Pune: Academic leaders from the All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society (AISSMS) institutions were honoured at the Pune Education Conclave 2026, held at Sheraton Grand Pune, for their contributions to higher education and institutional leadership, a statement issued by the institute said.D S Bormane, principal of AISSMS College of Engineering, and Dr Pradeep B Mane, principal of AISSMS Institute of Information Technology, received the “Principal of the Year 2026” award. The awards recognised their leadership in academics, research, institutional development and industry collaboration.Dr Venkat Ghodke, dean of training and placement at AISSMS IOIT, was presented the “Excellence in Academic Governance 2026” award for his work in strengthening industry institute collaboration and placement initiatives. Dr Vijaykumar S Kamble, dean of examination at the institute, received the “Excellence in Academic Leadership 2026” award for his contribution to examination reforms and academic administration.The awards were presented in the presence of Suresh A Patil, Joint Director of Technical Education, Pune Region Dr Pawan Agrawal, founder and president of Kamalabai Educational and Charitable Trust and S S Mantha, former chairman of AICTE and Chancellor of Ramdeobaba University.The conclave brought together vice chancellors, principals, policymakers, academicians and industry representatives to discuss developments in higher education and recognise academic leadership.Congratulating the award recipients, Malojiraje Chhatrapati, honorary secretary of AISSMS, said the recognitions reflected the institutions’ continued efforts towards strengthening academic quality and leadership. He said such honours would encourage faculty members to pursue excellence in teaching, research and institutional development.
