Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur universities receive Rs 10 lakh each for initiative
By Sitaram Mewati | Mumbai
The University of Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University will introduce a ‘Chancellor’s Medal’ to recognise students demonstrating excellence beyond academics.
The initiative has been launched by Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of State Universities Jishnu Dev Varma. At a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, on Wednesday, the Governor presented symbolic cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the Vice Chancellors of the three universities to support the initiative.
The Governor said the medal should recognise students for their overall achievements, including leadership, innovation, sports, cultural activities, social commitment and special contributions to their universities. He stressed the need for transparent and merit-based selection criteria.
According to Dr Prashant Narnaware, Secretary to the Governor, the medal is intended to promote healthy competition among students and encourage them to set higher goals. It is envisaged as a symbol of excellence across classrooms, laboratories, sports fields, cultural platforms, social service and innovation.
During the programme, Governor Varma also launched the ‘Institute of Higher and Digital Learning: Industry-Academia Collaboration for Improving Employability’ initiative, aimed at strengthening links between higher education institutions and industry.
The Governor emphasised the need to align university curricula, skill development, internships, apprenticeships, research and innovation with changing industry requirements. He also stressed the importance of giving students exposure to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Green Technology.
He further called upon universities to participate actively in social initiatives, including the ‘TB-Mukt Maharashtra Abhiyan’, ‘Nasha-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ and efforts to preserve Maharashtra’s vanishing arts and traditional heritage.
Dr Narnaware said the Chancellor’s Medal initiative was inspired by a similar programme launched by Governor Varma during his tenure as Governor of Telangana. After assuming office in Maharashtra, Varma expressed his intention to extend the concept across the State’s universities.
The programme was attended by Vice Chancellors Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, Dr Manali Kshirsagar and Prof. Suresh Gosavi, along with senior university officials, educators, industry representatives, alumni and sports award winners.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
