Symbiosis: A Five-Decade Journey from Pune's Humble Beginnings to Global Educational Excellence
In 1971, the city of Pune quietly witnessed the birth of an idea that would, over the next five decades, blossom into a worldwide movement dedicated to education and peacebuilding. This idea was Symbiosis, founded by Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar, the Chancellor of Symbiosis International University (SIU). Rather than establishing a conventional institution, Dr. Mujumdar initiated a compassionate response to a pressing human need. Deeply moved by the struggles of foreign students in Pune—who faced cultural isolation, a lack of belonging, and an absence of support systems—he envisioned an inclusive educational environment where students from across the globe could truly feel at home.
The Founding Philosophy: Living Together for Mutual Benefit
The name Symbiosis itself encapsulates this core philosophy: living together for mutual benefit. Rooted in the timeless Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to "the world is one family," the institution was conceived as a bridge connecting cultures, nations, and diverse ideas. This foundational ethos has remained steadfast and unchanged, even as Symbiosis has expanded in scale and achieved global recognition over the past 50 years.
Symbiosis International University Today: A Global Academic Powerhouse
Today, Symbiosis International University stands as a world-renowned, multidisciplinary institution that attracts students from over 85 countries and all 28 states of India. Its academic offerings span a wide array of faculties, including:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Law
- Management
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Media and Communication
- Computer Studies
- Education
- Engineering
- Architecture and Design
This diverse portfolio has evolved SIU into a truly global academic ecosystem, one that not only fosters professional excellence but also nurtures intercultural understanding and values-based leadership.
A Historic Milestone: The Inauguration of the Rotary Peace Center at SIU
The commitment of Symbiosis to peace, dialogue, and global citizenship reached a historic milestone with the inauguration of the Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University on January 26, 2026. This establishment marks a significant advancement in global peace education, reflecting the shared vision, values, and expertise of Rotary International and SIU. It reinforces their collective dedication to nurturing leaders who are capable of creating meaningful and lasting change in a rapidly transforming world.
Rotary International: Values and Vision
At its core, Rotary International is an organization of leaders united by key principles such as fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership. These values guide Rotary's Action Plan, which focuses on increasing impact, expanding reach, enhancing participant engagement, and strengthening the organization's ability to adapt to global challenges. Symbiosis, guided by similar principles and its founding philosophy of global kinship, provides a natural and powerful institutional home for the Rotary Peace Center in Asia.
The Rotary Peace Centers Programme: A Global Network
The Rotary Peace Centers worldwide are dedicated to bridging borders through tailor-made curricula that train individuals committed to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. Since the launch of the Rotary Peace Centers programme in 2002, over 1,800 Rotary Peace Fellows have been trained. Many of these fellows now serve in leadership roles across governments, international organizations, non-governmental bodies, and civil society.
With the addition of the Rotary Peace Center at SIU, Symbiosis becomes the eighth Rotary Peace Center globally and the first in Southeast Asia. It joins a distinguished network of institutions, including:
- University of Bradford (England)
- Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA)
- University of Queensland (Australia)
- International Christian University (Tokyo)
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- Uppsala University (Sweden)
Programme Details and Regional Focus
Beginning in 2027, the Rotary Peace Center at SIU will host two cohorts of 20 Rotary Peace Fellows annually. Applications for Rotary's one-year Professional Development Certificate Programme at SIU will be open from February 1 to May 15, 2026. This programme is part of Rotary's global peace education initiative, under which up to 130 fully funded fellowships are awarded each year across all Rotary Peace Centers worldwide.
Located on SIU's Lavale campus in Pune, the Rotary Peace Center embodies Rotary's global vision—shaped by the voices of over one million people worldwide—of a world where individuals unite to create lasting change within communities and within themselves. This vision finds concrete expression in the Center's fully funded one-year Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Peace and Development Studies. This programme is specifically designed for mid-career professionals engaged in peacebuilding and development work across Asia or within Asian communities.
The programme equips Fellows with the skills to:
- Identify and analyse complex conflict situations
- Study theories and strategies of conflict resolution
- Understand the principles of conflict transformation
- Gain practical insights into building, making, and sustaining peace for inclusive and sustainable development
With a strong regional focus and an emphasis on actionable outcomes, the Centre seeks to translate academic learning into real-world impact, addressing the unique challenges faced in Asia.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Symbiosis
As Symbiosis completes over five decades of its journey, its story stands as a potent reminder that enduring institutions are born not merely from ambition but from empathy. What began as a compassionate initiative for foreign students has today evolved into a globally respected university and a beacon for peace education in Asia. By staying true to its founding values while responding to contemporary global challenges, Symbiosis continues to demonstrate how education guided by empathy, inclusivity, and purpose can be transformative in building a more peaceful world.
