Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) reinforced its commitment to student well-being by organizing 'Matru Setu - Women Mentoring Young Women,' a mentorship programme aimed at empowering women educators to support female students. The event, held on July 10, 2026, was organized by the Directorate of Student Welfare in collaboration with the Foundation for Holistic Development (FHD).
Event Highlights and Key Attendees
The programme was graced by Mrs. Madhuri Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson of FHD, along with her team members Ms. Alka Soni and Ms. Medha Deshpande. Distinguished attendees included MUJ President Prof. (Dr.) Niti Nipun Sharma, Pro President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Provost Prof. (Dr.) Nitu Bhatnagar, Ms. Manju Sharma, Dean of Student Welfare Dr. Madhura Yadav, Head-HR Ms. Kananjeet Kaur, and senior journalist Dr. Puneet Sharma.
Addresses by University Leaders
Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana welcomed participants and emphasized the growing importance of mentorship in higher education. He noted that students today face academic, emotional, and social challenges, making empathetic guidance crucial. He encouraged faculty to become trusted mentors for students' personal and professional growth.
In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Niti Nipun Sharma highlighted the transformative role of mothers in shaping character and values. He paid tribute to the mother of Dr. T.M.A. Pai, founder of the Manipal Group, acknowledging her contribution to society. He urged women faculty to extend motherly care and emotional support to help students overcome stress and anxiety.
Keynote Session by Madhuri Sahasrabudhe
Mrs. Madhuri Sahasrabudhe delivered the keynote, sharing experiences from her interactions with students across India. Through anecdotes, she illustrated how timely guidance and empathy from mentors can transform lives, particularly for those facing emotional distress.
Interactive Workshop and Role-Playing Exercises
The workshop included practical sessions led by Mrs. Sahasrabudhe, Ms. Soni, and Ms. Deshpande, presenting real-life student scenarios. Participants engaged in role-playing exercises to understand students' perspectives and respond with compassion. A major highlight was the presentation by 13 faculty teams, each performing role-plays on issues such as emotional well-being, academic pressure, interpersonal relationships, and self-confidence. These sessions helped participants explore practical mentoring approaches and strengthen communication skills.
Programme Objectives and Conclusion
The workshop aimed to cultivate empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence among women faculty, enabling them to mentor students with motherly care. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Pankaj Vyas, Director of Student Welfare, while Dr. Aanyaa Chouhary served as Master of Ceremony. This initiative reflects MUJ's focus on creating a supportive campus ecosystem where mentorship fosters confidence and holistic growth among young women.
