Symbiosis celebrates 46th anniversary
The 46th anniversary of Symbiosis was celebrated at Symbiosis Society’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial Campus on January 26, 2017. Dignitaries present on the occasion were Mr Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman, Praj Industries Limited, President, Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Dr S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and President, Symbiosis, Mr. John Owen, well-wisher of Symbiosis, Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis Society and Dr Rajani Gupte, Vice-Chancellor, Symbiosis International University.
At the occasion Dr S B Mujumdar, quoted said that “Before the establishment of Symbiosis in 1971 there were almost 800 foreign students from 32 countries residing in Pune. The major problems faced by these students were admission, food, home-sickness and most importantly discrimination. I first set up the culture centre for foreign students as celebration of festivals brings us together. Later realized, education is a unifying force which brings international as well as national students together. For this reason, the culture centre was transformed into an International University on the principle of The Vedic thought ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam’ which means ‘World is one Family’. To inculcate feeling of belongingness and togetherness Symbiosis Foundation Day is celebrated.”
Mr Pramod Chaudhari, Chief Guest at the Symbiosis Foundation Day appreciated the journey and efforts put in to establish Symbiosis. He said “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam’ is a strong value to be imbibed by Dr Mujumdar. Symbiosis is a great initiative by the Mujumdar family to embark on this journey. It is a coincidence, that India’s Constitution was formed on January 26th by the Father of the Constitution- Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and today we are celebrating Symbiosis Foundation Day at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial.”
Dr Vidya Yeravdekar in her address motivated the international students to do their best and to out shine at their respective countries. “Make Symbiosis proud and be the ones to lead your country.”
John Owen, well-wisher of Symbiosis reminisced the old days since the inception of Symbiosis. “Back in 1972, the Mujumdar family took me in their house and made me feel a part of their family. There were many of us international students who were taken care by the Mujumdar family. They showered us with unconditional love, hospitality, acceptance and generosity. The course of my life and fulfillment changed because of this visionary man- Dr. Mujumdar Sir. He always believed in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam’ and no other motto could be as apt as than this.”
To mark the 46th anniversary of Symbiosis, Symbiosis Centre for International Education organizedcultural dance performances by international students from countries like Afghanistan, Nigeria, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius residing in Pune. An eminent panel of judges, judged the performances and awarded prize to the best cultural dance performance and the winners of the ‘Symbiosis International Students Sports Meet 2016’ held in the month of December at the prize distribution ceremony held post the event.
The primary purpose of establishment of Symbiosis is to promote International Understanding through Quality Education. Today, Symbiosis is a family of 46 academic institutions imparting quality education for over 40 years to both international as well as national students. The University offers a total of 109 programs at Diploma, Undergraduate, Post-graduate and Doctoral levels under the faculties of Law, Management, Computer Studies, Health and Biomedical Sciences, Media, Communication and Design, Humanities and Social Sciences and Engineering. Symbiosis International University caters to over 27,000 Indian and International students on campus. The University also has collaborations with several renowned universities of the world and encourages students and faculty to participate in its programmes. Symbiosis International University was given ‘Deemed to be University’ status by the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2002. The University is re-accredited by NAAC with Grade ‘A’ and CGPA of 3.58 on a four point scale.
