading and traveling, which broadens his outlook and refreshes his perspective. Actively engaged in community development initiatives, these pursuits fuel the insights he brings back to his professional endeavors. Emphasizing the importance of balance, Bhandary follows a disciplined daily routine and prioritizes quality time with his family, believing that true harmony comes from being fully present, whether immersed in work or sharing moments at home.
Leadership Lessons
In a final reflection, Manjunath Bhandary shared a powerful piece of advice for aspiring education leaders. He urged them to “lead with vision, compassion, and integrity,”. “Education leadership is about shaping lives,” he noted, encouraging future leaders to focus on creating meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of students and society at large. This ethos encapsulates his lifelong commitment to fostering transformative change through education, and social service.
