Pimpri Chinchwad University Holds Its First Convocation, Articulates Vision as an Emerging Industry-Engaged University

Pune, Maharashtra | January 2026

Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU) marked a defining milestone in its institutional journey with the successful conduct of its First Convocation Ceremony, celebrating academic achievement while articulating a clear vision for higher education rooted in industry engagement, research, and values-driven learning.

Addressing the Convocation, the Hon’ble Chancellor of PCU outlined the University’s mission of evolving into an Industry-Engaged University, committed to preparing students who are industry-ready while simultaneously playing a pivotal role in supporting industry through knowledge, research, and skilled human capital. Emphasising collaboration over isolation, he highlighted PCU’s intent to foster a symbiotic ecosystem where academia and industry work together in addressing contemporary economic and societal challenges.
The Chief Guest, Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee, eminent scientist and architect of India’s first indigenous supercomputer PARAM, congratulated Pimpri Chinchwad University on emerging as a young yet visionary institution. Describing PCU as one of the youngest achievers in the higher education space, Dr. Bhatkar appreciated the University’s clarity of vision and long-term academic mission. He also lauded PCU’s future plans for global academic expansion and the establishment of a Central Research Facility / Research Centre, envisioned as a shared platform benefiting students, faculty, and industry through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and applied problem-solving.

The Guest of Honour, Nitin Karmalkar, Former Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, commended PCU for its effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). He noted that the University’s academic structure reflects the spirit of NEP by promoting holistic education, multidisciplinary exposure, and flexibility, thereby equipping graduates with a strong intellectual foundation and adaptability for a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Offering an industry perspective, Rajendra Jagdale, Director General and CEO of Science & Technology Park, Pune, appreciated PCU’s emphasis on industry readiness and urged the University to focus on developing entrepreneurs alongside professionals. He encouraged PCU to work towards nurturing job creators rather than only job seekers, articulating a future vision of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem emerging from the University.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Santosh Sonawane, reflected on PCU’s achievements as a young university and reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence. He emphasised that the University’s objective extends beyond producing graduates to shaping individuals who are ethically grounded, intellectually rigorous, socially responsible, and industry-ready, capable of navigating a rapidly changing global and technological environment while contributing meaningfully as responsible citizens.

The First Convocation Ceremony was also honoured by the presence of key office-bearers from Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust (PCET) and the University’s governance structures. On the dais were PCET’s Chairman Shri Dnyaneshwar P. Landge, Vice Chairperson Smt Padma M. Bhosale, Secretary Shri Vitthal S. Kalbhor, Treasurer Shri Shantaram D. Garade, Chancellor Shri Harshwardhan S. Patil, and Executive Director Dr. Girish Desai. Representing the University’s Governing Body were Dr. Pandit Bhalchandra Vidyasagar, Shri. Sachin Itkar, Shri Salim Shikalgar and Shri. Rajesh Patil along with other members whose strategic guidance has supported PCU’s academic and institutional journey. The Convocation was further graced by PCET Management Representatives Mr. Ajinkya V. Kalbhor and Mr. Narendra Landge, reflecting the collaborative leadership at the Trust–University interface that underpins PCU’s vision, governance, and operational momentum.

The First Convocation of Pimpri Chinchwad University thus stood not only as a celebration of student achievement but also as a statement of institutional intent—positioning PCU as a young yet ambitious university committed to integrating education, research, industry engagement, and ethical values in shaping the future of higher education.