On January 26, 2026, India’s education landscape celebrated one of its stalwarts, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, as he was conferred the Padma Shri for his exceptional contributions to literature and education. A scholar, administrator, and mentor, Kumar’s journey from a small village in Telangana to the helm of India’s premier educational institutions is nothing short of inspiring.
From Mamidala to the WorldKumar was born on April 8, 1960, in the Mamidala village of the Nalgonda district in Telangana. His upbringing was shaped by his father, a primary school teacher, and the community he belonged to. Kumar completed his Masters and PhD in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras and post-doctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he worked under the supervision of the illustrious Prof. David J. Roulston. His area of research included nanoelectronics and semiconductor devices, and he was destined to make a lasting impact in this area.
Kumar returned to India as a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi, where he made a significant impact as a teacher and researcher. He guided numerous students, published over 200 papers, filed patents, and wrote three major books on nanoelectronic devices and transistor technology.
Shaping India’s Higher EducationHowever, Kumar’s contributions to education administration are not limited to his research work. He was the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (2016-2022), a tenure that was both innovative and tumultuous, and then the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) from 2022 to 2025. His administrative experience has been with several crucial institutions, such as the National Council of Science Museums, NAAC, AICTE, and IN-SPACe, reflecting his dedication to comprehensive educational development in India.
During Kumar’s tenure, there were efforts to improve universities, support teachers, encourage innovation, and increase access to students from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds, which are the ideals he emphasized in his response to being awarded the Padma Shri:
“I am truly grateful and deeply humbled to receive the Padma Shri award. This recognition provides a clear direction for our work in the coming years. We must continue to strengthen our universities and colleges, supporting our teachers, promoting innovation, and expanding access to education for all students, particularly those from rural backgrounds and socially or academically weaker sections. I sincerely thank my family, especially my wife, Gauri Subbalakshmi, for their unwavering support. I am grateful to my mentors and, above all, my students, who inspire me to continue reforms in higher education—an area so close to my heart.”
Accolades and RecognitionKumar’s contributions have been widely acknowledged. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences India, and the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, and has received awards like the ISA-VSI TechnoMentor Award and the IETE Ram Lal Wadhwa Gold Medal.
Peers and Leaders CelebrateThe announcement of Kumar’s Padma Shri sparked admiration across the education sector. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, tweeted:
“Shri M Jagadesh Kumar and Professor V Kamakoti are stalwarts of Indian education. They have made unparalleled contributions to transform our educational landscape. Prestigious Padma is a just recognition for their passion, contribution and lasting impact to shaping our education ecosystem. Intellectuals like them are India’s pride.”
The University Grants Commission added: “His leadership and dedication continue to inspire excellence in Indian higher education.”
Meanwhile, IIT Delhi, his academic home, celebrated the honor, stating: "#IITDelhi congratulates its former faculty member, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, on being conferred with the prestigious #PadmaShri Award. Former UGC Chairman and former VC of JNU, Prof. Kumar, has been honored in the Literature and Education category for his contributions to the field of education.”
Beyond Academia: A Life of BalanceKumar has led a very balanced life despite his hectic schedule. He is married to Gauri, and they have two sons who are pursuing their PhDs in Nanoelectronics. He enjoys karate, music, and spending time with family, which is a reflection of his strong conviction that a happy life is one that has a happy family.
A Legacy in MotionFrom a Telangana village to heading the top educational institutions in India, the journey of Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar is a shining example of the power of education. His Padma Shri award is not merely an honor but also an acknowledgment of the many years he has dedicated to shaping minds, nurturing talent, and shaping Indian higher education.
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