Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar
Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University
Principal Director, Symbiosis Society | TEDx Speaker

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar is one of India’s most influential voices in higher education and internationalisation. As the Principal Director of Symbiosis Society and Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International University (SIU), she spearheads a university that nurtures over 55,000 students from all States of India and 85 countries, across campuses in 6 cities in India and a campus in Dubai.
Dr Vidya holds a Post Graduate Degree in Medicine, a Degree in Law and Ph.D. in 'Internationalisation of Higher Education in India.’ She has redefined the role of universities in shaping global citizens. Under her visionary leadership, Symbiosis has grown into a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural hub of higher education.
She has been a former member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), ICCR, and on expert groups for the National Education Policy 2020. She also chairs the Higher Education Committees of FICCI and Services Export Promotion Council of India. Dr. Vidya serves on several national and international boards including the World Bank ASA Advisory Group, Muscat University, and corporate entities like Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Bajaj Holdings.
As a TEDx speaker, she has inspired audiences with her vision of inclusivity, globally relevant education and women empowerment. Recognised by LinkedIn as one of the World’s Top 200 Voices in Education, Dr. Vidya’s impact extends beyond academia into thought leadership and policy advocacy.
Conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by Deakin University, Australia, Dr. Vidya continues her lifelong mission of fostering innovation and internationalisation of Indian higher education.