Symbiosis is a family of 48 academic institutions, imparting quality education for over 50 years. It is host to over 40,000 Indian and International students on campus. These campuses epitomize the Symbiosis motto, 'Promoting International Understanding through Quality Education' and are a beehive of international students from all across the globe, being privy to Indian culture and hospitality.
Many of these campuses are fully residential and have recreational facilities which include swimming pools, amphitheaters & Health Care centres. Keeping its excellent track record in mind, in 2002, the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India conferred the 'Deemed to be University' status on Symbiosis.
M.SC. PH.D.
Chancellor
I am delighted to welcome you to the Symbiosis International (Deemed University). The University is part of the larger Symbiosis family, which is built on the core ideal of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
The University stands at the frontiers of global innovation in academics as well as all the other components that make education whole. I invite you to peruse the extensive range of resources and opportunities that we offer to all the members of the University. From classrooms to wellness centres, the amenities are both plenty and first-rate. Most important of all, the teaching and non-teaching staff at the University combine in them the calibre and culture to help students fulfil their higher education goals.
At Symbiosis, we are keenly aware of the enormous responsibility that a higher education institution must bear. Besides imparting knowledge and know-how of the subject of choice, the institution must prepare the student to thrive in the career of his choice and contribute to the good of the global citizenry.
The University makes every effort to live up to its institutional mission of internationalization. A quick tour of our campuses will confirm that our reputation of being an institution of international standing is well-earned. We take great pride in hosting students from eighty-five countries. The vision of internationalization finds expression at the University all the way from pedagogical practices to cultural activities.
I hope that you will take the time to learn more about the University and be inspired to join hands.
Prof. Dr. S B Mujumdar is the Founder and President, Symbiosis, and Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University). A renowned academic and educationalist, he has received civilian honor many times by the Government of India. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2005 and Padma Bhushan in 2012. He was also awarded the “Punyabhushan” award in 2009. The complete list of accolades is far too long for these pages, and includes Maharashtra Gaurav Award and the FIE Foundation Award.
He was born on 31 July 1935, in Gadhinglaj, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. He won a Master’s degree in Botany and a Doctorate in Microbiology. He was the Head of the Department of Botany at the Fergusson College, Pune, for over twenty years. He has authored a number of books and published research papers in botany. He also served on the Executive Council, Senate, and Academic Council of the University of Pune for several years.
Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) & Principal Director, Symbiosis.
Pro Chancellor
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) & Principal Director, Symbiosis.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar is the Principal Director of Symbiosis Society, and the Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International University. The Symbiosis International University is a multi-disciplinary, multinational, multi-cultural University that having 45000 students from all States of India and international students from 85 countries. The Symbiosis Society not only has under its ambit the Symbiosis International University but also has K12 Schools, College of Arts and Commerce and Museums- the Afro Asian cultural museum and the Dr. Ambedkar Museum.
Dr. Vidya holds a Post Graduate Degree in Medicine, a Degree in Law and Ph.D. in 'Internationalisation of Higher Education in India’. Having presented papers at various National & International Conferences, she has numerous research publications to her credit and has also authored several books. Ranked No.14 amongst India’s top 25 Powerful Women, Dr. Vidya has been instrumental in bringing in innovative approaches to promote internationalisation of higher education in India.
As a member of University Grants Commission (UGC) for two terms, Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) under Ministry of Education and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under Ministry of External Affairs, she has been a facilitator of innovative approaches to higher education in India.
Dr. Vidya has been appointed as a member of the expert group on Global Outreach of Higher Education, formulated by UGC to implement the National Education Policy 2020 that was rolled out by the Ministry of Education Govt. of India, member of the Advisory Group of Analytical and Advisory work (ASA) World Bank, Advisory Committee of the IAU for the global survey on internationalization and member of the Board of Trustees of Muscat University, Oman.
She is a Chairperson of the FICCI Committee on Higher Education and serving 3rd term. Dr. Vidya has been appointed as Member of India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) Trust set up by Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of India, to promote the ‘Brand India’ label in overseas markets, member of the Expert Group constituted by the UGC for Development of Educational Framework for Global Citizenship in Higher Education Institutions and UGC Expert Committee constituted to prepare the guidelines for Credit-Based Courses and Internship opportunities.
She has elected as Member of the Central Governing Council of Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) set up by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Member of the General Assembly of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Governing Body of Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Governing Board member of the International Sports University, Government of Maharashtra and Member of the NEP implementation committee of Government of Maharashtra. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Bajaj Holdings & Investment Limited.
Dr. Vidya has been appointed as the first Chair of the OBREAL Global India Chapter a for a period of 3 years. She is a member on the Board of several organisations like Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Research Committee of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Public Health Foundation of India, Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences Indore, Symbiosis Skills and Open University, Pune. She is a member of many corporate bodies such as Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Confederation of India Industry (CII), Maratha Chambers of Commerce and Industries (MCCIA) and Not for profit organisations like HK Firodiya Foundation, India International Centre (IIC), Pune International Centre (PIC) & Pune Citizens Police Foundation (PCPF).
She has also been a member on many other organizations such as Independent Director on the Board of RITES Limited under Ministry of Railways, Government of India, Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP) Committee, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Yeshwantaro Chavan Maharashtra Open University, State Knowledge Advisory Board of Higher Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sub-Group on Higher & Technical Education and Skill Development of Chief Minister’s Advisory Council, Government of Rajasthan.
Dr. Vidya’s hard work has won her numerous awards and accolades. Her continuous endeavour to innovate and initiate has helped Symbiosis attain its present respect and admiration. Having accomplished all such feats, Dr. Vidya is now committed to shaping Indian higher education globally through her extensive work in the field of internationalisation of higher education.
M.A, M.PHIL, PH.D. (ECONOMICS)
Vice Chancellor
Dr. Rajani Gupte is the Vice Chancellor of the Symbiosis International (Deemed University). A distinguished academic, she received her Doctorate degree in Economics from the prestigious Gokhale Institute of Economics and Politics, Pune. She has been actively engaged with higher education for over thirty years, both as a professor and researcher. She has taught at many foreign universities as well, including the Oakland University, Michigan, US, and Bremen University of Applied Sciences, Germany.
She has been a part of the leadership team at Symbiosis for over two decades. She joined Symbiosis as a founding member of the Symbiosis Institute of International Business in 1992. She was the Director of the Institute between 2004 and 2012. Her headship led the Institute to be established as one of the top-ranking business schools in India. A capable institution-builder, Dr. Gupte has also earlier held the positions of Dean- Faculty of Management, Dean-Academics and Pro-Vice Chancellor at the Symbiosis International (Deemed University).
She is an independent Director on the Governing Board of NSDL and Board of L& T Finance Limited, L& T Housing Finance Limited and L& T Finance Holdings Ltd. She has been frequently invited on committees of important organizations, such as International Trade Panel - Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), World Trade Organization Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra, and Chemtech World Expo. She has also served on committees appointed by the UGC and on working groups on higher education.
Dr. Gupte is one of the ten women selected from across Asia who have attended the 'Women in University Administration programme' sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
She was invited to be a part of a committee of eminent economists formed by NITI Aayog to interact with the Honorable Prime Minister on "Economic Policy: The Road Ahead" in January 2018.
Dr. Gupte has received several awards for her outstanding contribution to Education-
The Lokmat National Education Leadership Awards 2015, the "Swayamsidha Puraskar 2015" by Lions Club of Pune Elite, the 'Think Pure Award' by the 'Think Pure Social Welfare Foundation' in 2016, For being one of the most influential Vice Chancellors amongst the top 100 Vice Chancellors in India by the World Education Congress award in 2016, "The Iconic Leader Award - Creating a better world for all" at the WOMEN ECONOMIC FORUM 2017 and a "Visionary Eduleader of India" for being an institution builder at the hands of Shri Pranab Mukerjee, Former President of India.