Mumbai: 6 March 2020
The Vice Chancellor of NMIMS Deemed to be University Dr. Rajan Saxena was accorded a touching farewell by his colleagues and management. Held at the Mukesh Patel auditorium, on the dais were present President of SVKM and Chancellor of NMIMS, Shri. Amrish Patel, Jt. President & Trustee of SVKM Shri. Bhupesh Patel, Vice President & Trustee of SVKM Shri. Bharat Sanghvi, Hon. Joint Secretary of SVKM Shri. Shalin Divatia, Hon. Joint Secretary, Dr. Jayant Gandhi, Pro-VCs Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar and Dr. Shubhajyoti Ray, Officiating VC and Provost, Dean (School of Business Management) Dr. Ramesh Bhat, and the man of the moment, Dr. Rajan Saxena, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Preeti Saxena.
The audience comprised members of the management committee, executive members, members of the academic council, board members, faculty, student and staff representatives.
The Registrar of NMIMS, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, officiated the event and started on a rather emotional note by saying, “Great is the act of beginning, but greater is the act of ending, but for those who love with heart and soul, there is nothing like separation, sir.”
Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, who was the first speaker, praised Dr. Saxena for his grip on management education and his vision and yearning to make institutions of higher education to be one of the top ones in the country. He also chose to summarise Dr. Saxena with some pithy words, “Sharp, astute, shrewd, crafty, canny, strategy driven, visionary, firm in his thoughts and persuasive so that his ideas are accepted.” He concluded by wishing luck in his future innings.
The Director of Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management (SBM’s initiative) (PDSE&FB), Prof. Seema Mahajan speak on behalf of the entire faculty of NMIMS. She said, “His ability to empower us, lead change with sensitivity, determination, passion, confidence and positivity has made a difference in each one of us.”
Shri. Shalin Divatia, referred to Dr. Rajan Saxena as a “Towering intellectual—a man of great intelligence, wide experience and fantastic long-term vision.” Shri. Divatia also shared with the audience Dr. Saxena’s deep interest in literature, music and spirituality.
After the presentation of a thoughtfully compiled video of Dr. Saxena’s journey, it was his turn to say a few words. Calling NMIMS his second home, having spent 28 years there, he said, “When I came in, the only thing I had was a dream—to make it the best, an institution of excellence. I found a great support in Amrish bhai, he just accepted that path. It is not the infrastructure or technology, but the people in the institution that makes the difference.” Dr. Saxena went on to thank all his colleagues, including ex deans and ex faculty members, before reiterating the value of the Four Ps–patience, perseverance, performance and people. Thanking his wife, Dr. Preeti Saxena, for her support and sacrifice.
Shri. Amrish Patel had some great words to say about Dr. Saxena too. He said though he interacted with all the deans and heads of schools, Dr. Saxena was different. “If we are counted among the top 10 Universities in the country today, it is because of his contribution,” he said. He further spoke about his own belief in achieving fast growth and development, which he said, resonated with Dr. Saxena too. Thanking Dr. Saxena once more, Shri. Amrish Patel said, “We will take your vision forward. I wish you good health and happiness.”
Dr. Jayant Gandhi, who was the last to give his speech, ended the rather sentimental event with some humour. While calling Dr. Saxena his friend, philosopher and guide, he told him, “We are not saying goodbye but hello, welcome to the new world.” Asking Dr. Saxena to now enjoy his family life after having achieved all his milestones, Dr. Gandhi concluded by reciting a famous dialogue, much to the joy of the all present, “Ja Simran ja, jee le apni zindagi.”
