Padma Shri Honours Shashi Shekhar Vempati’s Public Service Career

Shashi Shekhar Vempati is set to receive the Padma Shri, recognising a career that bridges technology, public broadcasting, and institution-building. An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Vempati’s work spans leadership roles in national media, education governance, and emerging technology policy, positioning him among notable public servants shaping India’s knowledge and communication ecosystem.

IIT Bombay roots and academic grounding

Educated at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Vempati’s technical training laid the foundation for a career that combined engineering thinking with public purpose. His academic grounding enabled him to approach governance challenges with a systems perspective, influencing how technology could be deployed for large-scale public communication and institutional reform.

Leadership at Prasar Bharati

Vempati rose to national prominence during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati. Under his leadership, public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio underwent structural and technological modernisation. He also oversaw Rajya Sabha TV, strengthening parliamentary broadcasting and expanding the reach of public affairs content. His tenure is often associated with efforts to professionalise public broadcasting while preserving its public service mandate.

Role in education and science communication

Beyond broadcasting, Vempati has played a key role in education governance. He currently chairs the Committee for Science and Technology Communication at the Department of Science and Technology and heads the Educational Media Experts Committee of the University Grants Commission. He also serves on governing boards of institutions such as the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and the Broadcast Audience Research Council, influencing media literacy, academic outreach, and policy formulation.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• Prasar Bharati is India’s autonomous public service broadcaster.
• IIT Bombay is among India’s premier engineering institutions.
• UGC plays a key role in higher education regulation in India.

Strategic role in India’s AI ecosystem

Alongside the Padma Shri recognition, Vempati has been appointed Independent Director on the board of BharatGen Technology Foundation, a Section 8 company developing India’s foundational artificial intelligence models under the IndiaAI Mission. He is also co-founder of the DeepTech for Bharat Foundation, reflecting his continued engagement with India-centric technology development. The honour coincides with his expanding role in shaping India’s sovereign AI and digital public infrastructure ambitions.