127th Convocation Ceremony of Savitribai Phule Pune University Held
Pune, September 2026: In a rapidly changing world driven by artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology and digital technologies, Savitribai Phule Pune University should emerge as a world-class centre of education through excellence in teaching, research, innovation and social commitment, Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor Jishnu Dev Varma said.
Varma was speaking at the 127th Convocation Ceremony of Savitribai Phule Pune University. Vice-Chancellor Prof Suresh Gosavi, Governor’s Secretary Dr Prashant Narnaware, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Parag Kalkar, Registrar Prof Dr Prafull Pawar and members of the Management Council were present.
The Governor said the convocation ceremony is a special moment in the life of students, marking the stage where knowledge is transformed into responsibility and education into leadership. In a changing environment, merely obtaining a degree is not enough, he said, urging students to pursue lifelong learning and continuously acquire new skills.
He also called upon students to carry forward Savitribai Phule’s vision that education is not merely a means of employment but a powerful instrument for equality, empowerment and social transformation.
Focus on Multidisciplinary Education and Innovation
Varma appreciated the university’s efforts towards implementing the National Education Policy 2020 and called for greater emphasis on multidisciplinary education, skill development, research, innovation, Indian knowledge traditions and the holistic development of students.
He said affordable and quality education should remain a priority. Digital governance and green initiatives, he added, would help make the university more transparent, efficient and sustainable.
The Governor said academic partnerships with institutions in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan could further strengthen the university’s global outreach. Internationalisation should focus on student exchanges, joint research, international faculty and global academic partnerships, he said.
Stronger Industry-Academia Partnerships
Varma urged universities to expand partnerships with industry and provide students with opportunities for training, internships, apprenticeships, research and practical experience.
He also called for strengthening the university’s alumni network and utilising it for mentoring, scholarships, employment opportunities, research and innovation.
The Governor urged the university to promote research in areas including artificial intelligence, climate change, healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity, sustainable development, rural transformation and emerging technologies.
He also called for every university to prepare an annual sports calendar and encourage every student to participate in at least one sport or physical activity. Sports, he said, help students develop discipline, teamwork and leadership qualities.
Drug-Free Campuses and Community Engagement
Varma called for awareness campaigns, counselling and social initiatives under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to ensure that university campuses remain safe, healthy and free from drug addiction.
He also urged the university and its affiliated colleges to adopt villages and engage with local communities through literacy, digital education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, skill development and social innovation.
University Reaffirms Commitment to Knowledge Creation
Vice-Chancellor Prof Suresh Gosavi presented an overview of the university’s academic and research achievements. He said more than 750,000 students are studying across 859 colleges and institutions affiliated with the university.
Gosavi said the university is focusing on taking knowledge creation beyond laboratories and ensuring that it reaches society, villages, farms and hospitals.
He expressed the university’s commitment to achieving new heights through knowledge creation, research, people-oriented technology, skill development, digital transformation and international collaboration.
Members of the Academic Council and Senate, deans, faculty members, officers, employees, invitees, parents and graduating students attended the ceremony.
