“We must ensure that financial limitations do not hinder any deserving and needy student’s access to education.”

Late Prof. Peerzada was a visionary academic and thought leader known for a penchant for quality education rooted in analytical thinking, moral courage, and value bases leadership. He was Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management at Gujarat University . A relentless champion of quality yet affordable education, Prof. Peerzada spent decades transforming academic institutions with a deep-seated belief inperspective-led empathy. His commitment to inclusive education resonates through his founding of L J K University in 2019, an institution that exemplifies his ideals—intellectual rigor, affordability, and inclusivity.

Professor Peerzada captivated an entire generation of students and colleagues, driven by a unique blend of brutal frankness and uncompromising honesty. His approach to communication was deeply rooted in the Aristotelian principles of ethos, pathos, and logos, seamlessly blending credibility, empathy, and logic to inspire profound change. Beyond his intellectual prowess, his profound passion for books and theatre further enriched his ability to connect and motivate. He firmly believed in the power of nurturing talent through intellect and integrity, consistently advocating for these values. Throughout his career, he remained a highly respected voice in academia and served as an invaluable mentor to countless emerging leaders.

A Dreamer and a Doer, Leading from the Front

A distinguished economist, Prof. Dinesh Awasthi, our Vice Chancellor, was previously, a Professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. He was Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), Ahmedabad, from 2003 to 2015.

Prof. Awasthi's impressive body of work includes over 70 research papers, eight books, and 31 research reports focusing on SMEs and technology entrepreneurship. His expertise has led him to chair and serve on numerous committees for the Indian and Gujarat governments, as well as various non-profit organizations. He has also consulted for several international bodies, including the ILO, UNIDO, UNDP, and DFID (UK), undertaking professional assignments worldwide.

Prof. Awasthi embodies the spirit of a dreamer envisioning the University’s horizon beyond tomorrow. He boldly re-imagines education, research, and community impact, setting ambitious, growth-inspiring goals. Yet, his leadership isn't just about aspirations. As a proactive doer, he meticulously transforms the university's vision into concrete strategies and tangible results, ensuring every initiative propels the institution forward. Leading from the front, he actively engages with faculty, students, and staff, building trust and motivating the entire community through his dynamic guidance and unwavering dedication.

Dr. Manish Shah, President of LJK University, is a visionary academic leader and a pioneering force in reshaping the landscape of higher education in India. A doctorate in chemistry with an impressive record of scholarly contributions to national and international journals, Dr. Shah has leveraged his academic depth and strategic foresight to build one of Gujarat’s most dynamic educational ecosystems also making him a sought-after speaker and expert in several corporate and government bodies. Under his leadership, LJK University has established 15 constituent institutes spanning engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, applied sciences, and more—each committed to academic excellence and social relevance.

Dr. Shah has introduced ground-breaking reforms to foster innovation, applied learning, and employability. From integrating MOOCs and outcome-based education to implementing blockchain-based result systems and industry-linked hackathons, his initiatives reflect a deep commitment to transparency, technology, and skills development. Collaborations with industry giants like ISRO, Ford, Toyota, and Zydus Cadila have brought real-world relevance to campus learning.

With a vision of serial entrepreneurship, Dr. Viral has had a positive influence on businesses in the field of Export/Import, Jewellery Manufacturing, Fintech and Social ventures.

Dr. Shah is instrumental in conceptualizing, developing several professional courses including courses like Integrated MBA (iMBA), Entrepreneurship and Family Business (BBA+MBA), Radio Programming, Film Making, BBA in Sports Management, BBA in Event Management.

He has been the brainchild behind planning and executing the first ever funding event in Gujarat, Antracon 1.0.

Back in 2016, with so little happening in the startup ecosystem of Gujarat, this event was one of the attention grabbers during the early recognition phase of Gujarat at a startup state, contributing towards the Vibrant Gujarat.

He is an active member of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries's Startup Committee. With his strong belief in consistency, modesty and fall forward attitude, Antrapreneur has been built from scratch and has been able to sustain the cold winds of the startup bubble, only to further aim towards promoting innovations and startups with better strategic plans.