‘Vinayaki’ Vinayak Nimhan Scholarship is an Initiative that Builds Society: Padma Vibhushan Dr. S. B. Mujumdar

Pune: Education not only transforms the life of an individual student but also uplifts an entire family and, ultimately, society. The ‘Vinayaki’ Vinayak Nimhan Scholarship, which extends support to students who are unable to pursue education due to financial constraints, is not merely financial assistance but an initiative that helps build a stronger society, said Padma Vibhushan Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and Chancellor of Symbiosis International University.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Vinayaki’ Vinayak Nimhan Scholarship Distribution Ceremony, organized by Someshwar Foundation on the birth anniversary of late MLA Vinayak Nimhan.

The event was attended by Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Dr. Vidyadhar Anaskar, Chief of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, Leader of Opposition in the Pune Municipal Corporation Nilesh Nikam, former Minister Prof. Suresh Navale, Corporators Sapna Chhajed, Anjali Orase, Pooja Jagdale, Nisha Manavatkar, Amit Gavade, Apurva Khade, Ravindra Salegaonkar, Zilla Parishad Member Milind Walanj, former Corporator Swatitai Nimhan of Someshwar Foundation, former Corporators Dnyaneshwar Tapkir and Aditya Malve, and Corporator Sunny Vinayak Nimhan, the organizer of the event. On the occasion, scholarships were awarded to 647 students by the Someshwar Foundation.

Dr. Mujumdar said that countries allocating at least six percent of their GDP to education achieve greater development. He emphasized the need for increased investment in education in India and praised Sunny Nimhan for carrying forward his father’s social legacy by working towards building not only educated students but also a stronger society.

Dr. Vidyadhar Anaskar described the scholarship as a symbol of trust in students. He urged the beneficiaries to achieve success through this support and repay society by contributing positively in the future.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure appreciated Sunny Nimhan’s educational initiative, describing it as an effort that provides direction to society.
Sunny Nimhan said that young people should avoid becoming addicted to mobile phones and instead preserve Indian culture. He stated that the scholarship was launched in memory of the educational, healthcare, and sports-related work of late Vinayak Nimhan, and that Someshwar Foundation plans to introduce several more initiatives in the fields of education and healthcare in the coming years.

Parshuram Wadekar highlighted the visionary development work of Vinayak Nimhan and said that Sunny Nimhan’s efforts would significantly benefit students’ futures. Nilesh Nikam expressed confidence that the scholarship scheme would serve as an inspiration for others. Prof. Suresh Navale remarked that if education and healthcare become free for everyone, India could witness a major social revolution.

The programme was anchored by Milind Kulkarni, while Sunny Nimhan delivered the introductory address. Prior to the scholarship distribution, Datta Shrikhande of Muktangan De-addiction Centre, Pradeep Lokhande of Rural Relations, and Suyoga Joshi of GS Global Academy provided students with career guidance. The vote of thanks was delivered by Umesh Wagh.