"In A World Where Education Is Sold As A Commodity, We Chose To Offer It As A Service"

In this exclusive conversation, Harsha Agadi, Chairman of SKSVMA, opens up about legacy, values and the road ahead for one of India's most unique educational experiments.

- Ruhail Amin

With a distinguished career spanning top boardrooms and leadership roles across industries in the U.S., Harsha Agadi has returned to his roots with a purpose larger than profit. As Chairman of Smt Kamala and Sri Venkappa M. Agadi College of Engineering & Technology (SKSVMA) in Lakshmeshwar, Karnataka, Mr. Agadi is transforming what it means to deliver quality, inclusive, and community-rooted education in rural India. In this exclusive conversation, he opens up about legacy, values, and the road ahead for one of India's most unique educational experiments.

You've had a distinguished corporate journey across the U.S. and India. What inspired you to invest your time and resources in shaping a rural engineering institution in Lakshmeshwar?

After leading what I call “six and a half companies” across sectors like hospitality, insurance, oil services, and KPO/ BPO, I realized I was among the few privileged NRIs with the opportunity to give back meaningfully to the country of my birth. My parents laid the foundation of this institution 25 years ago—not as a business, but as a mission to provide affordable, quality education. When my father passed away in 2010, I took over as Chairman and Managing Trustee.

We've operated with a singular goal: to educate without making money. In fact, we've kept our fees lower than most institutions, proving that access and excellence can co-exist. I once told the now Prime Minister—when he was Gujarat CM—that I couldn't replicate this model in every district, but I could ensure this one runs with integrity and impact. That's the commitment I've upheld.

How has your global leadership experience influenced the way SKS-VMA approaches education, governance, and community impact?