Savitribai Phule Pune University should become world-class hub: Governor Varma

The 127th convocation of Savitribai Phule Pune University in Pune was held in the presence of Governor and Chancellor Jishnu Dev Varma. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said the world is changing rapidly due to artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology and digital technology, and urged the university to come forward as a world-class centre of education through education, research, innovation and social responsibility.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Suresh Gosavi, the Governor's secretary Dr Prashant Narnaware, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Parag Kalkar, Registrar Prof. Dr Prafulla Pawar and members of the Management Council were present at the ceremony.

Governor Varma said a convocation is a special moment in students' lives, where knowledge turns into responsibility and education turns into leadership. He said that in changing times, a degree alone is not enough, and students should keep learning throughout their lives and acquire new skills. He said education is not just a means of getting a job but an effective medium for equality, empowerment and social change, and that this thinking of Savitribai Phule should guide students forward.

Varma praised the university's efforts to implement the National Education Policy 2020. He said the university should prioritise multi-disciplinary education, skill development, research, innovation, the Indian knowledge tradition, the all-round development of students, and affordable, quality education. He said digital governance and green initiatives would make the university more transparent, effective and sustainable.

He said academic partnerships with Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan could further strengthen the university's global expansion. He made clear that internationalisation should also give importance to student exchange, joint research, international faculty and global partnerships.

The Governor said universities should expand partnerships with industry to give students opportunities for training, internships, apprenticeships, research and hands-on experience. He said the alumni network should also be strengthened and used for guidance, scholarships, employment, research and innovation.

He called for promoting research in artificial intelligence, climate change, health, agriculture, cyber security, sustainable development, rural transformation and new technologies. He also said every university should prepare an annual sports calendar and encourage every student to take part in at least one sport or physical activity, since sport teaches students discipline, team spirit and leadership.

The Governor called for awareness, counselling and social activities to be run under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to keep the campus safe, healthy and free of drugs. He also asked the university and its affiliated colleges to adopt villages and connect with local communities through literacy, digital education, health, environment, skill development and social innovation.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Suresh Gosavi reviewed the university's academic and research performance. He said more than seven and a half lakh students are studying in 859 colleges and institutions affiliated to the university, and that the university's focus is on taking knowledge beyond the laboratory to society, villages, farms and hospitals. He pledged to take the university to new heights through knowledge creation, research, technology for public benefit, skill development, digital transformation and international cooperation. Members of the Academic Council and Senate, deans, professors, officials, staff, guests, parents and graduating students were present at the event.