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Mumbai varsity gets VC after six months (Lead)
Mumbai, April 27 (IANS) The University of Mumbai got a new Vice Chancellor on Friday when Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao announced the appointment of Suhas Raghunath Pednekar, Principal of Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, to the post which had been vacant for six months.
The Governor handed over the letter of appointment for a five-year term to Pednekar at Raj Bhavan, ending the uncertainties and speculation over the vacant post.
He succeeds Sanjay Deshmukh, who was sacked on October 24, 2017 for creating a mess in examination results which left the government, the academic community and students fuming.
Indicating that he was serious about getting the country’s premier university back on track, Pednekar said he was taking change “without any celebrations” and requested all well-wishers not to bring flowers or bouquets.
“I want to get down to work immediately without celebrations or fanfare… However, if there are any suggestions, they are most welcome,” he commented to a private Marathi TV channel.
“I believe in direct action without any pressures… I have many challenges before me. The first priority it to ensure the timely schedule of the university examinations, which is a major task,” Pednekar said.
Expressing the hope that he would be able to work smoothly with everyone, he said the 160-year-old university has “a great tradition” and it would be his responsibility to take it further. He urged everyone to “cooperate by keeping aside differences”.
With a doctorate in Green Chemistry from the Stevens Institute of Technology in the US, Pednekar has a rich experience of nearly three decades as a chemistry teacher, professor, researcher, guide and principal.
In 2012, he was conferred the Best Teacher Award of the Maharashtra government and Tata Chemicals Ltd awarded him the Best Chemistry Teacher honour.
Besides having vast administrative experiences at various levels in the higher education set-up, Pednekar is connected with major organisations like Indian Science Congress and Indian Chemical Society.
The much-anticipated appointment comes six months after the former incumbent was removed from the post for the chaos in the declaration of examination results which severely dented the university’s global image, reputation and credibility, besides hitting the careers of students.
Pednekar took charge from Devanand Shinde, the Vice Chancellor of Shivaji University Kolhapur, who was entrusted the additional charge of the University of Mumbai.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.