Shashi Vempeti

Posted on March 17, 2026 in

A dynamic technocrat and an influential strategic advisor, Shashi has been shaping India’s technology, media, and public policy landscapes. Known for his transformative leadership, Shashi advises global organizations, innovative startups, and prominent government institutions.

As co-founder of the DeepTech for Bharat Foundation, Shashi champions India’s AI ecosystem through the impactful ‘AI4India’ initiative. He also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of BharatGen Technology Foundation incubated at IIT Bombay to build India’s Sovereign AI. He also holds several pivotal roles, including as the Chairperson of the Apex Advisory Committee for Science & Technology Communication at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and Chairperson of the UGC’s Experts Committee on Educational Media. Shashi also provides global insights as an advisor to the International Broadcast Standards Organization (ATSC) and contributes governance expertise to boards including the Indian Institute of Mass Communications (IIMC), the Consortium for Educational Communication, Jamia’s AJK Mass Communication & Media Research Center, and Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). He is also an Independent Director on the Board of Saarathi Finance, a greenfield technology-first NBFC.

As CEO of Prasar Bharati (2017-2022), Shashi drove sweeping reforms at India’s largest public broadcaster, steering modernization of Doordarshan and All India Radio and concurrently led Rajya Sabha TV (2017-2019). His visionary reforms have significantly influenced national policy on media governance, television ratings guidelines, and educational media infrastructure.

With a proven track record in digital innovation, Shashi led Niti Digital’s influential digital media platform as its Chief Digital Officer, playing a critical role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s groundbreaking Mission272+ digital campaign during India’s 2014 elections and as CEO of Niti Digital between 2014-2016. Previously, at Infosys Technologies (1997-2012), he managed multiple cutting edge technology programs globally in the areas of wireless communication, RFID, wireless sensors and enterprise mobility.

An IIT Bombay alumnus, Shashi is widely published, contributing thought leadership to leading media platforms in India, strategic think-tanks such as IDSA, ICWA and also to global media publications. He is also the author of ‘Collective Spirit Concrete Action – Mann ki Baat and its Influence on India,’ capturing the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio series. He has recently been nominated to receive the Padma Shri, the fouth highest civilian honor, by the President of India.

Posted in