Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology (VIIT) formally inaugurated as an Autonomous institute
VIIT, 20th June, 2017: Bract’s Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology (VIIT) witnessed a memorable day on 20th June 2017 when it was formally inaugurated as an Autonomous institute affiliated to Savitribai Phue Pune University (SPPU) by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Nitin R. Karmalkar.
Dr. (Mrs.) Bilavari S. Karkare, Principal of VIIT, warmly welcomed Hon’ble VC and other dignitaries on this auspicious occasion and gave a brief introduction about VIIT and its remarkable growth from a fledgling institute to an autonomous one, witnessing ISO certifications, NBA & NAAC Accreditation, a number of top rankings by various surveys and is on the fast track to growth. “It was a very important occasion for VIIT and was a realization of a dream made possible due to the contribution of various stakeholders like students, staff, faculty, alumni, industry partners and research collaborators. This has now enabled us to design our curriculum in tune with the philosophy of outcome based education and the requirements of industry”, said Dr. Karkare.
While inaugurating the institute Hon’ble Vice Chancellor said, “Academic Autonomy brings with it extreme responsibility and challenges”. He also said that “VIIT with its culture of learning and research had made its mark and has the potential to make a success of autonomy and to be a role model for other such institutes aspiring for autonomy. Having an institute with a mission to share and demonstrate the best practices in teaching and learning, makes VIIT an invaluable asset for upgrading the quality of education across India.” He gave a memorable address emphasizing the need for having a curriculum that is relevant to the industry, is interdisciplinary and is of relevance to a student. He conveyed his hope that VIIT would make rapid strides and would align its vision with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ initiatives of the government.
The institute’s B.Tech. and M.Tech. programs are based on a curriculum fine-tuned to global needs and designed to promote academic excellence, leadership skills and social responsibility. Students develop an understanding of both global and local issues, and are encouraged to use critical thinking skills and creativity to find innovative solutions to problems. The curriculum is strengthened by additional areas of study developed specifically for students in partnership with industry and experts from institutes of repute to further develop the leaders of tomorrow. The strong co-curricular programme provides opportunities for applying leadership skills, and ensures all-round development by balancing academic demands with sports, cultural activities, entrepreneurial skills and community service.
Hon’ble VC felicitated VIIT’s industry partner Engr. Neelkanth Joshi, research collaborator Dr. Shashikant Duggad Scientist TIFR, alumni of VIIT Raghunandan Shukla, Hemant Dusane and Adarsh Kedari representing the stakeholders of the institute who have contributed to its growth.
Mrs. Amita Agarwal, Trustee Bract warmly felicitated Dr.A.D.Shaligram, Registrar SPPU; Dr. Ashok Chavan, Director Examination & Evaluation SPPU; Dr. A.S. Abhyankar Head Department of Technology, SPPU and Mr. S.S. Atre Deputy Registrar SPPU.
Earlier in the day, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor was given an overview of the research drive undertaken by the institute through grants obtained from various agencies like SPPU, ISRO, INCOIS etc. This initiative has resulted in a spurt of industry oriented, multidisciplinary projects that have equipped the students with technical skills required by the industry.
Mr. Bharat Agarwal, Executive Director of Vishwakarma Institutes, who though unable to attend the inauguration sent his message, “VIIT is founded on the basis of the vision of ‘Excellence in technical education’ and a mission to develop competent engineers with the spirit of professionalism and responsible citizenship who have skills ingrained to respond to the current and future needs of the industry, higher studies as well as research who possess a strong sense of ethics and professional responsibility, enabling them to contribute to the country’s future. He added that the concept of ‘experiential learning’ that VIIT intended to implement in its autonomous curriculum was one which made the academic endeavor a unique and distinctive one. The management is well aligned with the institute’s vision and seeks to help realize this vision beyond its own campus.
“We think that becoming autonomous is another feather in the cap of VIIT”, said Dr. Bipin Sule COO Bract. “This will teach the students to excel not only academically but also focus on overall development of their personality by participating in extra and co-curricular activities. It is these life skills that will truly equip students to face global challenges. And if there is one central thought I would like to take away today, it is the interconnected, international dimension that students will experience enabling graduates to eventually become accomplished leaders in all fields”.
