05.07.2026: Address by Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra at the Unveiling of the Statue of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve and inauguration of the Innovation Mahakumbh 2.0

Address by Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra at the Unveiling of the Statue of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve and inauguration of the Innovation Mahakumbh 2.0 Organised on the occasion of the 111th Foundation Day of SNDT Women’s University at Karve Road, Pune on 5th July 2026

Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Co-operation,
Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Higher and Technical Education,

Dr. Medha Kulkarni, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha),

Prof. Dr. Ujwala Chakradeo, Vice-Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University,

Dr. Prashant Narnaware, Secretary to the Governor,

Prof. Ruby Ojha, Pro Vice Chancellor,

Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Nandavadekar, Registrar,

Vice Chancellors and former Vice Chancellors of other Universities,

Distinguished members of the Management Council and Academic Council,
Esteemed guests,

Members of Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni,

Sisters and Brothers,

Namaskar !

I feel blessed to visit the holy place where Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve walked and where he planted the sapling of the SNDT Women’s University 111 years ago.

I feel honoured to unveil the statue of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve and to visit the Karve Kuteer.

It was very thoughtful of the University to have organized the Innovation Mahakumbh 2.0 in commemoration of the 111th Foundation Day of SNDT Women’s University.
I congratulate the SNDT Women’s University and each one of you gathered here on the occasion of the Foundation Day of the University.

Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve was not only a great social reformer but also a visionary nation-builder.

At a time when women were denied access to education and opportunities, he courageously championed the cause of women’s empowerment through education and widow remarriage.

His unwavering belief was that no nation can progress if half of its population remains deprived of knowledge and opportunity.

His pioneering efforts culminated in the establishment of India’s first Women’s University in 1916. It was indeed a revolutionary step that transformed the landscape of women’s education in the country.

Through his tireless dedication and social commitment, Maharshi Karve converted women’s education from a social aspiration into a national movement.

The empowerment of millions of women across India today is a living testimony to the seeds of reform and enlightenment that he sowed more than a century ago.

Maharshi Karve’s vision was far ahead of his time. He understood that educating a woman means educating a family, a community, and ultimately the nation. His life reminds us that true social transformation begins with education, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

Over the last 111 years, SNDT Women’s University has empowered lakhs of women and produced distinguished educators, scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, administrators, artists, social reformers, healthcare professionals, public servants and leaders who have contributed significantly to nation-building.

The University has played a pivotal role in promoting women’s participation in higher education, research, innovation, governance, entrepreneurship and economic activities at large.

The University has opened doors of opportunity for generations of women, particularly those from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds.

Every educated woman emerging from this institution becomes an agent of social change, economic empowerment and national development.

I congratulate the entire SNDT family for carrying forward this noble legacy with dedication and distinction.

I would also like to place on record my appreciation for the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ujwala Chakradeo and Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Nandavadekar.

Under their stewardship, the University has undertaken several initiatives aimed at academic excellence, research, innovation, governance, industry collaboration and creating new opportunities for students.

I am pleased to note that the University is actively embracing reforms envisioned under the National Education Policy 2020 and positioning itself as a centre of innovation, entrepreneurship, multidisciplinary education and global engagement. Their collective efforts are helping SNDT Women’s University emerge as a dynamic institution aligned with national priorities and global aspirations.

I am very keen that the SNDT Women’s University aims to become one of the top ranking universities in the country. This is definitely possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are living in a transformative period in India’s history. The National Education Policy 2020 has provided a visionary framework for reimagining higher education.
It seeks to create universities that are multidisciplinary, flexible, inclusive, innovative, research-oriented and globally competitive. Unlike our times, students can opt for smart combination of subjects.

NEP 2020 encourages holistic education, multiple pathways of learning, skill development, research excellence and the integration of technology in education. It seeks to prepare young people not merely for employment but for leadership, innovation and lifelong learning.

I am pleased to note that SNDT Women’s University is actively embracing the spirit of NEP 2020 by promoting multidisciplinary learning, integrating skill development with academics, strengthening research ecosystems, encouraging entrepreneurship and leveraging technology to make quality education accessible to all.
I will call upon the University to offer the best programmes for preparing students for professional examinations like NDA, CDS, CA, Company Secretary, Actuary, Civil Services etc.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The future belongs to institutions that can combine knowledge with innovation and tradition with transformation.
Universities must evolve from centres of instruction to centres of discovery, creativity, problem-solving and nation-building.

The inauguration of Innovation Mahakumbh 2.0 is therefore highly significant. Innovation is the driving force of economic growth, social progress and national competitiveness.

Nations that innovate lead the world. Universities that innovate shape the future.
Innovation Mahakumbh 2.0 provides a platform where ideas can be transformed into solutions, research can be translated into products and young minds can become creators of change.

Many times good research and innovation remains limited to the laboratories and finds way into research papers only. We must translate research and innovation into marketable solutions.
As India marches towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, our universities must become engines of innovation, entrepreneurship and social transformation. The goal of a developed India cannot be achieved without women-led development. The daughters studying in this University today will become scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators and leaders who will shape India’s future.
I urge our students and researchers to focus on emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technologies, Healthcare Innovation, Climate Action, Sustainable Development, Biotechnology, Agriculture and Social Entrepreneurship.

My dear students,

You are the fortunate generation living in India’s Amrit Kaal. You are going to usher India into a Viksit Bharat. I often say Viksit Bharat does not mean higher income and GDP alone. Viskit Bharat means Inclusive Bharat, where every person will be enabled to contribute to the development of the country.

Let Maharshi Karve’s life inspire you to challenge limitations, break barriers and create opportunities not only for yourselves but also for future generations.
As we celebrate the 111th Foundation Day of SNDT Women’s University, let us renew our commitment to the ideals of Maharshi Karve, the aspirations of NEP 2020 and the national mission of Viksit Bharat 2047.

I once again congratulate the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, faculty, staff, students, alumni and all stakeholders of SNDT Women’s University.

I also appreciate the organizers of Innovation Mahakumbh 2.0 for creating a platform that encourages creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation among young minds.

May this great institution continue to illuminate lives, empower women, advance knowledge, promote innovation and contribute to the progress of Maharashtra, India and the world.

Jai Hind ! Jai Bharat ! Jai Maharashtra !!