Shri Vinod Surendra Doddanavar, Secretary of Bharatesh Education Trust, Belagavi, will be awarded the Honorary Doctor of Letters- D. Lit. (Doctorate) in the University’s Convocation to be held at Suvarn Soudha on Tuesday 25th November 2025. Hon. Governor Shri Thavarchand Gehlot will be present for this function.
Shri Vinod Doddanavar is a respected educationist, social contributor, heritage conservationist, and community leader whose work spans several decades across multiple sectors. Born on December 7, 1965 into the well-known Doddanavar family—distinguished for its role in business, public service, and participation in the freedom movement—he grew up in an environment rooted in integrity and social responsibility. His formative years were influenced by his father, Shri Komalanna Doddanavar, an eminent businessman known for his civic contributions, and by the strong value system of his family. He also had his elder brother, Ajit and Rajiv Doddanavar as his role models.
He completed his early schooling in Belagavi, later joining Rashtriya Military School as a boarder. He pursued B.Pharm at the College of Pharmacy, J.N. Medical College, Belagavi, followed by M.Pharm from Government College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, securing admission through the GATE examination. He worked as a Research Scientist at Astra Zeneca under Nobel Laureate Dr. Sune Bergström and later served as a professor at PESIT College of Pharmacy. He returned to Belagavi to support family responsibilities.
He subsequently entered the family’s diversified businesses in chemicals, mining, construction, and logistics. His work in mining was noted for sustainable practices such as large-scale tree plantation, environmental protection measures, and ethical operations. His CSR initiatives included providing Tungabhadra piped drinking water to villages affected by fluorosis, organizing health camps, and supporting cataract surgeries. He also planted lakhs of trees at his mining sites which are thriving even today.
Following the passing of his father in 2008, he became actively involved with Bharatesh Education Trust, as Member of the Managing Committee where he played a key role in establishing institutions such as Bharatesh Global Business School, Bharatesh Central School Halaga, and Bharatesh Central School Kudachi. In 2023, after the demise of his brother Shri Rajiv Doddanavar, he assumed the role of Secretary of the Trust. Under his leadership, the Trust expanded to 21 institutions, serving over 9,000 students and 700 staff, achieving NAAC/NBA accreditations, infrastructure expansion, and establishment of the new engineering college, his passion project. He introduced several academic, administrative, and value-based reforms including Atal Tinkering Labs, comprehensive libraries.
Parallel to his educational work, he has been deeply involved in heritage conservation. As Convener of INTACH Belagavi Chapter, he initiated the publication of books, documentation of over 100 heritage sites and facilitated the restoration of temples at Halasi, Benwad, Idaragucchi, and Hannikeri. Through the Acharya Shantisagar Foundation, he established a Manuscript Restoration Center at Bahubali, which has restored and digitized over 70,000 ancient manuscripts. Projects in Karnataka and Maharashtra continue under his guidance.
His environmental initiatives include promoting solar energy across campuses, implementing plastic-free zones, establishing Effluent Treatment Plants, and supporting large-scale tree plantation drives.
He was noticed for his work in heritage conservation by Param Pujya Jagadguru Karmyogi Swastishree Charukirti Bhattarak Swamiji of Shravanebelagola who inducted him first into the Karnataka Tirthkshetra Committee. He has contributed to major national religious and cultural events, notably serving as one of the five National Secretaries of the 2018 Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola, organizing national seminars and coordinating key responsibilities during visits of national leaders like the Prime Minister, President of India, among others.
For his contributions, he has received several awards including the Pandappa Laxman Hugar Award by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, the Samaj Ratna Award at Shravanabelagola, the Best Alumni Award by Karnataka Jain Association, and the Gurubhakt Shravak Shrestha Award by Acharya Shantisagar Foundation.
Shri Vinod Doddanavar is regarded as a leader who prioritizes responsibility, humility, and service. His work has influenced faculty, empowered students, and strengthened educational and cultural institutions across the region. He continues to play an important role in shaping Belagavi’s educational landscape, preserving its heritage, and supporting community welfare.