Latest news with #GondwanaUniversity
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
From shadow of gun to engineering new future in Gadchiroli
Gadchiroli: In the deep forested reaches of eastern Maharashtra, where red soil paths snake through hills long shadowed by Maoist unrest, a quiet revolution is taking shape — not with rifles, but with backpacks and blueprints. Earlier this week, more than 50 tribal students stepped into Gadchiroli city for the first time in their lives. Many had never seen paved roads or mobile towers, let alone the gates of a college. But there they were, freshly admitted to the University Institute of Technology (UIT), the first engineering college run directly by Gondwana University, ready to rewrite their future. "These students come from some of the most interior villages of the district," said Prashant Bokare, vice-chancellor of Gondwana University, adding, "They've grown up where access to electricity, transport, even classrooms, is sporadic at best. And now, they are entering the world of technology, engineering, and opportunity." Among the new admits is Tanvi Gaddamwar, a determined young student from Etapalli whose father earns around Rs10,000 a month farming small land parcels. When Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis handed her over the official admission confirmation during a function in Konsari earlier this week, her family's hopes crystallised into something tangible. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now "Financial help means a lot to us," Tanvi said quietly while emphasising, "It's not just money, it's hope. Every rupee means less pressure on my father and more chances for me to build a life he never had." In a district often associated with conflict and insurgency, her voice was filled not with fear, but determination. Shreyanshi Hichami, another UIT student from Krushnar village, echoed the sentiment. "Coming from a remote region, education is our only path forward. This support doesn't just help my father, it gives me the confidence to focus, to dream," she said. Tanmay Hichami, who scored 75% in his Class 10 exams and chose to pursue a diploma in mining, called the opportunity a "godsend". His family, like many others, survives on subsistence farming. "We could never have imagined engineering education. Now everything — tuition, books, meals, even hostel — will be covered. It's a new life," he said. Backing this initiative is Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), which is not just financing UIT's operations but also investing in its future workforce. The company, which is building a large integrated steel plant in Konsari, has committed to fully funding the education of the inaugural batch of 120 tribal students, covering everything from tuition to housing, books and uniforms. "We are not just building steel. We are building futures," said B Prabhakaran, LMEL's managing director. "When our plant becomes fully operational in three years, we will need over 20,000 skilled workers. We want those jobs to go to the sons and daughters of this soil," he stressed. Prabhakaran added that 10 tribal students have already been sent to Curtin University in Australia, ranked among the world's top five for mining education. "Their entire education, including international travel, will be funded by us. More will follow. This is our long-term commitment to Gadchiroli," he said. Long marginalised by geography and politics, Gadchiroli lies within India's Red Corridor, a swath of territory notorious for Maoist insurgency. For decades, roads, schools, and hospitals were either absent or inaccessible. Electricity came late. Internet, even later. For tribal youth, formal education remained a distant promise. Anil Hirekhan, registrar of Gondwana University explained, "We are trying to bridge a generational gap. These are first-generation learners. They've had to overcome not just poverty, but also the psychological barriers of being told they don't belong." Hirekhan believes that removing every obstacle, from tuition fees to daily meals, is the only way to ensure real inclusion. "We have made UIT fully residential and zero-cost, because if the student has to worry about food or a roof over their head, they can't focus on calculus or coding," he said. A faculty member added, "For many of them, just entering a college classroom is an act of radical courage." One student from Bhamragad, whose parents work as agricultural labourers, summed up the emotional weight of this transition. "We have always been told by senior family members that cities and colleges are not for people like us. Now, for the first time, I feel like I belong here, like I actually have a future," he said. For educators, that shift in self-belief is the most significant milestone yet. "These students have grit, intelligence, and hunger," said one professor, adding, "All they needed was someone to believe in them." With its innovative model, UIT is now being looked at as a potential blueprint for higher education in conflict zones. Its success could mark a turning point in India's ongoing challenge of bridging the educational divide between its urban centres and its tribal heartlands.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
e-Samarth: Gondwana & Nagpur Universities get 2nd and 3rd rank
Nagpur: Giving yet another moment of pride to Vidarbha, the Gondwana University (GU) and Nagpur University (NU) have emerged as two of the top three performers in implementation of e-Samarth portal in Maharashtra. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Gondwana University and Nagpur University have secured the second and third positions, respectively, while Mumbai University leads the state. e-Samarth is a central govt initiative which aims at introducing use of digital technology in all functionalities of the university system across the country. The system brings uniformity, seamless functioning, and reduces reliance on third-party operators in online works. The interface is currently free of cost for public institutions. GU vice-chancellor Prashant Bokare praised his team's efforts despite having limited resources. "Without trained staff or sufficient infrastructure, we managed to implement 39 of the 42 modules," he said. "The finance department saved Rs72 lakh in a year by discontinuing outsourcing and switching to e-Samarth. Similarly, the exam section saved Rs50-60 lakh by holding post-graduate exams through e-Samarth," he said. GU now plans to implement e-Samarth for undergraduate exams next. To enhance efficiency of educational institutions nationwide, the central govt had introduced the Samarth system in 2022. Following directives from the central and state govts, the NU began implementing the e-Samarth system in a phased manner from 2022. At NU, 36 modules have been implemented via its IT cell, covering exams, finance, administration, and academics. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The platform has sped up administrative processes and enabled faster issuance of student certificates. Incidentally, Bokare was holding additional charge of NU when the university started implementing e-Samarth on a full-fledged scale. NU's implementation is overseen by acting VC Madhavi Khode Chaware (IAS), Pro-VC Subhash Kondawar, nodal officer Shweta Barhate, and coordinator Satish Shende, with the IT cell managing technical operations.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gondwana Varsity To Fulfil Engineering Dreams Of Gadchiroli Tribals
1 2 3 4 5 6 Nagpur: Gondwana University has launched the University Institute of Technology (UIT) in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra's tribal heartland, with full financial support from Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. The institute will offer free diploma-level technical education to tribal students from some of the district's most remote and Maoist-affected areas. President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone of the institute on July 5, 2023. "Admissions are through the Common Admission Procedure (CAP) conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE). So far, 60 students have confirmed their seats, including 40 from Hedri and surrounding villages who have never stepped outside their area — some will be visiting Gadchiroli city for the first time," said vice-chancellor Dr Prashant Bokare. The institute is expected to be a boon for talented students in backward areas long haunted by violence, where access to quality education often requires traveling long distances. UIT will operate from a refurbished building on a newly allotted 170-acre government campus near Adapalli, where Lloyds is funding the complete renovation. "The old structure is being converted into a modern facility with classrooms, labs, a library, and a computer center," said Prashant Mohite, a member of the university's management council. Registrar Anil Hirekhan said awareness campaigns are underway to encourage more tribal youth to apply. "We're hopeful of more aspirants in the upcoming CAP rounds. Many bright students in this region drop out due to financial hardship or their families' reluctance to send them to other cities. They are often advised to work with their parents in the fields," he said. The diploma programmes being offered include mining, metallurgy, manufacturing, and computer science — fields aligned with regional industry demands and local employment potential. Lloyds Metals' ₹25 Crore CSR Push To Fully Sponsor Tribal Students Lloyds Metals, which has transformed the landscape of Gadchiroli with major investments in the mining sector, will fully fund the first batch of 120 tribal students enrolled at the University Institute of Technology (UIT). The mining giant will invest ₹25 crore in the first year under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to cover tuition fees, food, hostel accommodation, and overseas training. The company also plans to recruit deserving candidates, giving a strong start to their careers. "The company will sponsor each student at an annual cost of around ₹2 lakh and has guaranteed jobs in its upcoming plants in Gadchiroli, with a monthly salary of ₹40,000," vice-chancellor Dr Prashant Bokare told TOI. He added that this initiative is part of a broader ₹200 crore development plan focused on education and infrastructure in the Naxal-affected region. Bokare also confirmed that Gondwana University has partnered with Curtin University in Perth, Australia — ranked second globally in mining education — to offer six-month international training to the students. "This global exposure will ensure our graduates are equipped with both technical knowledge and industry-ready skills," he said. To oversee operations, Manish Uttarwar, director of innovation and incubation at Gondwana University, has been appointed as the in-charge director of UIT. Registrar Anil Hirekhan said academic operations will commence from September 1. "We are in the process of appointing teaching and non-teaching staff. Separate hostels for boys and girls will be constructed with company support. Until then, students will be accommodated in rented private buildings, and Lloyds will bear the full cost," he said. UIT to Launch BTech, MTech Courses from Next Year The University Institute of Technology (UIT) will introduce full-time BTech and MTech programmes from the next academic session (2026–27), expanding beyond diploma courses in line with regional industry demands. Undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degrees will be offered in mining, metallurgy, manufacturing, and computer science. Gondwana University aims to establish UIT as a premier destination for higher education in the region. "UIT is not just another technical institute. We are developing it along the lines of IITs and IIMs, with world-class infrastructure and global academic partnerships," said vice-chancellor Dr Prashant Bokare. The institute is currently upgrading its campus at Adapalli on the Nagpur-Gadchiroli road, with tenders for refurbishment already completed. Planned facilities include modern laboratories and sports infrastructure such as dedicated volleyball and basketball courts. At the foundation stone ceremony held on July 5, 2023, then deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis announced a ₹20,000 crore investment in the steel sector in Gadchiroli and assured continued government support for skill-based education. "We're also working to start an airport here. The government will provide sufficient funds to make Gondwana University one of the best in the state," Fadnavis had said. Then Maharashtra governor and chancellor of state universities, Ramesh Bais, also endorsed the idea of recognising Gondwana University as a tribal university. "The campus is being developed on 170 acres, and the state plans to invest ₹1,500 crore in the coming years. GU has made remarkable progress over 12 years in a district where 39% of the population is tribal," he had said.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ganvir's Acclaimed Marathi Play ‘Gatar' Included in BA Syllabus of Gondwana Univ
1 2 Nagpur: Noted Nagpur-based playwright and theatre activist Virendra Ganvir achieved yet another milestone when his much-acclaimed Marathi play 'Gatar' was selected for inclusion in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Second-Year curriculum at Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, from the current academic session. Widely discussed across Maharashtra and other parts of the country, 'Gatar' left a significant mark on the Indian theatre scene with its powerful artistic expression and socially relevant theme. The play was staged over 115 times and garnered 112 awards. It was also praised by prominent personalities from the world of theatre and literature, including celebrated actor-director Amol Palekar, playwright and theatre critic Mahesh Elkunchwar, poet Dr Yashwant Manohar, playwright Premanand Gajvi, theatre personalities Rajiv Joshi, Bhalchandra Kubal, Dr Mangesh Bansod, Dr Bhalchandra Joshi, and Delhi-based playwright Rajesh Kumar. At its core, 'Gatar' (meaning 'sewer') is a scathing commentary on India's caste system and the way certain communities were historically condemned to perform demeaning occupations, such as manual scavenging. The play uses the metaphor of a sewer line that carries all waste, symbolising the systemic exploitation and social marginalisation faced by generations forced into such work by birth. Ganvir's narrative explores the idea that caste persists because people are tightly bound to hereditary occupations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Are Ditching Finger Pricks with This Breakthrough Monitor Thelifeh Undo "Castes will never vanish as long as the reasons that sustain them remain," said Virendra Ganvir, while speaking to TOI. "I believe only those who dare to break free from caste-bound professions can truly eradicate caste hierarchies," he added. "The play unfolds the grim reality of 'gatarikaran', or the dehumanisation of sewer workers, tracing both the historical and contemporary plight of these communities," he said. Characters like Baba, Amma, Gautam, and Yadav represent the present-day struggles of sewer workers, while the fate of their ancestors swallowed by the sewer symbolises the oppressive past. Yet, amidst this darkness, the play offers a glimmer of hope in the form of Ravi — a young boy from the community, who begins to see beyond his inherited destiny. Ravi's pursuit of education and his awakening desire to break free from the 'trap of the sewer' signify the dawn of a revolutionary new consciousness.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Gondwana University's Science and Technology Centre honoured with Vasantrao Naik Krishi Puraskar
Nagpur: Gondwana University's Science and Technology Research Centre in Gadchiroli was awarded the Shri Vasantrao Naik Krishi Puraskar in a ceremony at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan in Mumbai on Wednesday. Maharashtra's agriculture minister, Manikrao Kokate, presented the accolade, which was received by Vice-Chancellor Dr Prashant Bokare on behalf of the university. Established in 2014 under the guidance of the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, the centre owes its foundation to the collaborative efforts of Swapnil Girde, Gandharva Pilare, Ashish Gharai, Pragati Gokhale, Dr CD Mai, Dr Anil Kakolkar, and Dr Shah. Located in Gadchiroli, a predominantly tribal and geographically isolated district in Maharashtra, the centre addresses the region's limited access to quality education, particularly in science and technology. Since its inception, the centre has played a pivotal role in bridging educational gaps, fostering scientific curiosity among rural students, and equipping them with modern technological skills. Its mission encompasses improving educational standards, promoting skill development, creating employment opportunities, driving social progress, and addressing local challenges through innovative solutions. These efforts positioned the centre as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Gadchiroli, empowering its youth and paving the way for a brighter future. The Shri Vasantrao Naik Krishi Puraskar recognises the centre's impactful contributions to Maharashtra's agricultural sector, particularly through research that supports farmers and promotes sustainable practices. The centre's work in tribal and rural areas has been hailed as a model for inclusive development across the state. Addressing the gathering, agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate praised Gondwana University for its commitment to advancing agricultural research and uplifting rural communities. "This recognition reflects the transformative potential of combining education, technology, and agriculture to address the needs of underserved regions," he said. Vice-Chancellor Dr Bokare expressed gratitude for the honour, stating, "This award is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, researchers, and students who worked tirelessly to make a difference. The Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Centre's contributions to agriculture and rural development are a source of immense pride for us. We remain committed to furthering innovation and progress in these vital areas. " The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, academics, and community leaders, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving social and economic change. As Gondwana University continues its work, the Science and Technology Research Centre stands as a beacon of hope and progress for Gadchiroli and beyond.
