Chairpersons of Management committee of Adarsha Sanskrit Shodha Samstha Since 1983
| Name | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Prof. P.N.Kawathekar | 1984 to 1986 |
| Prof. Shivrama Dattatreya Joshi | 1986 to 1993 |
| Prof. Madhukar Anant Mehandale | 1993 to 1996 |
| Prof. Saroja Bhate | 1996 to 2001 |
| Prof. Shantishree Pandit | 2001 to 2004 |
| Dr. Deepak J. Tilak | 01.07.2005 to 30.06.2008 |
| Prof. Saroja Bhate | 2008 to 2011 |
| Dr. Jay Prakash Narayan Dwivedi | 10.8.2011 to 09.08.2014 |
| Prof. Ravindra Muley | 29.06.2015 to 27.06.2018 |
| Prof. Ravindra Muley | 28.06.2018 to 27.06.2021 |
| Prof. Dr. Ved Prakash Upadhyaya | 01.09.2021 to 2024 |
| Prof. Prasad Joshi | 2024- till present |
Prof. P.N.Kawathekar – (1984-1986) |
| Prof. P. N. Kawathekar was a respected scholar of Sanskrit who served as the Director of Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) from 1984 to 1986. During his tenure, he continued the legacy of rigorous Vedic and Sanskrit research established by his predecessors, while also contributing his own scholarly depth to the institute’s academic environment. Known for his clarity of thought and precision in Sanskrit studies, Prof. Kawathekar’s academic interests lay primarily in Vedic literature, Sanskrit grammar, and Indian philosophical texts. He was appreciated for his balanced approach—rooted in traditional śāstric knowledge yet open to contemporary scholarly methodologies. During his directorship, VSM remained actively engaged in textual editing, manuscript preservation, and research-based publication. He also encouraged young scholars and students to participate in the research activities of the institute, thereby reinforcing VSM’s role as a nurturing ground for serious academic pursuit. Prof. Kawathekar’s leadership, though brief, was marked by scholarly integrity, administrative discipline, and a deep commitment to the institute’s foundational objectives. His contributions helped maintain the academic continuity and cultural relevance of the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala during the mid-1980s. |
Prof. Shivrama Dattatreya Joshi-(1986-1993) |
 One of the greatest scholars of Pāṇinian grammar, Prof. Shivrama Dattatreya Joshi played a pivotal role in advancing the study of Sanskrit linguistics in the modern academic world. He served as the Head of the Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit Languages at the University of Poona (now Savitribai Phule Pune University) in 1970. In 1974, he was appointed as the Director of the Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit, where he contributed significantly to research and postgraduate education in the field.In 1987, he assumed leadership of the Deccan College Sanskrit Dictionary Project, a monumental lexicographic endeavour aimed at producing a comprehensive dictionary of classical Sanskrit, based on an extensive range of textual sources. Under his guidance, the project achieved renewed academic rigour and national significance. His research and teaching were instrumental in bringing the Aṣṭādhyāyī, the foundational text of Pāṇini’s grammatical system, to the attention of the global academic community, especially among theoretical linguists. He effectively demonstrated how the rule-based structure of the Aṣṭādhyāyī aligns with the principles of generative grammar, thereby building a conceptual bridge between ancient Sanskrit grammar and modern linguistic theory. Through his profound scholarship, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication, Prof. Joshi not only preserved but also revitalized the study of Pāṇinian grammar—making it intellectually relevant and accessible to scholars across various disciplines and traditions around the world. |
Prof. Madhukar Anant Mehendale (1993-1996) |
 An eminent linguist and distinguished Avestan scholar, Prof. M. A. Mehendale made remarkable contributions to the study of ancient Indian and Iranian texts, particularly the Ṛgveda, the Mahābhārata, and the Avesta. His deep engagement with both Vedic and Avestan traditions highlighted the linguistic and cultural affinities between the ancient civilizations of India and Iran.Prof. Mehendale’s scholarship was marked by meticulous research, a strong philological foundation, and a comparative approach that enriched the understanding of Indo-Iranian literature and mythology. His expertise spanned across the fields of historical linguistics, epic studies, and Vedic philology. Later in his academic career, he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi’s Bhasha Samman (Language Honor Award)—a recognition of his lifelong dedication to linguistic and literary scholarship. Prof. Mehendale also played a key academic role at the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM), where he taught the Avesta and mentored several generations of students. Through his teaching and writings, he continued the tradition of Indo-Iranian studies at VSM, following the path laid by earlier scholars like Prof. I. J. S. Taraporewala and Prof. M. F. Kanga. His legacy remains influential in both Sanskrit and Avestan studies, earning him a respected place among the foremost Indologists of his time. |
Prof. Saroja Bhate-(1996-2001) and (2008-2011) |
 Prof. Saroja Bhate is a distinguished Sanskrit scholar, best known for her expertise in Pāṇinian grammar and Manuscriptology. She served as the Head of the Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where she contributed significantly to research and teaching in classical Indian linguistic traditions.She also held key academic leadership roles, including that of Honorary Secretary of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune — one of India’s foremost centres for Indological studies — and General Secretary of the All India Oriental Conference, where she played a vital role in promoting Sanskrit and Oriental scholarship at the national level. Prof. Bhate is widely recognized as a leading grammarian and a meticulous scholar of manuscriptology. Her research spans critical editions, philological analysis, and grammatical theory, and she has authored several influential publications in these domains. She has made substantial contributions to Sanskrit grammar through her analytical work and editorial scholarship. In addition to her institutional roles, Prof. Bhate has been associated with numerous academic and cultural organizations in various capacities — as a researcher, advisor, editor, and member of academic councils. Her dedication to the fields of Sanskrit linguistics and manuscript studies has earned her wide acclaim in India and abroad. |
Prof. Shantishree Pandit-(2001-2004) |
 Prof. Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, a distinguished academic and administrator, served as Director of the Adarsha Sanskrit Shodha Sanstha from 2001 to 2004. She is currently the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi — the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the history of the institution.Although her primary field of specialization is Political Science, Prof. Pandit is also proficient in several languages, including Sanskrit. Her linguistic capabilities have enabled her to engage deeply with India’s cultural and intellectual heritage, particularly the foundational texts of Indian political thought and philosophy. Her knowledge of Sanskrit adds depth to her academic work by providing access to original sources that have shaped Indian civilizational values and socio-political structures. As a scholar and administrator, Prof. Pandit has always emphasized the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems and classical languages in the modern academic discourse. Her tenure at the Adarsha Sanskrit Shodha Sanstha reflected this vision, and she worked towards integrating classical Indian traditions with contemporary scholarship. Prof. Pandit’s academic contributions, administrative leadership, and multilingual proficiency exemplify her commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich intellectual legacy across disciplines. |
Dr. Deepak Tilak-(2005-2008) |
 Dr. Deepak Tilak served as the President of Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) from 2005 to 2008. He is the great-grandson of the eminent freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and the son of Late Shri Jayantrao Tilak and Late Smt. Indutai Tilak, both of whom were closely associated with public service and education.Dr. Tilak’s academic background and professional expertise lie in the fields of Management and Journalism, and he has made notable contributions through his leadership and institutional affiliations. He has been actively associated with several educational and cultural institutions in various capacities—as President, Chairman, and Consultant—providing strategic guidance and fostering innovation in both traditional and modern fields of knowledge. During his tenure at VSM, Dr. Tilak supported the Mandala’s mission of preserving and promoting Vedic and Sanskrit research, while also encouraging dialogue between classical knowledge systems and contemporary disciplines. His association added a legacy of nationalistic inspiration and institutional vision to the continued development of the Mandala. |
Dr. Jayprakash Narayan Dwivedi-(2011-2014) |
 Dr. Jayprakash Narayan Dwivedi is a distinguished scholar of Sanskrit, known for his extensive contributions to classical literature, grammar, and cultural studies. He served as the Director of Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) from 2011 to 2014, during which he actively promoted traditional Sanskrit learning while fostering academic collaborations and research-oriented activities.In recognition of his outstanding service to Sanskrit studies, Dr. Dwivedi was honoured with the Certificate of Honour by the President of India in 2018. This prestigious national award is conferred upon eminent scholars of classical languages for their lifelong dedication and scholarly excellence. His name is listed among the select group of Sanskrit scholars across the country who have been recognized by the Government of India for their significant contributions. Dr. Dwivedi’s academic work spans research publications, editorial projects, and active participation in national and international conferences. He has been associated with various universities and cultural institutions, contributing to the advancement of Sanskrit education and research. His leadership at VSM further strengthened its legacy as a premier institution for Vedic and Sanskrit scholarship. |
Prof. Ravindra Muley-(2015-2021) |
 Prof. Ravindra Muley is a distinguished scholar in Vedic studies, known for his deep engagement with the oral, textual, and ritual dimensions of the Vedic tradition. He served as the Director of Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) from 2015 to 2021, during which he played a key role in advancing the institute’s research, publication, and outreach activities.He formerly held the position of Director of the Centre of Advanced Studies in Sanskrit and served as the Head of the Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where he mentored numerous students and scholars, and significantly contributed to the development of Vedic scholarship in academic settings. One of Prof. Muley’s most notable and pioneering contributions lies in the digital documentation of Vedic recitations, a monumental initiative that has preserved the oral traditions of all four Vedas — Ṛgveda, Yajurveda, Sāmaveda, and Atharvaveda. His efforts include the recording and archiving of rare, regional, and experimental methods of recitation, many of which are on the verge of extinction in contemporary practice. This work is not only of immense value to traditional scholarship but also ensures the intergenerational transmission and accessibility of Vedic knowledge through modern technological platforms. Through his scholarship, teaching, and visionary leadership, Prof. Muley has contributed significantly to the preservation and revitalization of India’s Vedic heritage, earning respect and recognition in both traditional and academic circles. |
Prof. Ved Prakash Upadhyay- (2021-2024) |
 Prof. Ved Prakash Upadhyay is an eminent scholar of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy, celebrated for his profound contributions to the preservation and propagation of traditional Śāstric knowledge. He served as the Director of Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) from 2021 to 2024, guiding the institution with his vast experience and erudition.A recipient of the prestigious Certificate of Honour (Rāṣṭrapati Samman) conferred by the President of India, he holds the revered title of Mahāmahopādhyāya and Śāstrachūḍāmaṇi—honours that reflect his exceptional stature in the field of Sanskrit studies. He holds academic degrees including M.A., D.Phil., D.Litt., and Ācārya, and has earned distinction in both traditional and modern educational frameworks. Prof. Upadhyay served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Sanskrit at Panjab University, Chandigarh, where he played a transformative role in teaching, research, and curriculum development. He also held the position of Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Jangla, Rohru, Shimla (HP), a role to which he was nominated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Recognised as a UGC Professor Emeritus, Prof. Upadhyay has been honoured with numerous national and international awards for his scholarship, including recognitions for his contributions to Vedic literature, classical philosophy, and interreligious dialogue. His deep understanding of the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Purāṇas, and Darśanas is reflected in his writings, lectures, and institutional leadership. During his tenure at VSM, Prof. Upadhyay strengthened the institute’s research initiatives, encouraged the study of lesser-known Vedic texts, and promoted Sanskrit learning through interdisciplinary and comparative approaches. His work continues to inspire scholars and students alike, reaffirming his place as one of the leading figures in contemporary Sanskrit scholarship. |
Prof. Prasad Joshi-(2024- Present) |
 Prof. Prasad Joshi is a renowned scholar of Sanskrit, currently serving as the Director of Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) since 2024, and also as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune. A distinguished academic and dedicated researcher, he represents the dynamic new generation of Sanskrit scholars committed to both preserving and advancing India’s ancient intellectual traditions.In 2016, Prof. Joshi was conferred the Maharshi Bādarāyaṇa Vyās Samman by the President of India—an esteemed national award recognizing young scholars under the age of 40 for their outstanding contributions to classical Sanskrit. This rare honour is a testament to his scholarly excellence and national stature. His areas of academic specialization include Pāṇinian Grammar, Vedic Grammar, and Sanskrit Lexicography. With a solid grounding in both traditional śāstric learning and modern linguistic approaches, Prof. Joshi has contributed significantly to research, pedagogy, and academic discourse in these fields. His work is characterized by analytical rigor, clarity of exposition, and a commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue. Prof. Joshi has actively participated in national and international conferences, published widely in reputed journals, and contributed to editorial and research projects that aim to digitize, analyze, and reinterpret ancient Sanskrit texts for contemporary relevance. Under his leadership, VSM continues to flourish as a center of excellence in Vedic and Sanskrit studies. Through his scholarship, leadership, and vision, Prof. Prasad Joshi is shaping the future of Sanskrit studies in India and inspiring a new generation of students and researchers to engage deeply with India’s linguistic and cultural heritage |