Our Patron
Justice Pankaj Bhandari (Retd.)
Justice Pankaj Bhandari retired from the High Court of Jaipur in January 2025 and was appointed as the Chairman of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority. In his tenure, he has been instrumental in advancing legal aid and social justice initiatives.
As Chairman, he spearheaded the scholarship program, awarding ₹2,500 per month for two years to 100 specially-abled children, fostering their education and empowerment. His experience of playing chess with visually challenged individuals has been a source of deep inspiration, further strengthening his commitment to inclusivity.
Justice Bhandari has been a steadfast supporter of parents of persons with disabilities, offering legal guidance to help ensure dignity and rights for their children. His association with Approach Autism Society will serve to empower parent groups, strengthening advocacy movements and driving systemic change for the neurodivergent community.
Dr. Udaykumar R. Yaragatti
Professor (HAG), Dept. of EEE, NITK Surathkal
Dr. Udaykumar R. Yaragatti is a distinguished academician and administrator with significant contributions to technical education and policy reforms in India.Dr. Yaragatti’s leadership and expertise continue to shape India’s education system. As Patron of Approach Autism Society, he supports initiatives for neurodivergent individuals in education and employment.
Key Leadership Roles
- Director, MNIT Jaipur – Improved NIRF ranking from 73 to 37.
- Mentor Director, IIIT Kota – Secured a full-fledged building after a decade-long delay.
- In-Charge Director, NIT Goa – Facilitated 120 acres of land allocation.
National Committees & Contributions
- Executive Committee Member, AICTE | Chairperson, AICTE NWRC
- Chairman, CSAB | Vice Chairman, JoSAA (3 terms) | Chairman, CCMT, CCMN, and DASA
- Member, NTA & ERP System Committee for NITs
- Member, Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) – Led school bag weight reduction initiative.
- Member, NEP Committee, UGC – Contributed to Multidisciplinary and Holistic Education framework.
Governing Body Memberships
- THSTI, Dept. of Biotechnology, Govt. of India
- IUCTE, BHU