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About the Association

Our story, our purpose, and the heritage of Savitribai Phule Pune University — the ‘Oxford of the East’.

SPPU campus
About us

The Oxford of the East

Pune is the main educational center of Maharashtra. Numerous students from every corner of India and the world come to Pune. It is quite safe and peaceful city as compared to other educational centers in India. The climate of Pune is pleasant and good for health. The city of Pune houses many well-known, established institutes and colleges. Savitribai Phule Pune University is one of the finest and most popular educational centers in the city. It offers excellent programs in various areas including Science, Commerce, Arts, Languages and Management Studies.

About Savitribai Phule Pune University

Savitribai Phule Pune University, one of the premier universities in India, is positioned in the North-western part of Pune city. It occupies an area of about 411 acres. It was established on 10th February, 1949 under the Poona University Act. The university houses 46 academic departments. It is popularly known as the 'Oxford of the East'. It has about 307 recognized research institutes and 612 affiliated colleges offering graduate and under-graduate courses.

The university attracts many foreign students due to its excellent facilities. It offers good accommodation facility. There is a provision of hostel for the students. There is a well-stocked library containing plenty of books regarding various subjects. The university offers different scholarships to the students. The university conducts seminars and conferences for the students.

Why we exist

Vision & mission

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Our Vision
To be the model Alumni Association by which all others are measured.

Our Mission
To advance the university by developing and strengthening lifelong relationships between alumni and the university community, by benefiting current and future alumni and friends, and by serving as a catalyst for communications and involvement.

Key Expectations

To honor, preserve and celebrate Savitribai Phule Pune University traditions.
To communicate clearly and consistently with our alumni about all things Savitribai Phule Pune University.
To serve and respond to the needs of our alumni.
To innovate new programs and services to benefit our alumni.
To broaden our programming reach globally.
To continue to provide an inclusive and supportive environment to our alumni of diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences.

Message

From the Vice-Chancellor’s desk

Vice-Chancellor

Vice Chancellor's Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi

I have always drawn inspiration from these words of Swami Vivekananda "Education is the process by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, and intellect is sharpened, as a result of which one can stand on one's own feet. And that a teacher's sacred duty is to invoke the spirit of inquiry in his pupils."

Enhancing the quality of education is the task with us with prime importance; it helps us to build society of our dreams. With demography of young in age and in spirit, we the universities have to ensure the quality education which is rich in values and modern in content.

As Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Said “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.” As teachers, we all know that academic processes are no longer confined to classroom-based curriculum. For cultivation of mind it is essential to design appropriate learning experiences for the students.

As Honorable President of India, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee mentioned and I would like to highlight the same “Development of a scientific temperament is essential. Adaptation to and application of new technology has to be an integral part of the curriculum development for all stages of education. New methods and teaching aids must equip the younger generations to learn more, explore more and contribute more to the society.”

Being as 21st century’s Vice Chancellor I would like to focus on consolidation, expansion and diversification, with the following key thrust areas:

1. Strengthen University of Pune’s place on the Global Map of research and education;
2. Creating more healthy environment for Research Activities;
3. To make the University responsive to ever changing societal needs;
4. Teaching enhancement program for teachers to adopt new methods and teaching aids;
5. To make best use of IT Infrastructure for Automation in Administrative and Academic process;
6. Improving Physical Infrastructure to best suit for increasing needs.

University emblem
Heritage

The University emblem

At the center of the lotus-shaped Emblem of Savitribai Phule Pune University is Shaniwar Wada the palace of Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire founded By Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Encircled at each bottom corner of the emblem are :
The Raigad Fort : Capital of the Maratha Empire, and
The Parvati Hill Temple : the spiritual and historic landmark of Pune.
Between these circles are two crossed swords, elephants heads and pens.
On both sides of the Shaniwar Wada, two horses stand upright holding an open book which has the words 'Savitribai Phule Pune University' inscribed on it along with the year of its establishment, 1949 A.D.

Two iconic symbols representing the sacred Hindu Swastik can also be seen in the corner.

At the bottom of the emblem is the motto of the University:" Where Actions Prove Knowledge"

The motto of the University stresses on 'Kriyavaan' (one who is engrossed in creative action) and maintains that the one who contributes to the well being of the society is the real Pundit (Savant)

This emblem is originally designed by Madhav Parshuram Dixit a student of the University and was revised in 2015 in light of the extension of the name of the university.
It was formally adopted by the University in May 1950 and revised in 2015

University campus
The grounds

A 411-acre campus

Spread over a vast area of 411 acres, the University has an exceptionally beautiful and picturesque campus. The lush green lawns adorned with beautiful fountains of the British times and the majestic building of the University are a constant source of attraction to the aesthetically oriented people of Pune, filmmakers, musicians, and celebrities. The University campus is covered with a large number of age-old trees, which provide shade and beauty, and the peaceful surrounding make for a very invigorating environment for serious studies and research.

The Main Building
Savitribai Phule Pune University is symbolically identified with the Main Building, it is a monumental building with beautiful architecture, and its tower project high into the sky bearing the flag of the University. The office of the Vice-Chancellor, Dean's Chambers, and Records Section is located in the Main Building. Meeting of various academic bodies is conducted in the four prestigious halls of the Main Building Viz., Yashwantrao Chavan Sabhagriha, Sant Dnyaneshwar Sabhagriha, Shivaji Sabhagriha, and the Sant Gadge Maharaj Sabhagriha.

Thus Goes the Legend
The lofty Main Building of the Savitribai Phule Pune University was once the residence of the governors of Bombay in the days of the British Raj. It was built in 1864 when Sir Bartle Frere was the Governor. Designed by James Trubshawe, the magnificent edifice was built in Ganeshkhind, on the outskirts of what was then called Poona. Architecturally, it defies classification though its spiritual antecedents are Italian and the 80 feet flag tower has been described as a 'Victorian rendering of an Italian campanile'. The building was inspired by Prince Albert's Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

The cost of residence was Sterling Pound 175'000 to build, nearly six times the amount raised by the sale of the Governor's previous residence. The building of such a palatial house in the aftermath of the cotton crash in Bombay was severely criticized and referred to by the British Parliament as 'a typical instance of the extravagance and insubordination of the Governors of Bombay'. Sir Frere defended his action staunchly, the house was not habitable by the time he left India in 1867. His successor, Sir Seymour FitzGerald carried out the furnishing and decoration, and he, in turn, was criticized for being extravagant, especially for the sterling pound 500 chandeliers in the ballroom-which still sparkles, adding to the grandeur of the Ballroom!

Currently, Work is on to restore it to its original glory.

Leadership

Board of Directors

The stewards of the Association's mission — guiding academic partnership, alumni engagement and institutional growth of Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Prof. Dr. Suresh Gosavi

Prof. Dr. Suresh Gosavi

Vice Chancellor, SPPU

Leads the University's academic vision and administration.

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Prof. Dr. Parag Kalkar

Prof. Dr. Parag Kalkar

Pro-Vice Chancellor, SPPU

Supports academic planning and institutional development.

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CMA (Dr.) Charusheela R. Gayake

CMA (Dr.) Charusheela R. Gayake

Finance & Accounts Officer, SPPU

Oversees the University's finance, budgeting and audits.

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Prof. Prabhakar Desai

Prof. Prabhakar Desai

Dean, Faculty of Humanities, SPPU

Guides academic programmes across the humanities faculty.

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Mr. Rajesh Pande

Mr. Rajesh Pande

Advisory Council Member, SPPU

Brings industry and community experience to the Association.

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Mr. Krishnakumar Goyal

Mr. Krishnakumar Goyal

Founder & CMD, Kohinoor Group

A noted Pune business leader and philanthropist.

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Alumni Relations

Alumni Relations Officer

Mr. Aditya Jagtap, Alumni Relations Officer, SPPU Alumni Association

Mr. Aditya Jagtap

Alumni Relations Officer (ARO), SPPU Alumni Association

Mr. Aditya Jagtap is a professional working at the intersection of education and international affairs, currently serving as the Alumni Relations Officer (ARO) at the SPPU Alumni Association.

With a background in International Economics and Chinese Studies, he brings a global perspective shaped by his work with international students across India through the World Organisation of Students and Youth (WOSY) from 2017 to 2023. From 2022 to 2024, he served as the elected Asia Representative of the Commonwealth Students' Association (CSA), contributing to international dialogue on education and representing student perspectives from across Asia.

He envisions reconnecting SPPU with its international alumni and diaspora by identifying, recognising, and engaging distinguished alumni, experts, and high-achieving professionals across diverse fields worldwide, bringing them back into the University's network to foster mentorship, knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and international opportunities for students and the institution. At the national level, he seeks to identify and engage distinguished SPPU alumni and professionals across India, strengthening their connection with the alma mater and enabling them to contribute through their expertise, experience, and networks.

His vision is to build a vibrant and engaged SPPU alumni community, united by its shared legacy and inspired to contribute meaningfully to the future of the University and society.