In 1981, I walked through the gates of B.J. Medical College, Pune, filled with pride and nervous excitement. Back then, getting into a government medical college wasn’t just about securing a seat — it was a stamp of your intelligence and hard work. Our batch had 200 students, many from rural parts of Maharashtra and cities …
Earlier this month, I had the unique honour of being invited as the Chief Guest at the European Marathi Sammelan (EMS) held in Leicester, UK on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of July 2025. It was more than just an event — it was a celebration of identity, language, art, and community, bringing together Maharashtrians from …
As a parent, there’s no greater joy than watching your children grow—but there’s also no greater anxiety than watching them step out into the world on their own. I experienced this deeply when my daughter was selected to spend a semester abroad at Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany, while pursuing her law degree. Though she had …
I must confess—I am in awe of people who regularly practice Yoga. Personally, I’ve always preferred a brisk walk across our beautiful 400-acre university campus or sweating it out in the gym. I’m more of an “aerobics person” than a yogi! However, yesterday as we celebrated International Yoga Day, I was particularly pleased with this year’s …
We’ve all seen Priyanka Chopra’s iconic scooter advertisement asking, “Why should boys have all the fun?” It resonated with millions—not just for its catchy line, but for what it symbolized: the changing aspirations of Indian girls. Today, we educate our daughters not only to help them become financially independent but to help them develop independent minds. …
As the world faces growing environmental challenges—climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss—there’s one group quietly but powerfully leading the way toward a greener future: universities. Yes, beyond books and degrees, universities are shaping how we live, think, and act when it comes to our planet. At Symbiosis International University, we’ve seen firsthand how campuses can …
The month The month of June always brings with it a quiet wave of nostalgia. As a young school student at St. Joseph’s High School, Pashan in Pune, June marked the start of a new academic year. The last few days of May would always be tinged with a mix of emotions—a hint of anxiety about …
For far too long, the Indian education system functioned in a rigid, top-down manner that stifled curiosity. Children were taught to memorize, not question; to follow, not explore. The natural instinct of a child to ask “why?” was too often met with silence—or worse, reprimand. In a world where innovation and discovery define progress, this suppressive …
Choosing a career while still in high school can feel like a daunting task, but it’s an important step that lays the groundwork for your future. The first and most crucial step is understanding yourself. Before exploring specific careers, take time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and preferences. Think about which school subjects you enjoy …
Yesterday, as the world celebrated Mother’s Day, I found myself reflecting on the remarkable journey of my own mother, Sanjivani Mujumdar—a woman whose quiet strength and selfless choices laid the foundation for everything I have been able to achieve in life. My mother was a highly educated woman. In fact, she was pursuing her Ph.D. while …