Dr S B Mujumdar – The visionary behind brand ‘Symbiosis’

If you have a strong determination in your mind, if you are ready to work hard for that until you achieve it, then nobody can stop you from success, this is the inspiration I have drawn from the example of a great achiever, Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, a distinguished Academician and Educationist, Founder & President of Symbiosis – a multi-lingual, multi-national and multi-disciplinary educational complex of international repute. Dr. Mujumdar is also the Chancellor of Symbiosis International University.

A simple professor usually in white shirt and black trousers working as the Head of the Dept. of Botany at Fergusson College, Pune for 20 years with Fergusson College Pune; has created an empire of institutes in past four decades. Dr. Mujumdar completed his higher education at Kolhapur and Pune. He obtained a first class first in M.Sc. (Botany) and Doctorate in Microbiology. He has written many standard books and published several papers in national and international journals.


Through his experience at Fergusson College, he realized the difficulties faced by foreign students, particularly those from Afro Asian countries, studying in Pune. Inspired by the ideals of ‘Vishwa Bharati’ of Gurudeo Tagore and ‘Antar Bharati’ of Sane Guruji, and with a desire to help foreign students and offer them a ‘Home away from Home’, in 1971 he established an organization called Symbiosis, which means ‘living together of two different organisms for mutual benefit’. The motto of Symbiosis is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The World is one family’

Symbiosis comprises 43 institutes imparting training in diverse disciplines. It has over 27,000 students who hail from all states of India and from 80 different countries. The ministry of HRD, Govt. of India conferred the ‘Deemed to be University’ status on 23 institutions of Symbiosis which are now under the ambit of Symbiosis International University.

Sharing the background of starting Symbiosis Dr Mujumdar said, a student once told me, ‘Sir, if you ask me how I like Pune, I would say I want to run away from your city.” A young man from Ghana living in the Film Institute hostel opened my eyes to a grave attitudinal problem prevalent in Pune. I soon realised that foreign students were carrying more ill-will than good-will about Pune. It was these very students who went on to important (sometimes ministerial) posts in their respective countries. Issues like this would influence how they perceive India, and thereby affect Foreign Relations. From this, a small organisation for the welfare of students in order to promote international understanding – Symbiosis was born. The name interestingly stems from the Greek words Sim (together) and Bios (life). Two non- identical entities living together for the mutual benefit of both, regardless of colour, religion etc.

In his one interview, Dr Mujumdar said, In 1971 I established the Symbiosis International Cultural & Educational Centre in Pune primarily to promote friendship, co-operation and understanding between foreign and Indian students and to cater to the needs and difficulties of foreign students studying in Pune, mostly Afro-Asian students. Since then, under the aegis of ‘Symbiosis’ I have established 30 institutions imparting training in 174 different courses ranging from KG, Primary, Secondary education to Law, Human Resource Development, Foreign Trade, Management, Computer, Arts & Commerce, Mass Communication, Telecommunication, Information Technology etc. Symbiosis today is the premiere educational institute of Pune and brand equity in providing quality management education. Having proved excellence in education, the Human Resource Development Ministry, Govt. of India has granted Deemed University status to Symbiosis in May 2002.
I was a Pioneer in establishing a unique monument - Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial, depicting the life and personal belongings of Dr.Ambedkar. A Pioneer in establishing the first ever Institute providing quality management education exclusively to defence personnel and their dependents.


Talking about the Government obstacles in education growth in the country, primarily the councils should be removed. A self- regulatory body supported by the Government should be created. This one window system is something that the knowledge commission has recommended and the bureaucrats are resisting. A Public- Private partnership should be the mantra for education in India. Unless Privatisation occurs in the Education field, there is no future for India.

From 25 Universities to 357, 700 colleges to 18,000, 15,000 teachers to 5 Lac and 1 Lac students to 1 Crore, we have a come a long way from the time of Independence. This has certainly been a quantitative growth but considering the strength of our population, this is not enough. Speaking of quality, when 1 Crore students pass out of higher universities, hardly 2.5- 3 lacs find jobs. What results is an addition to the pool of educated unemployed. We need to universalise professional education if we dream of India becoming a developed/ super- power. For this I strongly support Reservation. You cannot progress leaving 50% of the population behind otherwise there will be a calamity in the form of riots, terror threats etc. by those who won’t allow the rest to sleep. This is what happens when there are capabilities without opportunities.

Looking towards 2020, Dr. Mujumdar’s vision is to “make Symbiosis International University global in a true sense of the term, a Vishwagram, a Knowledge Village. The Symbiosis mission is to translate my vision into reality. And India must nurture its talent by Saraswati. All hassles in the way of starting good education must be abolished”.


His message to the youth of our country is thus: “You are in a country where right is might, humility is not weakness, & where knowledge is power where true leaders are defined more by action than by position and title.”

In appreciation of Dr Mujumdar’s long illustrious career, the President of India awarded the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ to Dr. S.B.Mujumdar in 2005. Vice President of India also awarded Dr. Mujumdar ‘Punyabhushan’ award in the year 2009. He is also recipient of prestigious ‘FIE Foundation Award’ and ‘Maharashtra Gaurav Award’. Dr. Mujumdar was also the Chairman of the education wing of the prestigious Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FICCI) (2005-06).

I have had a very gentle experience with Dr. Mujumdar. Once I sent him an SMS about an important news about him. In reply he called me and asked to meet. We had a good discussion over 90 minutes. When he asked about myself, I said I’m doing Executive MBA from Symbiosis itself. To my astonishment, he said you are already MBA! I read your SMS regularly and am happy that you are working with a renowned personality like Dr. Vijay Bhatkar. Another specialty of Dr. Mujumdar is that he writes you letters and acknowledges every correspondence. While I was admitted at Sancheti Hospital after my accident in 2007, he sent me a bouquet of flowers along with his letter for speedy recovery! I was amused to receive that letter from a personality as great as him.

In the function of Symbiosis convocation when I received my MBA degree at the hands of Dr. Sam Pitroda, Dr. Mujumdar introduced me with him. I asked Dr. Mujumdar if I could take a picture along with Dr. Pitroda, and he immediately obliged.

Dr. Mujumdar had invited me for the release function of his book ‘Symbiosis Biography of An India’. After the function I was about to leave for home when he called me and asked to join for dinner. He introduced me with many dignitaries present there. That was a special moment for me! It is indeed amazing to see how he manages so many things at a single time, especially in the period of admissions where there is national as well as international rush for brand Symbiosis!

Dr Mujumdar has always concentrated on Symbiosis and made it international brand rather than making ‘Mujumdar’ brand. He has kept himself very low profile, speaks less but relevant, very punctual, committed and straight forward person. Although he can afford to travel by any imported luxurious car, he prefers to travel by Ambassador.


I have also witnessed the humorous side of Dr Mujumdar Sir several times. Once I said Sir I need your advice. He said after 70 year of age what else I can give. I can give advice only! I asked about his health and he replied it is as it should be in the age of 70 plus!

I said, Sir I’ll b happy if you could visit my home. He said, don’t speak like Punekars as we should meet sometime, we should sit sometime. Just finalize the date and I will be there!! As promised he came. We had long discussion and most importantly he said Rahul I just came to hear about me. Now tell me your story. He listed to it patiently and appreciated. In his more than an hour meet he spoke rarely on himself as well as Symbiosis. I remember, he also called me when my interview was published in Lokmat (7 Apr 2011) and said Rahul, your autobiography is appeared in newspaper, I wish you all the best and I am sure you will achieve your all the dreams.


Dr Shantaram Balwant Mujumdar was born on 31st July 1935 in a small town Gadhinglaj in Kolhapur district. Today, he has completed his 76 years age and I wish to write an article on him again on his century.

Sir, wish you all the best!!

Dr K H Sancheti – Busy serving the society 24x7

It was 6th Nov 2007, just a day before Diwali, when I had met with a severe road accident at Ranjangaon. I was admitted in Sancheti Hostpital, Pune. The news of my accident appeared in media and spread virally through various connections. In the 20 days that I spent at the hospital, people from various sectors such as politicians, bureaucrats, media etc. used to come to see me. One of my relatives working with Sancheti later told me that Dr. Sancheti was curious to know who is Rahul Shingavi, as many people had even called him to enquire about my health. He then introduced me to Dr. K. H. Sancheti, and I consider this introduction as the brighter side of my accident!

I later met Dr. Sancheti and he asked me about myself and listened with curiosity. He asked his secretary to take good care of me as a patient and even to treat without any charges. I said, Sir, my bill will be paid by Insurance company, hence I don’t want any discount!

Recently, I was again admitted at Sancheti hospital for post operation surgery for removal of the rod. When Dr. Sancheti came to know about it he ordered the hospital administration to give me a special suite. I got the same treatment as VVIP and my recovery was very fast, not because of the medicines but due to the love and affection of Dr. Sancheti, his family and the entire hospital staff.

Dr. K. H. Sancheti born on 24th July 1936 has restored smile and enhanced quality of life in many patients. His contribution in the field of medical sciences is very unique and unprecedented. The contribution goes beyond the boundaries of medical science.

He has derived benefits from technology related to metallurgy, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering and architectural planning to provide better and affordable patient care.

The expertise achieved in each of the above mentioned field, makes him stand out among the medical professionals and look unique.

Born in a small traders family running a grocery shop, Dr. Sancheti had to earn to pay his tuition fee, both at school and at college. The lessons of honesty, integrity and to be kind and humble to people have been imbibed by him from his parents.

The Sancheti Institute owes its very existence to one man's vision and tireless efforts to bring the benefits of modern orthopaedic techniques within reach of the common man. Dr. Kantilal H. Sancheti, who also has the distinction of being Pune's very first orthopaedic doctor, founded the Sancheti Institute in 1972. Under his leadership, the institute swiftly achieved the reputation as the leader in orthopaedic treatments in Maharashtra.

In 1972, Dr K.H. Sancheti started Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, with a view to have one of its kind hospital specifically dedicated to Superspeciality Orthopaedic Surgery. Due to that sincere investment and great foresight the institute today, has acquired an empire size, of which we all are so proud.

Dr. Sancheti's unwavering focus on research has kept the hospital on the rising curve of innovation leading to the development of products such as the Indus Knee and Indus hip- India's first indigenous implant which has helped arthritic patients achieve pain free mobility.

Dr.Sancheti has, over the years, organized over 500 health camps for handicapped children all over India. In appreciation of his work, the Government of India honoured him with the highest civilian awards; the Padmashree in 1991 for his contribution to humankind by his charitable asctivities and for conducting a record number of Polio and Deformity correction camps, and treating innumerable people for social causes, by the President of India, and the Padma Bhushan in 2001 for his contribution to research work and excellence in the field of orthopaedics, by the President of India. Founder Dr. K. H. Sancheti was awarded the Maharana Mewar award for his excellence in the field of Medicine. Dr Sancheti awarded the title of Professor Emeritus, by the Chancellor of Pune University, in 2004. Dr. Sancheti received the Lifetime achievement award by the ' Integrated Medical integration council' from the Governor of Maharashtra in 2003.

Dr. Sancheti has always believed in the dissemination of knowledge for the greater good, as is evinced by his mentoring and training of over 300 ortho-surgeons. In addition to his medical prowess, Dr. Sancheti is also a highly acclaimed design consultant, with over 120 hospitals in India benefitting from his expertise in designing patient friendly hospitals.

Having trained over 200 ortho-surgeons and provided hospital consultancy to over 100 hospitals, Dr. K.H. Sancheti is also a highly skilled architect who has designed more than 100 hospitals. He is the pillar on which the foundations of this institution have been laid.

Having spent over four decades in the field of orthopaedics, Dr. Sancheti was aware of the fact that 50,000 people per year in India require knee replacement surgery. Unfortunately, only 15,000 to 18,000 people can afford and avail this surgery.

Dr. Sancheti had taken the task to design and develop knee prosthesis which would make the surgery affordable to public at large. The INDUS knee developed by him not only meets the existing international quality but goes beyond in providing features that suits the Indian population. The most vital break through achieved by INDUS knee is that a patient can bend his operated leg 135 degs to 145 degs which helps him to sit cross legged for traditional function like pooja and meals, which is needed for our rural environment.

Like joint for knee replacement surgery, he has invented joint for hip replacement surgery also. This joint is made of ceramic ball and ceramic cup fixed to the bone. The first of this type of operation in India was successfully done by him in Kolkata recently.

Dr Sancheti is a very caring and loving personality. He speaks so sweet that patient gets cured from his orthopaedic illness but is scared to become diabetes patient after meeting Dr Sancheti!

A very simple, disciplined and committed person, Dr Sancheti’s zeal and energy provides a good lesson for youngsters to take a leaf from! Such is the aura of Dr. Sancheti, that I feel fresh whenever I meet him. I am yet to see him upset with a situation or a person. He is workaholic and I remember he once said, I have to work 24x7 as I am born on 24th July (7)!!

Sancheti Hospital is conducting free surgeries — including joint replacement, spine, paediatric orthopaedic, arthroscopy and plastic surgeries — on 75 patients this year to celebrate the 75th birthday of Dr Sancheti.

On the occasion of his 75th birthday, I wish him a very happy and healthy birthday!