Chancellor’s Medal to Be Introduced at Three Maharashtra Universities, Including Nagpur

Mumbai, September 2, 2026: In a significant initiative aimed at encouraging holistic excellence among students, the University of Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University will introduce a new Chancellor’s Medal to recognise outstanding student achievements across diverse fields.

Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of the state universities Jishnu Dev Varma presented representative cheques of ₹10 lakh each to the Vice Chancellors of the three universities at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai on Wednesday. The initiative is intended to motivate students and encourage them to pursue excellence beyond conventional academic performance.

The Chancellor’s Medal will not be restricted only to academic merit. Students demonstrating exceptional performance in leadership, innovation, sports, cultural activities, social service and other areas of contribution to their university will also be considered.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has emphasised that universities should establish transparent, merit based and clearly defined criteria for selecting recipients of the medal. The objective is to promote healthy competition among students and inspire them to set higher goals and achieve excellence.

The Chancellor’s Medal is envisioned as a recognition of excellence across the university ecosystem, including classrooms, laboratories, sports grounds, cultural platforms, community service and innovation.

Dr. Prashant Narnavare, Secretary to the Governor, said the initiative was conceived as a means of recognising and encouraging students who demonstrate excellence in different spheres. He noted that Governor Varma had introduced a similar initiative while serving as Governor of Telangana and had expressed his intention to bring the concept to universities in Maharashtra after assuming office as the state’s Governor.

Industry Academia Collaboration Also Launched 

During the programme, Governor Varma also launched the Institute of Higher and Digital Learning: Industry Academia Collaboration for Improving Employability initiative.

Highlighting the rapidly changing nature of employment, the Governor stressed the need for universities to work more closely with industry. He called for stronger alignment between academic curricula, skill development, internships, apprenticeships, research and innovation and the emerging requirements of industry and the wider economy.

He also underlined the importance of providing students with foundational knowledge of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Robotics, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing and Green Technology.

Universities Urged to Take Part in Social Intiatives

The Governor has also encouraged universities across Maharashtra to actively participate in three major social initiatives, namely the Tuberculosis Free Maharashtra campaign, the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign, and efforts to preserve and revive Maharashtra’s declining traditional arts and cultural heritage.

Universities are not merely centres of education but institutions with a broader responsibility towards society. Their active participation in social and community oriented initiatives can therefore play an important role in creating wider public impact.

The programme was attended by University of Mumbai Vice Chancellor Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Vice Chancellor Dr. Manali Kshirsagar and Savitribai Phule Pune University Vice Chancellor Prof. Suresh Gosavi, along with pro vice chancellors, directors, deans, principals, representatives from the education and industry sectors, distinguished alumni, sports award winners and senior officials.

The introduction of the Chancellor’s Medal is expected to provide students with an additional platform to showcase excellence not only in academics but also in leadership, innovation, sports, culture, social engagement and other areas of achievement.