Prof. Gauri Mahulikar is a Sanskritist dedicated to reviving Sanskrit learning and fostering interest in this divine language across India and beyond. Besides being an outstanding expert in Vedanta and Vedic Studies, Prof. Mahulikar is also a fervent admirer of Sahitya, specifically Kalidasa’s literary masterpieces. Renowned for her captivating oratory skills, and known for her ever-charming smile, she has earned the reputation of being a beloved teacher among students.
As the Academic Director of the Chinmaya International Foundation, she is leading major initiatives such as multi-layered translation of 108 Upanishads, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Nilakantha’s commentary on the Mahabharata. A new book series under the title ‘Vedānta-granthamālā’ has been launched by the CIF under her able guidance with the aim of publishing authentic and rigorous annotated translations of Vedantic treatises. Thanks to her exceptional networking skills she has been able to attract not only scholars across India to contribute to various ambitious projects conducted by the CIF, but also philanthropists to fund them generously. Organising national workshops and conferences reveal her leadership qualities and conducting online webinars, her technological and didactical skills. A large number of Sanskrit enthusiasts have been benefited and continue to be so from her resourceful webinars covering a variety of topics related to Sanskrit studies.
Moreover, she is currently heading Chinmaya International Foundation Shodh Sansthan which is affiliated to the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi in the capacity of a chairperson. Earlier, she had headed the Department of Sanskrit at the University of Mumbai. She has also served as the Officiating Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Faculty at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth.
Prof. Mahulikar holds an impressive academic background with an M.A., Ph.D. in Sanskrit, and a P.G. Diploma in Comparative Mythology. Numerous accolades, including the prestigious Savitribai Phule Puraskar, the Sri Adi Sankara Puraskar, Ramakrishna International Award (given by Canadian Education Foundation, Ontario), Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit Sadhana Puraskar, Lokamanya Tilak Sanskrit Puraskar and an honorary D.Litt by Karnataka Sanskrit University have been conferred on Prof. Mahulikar. Thus, her invaluable contributions to Sanskrit scholarship are widely recognized and celebrated.