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. …
We will be celebrating Makar Sankranthi this week, albeit under different names in the various states of India. However, the significant factor that connects this festival everywhere is that it is a harvest festival and we celebrate it with so much fun and gaiety, as it is the first festival of the year. It is a …
Last Monday, I wrote about the importance of reading books, and today I’d like to share my thoughts on one of my recent reads, Genome to Om. Recently, the National Book Trust organized the Pune Book Mahotsav, one of the largest book festivals in India. Held at Fergusson College, it was a wonderful opportunity for me …
Last Saturday evening was one of my most unforgettable evenings. I had the opportunity of being with three legends who have created history in their respective fields, through the work that they have done. Dr. S. B. Mujumdar in education, Dr. R. A. Mashelkar in science, and Mr. Narayan Murthy in Technology! Why do we call …
The University Grants Commission, the highest apex body governing higher education in India, made one of the very progressive announcements regarding biannual intake. Generally, the academic year starts in June and ends in April/May. With this announcement, colleges and universities can admit students even in January/February. This is primarily in line with the practices of top …
We all know that education is important. If asked, most people would respond by saying education is required to establish or forge a good career. However, a few of my observations led me to ask: Is that the only role that good education plays in our lives? I feel proud to say that I grew up …
Some ties become more profound and more substantial with time. I had the opportunity to stay in the Sultanate of Oman for 6 six years in the early nineties, when Rajiv and I being medical doctors, worked in the Ministry of Health, Oman. We developed an appreciation for the robust healthcare system that this country boasted …
Temperatures have been rising since February, but May has become particularly uncomfortable for all Punekars as temperatures have touched beyond 40 degrees Celsius! It is almost unimaginable how living beings adapt to such weather changes. This phenomenon is not restricted to Pune alone but the world over, summers have been extreme this year. It’s high time …
Universities are considered to be seats of knowledge generation in a civilized society. A country is often looked up to because of its excellent practices in education, the manner in which it is able to raise the level of the education and literacy of its people and also its contribution to building a competent human resource. …
I am sure all my readers are aware that I love to write about festivities! They bring so much joy, cheer, bonding and family time that one feels rejuvenated for several weeks thereafter. What could be better than a week where we have two festivals; Gudi Padwa & Eid! Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra and …