Chair Professorship
Introduction to Chair Professorships
A Chair Professorship is a prestigious academic position underpinned by a permanent endowment. The concept dates back to 1546, when King Henry VIII founded the first chairs in science and medicine. Since then, the Chair has endured as one of academia’s highest honors.
One of the earliest and most renowned privately endowed chairs is the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics, established in 1669 and famously held by Sir Isaac Newton. Today, it still symbolizes exceptional scholarship.
At BIT Mesra, appointment to a Chair represents recognition of exceptional contributions in teaching, research, and leadership. Beyond celebrating an individual, endowed chairs bolster departmental prestige, attract top talent, and sustain long-term academic growth. They are integral to BIT Mesra’s vision of innovation, impact, and institutional advancement.
Jagdish Sharma Chair Professor in Electrical Engineering
Mr. Sharma Speaks
Er. Jagdish Chand Sharma is a leading authority in hydroelectric generation and planning, with a distinguished 34-year career at the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB). A 1966 graduate in Electrical Engineering from BIT Mesra, he has been instrumental in shaping India’s power infrastructure across the Himalayas.
- Chief Engineer, Generation (1997–1999): Oversaw 30+ hydroelectric plants totaling 500 MW capacity.
- Director, Powerhouse & Transmission Planning: Led strategic project execution, including the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri and Tala hydro projects.
- Executive Engineer: Spearheaded rural electrification and high-impact grid expansion.
In honor of his lifelong dedication to engineering and education, Mr. Sharma has donated a permanent Chair Professorship in the Department of Electrical Engineering. The generated interest from the donation will fuel research, teaching excellence, and faculty development for generations.
This is BIT Mesra’s first sponsored Chair Professorship, marking a historic milestone and reflecting Mr. Sharma’s enduring commitment to his alma mater.
G. Natarajan Chair Professorship
Dr. Ganesh Natarajan is the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of 5F World, GTT Data Solutions Ltd. and Lighthouse Communities Foundation. He is also Chairman of Honeywell Automation India and EPPS and an independent Board member of Hinduja Global Solutions, SBI Payments, SBI DFHI, 1Crowd and Foundation to Educate girls globally. He is also a Global Partner in Cornerstone Ventures and Arise Ventures and an active investor through 5F World and the Indian Angel Network. s
Dr. Ganesh Natarajan is a distinguished alumni from class of 1978 and is a distinguished leader with degrees from BIT MESRA, IIM Mumbai, IIT Bombay, and Harvard Business School. He has received Distinguished Alumnus Awards from all three institutions, and Harvard teaches two case studies on his leadership.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to education and technology, Dr. Natarajan in the honor of his father Shri Ganapati Iyer Natarajan has instituted the G. Natarajan Chair in Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Computer Science at BIT Mesra, to advance excellence in AI research and academic leadership.
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