Dnyanajyoti Parv 2023: Celebrating Savitrimai Phule’s 192nd Birth Anniversary

On January 3, 2023, Nalanda Academy hosted Dnyanajyoti Parv (Festival of Knowledge) to commemorate the 192nd birth anniversary of Savitrimai Phule, a trailblazing social reformer and pioneer of women’s education in India. The event celebrated her legacy while reaffirming the commitment to her mission of empowerment through education.

This special occasion also provided us with an opportunity to honor the achievements of our students, especially women students, reflecting the ideals that Savitribai Phule championed throughout her life.

Our celebration featured a lineup of distinguished guest speakers who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields:

Ms. Chhayatai Khobragade: A revered writer and social activist, Ms. Khobragade’s work has consistently amplified the voices of marginalized communities and inspired many with her powerful writings.

Dr. Bharati Taksande: A professor in the Department of Medicine at MGIMS Sewagram, Dr. Taksande’s contributions to healthcare and medical education are a testament to her dedication to improving lives.

Ms. Kranti Gedam: An entrepreneur and the owner of Wood Arena, Ms. Gedam’s journey reflects the spirit of innovation and determination that defines successful entrepreneurship.

Ms. Neha Thombre: A talented artist and performer, Ms. Thombre uses her craft to inspire and bring joy to others, embodying the creative spirit that uplifts society.

Our Guest of Honour: Ms. Vaijanti Raut

Nalanda’s success is rooted in the unwavering support of the Ambedkarite community. Among the many individuals who have contributed to this journey, one remarkable personality stands out— Vaijanti Raut, a 75-year-old retired superintendent from Nagpur University. Despite her retirement, Ms. Raut continues to make a difference by generously donating a portion of her pension to Nalanda every month.

Her commitment reflects her belief in education as a tool for empowerment and her trust in Nalanda’s mission to uplift marginalized communities. On Savitrimai’s birth anniversary, it was an honor to recognize and felicitate Ms. Raut for her incredible support.

Her actions remind us of the strength of community solidarity and the importance of collective efforts in driving social change.

Event Highlights

Tributes to Savitrimai Phule

The event opened with a heartfelt homage to Savitrimai Phule by Minal Madavi (a Nalanda alumna), who recounted Phule’s invaluable contributions to education and social justice. Attendees were reminded of her bravery in challenging societal norms and advocating for equality.

Recognition of Academic Achievements of women alumni

The event’s highlight was the felicitation of over 40 women alumni of Nalanda Academy, celebrating their outstanding academic achievements, with many having pursued higher education at prestigious universities in India and abroad. This inspiring celebration showcased the academy’s remarkable milestones, including empowering over 1,300 students—50% of them girls—and enabling access to top universities worldwide. These success stories stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Savitribai Phule’s visionary work.

Following the felicitations, distinguished alumni Shivani Waldekar (University of Edinburgh, UK), Mamta Markam (IIT Gandhinagar), Manju Kumari (APU, Bengaluru), Deeksha Thool (Gujarat Central University), Roopa Nagenhalli (APU, Bengaluru), and Nari Kamakshi (TISS, Mumbai) shared their inspiring journeys and experiences.

Speaking on behalf of all the women alumni, they highlighted the transformative role Nalanda Academy played in shaping their academic and personal growth.

Honouring the Parents to Acknowledge their Sacrifices

Special recognition was given to the parents of students, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering support in enabling their children to pursue education, often against significant societal and financial odds. The event honored the proud parents of the 13 Nalanda alumni, who are pursuing higher education at prestigious foreign universities, celebrating parents’ unwavering support and the achievements of their children: Ajay Khairkar (Ph.D., Manchester University),  Aarti Kade (Ph.D., University of Amsterdam), Ashita Lange (M.Sc, University of London),  Diksha Meshram (M.S., University of Washington),  Jyotirao Wankhede (M.Sc, Australian National University), Chakshupal Wankhede (M.S., University of Melbourne), Ketan Tagde (M.Sc, University of Calgary), Khushboo Jagtap (M.S., University of Melbourne), Niketan Moon (M.S., University of Adelaide), Shivani Waldekar (M.Sc., University of Edinburgh), Suryakant Buchunde (M.S., University of Calgary), Suyog Muralkar (M.S., IIT Chicago) and Vikas Bagde (Ph.D., University of Amsterdam).

Dnyanajyoti Parv was not just a celebration but a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education. It reaffirmed the commitment of Nalanda Academy to Savitrimai Phule’s vision of empowering marginalized communities through knowledge and equality.

The event concluded with a pledge to continue breaking barriers and creating opportunities, ensuring that her legacy remains a guiding light for generations to come.

Watch the recording of the entire event: