At Digiiday 2025, we paused to celebrate the educators whose pioneering leadership continues to define and transform the landscape of Indian higher education. The Guru Namana segment honoured four distinguished visionaries whose wisdom and commitment have inspired the pursuit of academic excellence and innovation—and continue to do so today.

This tribute celebrated not only their remarkable past contributions but also their continuing influence in shaping digital transformation and driving policy development across the education sector.

Honouring Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Padma Shri Awardee, NEP Drafting Committee Member, and Founding Chancellor, Chanakya University: A Pillar of Educational Reform and National Education Policy

“Technology and digitalisation are enablers — but they should not come at the cost of human connection.”

Prof. Sridhar emphasized that technology must serve as a bridge, not a barrier, to meaningful engagement in education. He addressed that the data generated by digital tools should be leveraged to better deliver learning, while preserving the human connection at the heart of education.

This perspective reflects Digii’s philosophy: empowering institutions with smart platforms that enhance teaching and learning while keeping people at the centre of every interaction.

Honouring Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Former Chairman of the Academic Council, Medical Council of India: A Milestone in Medical Education Excellence

“The transformative model of the 21st century, in which India must lead, is high-touch and high-tech. That is where Digii stands as a milestone.”

Dr. Mishra described India’s progress in medical education as a journey “from stone to milestone,” highlighting the nation’s rise as the world’s largest producer of trained health professionals through its competency-based education model. He stressed that compassionate care must always complement advanced technology.

Digii’s solutions support this balance by enabling institutions to streamline operations and elevate academic experiences—ensuring that efficiency goes hand in hand with empathy in medical education.

Honouring Prof. S. Sadagopan, Founding Director of IIIT Bangalore: India’s Ascendancy in Global Higher Education

“The destination for higher education globally in 1951 was the United Kingdom, but by the 60s and 70s, it shifted to the United States. However, looking ahead to 2050–2055, this shift will move to India.”

Prof. Sadagopan reflected on the shifting centres of global education, noting that India is poised to become the next global education epicentre by mid-century. He attributed this rise to India’s demographic advantage and vibrant democracy, which together position the country as a natural leader in higher education.

This vision resonates with Digii’s mission to empower Indian institutions with connected, future-ready campuses—amplifying the country’s global educational leadership.

Honouring Prof. K. R. S. Murthy, Former Director of IIM Bangalore: Technology and the Human Interface in Education

“Most of education today is about teaching how to interact with artificial intelligence in a way that is both powerful and helpful to society.”

Prof. Murthy, drawing from his early experiences, spoke about the evolving relationship between technology and humans. He stressed that education must now prepare learners to engage ethically and effectively with artificial intelligence.

Digii enables this balance by designing platforms where technology enhances, rather than overshadows, the human dimensions of learning.

Looking Ahead: Guru Namana’s Enduring Legacy

Guru Namana at Digiiday 2025 was a profound reminder of the transformative power of visionary leadership in higher education. 

The ceremony distilled four guiding truths:

• Education policy must remain people-centric (Prof. Sridhar).
• Medical education must integrate empathy with technology (Dr. Mishra).
• India is on course to lead global higher education (Prof. Sadagopan).
• Technology must always serve humanity in learning (Prof. Murthy).

These luminaries have paved the way for India’s digital and academic evolution, inspiring Digii’s mission to empower institutions with smart, connected campus solutions. 

As we honour their legacies, we renew our commitment to drive innovation that balances technology with humanity—building campuses that are not only efficient but also deeply engaging and future-ready.