On July 31, 2025, my father, Dr. S. B. Mujumdar—Founder and President of Symbiosis—will complete 90 remarkable years. For me, this milestone is not only a celebration of his extraordinary journey in education but also a deeply personal moment of reflection as his daughter and lifelong admirer.
I was fortunate to grow up in a home filled with learning, where both my parents were educators. While most of my friends had traditional childhoods, mine unfolded within the vibrant corridors of Fergusson College and the scholarly atmosphere of Pune University. While my mother pursued her research in Zoology, it was my father who raised me day to day—always with patience, warmth, and a quiet sense of purpose.
He was more than just a father; he was a mentor in the truest sense. He believed that parenting, like teaching, was not about control but about gentle guidance. Even with his demanding schedule—serving on university councils, heading multiple committees—he never made us feel that his work took priority over family.
Throughout my childhood and adolescence, our home became a second home for many—especially foreign students who had nowhere to turn. My father, then the Rector of the students’ hostel, would invite them in without hesitation. He treated them like family, no matter their nationality, religion, or background. These experiences weren’t exceptions—they were part of his worldview, one that saw the world as a single, connected family.
To him, education was not just about academics, but about creating spaces where empathy, cultural exchange, and mutual respect could thrive.
When I eventually joined Symbiosis professionally, I saw him not just as a father, but as a leader. He led not through command but through character. From senior faculty to support staff, everyone felt heard and valued. He always said, “An institution is built not on buildings, but on people.”
His principles—Excellence, Expansion, and Equity—continue to guide Symbiosis. He never allowed growth to compromise quality. Expansion happened only when it aligned with student needs. And equity was at the heart of everything—from scholarships to exclusive institutions for women to outreach in underserved rural areas.
Even today, at 90, he comes to the office with quiet resolve and unwavering focus. He continues to remind us that we are custodians of a larger purpose, not owners of an enterprise.
As his daughter, colleague, and lifelong student, I know that the most enduring thing he’s built is not Symbiosis, but a way of life—rooted in humility, inclusion, and purpose.