Administration

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Samir Somaiya

Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar and Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University

Samir Somaiya is a distinguished leader with a remarkable portfolio encompassing diverse sectors. As Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd., he drives the company's sustainable solutions for renewable chemicals and biofuels. Additionally, he holds key positions as the Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University and President of Somaiya Vidyavihar, contributing significantly to academic excellence and educational development. He also holds the position of President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, advocating for economic growth and trade.

Samir Somaiya's influence extends beyond education and business. He serves as the Chairman of K. J. Somaiya Trust, K. J. Somaiya Medical Trust, K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agriculture Research, and The Girivanvasi Pragati Mandal, organizations dedicated to social welfare, education, and medical advancements. Furthermore, he is the founder of the Research Innovation Incubation Design Laboratory (riidl), a Business Incubator that supports young entrepreneurs and fosters innovation.

Samir Somaiya has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, showcasing his exceptional contributions and achievements. Notable among them are the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, honoring his efforts in fostering international collaborations, and the Lala Shriram National Award for Leadership in the Chemical Industry, acknowledging his remarkable leadership and accomplishments in the sector. He has also received the Shri Kutchi Lohana Mahajan Gnati Gaurav for outstanding community service, the American Institute of Chemical Engineer's Award for Scholastic Achievement, and the American Institute of Chemists Award, highlighting his exceptional academic performance and contributions to the field of chemical engineering. These awards stand as a testament to Samir Somaiya's relentless pursuit of excellence and his significant impact in various domains, earning him respect and admiration from peers and the broader community alike.

Furthermore, Samir Somaiya actively contributes to academia as a Visiting Instructor at the School of Chemical Engineering - Cornell University. He is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Dynamic Sustainability Laboratory at Syracuse University. With a distinguished educational background, including a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, an MBA, Master of Chemical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University, Samir Somaiya stands as an accomplished leader, leaving a positive impact on various spheres of society.

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Lt. General H S Kahlon

Lieutenant General H S Kahlon, who retired from serving our country after 4 decades of service. Lt. Gen. H S Kahlon is an astute and result-oriented professional with almost four decades of rich experience in various domains including Capital Procurement, Project/Works Management, Budgeting and Financial Planning, Human Resource Management, Security operations, Maintenance Operations, General Administration and Facilities Management.

He has a notable career, having served in various high-profile roles within the Indian Army and United Nations missions. In his last assignment the General officer was the Area Commander, Headquarters based at Colaba, Mumbai, handling Administration of all Military Stations in the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. He was awarded the Presidential awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal(AVSM) and Sena Medal(SM) for his meritorious services and contributions to the organisation.

While in service, he had administrative command of the Indian Army in peninsular India, with over 30 establishments and 75,000 personnel under his control. He oversaw the working of 9 military hospitals, and premier education institutions and schools of the Army.

His academic credentials include M.Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore; M.Sc in Defence Studies from Madras University; B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Bombay University. He is also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the prestigious national Defence College, New Delhi. Lieutenant General H S Kahlon will oversee the academic and administrative affairs of all the Schools under K.J. Somaiya Trust, Somaiya Vidyavihar Trust. Also He will be involved in Administration for Somaiya (Medical) Trust, K.J. Somaiya (Delhi) Trust, K.J. Somaiya (Gujarat) Trust, Girivanvasi Pragati Mandal, Girivanvasi Education Trust, Maganlal Mehta,K.J. Somaiya hospital and Superspeciality hospital and others. We do hope that under his leadership, we are able to create the world class institution that our founders dreamed of and worked towards.

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Prof. (Dr.) Kishan H. Pawar

M. A. Eng. M. Phil. Ph .D. SET, PGCTE, Ph. D. Guide (University of Mumbai)

Dr. Kishan H. Pawar: A Multifaceted Scholar, Creative Genius, and Visionary Educator Dr. Kishan H. Pawar, Principal of K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai, is a towering figure in academia, literature, and the arts. His journey as Professor in English at Maharishi Dayanand College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, Mumbai to the Principal of K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai, Dr. Pawar has seamlessly blended his roles as an administrator, educator, researcher, poet, translator, film writer, actor, and critic into a distinguished career spanning over two decades. His multifaceted contributions to education, literature, and cinema have earned him international acclaim, making him a beacon of intellectual and creative excellence.

Born on July 1, 1970, Dr. Pawar’s academic journey is marked by a series of prestigious qualifications, including an M.A. in English (1996), M.Phil. (1998), SET (2000), PGCTE (2001), and Ph.D. (2008). His M.Phil. dissertation explored the man-woman relationship in T.S. Eliot’s poetry, while his doctoral research delved into the influence of Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism on Eliot’s poems and plays. This deep engagement with Eliot’s works has been a cornerstone of his scholarly contributions, reflected in his numerous publications and translations.

Dr. Pawar’s academic prowess is complemented by his creative versatility. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, he has authored seven books with ISBN numbers, including reference works such as T.S. Eliot’s Poems and Plays: The Hindu Perspective (2011), The Buddhist Perspective (2012), and The Christian Perspective (2012), alongside volumes of poetry like The Age of Pace (English, 2011) and Tishnagi (Hindi, 2011). His Marathi translation of T.S. Eliot’s seminal poem The Waste Land, titled Jeern Bhoomi (2014), is a landmark achievement, prescribed for M.A. English students at the University of Mumbai from 2015 to 2020. His poem Indianness and the script of his feature film Tara are also part of the curriculum at Homi Bhabha State University, underscoring his influence on literary education.

As a researcher, Dr. Pawar has guided five Ph.D. scholars, and is currently mentoring five others at the University of Mumbai. His 40 published papers in peer-reviewed journals cover diverse topics, from T.S. Eliot’s spiritual influences to feminist perspectives in literature, "Hinglish’s" cultural impact, and science fiction’s role in scientific innovation. His research papers, presented at national and international seminars, reflect his interdisciplinary approach, addressing themes like marginalized literature, war poetry, and translation theory. Dr. Pawar’s editorial contributions include co-editing three reference books on translation, sexual harassment at workplace and Indian science fiction, further cementing his role as a thought leader.

Beyond academia, Dr. Pawar’s contributions to cinema are extraordinary. His Hindi feature film Tara: The Journey of Love and Passion (2013), for which he wrote the script and played the role of a village head, is a global phenomenon. The film, a poignant tale of a Banjara woman’s resilience against societal injustice, has won over 530 national and international awards, including Best Story and Screenplay at the South Africa International Film Festival (2013), Braintree International Film Festival, USA (2013), and Darbhanga International Film Festival (2014). Officially selected for over 550 international film festivals and nominated for the 89th Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Tara earned a place in the World Book of Records in 2021. Dr. Pawar’s earlier film, Manthan – Ek Kashmakash (2008), showcased his storytelling prowess, tackling the issue of film piracy. His third film as a writer is "Ameena" that achieved Golden Jubilee in Mumbai, 2025.

A trained screenwriter with a Diploma in Film and Television Screenwriting from Gemini Studios (2003), Dr. Pawar is also a poet, translator, and performer. His translations of Sylvia Plath’s Mirror and Emily Dickinson’s Success is Counted Sweetest into Hindi have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, his passion for the arts extends to Indian classical vocal music, in which he passed the second exam in 2002, and Reiki, where he attained the level of Grand Master in 2016.

As an educator, Dr. Pawar has shaped curricula at the University of Mumbai, contributing as a course coordinator and writer for undergraduate courses in English literature. His leadership as Principal of K J Somaiya College reflects his commitment to fostering academic excellence and holistic development. His ability to bridge literature, cinema, and education has inspired countless students and peers, making him a transformative figure in Mumbai’s academic and cultural landscape.

Dr. Pawar’s international recognition, including the Star NGO South Africa International Award (2008) for his short story Tara, underscores his global impact. His forthcoming works, The Harvest of Darkness (English fiction) and Dahavi Napas (Marathi novel), promise to further enrich his legacy. With his unparalleled blend of scholarship, creativity, and social consciousness, Dr. Kishan H. Pawar continues to illuminate the worlds of literature, cinema, and education, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter his work.

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Dr. Satyawan Sudhakarrao Hanegave

Associate Professor, Head of the Department of English, Vice Principal, and IQAC Coordinator K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai

Dr. Satyawan Sudhakarrao Hanegave is a distinguished academician and administrator, serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of English at K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, an autonomous institution affiliated with the University of Mumbai. With a robust academic background, including a Postgraduate Degree in English, UGC-NET, LLB, and a Ph.D. in English, Dr. Hanegave brings over two decades of expertise in teaching English Literature at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

As Vice Principal since December 2020, Dr. Hanegave has demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the welfare of students and faculty while maintaining academic excellence. His innovative teaching methodologies foster a learner-centric environment, delivering knowledge in an engaging and accessible manner. As the Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) since 2012, he has been instrumental in securing an 'A' grade for the college in the NAAC Reaccreditation in August 2024, reflecting his commitment to institutional quality and growth.

Dr. Hanegave's multifaceted contributions extend to his role as Coordinator for Autonomy, where he aligns the department's curriculum with UGC guidelines and NAAC expectations, emphasizing modern literature and literary studies. He is a key member of the college's Academic Board and Alumni Association, driving initiatives that enhance institutional development and student engagement. Under his leadership, the English Athenaeum, a vibrant literary association, organizes diverse activities to nurture students' literary and creative talents.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Hanegave has published over 20 research papers in reputed journals, focusing on literature, language, translation, and education. His election as a Senate Member of the University of Mumbai underscores his influence in shaping academic policies and budgets, further amplifying his impact on higher education. Dr. Hanegave's dedication to academic excellence, innovative pedagogy, and institutional leadership makes him a cornerstone of K. J. Somaiya College, inspiring students and colleagues alike.

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Dr. Atish Taukari

Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology

Dr. Atish Taukari currently serves as the Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology. He has held several leadership roles, including Dean of Students’ Welfare for the academic year 2025–26, Nodal Officer for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 since 2023–24, and Dean of Extension and Research Activities from 2018–19 to 2024–25. Academically, Dr. Taukari holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Mumbai and a Ph.D. in Applied Cognitive Psychology from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB).

He is also a UGC-NET-JRF qualified scholar. With over 27 years of teaching experience in the field of psychology, he has significantly contributed to academia and research through numerous publications, keynote addresses, conference presentations, and funded research projects. Dr. Taukari has been the recipient of several prestigious accolades, including the Late Hon’ble President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, multiple Best Paper Awards, the Somaiya Trust Award, Dharma Bharati Mission Award, and the Navshrusti International Trust Award for his contributions to community service. Professionally, he is frequently invited by reputed organizations across various sectors—such as aviation, education and training, healthcare, and media—to provide consultation and training. His dedication to community work exemplifies his commitment to applying psychological knowledge for the betterment of society. His areas of research interest span Applied Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors, Positive Psychology, and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health.

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Dr. Sangeeta N. Bhat

Associate Professor and Dean of Academic Affairs

Dr. Sangeeta Bhat is a highly experienced Associate Professor , with over 28 years of teaching and research expertise in Mathematics at K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce (Autonomous), Mumbai. She holds a Ph.D. Degree in Mathematics and is a recognized research Guide at the University of Mumbai. Dr. Sangeeta Bhat has published research papers in UGC CARE-listed and peer-reviewed international journals. She has participated and presented research papers in International Congress on Industrial and Applied Mathematics ICIAM 07, held in Zurich, Switzerland and global science and technology forum held in Singapore. She is the recipient of a Travel grant from TATA TRUST.

Dr. Bhat is passionate about developing student's analytical skills, fostering mathematical thinking, and contributing to academic research. Adept at curriculum development, mentoring students, and integrating innovative teaching methodologies to enhance learning outcomes. She is serving as a Coordinator of the Examination Committee, actively involved in maintaining academic integrity and smooth conduct of assessments. She is also supporting institutional planning, quality enhancement, and strategic growth initiatives by being involved in the College Development Committee.

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Dr Mahendra R. Mishra

Associate Professor and Dean of Research and Extension Activities

Dr. Mahendra R. Mishra is an Associate Professor of Economics at K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce (Autonomous), Mumbai, with over 16 years of teaching experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and is a recognized research guide at the University of Mumbai, currently guiding two Ph.D. scholars. Dr. Mishra has published more than 25 research papers in UGC CARE-listed, Scopus, and peer-reviewed journals, and has presented papers at numerous national and international conferences.

He has undertaken several research projects as Co-Director, including a major research project funded by study on The role of fest in shaping the spiritual and cultural nationalism of Bharat: A Study of Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik) and Magh Mela (Prayagraj). and a Uttar Pradesh government-sponsored socio-economic study of Maha Kumbh 2025. He has co-authored five textbooks aligned with the Mumbai University curriculum and contributed chapters to IGI Publication USA. He has been a resource person at national seminars, including prestigious platforms like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, and serves as editor and reviewer for reputed journals. Dr. Mishra actively contributes to academic development through his roles in IQAC Co-Coordinator, NAAC-related activities, and various institutional committees, reflecting his commitment to research, quality education, and institutional excellence.

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Prof. (Dr.) Kishan H. Pawar

M. A. Eng. M. Phil. Ph .D. SET, PGCTE, Ph. D. Guide (University of Mumbai)

Dr. Kishan H. Pawar: A Multifaceted Scholar, Creative Genius, and Visionary Educator Dr. Kishan H. Pawar, Principal of K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai, is a towering figure in academia, literature, and the arts. His journey as Professor in English at Maharishi Dayanand College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, Mumbai to the Principal of K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai, Dr. Pawar has seamlessly blended his roles as an administrator, educator, researcher, poet, translator, film writer, actor, and critic into a distinguished career spanning over two decades. His multifaceted contributions to education, literature, and cinema have earned him international acclaim, making him a beacon of intellectual and creative excellence.

Born on July 1, 1970, Dr. Pawar’s academic journey is marked by a series of prestigious qualifications, including an M.A. in English (1996), M.Phil. (1998), SET (2000), PGCTE (2001), and Ph.D. (2008). His M.Phil. dissertation explored the man-woman relationship in T.S. Eliot’s poetry, while his doctoral research delved into the influence of Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism on Eliot’s poems and plays. This deep engagement with Eliot’s works has been a cornerstone of his scholarly contributions, reflected in his numerous publications and translations.

Dr. Pawar’s academic prowess is complemented by his creative versatility. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, he has authored seven books with ISBN numbers, including reference works such as T.S. Eliot’s Poems and Plays: The Hindu Perspective (2011), The Buddhist Perspective (2012), and The Christian Perspective (2012), alongside volumes of poetry like The Age of Pace (English, 2011) and Tishnagi (Hindi, 2011). His Marathi translation of T.S. Eliot’s seminal poem The Waste Land, titled Jeern Bhoomi (2014), is a landmark achievement, prescribed for M.A. English students at the University of Mumbai from 2015 to 2020. His poem Indianness and the script of his feature film Tara are also part of the curriculum at Homi Bhabha State University, underscoring his influence on literary education.

As a researcher, Dr. Pawar has guided five Ph.D. scholars, and is currently mentoring five others at the University of Mumbai. His 40 published papers in peer-reviewed journals cover diverse topics, from T.S. Eliot’s spiritual influences to feminist perspectives in literature, "Hinglish’s" cultural impact, and science fiction’s role in scientific innovation. His research papers, presented at national and international seminars, reflect his interdisciplinary approach, addressing themes like marginalized literature, war poetry, and translation theory. Dr. Pawar’s editorial contributions include co-editing three reference books on translation, sexual harassment at workplace and Indian science fiction, further cementing his role as a thought leader.

Beyond academia, Dr. Pawar’s contributions to cinema are extraordinary. His Hindi feature film Tara: The Journey of Love and Passion (2013), for which he wrote the script and played the role of a village head, is a global phenomenon. The film, a poignant tale of a Banjara woman’s resilience against societal injustice, has won over 530 national and international awards, including Best Story and Screenplay at the South Africa International Film Festival (2013), Braintree International Film Festival, USA (2013), and Darbhanga International Film Festival (2014). Officially selected for over 550 international film festivals and nominated for the 89th Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Tara earned a place in the World Book of Records in 2021. Dr. Pawar’s earlier film, Manthan – Ek Kashmakash (2008), showcased his storytelling prowess, tackling the issue of film piracy. His third film as a writer is "Ameena" that achieved Golden Jubilee in Mumbai, 2025. A trained screenwriter with a Diploma in Film and Television Screenwriting from Gemini Studios (2003), Dr. Pawar is also a poet, translator, and performer. His translations of Sylvia Plath’s Mirror and Emily Dickinson’s Success is Counted Sweetest into Hindi have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, his passion for the arts extends to Indian classical vocal music, in which he passed the second exam in 2002, and Reiki, where he attained the level of Grand Master in 2016.

As an educator, Dr. Pawar has shaped curricula at the University of Mumbai, contributing as a course coordinator and writer for undergraduate courses in English literature. His leadership as Principal of K J Somaiya College reflects his commitment to fostering academic excellence and holistic development. His ability to bridge literature, cinema, and education has inspired countless students and peers, making him a transformative figure in Mumbai’s academic and cultural landscape.

Dr. Pawar’s international recognition, including the Star NGO South Africa International Award (2008) for his short story Tara, underscores his global impact. His forthcoming works, The Harvest of Darkness (English fiction) and Dahavi Napas (Marathi novel), promise to further enrich his legacy. With his unparalleled blend of scholarship, creativity, and social consciousness, Dr. Kishan H. Pawar continues to illuminate the worlds of literature, cinema, and education, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter his work.