S. B. Mujumdar, Educationist and Founder
Educationist and Founder

S. B. Mujumdar

Born 31 July 1935 · Maharashtra

Founded the Symbiosis Society, establishing a multinational educational and cultural center in India.

Shantaram Balwant Mujumdar is the founder and president of the Symbiosis Society, a multinational educational and cultural center, and chancellor of Symbiosis International University. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2005 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 1971, Dr. Mujumdar founded Symbiosis specifically to support Afro-Asian foreign students in Pune, decades before internationalization became a mainstream educational goal in India.

The Story

1
In 1971, in Pune, Dr. S. B. Mujumdar founded Symbiosis to create a 'home away from home' for foreign students, especially those from Afro-Asian countries struggling with cultural and academic challenges.
2
🌿 By 1980, Mujumdar had published over 50 original research articles in national and international journals, while simultaneously heading the Botany Department at Fergusson College for 20 years.
3🎓 In 2002, Symbiosis was granted the status of a Deemed University by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, marking a pivotal shift from a cultural center to a comprehensive educational institution.
4In 2005, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri for his efforts in education, followed seven years later by the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2005
Padma Shri
2012
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1971, Dr. Mujumdar established Symbiosis initially to assist foreign students in Pune, long before global student mobility became a priority in Indian education.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Gadhinglaj, Maharashtra
Shantaram Balwant Mujumdar was born in Gadhinglaj, Kolhapur District, laying the foundation for his academic journey in Maharashtra.
1935
📚
Education
Completed Schooling in Gadhinglaj
Completed his early education in his hometown, Gadhinglaj, before moving on to higher studies.
c.1950
📚
Education
Master’s in Botany at Pune University
Graduated first class first with distinction in M.Sc. Botany from Pune University.
c.1960
⚡
Career
Founded Symbiosis Society in Pune
Started Symbiosis to support foreign students, initiating a multinational cultural and educational center.
1971
🏅
Award
Symbiosis granted Deemed University status
Symbiosis was officially recognized by the Government of India as a Deemed University, expanding its academic scope.
2002
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri by Government of India
Received Padma Shri for contributions to education.
2005
🏅
Award
Received Punyabhushan Award
Honored with Punyabhushan for lifetime achievements in education and social service.
2009
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, recognizing his educational impact.
2012
🏅
Award
Fergusson College felicitates as Distinguished Alumnus
Received the Fergusson Gaurav Puraskar from the College Alumni Association, presented by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
2024
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He served as the Head of Botany at Fergusson College for 20 years while simultaneously guiding Ph.D. students and publishing over 50 research papers.

02 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Symbiosis International University hosts students from 85 countries, reflecting Mujumdar’s vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ('The world is one family').

03 / 04
💡SURPRISING

Despite his botanical and microbiological expertise, Mujumdar expanded Symbiosis into fields as varied as law, media, biomedical sciences, and geo-informatics.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Dr S B Mujumdar, Chancellor, Symbiosis International Deemed Universityaddress to Alumni
More from this archive
Dr S B Mujumdar, Chancellor, Symbiosis International Deemed Universityaddress to Alumni
01
Dr S B Mujumdar, Chancellor, Symbiosis International Deemed Universityaddress to Alumni
Book release of 'Me ani Symbiosis' by Prof. Dr. S B Mujumdar, Founder & President Symbiosis
02
Book release of 'Me ani Symbiosis' by Prof. Dr. S B Mujumdar, Founder & President Symbiosis
Message from Prof. Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, Hon’ble Chancellor, SIU on the occasion of Teachers Day!
03
Message from Prof. Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, Hon’ble Chancellor, SIU on the occasion of Teachers Day!
#Symbiosis #ExclusiveInterview #MetroMirror
04
#Symbiosis #ExclusiveInterview #MetroMirror
About Symbiosis by Dr. SB Mujumdar Sir
05
About Symbiosis by Dr. SB Mujumdar Sir

🌱 What changed because of them

Dr. Mujumdar’s creation of Symbiosis transformed Pune into a hub for international education and cultural exchange, with Symbiosis International University now enrolling students from over 85 countries. His advocacy for academic democracy and cultural integration influenced higher education policies and inspired similar multicultural institutions across India.

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