Dr. J. Krishnan is a distinguished academic specializing in Advaita Vedanta and Nyaya philosophy. He serves as a Professor in the Department of Sanskrit at Pondicherry University, located in Puducherry, India. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Krishnan has significantly contributed to the academic and administrative spheres of the university.
Academic Background and Career Progression- Dr. Krishnan completed his Ph.D. in Sanskrit, focusing on Advaita Vedanta, from the University of Madras in 1993. Prior to this, he earned his M.Phil. in 1986 and his M.A. and B.A. degrees in Sanskrit from RKM Vivekananda College, Chennai, in 1985 and 1983, respectively. He also holds a Diploma in Linguistics from the University of Madras (1989) .
Joining Pondicherry University in 1992 as a Lecturer, Dr. Krishnan was promoted to Reader in 2001 and further elevated to Professor in 2017. He has also held the position of Head of the Department of Sanskrit on three occasions: from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2016 to 2019, 2022-2025.
Research and Publications
Dr. Krishnan’s research interests lie in the realms of Advaita Vedanta and Nyaya philosophy. He has authored several scholarly articles, including: “The Non-Real Scene and the Unseen Real”
• “Jiva: A Blend of Pure Consciousness and Mind”
• “On the Concept of Maya-Avidya”
• “Sanskrit: The Protector of Indian Culture”
• “Rajadharma as Reflected in the Kaccitsarga of Ramayana”

These publications reflect his deep engagement with classical Indian philosophy and his commitment to preserving and promoting Sanskrit literature .
Academic Leadership and Mentorship
Dr. Krishnan has been an active participant in the academic governance of Pondicherry University. He is a member of the Academic Council and has served as the Vice Chancellor’s nominee on the Governing Body of affiliated colleges and in guest faculty appointments. Additionally, he is a Senate member of the Tamil University, Thanjavur
As a mentor, Dr. Krishnan has guided 17 Ph.D. scholars and 22 M.Phil. students, fostering a new generation of scholars in the field of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy .
Dr. J. Krishnan’s extensive experience and dedication to the study and teaching of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy have made him a respected figure in the academic community, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of India’s rich philosophical heritage.