Today marks a truly memorable and historic day in the journey of Symbiosis. Coinciding with the 55th Anniversary of Symbiosis, the Rotary Peace Centre was formally inaugurated, symbolizing the culmination of a vision rooted in peace, international understanding, and global harmony.
Rotary International, one of the world’s most respected and impactful NGOs, had issued a global call for the establishment of Rotary Peace Centres. Out of 17 universities from across the world, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) was selected through a rigorous and highly competitive selection process to host this prestigious centre—an achievement of immense pride and global recognition.
On 26th January 2026, the Rotary Peace Centre was formally inaugurated at Symbiosis by Mr. Francesco Azeri, President, Rotary International, and Mr. Holger Knaack, Chairman, Rotary Foundation. The moment held deep emotional and symbolic significance for Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and Chancellor of Symbiosis, who envisioned Symbiosis in 1971 as an institution dedicated to promoting international understanding and world peace. What began as a seed planted 55 years ago has today blossomed into a globally acknowledged centre for peace—truly a moment of fulfillment and culmination. The Rotary also installed a Peace pole at the entrance of the university campus.
The ethos of Symbiosis—“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family)—resonates profoundly with the mission of Rotary, which is committed to fostering peace, goodwill, service above self, and global cooperation. Both Symbiosis and Rotary believe that sustainable peace is built through education, dialogue, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding. Their shared values of inclusivity, service, and human dignity make this collaboration not just natural, but deeply meaningful.
Beginning in 2027, Peace Fellows from across the world will be selected to study at the Symbiosis Rotary Peace Centre, where they will undergo an intensive one-year programme in Peace and Conflict Studies. Upon completion, these fellows will emerge as ambassadors of peace, equipped to contribute meaningfully to conflict resolution, diplomacy, policy-making, and humanitarian efforts across the globe.
The establishment of the Rotary Peace Centre at Symbiosis stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education guided by values. It reaffirms Symbiosis’ enduring commitment to global peace and strengthens its role as a beacon of international harmony—proving that when vision, values, and purpose align, institutions can indeed change the world.