Symbiosis International University celebrates its 13th Convocation Ceremony
Symbiosis International University (SIU) celebrated its 13th Convocation ceremony at Lavale Campus on October 1, 2016. The Chief Guest Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Government of India was unable to attend the event, due to his professional commitment. His best wishes were conveyed to the students through a video clip sent by him personally.
Shri Anil Shirole, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis Society, Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International University along with Deans of the seven faculties and other dignitaries were present at the event.
A total of 3000 plus students were awarded their degrees.
While congratulating the students present at the convocation Shri Prakash Javadekar stated, “In these 16-20 years you have achieved tremendously because of your capabilities and developed skill sets because of the education imparted upon you. You need to treasure the certificate from Symbiosis, as it has brand value. Your parents are proud of your achievements as they are the ones who held your hand and walked you to school the first time. I have witnessed the growth of Symbiosis since its nascent stage. Dr. Mujumdar used to teach at Fergusson college. He initially used to organize inter-cultural festivals amongst international and national students for which even we were invited. This activity gave the impetus to start Symbiosis for which Sir had a vision.”
Explaining further he stated, “The idea bore fruit when we got elected to Pune University, Sir from Professor Constituency and I from Graduate Constituency. Back then, there were a huge number of international students in Pune. His vision unfolded in the shape of International Students Hostel which grew manifold from colleges to acquiring the status of Deemed University. Since then, Symbiosis has gained tremendous support, repute, brand name and value.”
He asserts, “Educational institutes do not spur overnight. Educational Institutes not only impart knowledge, but also brings out the best qualities in the student. Today this degree doesn’t imply the end of your learning rather it is the beginning.”
Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi like ‘Swayam’-Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) delivered by experts via DTH, internet among others. GIAN (Global Initiative of Academic Networks) encouraging international experts from the field to teach short term courses in India and IMPRINT (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology) will bear fruits in the coming three years. “HEFA (Higher Education Financing Agency) will be set up soon for creation of high quality infrastructure in premier institutes. There is also a proposal to create world-class universities; ten in private and public sector respectively. This is the paradigm shift Modi Government is looking forward to,” concluded Shri Javadekar.
Guest of Honour, Shri Anil Shirole, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha for the ceremony, stated, “In today’s world, quality education is a necessity. Innumerable problems can be resolved because of education. Along with education, we need to rely on courage, inspiration, self-confidence and consistency for individual progress. Try hard to fulfill long term goals in order to be successful.”
Prof. Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, in his welcome address said, “I welcome the dignitaries on the dais in the audience. Hon Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated a good slogan -‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas.’ In order for India to progress and develop; education is a must. Education is the oxygen for development of man, community, nation and so forth. Hence schools, colleges and universities have an important role to play in the development of the country. We should not compare between international and national universities as both function differently. With the aid of technology and knowledge we have to come up with an education model for Indian universities and Symbiosis is ready to take the initiative. The youth are the engines of growth and development in every country. We need to work upon the development of rural areas. Late Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam used to say rural areas can be developed through PURA-Providing Urban Facilities in Rural Areas and we need to work on it.”
“Symbiosis International University in its initiative has adopted two villages, Lavale and Nande, for their holistic development. Funds of around Rs20crore will be used for development of Lavale village and Rs 20crore for Nande,” said Dr Mujumdar.
Gold medals were awarded to eight students who have excelled in academics; Divnay Bhutra S(SIBM-B), Gourav Mohanty(SLS-P), Simon Kuany Kiir Kuany (SSBF), Daniel Ilunga Musenge(SICSR), Aastha Chawla(SIBM-P), Mandar Ghanashyam Prabhu Shirodker(SIT), Karkhanis Amruta Sanjay(SLS-P) and Rachit Kumar Chilana(SIBM-P). The prestigious Prof (Dr.) S.B.Mujumdar ‘Outstanding Foreign Student of the Year award’ was given to Yasser Ahmat from Chad. PhD degrees were conferred on 22 students who have successfully completed their doctoral degree. The prestigious D.Litt. award was conferred on Prof. P.L. Gawade, eminent educationist who has donned the caps of being an academic administrator, writer, editor, and journalist and Prof. Dr. Jane Knight, from The Ontario Institute for Education, University of Toronto, Canada. She is an eminent Professor who focuses her research and professional interests on the international dimension of higher education at the institutional, system, national and international levels.
