PhalguniMookhopadhayay
Chancellor, Brainware University
The Chancellor
Journey and Legacy
Founder-Chancellor of Brainware University, and Founder-Chairman of Brainware Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. and Webguru Infosystems Pvt. Ltd., Phalguni Mookhopadhayay has redefined education through accessible, future-ready learning. Trained in Economics and Business Management, he combines academic vision with entrepreneurial innovation.
Beyond academia, he is a digital artist, photographer, weekend singer, and documentary filmmaker, whose creative pursuits mirror his belief in learning as a lifelong art.
Born on 1955, February 28, in Uttarpara, Hooghly (West Bengal), Phalguni Mookhopadhayay completed his schooling at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Narendrapur, and went on to graduate with Honours in Economics from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.
Chancellor Mookhopadhayay later earned his Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Calcutta, followed by an MBA from IISWBM, Kolkata. His professional journey began with Hindustan Lever, where he joined as a management trainee. He later worked with the ABP Group as a market planner for nearly a decade, where he played a key role in launching several initiatives, including the globally recognised “Probashi” segment.
In 1990, Phalguni Mookhopadhayay founded Brainware, initially as a consultancy, and soon after as a computer training academy. At a time when computer education was still out of reach for many in Bengal, Brainware focused on affordability and regional accessibility. Over the years, it expanded rapidly to more than 100 centres across India, reaching learners from Kolkata to Kashmir. In 2010, this vision grew further with the establishment of Brainware College of Professional Studies, and in 2016, it culminated in the formation of Brainware University, a UGC-recognised private state university.
Today, Brainware University stands as the largest private university in East India, with Chancellor Mookhopadhayay at the helm.
Brainware University
A Dream That Did Come True
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is the Founder and Chancellor of Brainware University, an institution that embodies his lifelong commitment to expanding access to quality higher education in West Bengal. Established on February 25, 2016, through the West Bengal Act XXXI of 2015, Brainware University stands today as a UGC-recognised institution with the authority to confer degrees.
Set amidst a 9-acre campus at Barasat Kazipara, the university reflects Mookhopadhayay’s vision of blending tradition with modernity, offering a wide spectrum of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, and Diploma programmes. His journey with Brainware has been marked by resilience, foresight, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
Digital Artistry
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is also a self-taught digital artist whose creative journey reflects both discipline and imagination.
His solo exhibition, Creative Contours - hosted at the esteemed Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshashala, Kolkata, in 2021 and 2023 - brought to light his remarkable ability to translate ideas into compelling visual narratives, earning admiration from audiences and peers alike.
AI Artworks
At the intersection of tradition and technology, Chancellor Mookhopadhayay discovers his latest canvas. Recently, he has been experimenting with using artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a creative ally, one that extends the reach of imagination itself.
His AI artworks reflect a rare harmony between human intuition and machine intelligence, exemplifying a new age of creation and thought.
Musical Performances
In 2023, Phalguni Mookhopadhayay launched the landmark initiative ʻCelebrating Tagore’, a unique project of Brainware University, on his widely followed YouTube channel to mark the 162nd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. A lifelong admirer of the Nobel Laureate, he envisioned the project as a cultural bridge - contextualising, translating, and presenting Rabindrasangeet to a global audience with rich anecdotal voiceovers. Aimed at reaching 1,00,000 Bengali and non-Bengali households, the series has already resonated worldwide, crossing 23 million views. Building on this success, Chancellor Mookhopadhayay is now preparing to unveil his renditions of timeless Hindi and Bengali classics, paying tribute to maestros such as Hemanta Mukherjee, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Shyamal Mitra, Dwijen Mukherjee, Subir Sen, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, and more. Through this extended repertoire, he seeks not only to honour India’s musical heritage but also to rekindle its appeal among younger generations.
Photologue
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay's lens traverses the breadth of India, immortalizing its diverse terrains and cultures - from the mist-clad hills of Meghalaya and the rustic charm of Purulia to the timeless ghats of Varanasi. The Chancellor is now engaged in the refined endeavour of curating these evocative frames into a series of photo books, each unfolding as an immersive visual odyssey through the soul of India. Apart from that, every year, Mookhopadhyay joins students, faculty, and alumni who gather for the annual photowalk organised by Brainware University’s Multimedia Department on his birthday, February 28.
Publications
Celebrating Tagore
A curated collection of one hundred Tagore songs, enriched with short anecdotes, synopses, English translations, and insights into the poet’s creative world.
BlogKashi Katha
A photographic exploration of Varanasi, capturing the city’s soul and timelessness through an artistic visual narrative.
Varanasi: A Journey Through the Eternal City
An upcoming book blending the city’s myths, histories, and riverfront life with evocative AI-generated artwork, offering a modern retelling of Varanasi’s enduring stories.
Filmmaking
In his capacity as producer, director, and editor, Chancellor Mookhopadhayay helmed the documentary Defeat Depression - a compelling work developed in collaboration with Crystal Minds Wellness Clinic. The film reflects his commitment to addressing mental health with sensitivity, depth, and empathy.
Its impact has extended beyond the screen, finding application as an educational resource at the Police Training Academy in Hyderabad, where it has contributed to awareness and training in the field of psychological well-being. At Brainware University, the documentary has also served as a valuable resource, helping numerous students better understand and navigate mental health challenges.
Defeat Depression | Official film | A joint initiative of Brainware University and Crystal
Established in March 2026, ABHIRA was created to study, document, preserve, and reinterpret India’s cultural heritage through research, technology, film, publishing, and public engagement. Its work covers knowledge systems, music, art, craft, performance, oral traditions, and other living cultural practices.
ABHIRA collaborates with leading cultural, academic, and heritage institutions, including the Indian Museum, to undertake interdisciplinary research, publications, films, and digital storytelling projects. Its notable initiatives include Back to the Past, an exploration of museum artefacts through emerging technologies; projects on Varanasi and Lok Bhavan that document spaces, histories, and cultural memory; and the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Publication Series. Through these and other ventures, ABHIRA seeks to preserve heritage, promote research, and make knowledge accessible to wider audiences through innovative and engaging formats.
Indian Museum, Kolkata
Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is an Indian education entrepreneur, technologist, and the founder of Brainware Group, as well as the Chancellor of Brainware University. With over three decades of experience, he has built a strong foundation in education, technology, and skill development, contributing significantly to industry-oriented learning.
Chancellor Mookhopadhayay is widely known for establishing Brainware University and for his work in advancing technology, education, digital learning, and industry-oriented skill development in India.
Brainware University is a UGC-recognised multidisciplinary private university located in Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal. Brainware University (https://www.brainwareuniversity.ac.in/) offers programmes across engineering, management, law, media, science, and emerging technologies.
Brainware University is situated in Barasat, near Kolkata, in the state of West Bengal, India.
The vision of Brainware University, under the leadership of its Chancellor Phalguni Mookhopadhayay, is to integrate academic learning with practical skills, industry exposure, and technological innovation to create future-ready professionals.
Yes, Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is the Founder and Managing Director of Webguru Infosystems, a global digital technology and web development company based in Sector V, Kolkata.
As the Chancellor of Brainware University, Phalguni Mookhopadhayay has played a pivotal role in establishing Brainware as a recognised name in the Indian education sector. Over the decades, he has built and led multiple organisations across education, technology, and training, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial vision and leadership.
His key business and institutional initiatives include:
- Founder, Chairman and Managing Director - Brainware Consultancy Private Limited (1990-present): Focused on training and education
- Founder, Chairman and Managing Director - WebGuru Infosystem Private Limited (2000-present): Specialising in web services and software exports
- Founder, Chairman and Managing Trustee - Sabita Devi Education Trust (2010-present): Promoting education in engineering, management, and IT
- Founder, Chairman and Managing Trustee - Brainware Education Trust (2011-present): Dedicated to career guidance and competitive examination preparation
For more professional details, visit his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phalgunimookhopadhayay/
Official updates about the Chancellor of Brainware University can be accessed through Brainware’s official website (https://www.brainwareuniversity.ac.in/), blogs, press releases, LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phalgunimookhopadhayay/), YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@pmbrainware), and other verified digital platforms.
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay, Chancellor of Brainware University, is closely associated with Brainware and its group initiatives. His leadership extends to key organisations such as Brainware Consultancy Private Limited and WebGuru Infosystems Private Limited (https://www.webguru-india.com/), along with some other ventures.
Yes, Chancellor Mookhopadhayay regularly publishes blogs and thought-leadership articles on topics including education, creativity, technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Chancellor Mookhopadhayay’s writings frequently explore the future of education, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, leadership, and the evolving nature of work and learning.
Yes, Brainware University's Chancellor maintains a YouTube channel named Phalguni Mookhopadhayay, where he shares content related to music, photography, cultural initiatives, podcasts, and reflections on education and innovation.
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay’s YouTube content includes discussions on education and technology, creative projects, music initiatives, photography work, and insights into innovation and learning.
Yes, photography is one of the Chancellor’s key creative interests. Over the years, he has captured thousands of photographs during his travels across India. As the Chancellor of Brainware University, he has been actively involved in cultural initiatives such as Kashi Katha, Abhira, Back to the Past and others.
Chancellor Mookhopadhayay’s photography focuses on architecture, heritage sites, nature, cultural landscapes, and everyday life, with special attention to historic and spiritual locations.
Yes, the photography of Brainware University’s Chancellor is showcased through exhibitions, publications, digital platforms, and curated creative projects. Apart from photography, he is also a digital painter. The Chancellor has showcased his works at an exhibition titled ‘Creative Contours’ at Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshashala. Further details can be found here: https://www.brainwareuniversity.ac.in/blog/creative-contours/.
Yes, music plays an important role in his creative pursuits. As the Chancellor of Brainware University, he has been actively involved in cultural initiatives related to Rabindrasangeet and classic Hindi and Bengali music.
As the Chancellor of Brainware University he is currently curating a series of photography books that present visual journeys through different regions and cultural landscapes of India.
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay has initiated and supported ‘Celebrating Tagore.’ As the Chancellor of Brainware University, he aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of Asia’s first Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. The main goal is to popularise the songs and works of Tagore among 100,000 Bengali and non-Bengali households worldwide. Further information about this initiative can be found here: https://www.brainwareuniversity.ac.in/celebrating-tagore/embracing-tagore-a-celebration-of-the-legendary-poet-musician-philosopher-and-visionary/.
‘Celebrating Tagore’ is a musical initiative launched by Chancellor Phalguni Mookhopadhayay in 2023 to mark the 162nd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The series presents Rabindrasangeet with storytelling and contextual narration for a global audience.
Brainware University’s unique initiative, ‘Celebrating Tagore’, has achieved significant global reach, crossing over 33 million views on YouTube and connecting with both Bengali and non-Bengali audiences. The Chancellor’s songs can be found on the YouTube channel titled Phalguni Mookhopadhayay (https://www.youtube.com/@pmbrainware).
In addition to Rabindrasangeet, Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is working on renditions of classic Hindi and Bengali songs by legendary artists such as Hemanta Mukherjee, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, and Lata Mangeshkar. He has also presented renditions of modern Bengali songs, including Ei Meghla Dine Ekla (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMb3Tmf3kLQ) and Aami Cheye Cheye Dekhi Saradin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mdgQ1hFKoI).
Yes, as the Chancellor of Brainware University, he has produced, directed, and edited the documentary Defeat Depression (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GffbEV7AgOs&t=332s), which focuses on mental health awareness.
The documentary Defeat Depression (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GffbEV7AgOs&t=332s), available on Brainware University’s YouTube channel, aims to raise awareness about mental health and emotional well-being. It was developed in collaboration with Crystal Minds Wellness Clinic.
The film has been used as an educational resource at the Police Training Academy in Hyderabad for awareness and training on psychological well-being.
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is engaged in multiple domains, including education leadership, technology entrepreneurship, research promotion, cultural initiatives, and creative pursuits such as writing and photography. Through Brainware, these efforts contribute to innovation and skill development.
The Sabita Devi Education Trust, established by Phalguni Mookhopadhayay in 2007, was founded under the vision of Brainware to honour his mother’s memory. The trust supports educational initiatives and socially impactful programmes aimed at community development.
You can follow updates from Chancellor Mookhopadhayay’s website (https://phalgunimookhopadhayay.com/) and his social media channels, all of which are linked in the footer of his personal website.
To contact the office associated with the Chancellor of Brainware University, you can visit the official Brainware website and use the contact section or connect through the listed corporate communication channels.
Social Initiatives
Sabita Devi Education Trust
In 2007, Phalguni Mookhopadhayay established the Sabita Devi Education Trust as a tribute to his mother's enduring legacy. Since its inception, the Trust has become a distinguished catalyst for transformative educational ventures and socially responsive programmes, dedicated to empowering communities and fostering sustainable upliftment.
Read MoreCrystal Wellness Clinic
As Managing Trustee of the Crystal Wellness Clinic, Mookhopadhayay - alongside Dr. Rima Mukherji - champions an integrative approach to mental health care, offering compassionate and holistic support to individuals navigating disturbed or disordered states of mind.
Read MoreKiran Initiative
Through the visionary “Kiran” initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Kolkata Police, Chancellor Phalguni Mookhopadhayay empowers underprivileged youth by equipping them with vital Information Technology skills, thereby opening pathways to enhanced employability and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Vocational Training
Dedicated to advancing societal welfare, Mookhopadhayay underwrites vocational training initiatives for underprivileged individuals, empowering them with indispensable skills that enhance employability and broaden avenues for sustainable livelihoods.
Professional Affiliations
He holds distinguished memberships in premier institutions such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI), and the National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM), a testament to his unwavering commitment to community advancement and his pursuit of professional excellence at the highest standards.