Dr. Raj Reddy is a Turing Award–winning computer scientist and a pioneer of Artificial Intelligence, known for foundational contributions to large-scale AI systems, speech recognition, robotics, and human–computer interaction. Founding Director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute and a University Professor at CMU, he has shaped global AI research while also playing a major nation-building role in India as co-founder of IIIT Hyderabad and a key architect of RGUKT. Widely respected for blending technological excellence with social impact, he continues to mentor researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders worldwide.

Lt Gen Manmohan Jeet Singh Kahlon, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1982, is a highly decorated former Strike Corps Commander with extensive experience in command, training, and capability development of the Indian Army. A former Director General of Perspective Planning, Mechanised Forces, and Armoured Corps, he has led premier institutions including the Defence Services Staff College and the School of Armoured Warfare. A strategic thinker with multiple postgraduate degrees, he remains deeply engaged in mentoring and leadership development.

He is a veteran microelectronics and cybersecurity leader with a PhD from IIT Bombay, who served at DRDO for over three decades and retired in 2016 as Director General. He played a pivotal role in building India’s indigenous semiconductor, processor, and cyber infrastructure, including GAETEC, SITAR, and national cyber policies. Post-retirement, he continues to contribute as a Distinguished Professor at IIT Gandhinagar and as an advisor to key national missions in semiconductors, supercomputing, and advanced communications.