Dr. S. Anilkumar is a distinguished educator with over 40 years of experience in commerce and management, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. As the former Principal of SSMRV College, he transformed the institution into a beacon of academic excellence, achieving an A Grade in NAAC accreditation for the first time, and driving an impressive 96% placement rate and a surge in student admissions from 1,000 to 2,500.
A highly respected academician and researcher, Dr. Anilkumar has guided numerous M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars, producing 6 Ph.Ds and 31 M.Phils. His expertise is further demonstrated through his authorship of 17 books and his contributions to leading national and international publications and conferences, including those at Griffith University, Australia, and Harvard University, USA.
Dr. Anilkumar has been a key member of several prestigious academic bodies, including the Academic Council of Bangalore University, NAAC peer committees, and the Tourism Committee of FKCCI. He has received numerous accolades for his dedication, including the Dr. Abdul Kalam Gold Medal, best teacher award conferred by His Excellency Dr Hansraj Bharadwaj ,the then Governor of Karnataka,Guru Vishistha Award, Life time achievement award and a Honorary D.Litt. from the University of Panama.
At SSMRV, he pioneered the 360-degree Education for Wholeness model, which helped elevate the college’s national rankings and enhance its reputation for “Best Value for Money” (India Today MRDA Survey, 2018). His unwavering commitment to education, research, and holistic student development continues to inspire faculty, students, and educational institutions alike.
Dr. Bharatish Rao R.S.
Dean
Dr. Bharatish Rao is a seasoned academician and accomplished professional with a diverse career spanning over 35 years in both industry and education. With a robust background in finance and management, Dr. Rao began his career in 1985 as an Accounts Officer, working with renowned multinational companies, including Henkel Corporation. His transition to academia in 2000 saw him take on leadership roles, including serving as Director at Dayanandasagar Institutions, Principal at SRN Adarsh Jain College, and Secretary and Principal at RVD College of Management and Information Technology.
Currently, Dr. Rao is the Dean of Mewa Vanguard Business School in Jayanagar. Over the years, he has conducted numerous training programs and workshops for government departments, PSUs, and private organizations, covering diverse topics like finance, decisionmaking, and emotional management. He has also been a sought-after speaker at national and international seminars and conferences.
Dr. Rao is a recognized leader in education, having received the Academic Excellence Award from Mrs. Smriti Irani, former Hon. Union Minister for HRD, and the National Education Excellence Award 2022 from the National Press Council of India. Additionally, he has been honored with the Media Award 2022 for his academic service by the Media Association of Karnataka.
He actively contributes to the academic community through his roles as a Governing Council and Advisory Board member for multiple institutions and as a former member of the Board of Studies at Bengaluru City University. Dr. Rao is also a member of the NAAC Peer Committee and frequently contributes to professional journals and media outlets, including TV9, Suvarna, TV 18, and Praja TV. Dr. Rao’s expertise and leadership continue to shape the future of management education in India.
Rengarajan M.
Chief Operating Officer
With over 21 years of multifaceted experience in the education sector, Rengarajan M. is a visionary leader known for his expertise in building, scaling, and transforming educational institutions across India. His deep passion for education, combined with a proven track record in strategic leadership, sales, marketing, and business development, has positioned him as a highly respected figure in the K-12 and higher education sectors.
As the Chief Operating Officer, Rengarajan oversees the company’s operations, driving efficient execution of strategies and sustainable growth in line with the organization’s vision and mission. His extensive experience includes setting up and managing more than 500+ preschools and 50+ K-12 schools, as well as playing a pivotal role in shaping higher education businesses and guiding them to success.
Career Highlights:
Strategic Leadership: Rengarajan has consistently demonstrated his ability to formulate and implement groundbreaking strategies that have reshaped India’s education landscape. His leadership has spanned top-tier organizations including Aptech, IL&FS, Zee Learn, People Combine (Oakridge International & Oi Playschool), Vidyashilp Academy, Vidyasagar Preschools and BMS Group of Institutions, where his visionary thinking and hands-on approach led to significant transformations.
Founding & Scaling: As the founder of Early Innings, a successful chain of Company-Owned & Company-Operated foundation schools, Rengarajan showcased his entrepreneurial acumen by building the brand from the ground up. His strategic vision led to the company’s acquisition by a larger player in the education sector, demonstrating his ability to scale operations effectively.
Sales & Marketing Excellence: Known for his deep understanding of business development and market dynamics, Rengarajan has spearheaded sales and marketing efforts that have driven significant growth in brand visibility, student enrollments, and revenue. His strategies have consistently resulted in high-impact growth for the institutions he leads.
Higher Education Business Leadership: Beyond K-12 and preschools, Rengarajan has successfully expanded his expertise to the higher education sector. He has led the transformation of academic institutions into sustainable, growth-oriented businesses, focusing on operational efficiency, market positioning, and long-term strategic planning. His experience includes working with universities and colleges to integrate innovative models that enhance student outcomes while improving institutional financial health.
Educational Impact: Rengarajan’s leadership extends beyond operational success. He is committed to fostering educational ecosystems that deliver high-quality learning experiences, ensuring that institutions under his guidance maintain both educational excellence and sustainable business models. His approach integrates academic rigor with entrepreneurial thinking, creating lasting value for both students and institutions.
Educational Background:
Alumnus, Centre of Executive Education, Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
Rengarajan M.’s leadership and deep understanding of both the education sector and business operations continue to drive the success of the organizations he works with. His strategic approach to education and business development has empowered institutions to thrive, evolve, and meet the ever-changing needs of students and communities.
