From Professional Excellence to Purposeful Leadership: Building Careers with Social Impact The School of Public Health, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education amp; Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, hosted the third talk in its Public Health Leaders Guest Lecture Series on 16 October 2026, specially organised for Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) and Master of Public Health (MPH) students. The session featured Mr. Saigiridharan Balakrishnan, President and Chief Functionary of Abbhi Trust, who brings over 36 years of experience in the engineering and software industries, including leadership roles at Larsen amp; Toubro and ArisGlobal. Centred on the theme of professional excellence, purposeful leadership and social impact, the lecture highlighted the importance of aligning professional skills and career aspirations with a broader commitment to society. The theme encouraged reflection on how leadership, ethical decision-making, collaboration and a community-centred approach can contribute to meaningful and sustainable change. Drawing on the speaker’s professional journey and his work with Abbhi Trust, the session connected leadership with the larger goals of education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and dignified empowerment, particularly for underserved children, youth, women and rural communities. The lecture offered an opportunity for aspiring public health professionals to reflect on how they can move beyond professional achievement to become compassionate, responsible and purpose-driven leaders committed to building healthier and more equitable communities. Excellence gives us the skills. Purpose gives those skills meaning. Leadership turns them into impact. The School of Public Health, JSS Medical College, extends its appreciation to Mr. Saigiridharan Balakrishnan for sharing his professional journey and perspectives on leadership and social responsibility.