Dr Pankaj Mittal – Secretary-General, Association of Indian Universities (AIU); Former Vice-Chancellor, BPS Women’s University (India)

As the second female Secretary General in AIU’s 97-year history, Dr. Mittal drives policy innovation and internationalization in Indian higher education. A former Vice Chancellor of North India’s first rural women’s university, she transformed it into a globally recognized institution through inclusive, tech-integrated education. Her leadership spans roles at the University Grants Commission (UGC), NITI Aayog’s “Future of Education” panel, and global academic collaborations.