In recent days, one name has been coming up repeatedly—Sunita Williams. She is well-known as an astronaut of Indian origin, and while many are familiar with her life, academics, and career, what truly surprised me was her deep-rooted faith in Indian traditions. I learned, through one of her recorded videos, that she carried a Lord Ganesha …
What fills a person with pride for their city? Is it the fact that it’s where you grew up, or is it the values the city embodies through its culture, the behaviour of its residents, or a combination of all these elements? As for me, I grew up in Pune, which has been my home throughout …
Just two days ago, on March 8th, we celebrated International Women’s Day, which got me thinking about what truly empowers women. India has a long history of women who have embodied empowerment, such as Rani Lakshmi Bai, Savitribai Phule, and Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi, the first female physician in India. There have been countless other women …
I recently had the privilege of leading the Indian delegation of Vice Chancellors of Indian Universities to Australia, where we engaged in discussions on collaborations with Australian universities. As an educationist, I fully understand the immense benefits of these international partnerships. However, this experience made me wonder—do students truly recognize the value of such collaborations? When …
University campuses are typically buzzing with energy, but as February and March approach, they take on a worn, quiet atmosphere. Students often retreat to their rooms, libraries, or study spaces, preparing for their upcoming exams. In India, the Board Examinations—specifically the 10th and 12th-grade exams—are often seen as the most stressful events in a student’s life. …
When the Kumbh Mela was announced a few months ago, set to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, I felt a strong desire to take a dip in Sangam which is a confluence of 3 rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. At first, I knew little about the significance of the Kumbh Mela, …
I frequently interact with several business leaders across industries…Leaders with astute leadership abilities have introduced pathbreaking changes and left an indelible mark on their industry. So, this has made me wonder as to what sets them apart? Is their thought process definitely different from many others? Is it their individualistic personality? Is it their upbringing? Or …
I recently had the chance to visit my alma mater, Byramjee Jeejeeboy Medical College, better known as BJ Medical College—one of the top medical colleges in the country. I spent nearly a decade studying there to earn my MBBS degree, followed by an MD in obstetrics and gynaecology, all within the same institution and at Sassoon …
Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, a visionary in education and the founder of Symbiosis, was recently conferred with the prestigious Chancellor’s Award from Aston University, marking a historic moment in the institution’s 44-year tradition. This accolade, the highest recognition bestowed by the university, carries special significance as Dr. Mujumdar becomes the first international figure and the first Indian …
As I see the students on the Symbiosis campus, I ask myself, “What role do universities play in their lives?” I often find the answer to be “an all-encompassing one!” Yes, the university where the student is studying and residing becomes the home where the student gains life skills and an arena for innovation through creativity. …