Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) recently marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its newly renovated Department of Technical and Applied Chemistry. The upgraded facilities, which include state-of-the-art chemical engineering laboratories and modernised faculty spaces, were made possible through a generous donation of ₹1 crore from Mr Sunil Chari, Managing Director of Rossari Biotech and an esteemed alumnus of VJTI.
A Step Towards Global Leadership in Technical Education
This renovation represents not just an enhancement of infrastructure but also a strategic move towards VJTI’s aspiration to become one of the world’s leading institutions in technical education. The inauguration event attracted notable figures from academia and industry, highlighting the growing collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders aimed at elevating Indian engineering and research on a global scale.
Mr. Sunil Chari’s Inspirational Address
During the ceremony, Mr Sunil Chari shared his personal journey from VJTI to becoming a leader in the biotechnology sector. He expressed gratitude for the role VJTI played in his career development and emphasised that his contribution was a way to give back to the institution. “VJTI was fundamental to my success. Today’s donation is a small gesture of giving back. The new facilities will offer students world-class resources, inspiring them to dream bigger and aim higher,” Chari stated. He further encouraged fellow alumni to support the institute not only financially but also by sharing their expertise with current students, emphasising that this transformation is about cultivating talent and fostering innovation.
Commitment to Research and Academic Excellence
Mr. Sachin Kore, Director of VJTI, commended Mr. Chari’s generous donation and reiterated the institution’s renewed commitment to pioneering research and academic excellence. “Mr. Chari’s donation is transformative for us. This isn’t merely a renovation; it’s an investment in our students’ futures and in the future of Indian technical education,” Kore remarked. He elaborated on VJTI’s long-term vision, which includes aspirations for university status and plans to establish a Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI), collaborate on the Maharashtra Drone Mission, and strengthen partnerships with industry leaders.
Emphasising Industry-Academia Collaboration
The keynote address was delivered by Mr Anjani Prasad, Managing Director and Regional Vice President of Archroma, who praised VJTI for consistently producing industry-ready graduates while stressing the need for educational institutions to keep pace with global trends. “The rapid changes in digitalization, AI, and sustainability must be mirrored in our educational institutions to prepare students for tomorrow’s industrial demands,” Prasad stated. He highlighted the importance of stronger ties between academia and industry to foster innovation and sustainable practices.
Enthusiastic Participation at the Inauguration
The event, organised by VJTI’s Department of Technical and Applied Chemistry along with CHEMSA – VJTI Alumni Association, saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and alumni. With these newly renovated facilities, VJTI is poised to enhance its research capabilities and foster a forward-thinking educational environment. The institute aims to produce graduates who will excel on the global stage and contribute significantly to India’s evolution as a hub of technological innovation and industrial leadership.
In summary, VJTI’s renovation of its Department of Technical and Applied Chemistry not only enhances its infrastructure but also symbolises a commitment to advancing education, research, and collaboration between academia and industry for a sustainable future in technical education.
