Nagpur: University of Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Nagpur University will introduce a ‘Chancellor’s Medal’ to recognise students for excellence beyond academics.Governor and Chancellor of state universities Jishnu Dev Varma on Wednesday presented symbolic cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the vice-chancellors of the three universities at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, towards the initiative.The medal, the governor said, should recognise a student’s overall personality and achievements, including leadership, innovation, sports, cultural activities, social commitment and special contributions to the university. He stressed that universities must evolve transparent and merit-based criteria for selecting medal recipients.The initiative is aimed at fostering healthy competition, encouraging students to set higher goals and promoting excellence across diverse fields — from classrooms and laboratories to sports grounds, cultural stages, social service and innovation.Prashant Narnaware, secretary to the Governor, said the initiative was inspired by a similar programme launched by Varma during his tenure as Governor of Telangana. After taking charge in Maharashtra, Varma expressed his desire to extend the concept to universities across the state.The Governor also launched the ‘Institute of Higher and Digital Learning: Industry-Academia Collaboration for Improving Employability’ initiative, underlining the need for closer university-industry ties amid changing employment patterns. He called for greater alignment of curricula, skill development, internships, apprenticeships, research and innovation with industry requirements.Varma also stressed the need for students to develop a basic understanding of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, robotics, cybersecurity, cloud computing and green technology.The Governor also called upon universities to become active partners in three state-wide initiatives — the ‘TB-Mukt Maharashtra Abhiyan’, ‘Nasha-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ and efforts to preserve and revive Maharashtra’s vanishing arts and traditional heritage.“Universities are not merely centres of education; they also have a wider responsibility towards society,” was the thrust of the initiative.The programme was attended by Mumbai University vice-chancellor Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, Nagpur University vice-chancellor Dr Manali Kshirsagar and Pune University vice-chancellor Prof Suresh Gosavi, besides pro-vice-chancellors, directors, deans and principals, industry and education representatives, alumni, sports award winners and senior officials.
