Prof. Dr. S B Mujumdar is the Founder and President of Symbiosis and Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University). A renowned academic and educationalist, he has received civilian honor many times from the Government of India. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2005 and Padma Bhushan in 2012. He was also awarded Punyabhushan in 2009. The complete list of accolades is far too long for these pages and includes the 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 several 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.
I am delighted to welcome you to Symbiosis International (Deemed University). The University is part of the larger Symbiosis family, which is built on the core idea 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 centers, the amenities are both plenty and first-rate. Most important of all, the teaching and non-teaching staff at the University combine the caliber and culture to help students fulfill 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 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.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar is the Principal Director of Symbiosis Society and Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University. Symbiosis International University is a multi-disciplinary, multinational, multicultural University having more than 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, the College of Arts and Commerce, and Museums- the Afro-Asian Cultural Museum and the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum & Memorial.
The establishment of the Dubai campus is a significant step towards enhancing the inclusivity and diversity, that is predominant in all the Symbiosis' campuses. The University's global outreach and dedication to creating global citizens has been a guiding force behind its several initiatives.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar holds a Postgraduate Degree in Medicine, a Degree in Law, and a 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 the internationalization of higher education in India.
Ranked 14th Amongst India’s Top 25 Powerful Women
As a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) for two terms, the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) under the Ministry of Education, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs, she has been a facilitator of innovative approaches to higher education in India.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar 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.
Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, an accomplished academician and seasoned professional, is the Vice Chancellor at Symbiosis International (Deemed University).
Raman's contributions extend beyond the classroom, as he has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations with universities in Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His prolific research in Information Systems, IT Strategy, Entrepreneurship, AI, and Big Data, has earned him recognition with national and international academia. Aston University's Aston India Centre for Applied Research, College of Business and Social Sciences, has appointed Dr. Raman as an Honorary Professor for a three-year term ending in 2027.
She is a Chairperson of the FICCI Committee on Higher Education and is serving her third term. She is also the Vice President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).
Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman's commendable contributions have earned him recognition in both administrative and research spheres. In 2024, he was appointed as a distinguished member of prestigious committees by the University Grants Commission. Dr. Raman's wealth of expertise promises to significantly enhance these committees, as his participation will play a pivotal role in effecting amendments and refining existing processes.
With a remarkable educational journey that includes a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Engineering an MBA in Systems and Marketing, and a doctoral degree in Management from Pune University,
Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this esteemed institution. His extensive career spanning over two decades is a testament to his diverse experience in the corporate, academic, and research domains. He has served Symbiosis for over a decade in different capacities including Professor & Director of Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology, Professor & Director of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management – Pune, Dean – Faculty of Management and Director – Strategy & Development.
Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman has authored a multitude of research papers featured in prestigious international journals indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science, further enhancing his academic credentials.
Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar has graduated from the prestigious B. J. Medical College, Pune in 1985, securing top honours in General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology. He completed his Masters in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in 1989 & was awarded the Gold Medal by Savitribai Phule Pune University. He completed his Ph.D. from Savitribai Phule Pune University.
As faculty at the BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune Dr. Rajiv was involved in the clinical, administrative, teaching (under graduates and post graduates) and research activities of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Family Welfare. His teaching experience includes arrangement, coordination and structuring of teaching programmes by organizing clinical meetings, case presentations, journal club meetings, death audits, besides didactic lectures, tutorials, seminars, guidance for thesis and supervision and demonstration of operative procedures.
On completion of his deputation at the Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman from 1992–1996, Dr. Rajiv conceptualized & established the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences (FoMHS) at the Symbiosis International University. The constituents of FoMHS offer a number of unique, innovative, need based and career oriented academic programmes pertinent to the healthcare sector, such as MBBS, BSc & MSc Nursing, BSc & MSc in Medical Technology, M.Sc in Assisted Reproductive Technology, B.Sc and M.Sc in Behavioural Health Sciences, MSc in Dietetics and Nutrition, Masters in Public Health and MBA in Hospital & Healthcare Management.
As Provost, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Symbiosis International University (SIU), Dr. Rajiv is involved in the academic and administrative planning of all programs offered by the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, SIU. As a Member of the Academic Council and Board of Management of the Symbiosis International University, Dr. Rajiv is involved in the policy planning of the SIU. Dr Rajiv has been instrumental in promoting Internationalization across geographies, forging ties with the Federation of Royal College of Physicians, UK, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, UK, Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, UK, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, Universities in the UK such as - Health Sciences University, University of Leicester, Aston University etc, Medical Colleges and Universities in Italy (University of Foggia and University of Naples), Japan (Chiba University and Josai International University), in the UAE (University of UAE, Ajman University, Ras Al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University),University of British Columbia, Canada.
As member of various national bodies, Dr. Rajiv has contributed to policy formulation and regulatory mechanisms influencing healthcare delivery and medical / nursing education nationally. Dr. Rajiv is a former member of Board of Governors, (the erstwhile Medical Council of India), now the National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex regulatory body governing the standards of medical education in India, Central Supervisory Board-PCPNDT, Govt. of India, Governing Council of Consultancy Development Centre (CDC), Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) & Maharashtra Nursing Council (MNC) Govt. of Maharashtra. Dr. Rajiv is associated with various professional organizations like Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Indian Medical Association (IMA), Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM), Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMI) etc.
Dr. Rajiv is a Member of the Specialists Board of DNB & FNB in the specialty of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India and a member of Accreditation Board for the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC) and the CII committee on Healthcare and also ex member of Senate of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences’ (MUHS).
Dr. Rajiv is championing the concept of Health Promoting Higher Educational Institutes in India. Dr. Rajiv is a Member of the Steering group of International Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, the working group of University Grants Commission (UGC) to bring out policy on Health Promoting University & the Fit India Movement Campaign Committee, Govt of India. Dr. Rajiv has been nominated on the WHO Project on Development of Health and Wellness Assessment Index for Higher Educational Institutions in India.
Dr. Rajiv has contributed a number of original research articles in various national and international journals in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Public Health, Emergency Medical Services, Hospital & Healthcare Management, Medical Insurance, Medical Technology, Medical Education, Sports & Wellness, Health Promotion and Integrated Disaster Management.
Dr. Anita Patankar is a distinguished academic leader with over four decades of experience in higher education. She is the founder of the Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts and has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape at Symbiosis University. Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in fostering a progressive, inclusive, and student-centric environment at the institution that continues to inspire excellence in education.
Dr. Patankar’s commitment to the Vedic principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) is evident in her efforts to expand Symbiosis International University to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. She is passionate about creating educational opportunities that transcend borders and believes in nurturing a global and inclusive mindset among students.
Her dedication to education and her efforts to bridge cultural and academic divides exemplify her enduring influence on students, faculty, and colleagues. Dr. Patankar’s contributions continue to drive Symbiosis’ mission of fostering academic excellence with a global perspective.
Bringing my ethos and experience of over 40 years with and from Symbiosis to an international land is incredibly heartwarming. I am honored to extend my warmest welcome to Symbiosis International University, Dubai. Rooted in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Symbiosis Dubai will foster values of Symbiosis India with a flavour of the Middle East to shape citizens of the future.
Website last updated : April 16, 2025