Dr. Akash Sadanand Naik Salgaonkar has successfully defended his doctoral thesis, "From Poetics to Philosophy: Exploring the Philosophical Foundations of Suggestive Meaning in Dhvanc

Conducted under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr. Walter Menezes, the Viva Voce examination took place in a packed Seminar Hall of the Faculty Block. Attended by over 160 individuals—including family, friends, colleagues, teachers, and devoted students—it was noted by SSPIS Dean Prof. Sanjyot Pai Vernekar as one of the largest audiences ever gathered for a PhD defense at the university. The session was chaired by Prof. Nagendra Rao (Dean, DDKSSSBS, GU), with Prof. C. D. Sebastian of IIT Bombay serving as the external examiner. Dr. Akash flawlessly defended his work, answering complex questions from both the examiner and the audience to everyone's thorough satisfaction.

Currently an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at DCT's Dhempe College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Dr. Akash credited his achievement to the unwavering support of his college colleagues, staff, and students. He dedicated this major milestone to the loving memory of his late father, Sadanand Vishnu Naik Salgaonkar, whose belief, encouragement, and blessings served as his constant source of strength throughout the journey.