Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica

New Delhi/Hyderabad, XXX- Mahindra University today announced that Dr Bishnu Pal, Dean, School of Engineering and Academics, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award by Optica, formerly known as The Optical Society. 

Dr Pal is one of 22 distinguished scientists and leaders worldwide to be honored in Optica’s 2026 awards cycle. He has been recognisedfor several decades of pioneering contributions and passionate leadership of several photonics initiatives in India, and nurturing of their growth through education, research, and outreach. 

Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, stated, “Dr Bishnu Pal’s recognition by Optica is a source of great pride for Mahindra University and India’s scientific community. His leadership in photonics research and education has shaped the discipline nationally. This award affirms both his contributions and the increasing global visibility of Indian research in optics and photonics.” 

The Sang Soo Lee Award, established in 2013 by Optica and the Optical Society of Korea (OSK), honors eminent individuals who have played a transformative role in advancing optics and photonics within a specific region. Presented in even-numbered years, the award commemorates Prof. Sang Soo Lee’s pioneering role in establishing optics in the Republic of Korea. It recognizes leadership in research, education, introduction of new subfields, or initiation of optics and photonics industries. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica. My work has focused on strengthening photonics research and education in India and creating opportunities for young scientists to contribute globally. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of colleagues, collaborators, and students who have helped build a vibrant photonics ecosystem in the country,” said Dr Bishnu Pal, Dean, School of Engineering and Academics, Mahindra University. 

Dr Pal joins an esteemed group of global leaders whose work has shaped modern optics and photonics across academia, industry and policy. 

Founded in 1916, Optica is the leading international society dedicated to advancing the science of light. Through its publications, conferences, and professional networks, it promotes the generation, application and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics, supporting scientists, engineers, students and industry leaders worldwide. 

About Mahindra University: 

Mahindra University, Hyderabad (India), is a multidisciplinary, private university with a vision of “Educating future citizens for and of a better world”. It aims to play a significant role in driving globally acclaimed innovation in higher education in the coming years. Mahindra University’s special focus is on generating new knowledge through engagement in cutting-edge research, creating a spirit of research and discovery, experiential learning and entrepreneurship, whilst forging collaborations with industry and global academic institutions. 

The university is established by the Mahindra Group, one of the largest and most admired multinational federations of companies with presence in over 100 countries and with a turnover of over 25 billion. 

The group, built on 80 years of legacy, has more than 3,24,000 employees globally. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., its flagship company, is a global leader in mobility products and farm solutions and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It is also India’s #1 tractor company, #1 electric 3-wheeler company, with strong businesses across financial services and IT services worldwide.

SL.NO.	DATE	PUBLICATIONS	HEADLINE	Tier	EDITION/LINKS
Print Coverage
1	4th March 2026	Hans India Bizz Buzz	Mahindra varsity’s Bishnu Pal Wins Sang Soo Lee Award	Tier 1	Hyderabad
Online Coverage
2	28th February 2026	The Hindu	News from the world of Education: February 28, 2026	Tier 1	Link
3	4th March 2026	Hans India Bizz Buzz	Mahindra varsity’s Bishnu Pal Wins Sang Soo Lee Award	Tier 1	Link
4	26th February 2026	CXO Today	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link
5	26th February 2026	APN News	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link
6	26th February 2026	Content Media Solution	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link
7	26th February 2026	Business News Profit	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link
8	26th February 2026	Business News this Week	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link
9	26th February 2026	Media Bulletins	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link
10	26th February 2026	Business News Week	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link
11	26th February 2026	Biz News Desk	Mahindra University’s Bishnu Pal Wins Prestigious 2026 Sang Soo Lee Award from Optica	Tier 2	Link