His scholarly contributions are showcased by over 50 original research articles in esteemed national and international scientific journals. Furthermore, he has authored numerous books on Life Sciences and penned over 200 articles encompassing Science, Education, and Youth Development. Notably, Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar has also assumed the role of Chairman of the Educational Wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Driven by empathy for foreign students facing challenges while studying in Pune, Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar established ‘SYMBIOSIS’ in 1971, aiming to offer them a ‘Home away from Home’. The term ‘Symbiosis’, rooted in botany and signifying ‘living together for mutual benefit’, aptly encapsulates his mission of fostering international understanding and camaraderie between Indian and foreign scholars. This endeavour symbolises the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the ‘World is One family’. Today, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) stands as a testament to his vision of promoting international understanding through quality education.
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar firmly believes that educational institutions are responsible for upholding their commitment to Institutional Social Responsibility. In this spirit, the university has established Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE) Centre. This initiative is dedicated to positively impacting the surrounding communities of the university.
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar’s contributions have garnered him numerous accolades. The President of India recognised his exceptional contribution to the field of education by bestowing upon him the ‘Padma Shri’ in 2005 and ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 2012. He has received the prestigious ‘D Litt’ honor from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth and DSc from Dr. D Y Patil University, alongside being the inaugural recipient of the ‘Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Award’. He has also been specially felicitated at the hands of Hon’ble Minister for External Affairs Smt. Sushma Swaraj for his contribution to international understanding in 2018.
Along with this, his achievements include the Punya Bhushan Award, FIE Foundation; Puraskar, ‘Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar’ by Govt. of Maharashtra at the hands of Shri L. K. Advani, Former Deputy Prime Minister of India, and the ‘Excellence in Education Award’ from the Top Management Club, to name a few. Furthermore, his commitment to service has been acknowledged through the Rotary Club of Pune’s ‘Service Excellence Recognition Award (SERA)’, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the esteemed ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ recognition from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar’s lifelong dedication culminated in numerous other awards, such as the Giant International Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award by Rotary International, the Lion Gaurav Puraskar, Pune Municipal Corporation’s ‘Roll of Honor for Lifetime Achievement’, and the Lifetime Achievement Awards bestowed by FICCI and Pune Festival. He has been awarded the esteemed Chancellor’s Medal by the Aston University, UK, and the prestigious Jeevan Sadhana Puraskar by Savitribhai Phule Pune University at the hands of Vidyavachaspati Shri Shankar Abhyankar. He has also received the Institution Builder Award by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari. Recently, he has been conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by INDAM (Indian Academy of Management), an affiliate of the Academy of Management, USA.
These honours remain as a testament to his contribution to education.
About Us
FOUNDER and PRESIDENT
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar (Awarded Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri by the President of India) is known as the visionary Founder and President of Symbiosis – an esteemed, multinational, multilingual, and multidisciplinary educational institution established with the motto of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).
He is also the Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune (Maharashtra’s first skill development university), and Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore. His journey, from serving as a professor of Botany to establishing the world-class Symbiosis International (Deemed University), epitomises his profound impact on international education.
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar’s academic journey began with humble roots. He received his early education in Gadhinglaj, followed by formative years in Kolhapur and Pune, and notably secured a First-class with Distinction in his Master’s Degree (MSc) in Botany from Pune University and further earned his Doctorate (PhD) in Microbiology. His pursuits continued at Fergusson College, Pune, where he emerged as a prominent figure.
As Professor and Head of the Department of Botany, his dedication has spanned over two decades, during which he significantly influenced the academic landscape. He has also actively participated in Pune University’s governance, serving on the Executive Council, Senate, Academic Council, and as Chairman of the Board of Studies in Botany. In addition to this, he has served as the Foreign Academic Advisor for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at Pune University for many years.
PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar is the Principal Director of Symbiosis, and Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International University. She holds a postgraduate degree in Medicine, a degree in Law and PhD in ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education in India’.
Having presented papers at various National and 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 third term. She is also the Vice President of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). Dr. Vidya has been appointed as Member of India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) Trust set up by Ministry of Commerce and 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, UGC Expert Committee constituted to prepare the guidelines for Credit-Based Courses and Internship opportunities and Member of the Board of Trustees of Indian Museum, Kolkata.
She has been elected as Member of the Central Governing Council of Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) set up by the Ministry of Commerce and 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 and 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 and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of India Industry (CII), Mahratta Chambers of Commerce and Industries (MCCIA) and Not for profit organisations like HK Firodiya Foundation, India International Centre (IIC) and Pune International Centre (PIC).
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 45 institutes of Corporate Affairs, Yeshwantaro Chavan Maharashtra Open University, State Knowledge Advisory Board of Higher Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sub-Group on Higher and Technical Education and Skill Development of Chief Minister’s Advisory Council, Government of Rajasthan to name a few.
Dr. Vidya’s hard work has won her numerous accolades. She received the Honorary Doctorate from Daekin University in 2024 for her contributions in the field of education and India-Australia ties. She was also invited to speak at the prestigious World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, 2026, for two significant sessions. 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 education globally through her extensive work in the field of internationalisation of higher education.
Managing Committee
Founder and President
Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar
Principal Director
