Address at the Convocation Ceremony of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune on 10 September 2026

Address by Shri Jishnu Dev Varma Hon’ble Governor and Chancellor of Maharashtra at the 127th Convocation Ceremony of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune on 10 September 2026

Prof. Suresh Gosavi, Vice-Chancellor;

Pro-Vice-Chancellor;

Registrar;

Members of the Management Council, Academic Council and Senate;

Deans, faculty members, officers and staff;

Distinguished invitees; proud parents; and dear graduating students;

I rejoice with you as you, your parents and friends as you receive your degrees at this 127th Convocation Ceremony of Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Convocation is a special moment in the life of every student. It is the moment when knowledge meets responsibility and education begins to take the form of leadership.

I congratulate all the graduating students who are receiving Gold Medals, Degree Certificates and doctoral scholars receiving their Ph.D. Degrees.

Behind every degree are years of hard work, perseverance and determination.

This achievement therefore belongs not only to the students, but also to their parents, teachers, mentors and the entire University community. I congratulate all of them.

The Savitribai Phule Pune University, established in 1949, occupies a distinguished place in India’s academic landscape. It is only appropriate that the University carries the name of Savitribai Phule, a pioneer of women’s education and a great social reformer.

Savitribai Phule taught us that education is not merely a means of securing employment. It is a powerful instrument of equality, empowerment and social transformation.

You, dear students, are now part of this great legacy.

With approximately 7.5 lakh students and more than 850 affiliated colleges, the University has an enormous academic reach. With such scale comes a greater responsibility – to ensure that expansion is always accompanied by quality.

I am happy to note the University’s NAAC A+ accreditation and its encouraging performance in national and international rankings.

Its 56th position in NIRF 2025 in the University category and 11th among State Public Universities are commendable achievements.

But I would like Savitribai Phule Pune University to aim even higher. Excellence in teaching, research, innovation, infrastructure and student outcomes must remain a continuous pursuit.

I appreciate the University’s efforts towards implementing the National Education Policy 2020, with its emphasis on multidisciplinary education, flexible curricula, skill development, research, innovation, Indian knowledge systems and holistic development.

Digital governance initiatives will make academic administration more transparent and efficient. Its green campus initiatives, including renewable energy and improved waste management, also reflect its commitment to sustainability.

Pune is already one of India’s leading centres of higher and professional education. With its academic institutions, industrial ecosystem and vibrant culture, it has the potential to become a global education destination.

The University’s guiding principles should be “Affordability and Excellence.”

I am particularly pleased with the University’s growing international outlook.

The MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education in Doha, its first offshore campus, and the graduation of its first batch are important milestones.

Academic partnerships in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan can further strengthen the global presence of the University.

Internationalisation, however, should mean more than attracting foreign students.

It should include student exchanges, joint research, international faculty, global partnerships and exposure to different cultures and ideas.

Dear students,

The world you are entering is changing rapidly. Artificial Intelligence, automation, biotechnology and digital technologies are transforming education, employment and society.

A degree alone will not be enough. You must remain lifelong learners, continuously acquiring new skills and adapting to change.

Our universities must therefore build stronger partnerships with industry and provide students with opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, research, training and experiential learning.

Our goal should be simple: every student should be future-ready – ready for employment, entrepreneurship, research and emerging opportunities.

I also urge the University to strengthen its alumni network.

Alumni can contribute through mentoring, internships, scholarships, placements, research collaboration and support for innovation.

Universities must be places where new ideas are born.

I will call upon the Savitribai Phule Pune University to strengthen research in areas that will shape our future – Artificial Intelligence, climate change, healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity, sustainable development, rural transformation and emerging technologies.

Our young researchers must have the courage to ask new questions, challenge conventional thinking and develop solutions to real problems.

We must combine knowledge with creativity, technology with ethics, and excellence with social responsibility.

I have always emphasised the importance of sports and physical fitness. At my instance, my secretary has been taking regular follow up of sports activities in the University.

I would like every university to have a proper annual sports calendar and encourage every student to participate in at least one sporting or physical activity.

Sports teach us discipline, teamwork, leadership and the ability to accept both victory and defeat.

Our campuses must also remain safe, healthy and free from drugs and substance abuse.

I urge the University and its affiliated colleges to undertake regular awareness, counselling and community programmes under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Education must never remain confined to the classroom.

I will call upon the University and its affiliated colleges to adopt villages and build meaningful partnerships with local communities.

Students can contribute through literacy, digital education, health awareness, environmental protection, skill development and social innovation.

Such engagement will help young people understand society, develop empathy and become responsible citizens.

Dear graduating students,

Today you receive a degree, but your education does not end here.

I often say ‘Deekshant’ is not ‘Shikshant’! Education is a lifelong journey.

Dream big. But remember that dreams become meaningful only when supported by hard work, discipline and action.

Wherever you go:
Be competent, but also compassionate.
Be ambitious, but also responsible.
Be innovative, but remain ethical.
Be successful, but never forget society.

Carry with you the ideals of Savitribai Phule – the spirit of courage, equality, knowledge and service.

India is moving towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. An educated, skilled and empowered young generation will be the foundation of this journey.

Maharashtra has a special role to play. Our universities must become engines of knowledge, skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and social progress.

I am confident that Savitribai Phule Pune University will continue to make a significant contribution to Viksit Maharashtra and Viksit Bharat.

I once again congratulate all the graduating students, gold medallists and doctoral scholars.

I congratulate the Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, officers and the entire University team for their dedicated efforts.

Thank you !
Jai Hind ! Jai Bharat ! Jai Maharashtra !!