Virtual celebration of Somaiya Vidyavihar’s 62nd Foundation Day during pandemic
Somaiya Vidyavihar, one of the most reputed educational institutes in India, celebrated its 62nd foundation day today. The day also marked the completion of a prosperous year of Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Manasi Joshi, para-badminton champion and alumnus of KJ Somaiya College of Engineering addressed the students on the occasion.
The virtual event started with a welcome note by Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, followed by the chief guest, Manasi Joshi’s address. Chancellor, Samir Somaiya virtually addressed the students too. A musical performance was arranged by the students of the Somaiya School of Music. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Lt. General Jagbir Singh, Secretary, The Somaiya Trust.
On the occasion of 62nd Foundation Day, Samir Somaiya, President, Somaiya Vidyavihar said, ”I thank everyone who has joined us today in them celebration of 62nd foundation day. Our founder Padmabhushan K. J. Somaiya believed that he had to repay his debt to the society, he then decided to build a school to create an opportunity for those who are less fortunate. Education gave him a window of opportunity and he wanted to give the society the same opportunity with opening of educational institutes.
A foundation day is for us to reflect on our past, our founding principles, our present and way forward. Today while during pandemic when I look at the students and faculty of Somaiya Vidyavihar, specially from the medical college during the pandemic rising to the occasion and helping others selflessly, I see my grandfather smiling and saying his motto ‘Na manoshad paro dharma’, there is no religion greater than service to humanity. I am proud that we teach our students and also learn from them that humanity is true essence of spirituality.”
While addressing the students, Chief Guest, Manasi Joshi said, “It is an honour to be amongst the academics who has nuanced understanding of education, and who have deeply cared about higher education, and an institute which has shaped and given me an identity. This institute has prepared me for tomorrow and given me confidence to lead. I am thrilled to be part of 62nd foundation of Somaiya Vidyavihar. Today is not only the day to reflect upon the beginning of the institute, but also the significant development since its inception. When I was told that Somaiya Vidyavihar is now a university, I was so glad that the vision and mission I used to read daily passing by in college was achieved and is becoming a reality.”
Also speaking about the successful completion of the 62nd year, Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Provost, said, “On this auspicious day let us pay tribute to the late Padmabhushan K. J. Somaiya and his son Dr. S.K. Somaiya who founded and nurtured this institutions over the decades. They believed that education is the most important pillar for the society upbuilding, and it has the power to change lives. It was their conviction that it is the duty of privileged to provide knowledge and skills to the needy section of the society. Let us also congratulate, appreciate and support the pathbreaking innovations and revolutionary changes spearheaded by Mr. Samir Somaiya, heading the institution 2010 onwards. Today is an exceptional day for each one of us, it is an opportunity to celebrate what we have accomplished. Let’s express our gratitude to those who have contributed to the growth of this educational and philanthropic establishment. “