LEADERSHIP

Event Leadership

This page introduces the event patron and the Director of RGIPT so participants can clearly understand the institutional leadership supporting the initiative.

Madam Purnima Anand
Patron

Madam Purnima Anand

President, International BRICS Forum

A senior international public figure associated with BRICS dialogue, youth cooperation, and cross-border development platforms. Her message frames the Energy-O-Thon as a serious Indo-Russia initiative built on innovation, sustainability, and shared responsibility.

Platform valueGlobal credibility
Leadership lensBRICS cooperation
Why it matters for participants

Her association gives the event diplomatic and institutional depth. For participants, that matters because the program is not positioned as a one-off competition, but as a platform connecting education, policy, innovation, and global cooperation.

  • Supports cross-border academic and innovation collaboration under the BRICS framework.
  • Positions the event around sustainability, digital transformation, and responsible growth.
  • Strengthens institutional trust for participants, partners, mentors, and sponsors.
International BRICS Forum
Prof. Harish Hirani
Director

Prof. Harish Hirani

Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology

Professor Harish Hirani serves as Director of RGIPT and brings strong academic and research leadership in tribology, machine design, and condition monitoring.

Institutional roleDirector and Professor
Research strengthDesign and tribology
Why it matters for participants

That background is directly relevant to this event. It signals that Energy-O-Thon is anchored by leadership that understands advanced engineering, research translation, and how student innovation can connect with real industrial systems.

  • Serving as Director of RGIPT since April 2025.
  • He previously served as Professor of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Delhi.
  • He also led CSIR-CMERI, adding institution-building and applied research depth.
RGIPT Director Office