Bhubaneswar: The journey of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, from its humble origins to becoming a beacon of higher education and research, was celebrated with a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking ambition on its 20th Foundation Day on Friday.
The event served as a major milestone to reflect on two decades of rapid growth and landmark achievements. Four former Vice-Chancellors returned to share their unique experiences, expressing deep pride in how the institution has evolved.
The current Chancellor, Prof. Amit Banerjee, who presided over the function, set a bold vision for the future. He called upon the faculty, researchers, and students to double their efforts so that the university ranks among the global elite within the next twenty years. He noted that the growth of the university perfectly aligns with India’s national goal of achieving a fully developed status by 2047.
Reflecting on the university’s resilience, current Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda highlighted that the institution’s primary strength has always been its ability to face complex challenges and emerge successful. This dedication to excellence has earned the university high commendations from the University Grants Commission as a top-performing institution.
A massive pillar of this success is the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research. The institution has established 18 state-of-the-art research centers and 60 specialized laboratories. This infrastructure has already yielded 107 patents, three of which have been successfully commercialized, signaling a shift toward impactful, real-world research.
Much of the praise during the celebration was directed toward the university’s Founder President, Prof. Manojranjan Nayak. Described as the visionary mind behind the entire organization, speakers commended his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to stand firm during challenging times. Former Vice-Chancellor and Padma Shri awardee Prof. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra emphasized that the Founder President’s visionary approach over the last twenty years has completely transformed technical and medical education in Odisha, particularly through medical colleges and hospitals that provide vital healthcare access to the region.
The university’s footprint has expanded far beyond its initial scope. It secured the 15th position nationwide in the National Institutional Ranking Framework in 2025 and recently established eastern India’s first private-sector veterinary hospital. Former Vice-Chancellors Prof. Rajendra Prasad Mohanty and Prof. Mahipal Jain emphasized the university’s role in social inclusion and the vital importance of fostering holistic personality development in students as educational methodologies evolve.
What began in 1995 as a modest engineering institute, now known as the Institute of Technical Education and Research, officially received its Deemed to be University status from the UGC on July 17, 2007. Today, it stands as a massive academic ecosystem comprising 13 constituent institutions across ten distinct disciplines. Driven by the dynamic leadership of its founder, the institution continues to scale new heights, poised to step into its next era of academic excellence.