Research Team

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.

Shri. Pratik Gajanan Rumde earned his Ph.D. from Georg August University of Göttingen, Germany. With expertise in both Sanskrit and German studies, he possesses exceptional linguistic proficiency across multiple languages. He has held esteemed positions as a Language Teacher, Research Assistant, and Lecturer at renowned institutions such as the University of Mumbai, India as well as the University of Bonn and the University of Göttingen, Germany.

Smt. Anjali N Kumar comes with a Post Graduate Degree in Communication and Journalism from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Her career is backed by 8 years of experience in serving as a Reporter in Kerala’s second-largest circulated newspaper – Mathrubhumi. Indian Psychiatric Society (Kerala Chapter) felicitated her with the ‘Psychiatric Society Media Award’ in October 2022 for her groundbreaking reporting during the Covid period, spreading awareness amongst the public about mental health and encouraging prioritization of mental health when it mattered the most. She has also proved her mettle in content strategizing and copywriting for various brands as part of her work.

In 1982 Mrs.Sarala. In 1982 Smt. Sarala Suresh completed her M.A. in Sanskrit with specialization in Sahitya-shastra from the University of Kerala. In 1987 she obtained her M.Phil in Sanskrit Literature from the University of Pune. After joining the CIF in 1990, she has been serving faithfully in various departments. Her contributions to the publication of numerous books by the CIF and the CIF Shodh Sansthan are undoubtedly remarkable. With her exceptional proofreading skills, she has earned the reputation of spotting minutest of the editorial mistakes with a hawk’s eye. This has facilitated CIF to enhance the overall quality of its publications. For her outstanding service Smt. Sarala Suresh has been felicitated by Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, the former chairperson of the Chinmaya Mission.

Smt. Radhika Manoj is MA in Sanskrit coupled with a PGDCA in computer science. With over two decades of experience in the dynamic realm of book publishing with 51 books to her credit. She brings a wealth of knowledge & expertise to our team. Her multifaceted linguistic proficiency extends to English, Malayalam, & Sanskrit, enriching our projects with diverse cultural insights & precision. With her dedication & seasoned insights, she ensures that our publications uphold the highest standards of quality & excellence, resonating with readers across linguistic & cultural boundaries.

Dr. Sanjay Varma V completed his undergraduate degree in Sanskrit & postgraduate degree in Sanskrit Vedanta. He holds an M.Phil. Degree in Manuscriptology and PhD in the field of Tarka Shastra from the University of Calicut, Kerala. Additionally, he is UGC NET qualified. His sharp observation skills and meticulous research make him one of the major contributors to the 108 Upanishads Translation Project.

Sri. Mansaram Dey is a top student excelling in academics. He is pursuing a PhD from Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth. He won silver medals for his BA and MA degrees from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira. He won silver medals for his BA and MA degrees. He studied Sanskrit grammar in Varanasi where he also gained a strong understanding of Vedanta & Nyaya philosophy. He is UGC NET & WBSET qualified. Moreover, he was also part of the MP Government’s project on Adi Shankaracharya, collaborating with Prof. Gauri Mahulikar. With a multilingual background & a range of skills, from critical thinking to technical proficiency, he adds value to the 108 Upanishad Translation project.

Being a Gold Medalist Shastri graduate specializing in Advaita Vedanta & masters in philosophy, Kum. Geetanjali Malave brings a strong foundation in Sanskrit language & philosophy to her research. Her passion for learning & spreading Vedantic wisdom is further fueled by her experience as a Bhagavad Gita & Sanskrit tutor. Using her multilingual background & range of skills from critical thinking to technical proficiency, she contributes significantly to the 108 Upanishad Translation Project.

Shrayat Parasher is pursuing a bachelor's in Sanskrit from Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth. He is a regular yoga practitioner. He has interest in Indian Knowledge Systems and Sanskrit. Currently he is working in the Mahabharata Nilkanthi translation project as a typist and proofreader.

Krishna Kiran C has completed his Degree and Post-Graduation from Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi. He also holds a B.Ed degree. He has 10 months of teaching experience and approximately one year of experience as a typist for Malayalam, English, and Hindi.

With her academic grounding in Visual Media (BSc) and Vedic Sciences (MSc), Mahitha Harikumar engages herself deeply with Jyotisham and the study of Bhagavatam to foster perspectives on cultural and spiritual themes. She takes a keen interest in Sanskrit, cultural heritage, bhakti traditions, and Indian Knowledge Systems with a focus on broader understanding.