SARDAR PATEL UNIVERSITY LISTED IN TOP 3
(16 August 2005)

Sardar Patel University, regarded as the foremost seat of learning in the state of Gujarat (India), has been declared on of the three best Universities of India alongside the University of Pune (Maharashtra) and Manipal University (Karnataka). The University, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year won a double accolade when Dr. Pravin J. Patel, the Vice Chancellor of Sardar Patel University, was awarded the IBM 'Inspiring Vice Chancellor of the Year Award 2005' for his commendable contributions in the confluence of education and IT.

Dr Patel received his award from by Mr. Rod Solomons of IBM, at the inaugural event of the Second Annual Conference, “EDUCON 2005”, India’s premier national Industry Academic Interaction Meet, held at Sitara Hotel at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad on 12-14 August 2005. Over 140 Vice Chancellors from all over country attended the conference, in addition to the Chairman of the UGC, Office-Bearers of the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, and many corporate leaders. The theme of the conference was “Blending Knowledge and Technology for Academic Excellence”.

During the last three years Sardar Patel University has made commendable progress in the field of education in general and in the field of Information Technology in particular. UGC Infonet, Radio Station (FM) and EDUSAT are some of the noteworthy achievements that have added feathers to the cap of Sardar Patel University. The University trained its staff on using Computers. The Internet is now accessible to the entire teaching fraternity. The University administration is almost fully automated. Various examinations reforms have been incorporated by introducing advanced IT tools. The University has also the distinction of having acquired a wide range of projects of more than 25 core rupees from various funding agencies like UGC, DST, DBT, DRDO, ISRO, CSIR, DAE, TIT (Japan), GUJCOST.

Sakal Group had sent nomination forms to all the Indian Universities for the award of “IBM Vice Chancellor of the Year 2005”. The parameters for evaluation of all the universities included the initiatives taken by the University during 2004-2005 in various areas, such as

1. E-Learning/Distance Learning,
2. Enhancement of IT Infrastructure,
3. Research Projects Undertaken by the Faculty,
4. University-Industry Collaboration for Curricular and Extra-curricular Activities,
5. Collaborations with National and International Universities
6. any other outstanding achievements of the University.

The reports sent by all the universities were evaluated by three eminent IT experts of the country from the corporate sector. Expressing his deep sense of gratitude to all his colleagues, Pravin J. Patel, the Vice Chancellor of Sardar Patel University, said that “without their whole hearted cooperation and support this miraculous achievement could not have been possible”

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