Dr. Geetali Tilak

Vice-Chancellor, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth

Dr. Geetali Tilak is a distinguished academic leader, educationist, and administrator serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth. She represents a rare blend of legacy and progressive leadership as the great-great-granddaughter of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of India’s foremost freedom fighters. Deeply rooted in this historic lineage, she continues to uphold the ideals of national development through transformative education.

Dr. Tilak is also the Editor of the children’s magazine Chhawa, published by the historic Kesari, founded in 1881. Through her editorial leadership, she has strengthened children’s journalism by promoting value-based, creative, and educational content for young readers.

Her academic credentials reflect interdisciplinary excellence. She holds a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Management from Lincoln University College, Malaysia, along with two Ph.D. degrees in Journalism and Management. She has completed an MBA, a Master’s degree in Journalism (Print Media), and began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Computer Science degree from Pune University in 2003. Her academic foundation across technology, media, and management enables her to integrate innovation with institutional governance.

Beginning her career at TMV as a professor, Dr. Tilak rose through leadership roles, including Department Head and Dean, before assuming the office of Vice-Chancellor. Under her stewardship, the Vidyapeeth achieved ISO 21001:2018 Certification, strengthened its research ecosystem, and established the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) to nurture entrepreneurial thinking among students. She also founded TMV’s Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development, a Section 8 company dedicated to advancing educational and social initiatives.

A recognized Ph.D. guide in Mass Communication, she has mentored ten doctoral scholars to completion. She has published in Scopus-indexed journals, holds four patents, and contributes actively to academic editorial boards. Her published works span Newspaper Management, Media Ethics, Event Management, Sarvan sathi Ikebana and New Social Media.

Cultural, Sports, and Artistic Achievements

Beyond academics, Dr. Tilak’s accomplishments reflect multidimensional excellence:

• Associate First Master's Degree from the Ohara School of Ikebana, Japan

• 4th Level certification from the Ikenobo School of Ikebana

• Ikebana Teacher, Promoting the art all over Maharashtra

• Awarded the Mona Pingale Memorial Prize by the Bombay Chapter of Ohara School of Ikebana

• Accomplished Judo Teacher and Black Belt holder

• Director of the Sports Committee at TMV

• Curator and Head of the Lokmanya Tilak and Barrister Oak Art Exhibition

Her contribution to children’s journalism has earned her multiple editorial recognitions, including the Sarvotkrushth Bal Diwali Ank Puraskar and the Aksharseva Puraskar.

Deeply committed to social responsibility, Dr. Tilak actively works toward women's empowerment through her association with Anath Hindu Mahila Ashram and serves as a trustee at various heritage institutions, contributing to the preservation of India’s cultural legacy.

Known for her strategic thinking, adaptability, and approachable leadership style, Dr. Geetali Tilak continues to foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and value-based education. Her journey reflects a harmonious integration of scholarship, strength, creativity, and service — making her a prominent and inspiring figure in India’s higher education landscape.