Shashi Shekhar Vempati: A Visionary Leader in Indian Media, Technology & Public Service

Shashi Shekhar Vempati stands out as one of India’s remarkable technocrats whose career bridges the worlds of technology, media, policy and national institution-building. An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Vempati has consistently applied his strong engineering foundation to public service, shaping the evolution of India’s public broadcaster and contributing to emerging technological frontiers — a journey recently crowned by the honour of the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.

Early Life and Educational Foundations

Vempati’s story begins with his academic roots at IIT Bombay, where he gained a solid foundation in engineering. This educational background equipped him with not only technical expertise but also analytical rigour — qualities that later defined his multifaceted career. His journey from the campus corridors to the helm of major institutions exemplifies how technical training, when harnessed with a sense of public purpose, can yield transformative national impact.

From Tech Innovator to Media Strategist

Vempati’s professional odyssey took off in the private sector, where he spent more than 15 years at Infosys Technologies. In this phase, he developed deep expertise in digital innovations and product strategy, contributing to cutting-edge technology initiatives globally. His work involved engaging with major clients across industries including digital services, retail, and utilities — experiences that broadened his perspective beyond traditional engineering roles.

Transitioning towards media and digital landscapes, Vempati then led the digital news platform Niti Digital, where he delved into digital communication strategies that intersected technology with public discourse. His ability to navigate digital ecosystems foreshadowed his future leadership in public media.

Transforming Prasar Bharati: Modernisation and Digital Outreach

In 2017, Vempati achieved a pivotal milestone in his career when he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster that oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio — entities at the heart of India’s broadcast heritage. Notably, he was the first non-bureaucrat and also among the youngest individuals to assume this role, marking a departure from traditional leadership models and signalling a new era of reform.

During his five-year tenure from 2017 to 2022, Vempati steered significant institutional and technological transformation within Prasar Bharati. Under his guidance:

• Doordarshan and All India Radio were modernised to align with changing media consumption patterns.
• There was a strong push to enhance the digital footprint of the broadcaster, making public broadcasting more relevant to younger audiences and digital consumers.
• Strategic initiatives were undertaken for next-generation broadcasting, including exploration of advanced technologies designed to expand reach and accessibility.

Vempati’s leadership was recognised for strengthening the broadcaster’s role in national discourse while ensuring that traditional platforms remained relevant in an era defined by rapid technological change.

Leadership Beyond Broadcasting: Boards and Publications

Beyond his contributions at Prasar Bharati, Vempati has remained deeply connected to media and communication governance. He has served on the governing boards of institutions including the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) and the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), enabling him to influence media literacy, policy frameworks, and academic outreach in the sector.

He is also the author of Collective Spirit Concrete Action: Mann ki Baat and its Influence on India, a book that explores the impact of one of India’s most widely heard public communication platforms, demonstrating his sustained interest in how media shapes national conversation.

Championing India’s AI and DeepTech Future

After completing his term at Prasar Bharati, Vempati has continued to engage with emerging technology landscapes. He co-founded the DeepTech for Bharat Foundation (AI4India.org) — an initiative aimed at nurturing India’s deep technology ecosystem and advancing accessible AI development. This role reflects his broader vision for linking technology with public good and national progress.

In November 2025, he was appointed as an Independent Director on the board of the BharatGen Technology Foundation, a section 8 organisation headquartered at IIT Bombay and backed by the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. BharatGen is tasked with building sovereign foundational AI models — a critical component of India’s future in digital autonomy and technological innovation.

Padma Shri Recognition: Celebrating National Impact

In January 2026, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri upon Shashi Shekhar Vempati, honouring his exceptional contributions to public broadcasting, media reform, digital policy, and national institution building. The award recognises not only his achievements at Prasar Bharati but also his ongoing efforts at the intersection of technology and public service.

The Padma Shri sits among India’s highest civilian accolades and is conferred upon individuals who have made distinguished contributions in various fields. Vempati’s inclusion in this prestigious list underscores the impact of his work on India’s media landscape and its broader technological aspirations.

A Legacy of Innovation and Public Service

Shashi Shekhar Vempati’s journey — from a student at IIT Bombay to a leader of national institutions — exemplifies how technical expertise, when paired with visionary leadership and public purpose, can drive transformation at scale. Whether through modernising public broadcasting, shaping media policy, or contributing to India’s AI ambitions, Vempati has continually advanced innovations that align with national interests.

His career narrative sends an inspiring message to emerging professionals: that the fusion of technology, communication, and service can serve as a powerful catalyst for societal progress. As India moves further into the digital era, leaders like Vempati exemplify the potential for holistic innovation rooted in excellence, public engagement, and forward-looking policy.