Pune: Founder President of Suryadatta Education Foundation, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay B. Chordiya has been conferred with the ‘Padma Vibhushan Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi Lifetime Achievement Award 2025’ for his remarkable contributions to education and industry. The award was presented by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi himself during the 8th Industry-Academia Annual Conference, jointly organized by the Federation for World Academics (FWA) and Education Post News (EPN) in New Delhi.
Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, a senior statesman and one of the principal architects of the Bharatiya Janata Party, served as BJP President between 1991 and 1993 and later as Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Science and Technology from 1998 to 2004. His visionary leadership in educational reform, scientific research, and value-based education continues to inspire academicians and students across generations.
Expressing gratitude upon receiving the honor, Prof. (Dr.) Chordiya said, “I am grateful to receive this award in the name of Dr. Joshi and at his hands. Suryadatta Education Foundation was established during Dr. Joshi’s tenure as Education Minister in 1999. His vision has been a guiding light for our journey. Receiving this award from him, and in his name, is a deeply emotional and proud moment for me.”
Under the Suryadatta Education Foundation, a wide range of courses are offered in disciplines such as Business Management, Information Technology, Hotel Management, Fashion and Interior Design, Animation, Cyber Security, Physiotherapy, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Home Science, Teacher Education, Arts, and Commerce.
Prof. Chordia is widely recognized as a visionary educationist, management expert, motivational trainer, and social reformer. Through Suryadatta, he has consistently promoted accessible and quality education with a focus on holistic student development. His forward-looking approach has led Suryadatta Group of Institutes to become a leading center of learning, housing over 25 recognized schools, colleges, research centers, and innovation hubs.
Known for blending global perspectives with Indian values, Prof. Chordia has redefined the concept of effective learning environments by integrating rigorous academic standards with experiential and industry-linked education. His mission is to develop confident, creative, and socially responsible students equipped for leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Along with Prof. Chordia, Dr. G. Viswanathan (Chancellor, VIT Vellore), Prof. (Dr.) Samit Ray (Chancellor, Adamas University, Kolkata), Dr. Madhu Chitkara (Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Chandigarh), and Dr. Niranjan Kumar (Vice-Chancellor, SDM University, Dharwad) were also felicitated.
The conference concluded with an inspiring address by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, urging educationists to embrace innovation and value-based transformation in higher education.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Technology and Teaching-Learning: Challenges and Opportunities.” The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Irfan Rizvi, President, FWA, while Prof. G. C. Tripathi, former Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, delivered the keynote address.
