The Chronicles

Monthly Newsletter of NICMAR University Pune

Nurturing Ideas and Shaping the Built Environment of Tomorrow!!

November 2025, Volume 3, No. 11

NICMAR University, Pune is deeply committed to fostering the holistic growth and overall well-being of its students, ensuring they emerge as responsible and capable leaders of tomorrow. The Department of Student Affairs plays a vital role in realizing this vision by focusing on the holistic development of students beyond academics.

During the past year, the Department has taken several initiatives to strengthen student engagement and create an enriching campus environment. These initiatives focus on leadership development, emotional well-being, community service, and co-curricular participation. Through active student councils, clubs, and committees, students are being empowered to take ownership of activities that enhance teamwork, creativity, and discipline.

Special attention is being given to strengthening mentorship, counselling, and wellness programs to ensure that every student feels supported and valued. Sessions on mental health, yoga, and meditation are regularly conducted to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Student Affairs also encourages active participation in sports, cultural festivals, and social outreach activities, which help students develop leadership qualities, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward society.

Dr. Darshan Mahajan
warm regards,
Dr. Darshan Mahajan
Dean of Student Affairs
NICMAR University, Pune
Bridging Knowledge and Innovation

NICMAR University, Pune and Walchand College of Engineering (WCE), Sangli have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in academic and research activities. The partnership aims to enhance student learning and faculty engagement through joint lectures, workshops, and research supervision. It will also facilitate PhD admissions, exchange of academic resources, joint consultancy projects, and access to research infrastructure across both institutions. The MoU was signed between the institutions in the presence of Prof. Uday A. Dabade, I/C Director of Walchand College of Engineering, Dr. (Mrs.) Sushma Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor of NICMAR University, and their respective deans. This collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing academic excellence, research innovation, and knowledge exchange between the two leading institutions Pune and WCE Join Hands.

Pioneering Digital Transformation

NICMAR University, Pune has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bentley Systems, a global leader in infrastructure engineering software, to enhance the employability and industry readiness of students in emerging roles across the infrastructure sector. Under this collaboration, Bentley will support the establishment of the Bentley Center of Infrastructure Innovation at NICMAR University, Pune. The partnership aims to integrate Bentley’s advanced digital solutions (including MicroStation, OpenRoads, OpenFlows, and SYNCHRO 4D Pro) into academic and research activities. Through this initiative, students and faculty will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, access to Bentley Education and Learn platforms, and opportunities to engage in training, workshops, hackathons, and Digital Twin projects — fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. (Mrs.) Sushma Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor of NICMAR University, Mr. Kamalakannan Thiruvadi, Regional Executive, South Asia, of Bentley Systems, and senior representatives from both organizations. This collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing digital transformation in construction management education and nurturing future-ready professionals for the infrastructure industry.

MoU with Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation

NICMAR University, Pune is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siddhanta, aimed at introducing online courses on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) through Siddhanta’s Siksha Learning Management System (LMS). Under this collaboration: Students of NICMAR University will have access to a wide range of pre-recorded Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)courses, integrated as part of their academic curriculum. Students will receive dedicated technical support and a Certificate of Merit upon successful completion of the mandated credits. The MoU was signed in the presence of the Dr. (Mrs.) Sushma Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor of NICMAR University and Pramod Nishankar, Sr. Manager - Institutional Engagement from Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation, along with other deans and faculty. This partnership marks a significant step towards promoting India’s rich intellectual heritage and integrating traditional knowledge with modern education frameworks.

MoU with VNIT, Nagpur

NICMAR University, Pune and Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in academic and research initiatives. The partnership aims to promote engagement and collaboration among faculty, students, and research centers by facilitating the exchange of academic information and materials, encouraging student and faculty exchange programs, and organizing joint seminars, workshops, and academic meetings.
The MoU was signed in the presence of the Prof. Prem Lal Patel, Director of VNIT Nagpur, Dr. (Mrs.) Sushma Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor of NICMAR University, and senior representatives from both institutions. This MoU sets the framework for future collaborative programs and activities in areas of mutual interest, promoting innovation, knowledge exchange, and academic excellence between the two institutions

Bridging Knowledge and Innovation
Pioneering Digital Transformation
MoU with Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation
MoU with VNIT, Nagpur
Vice Chancellor Graces Innovation-2K25 as Chief Guest
Vice Chancellor Leads Global Dialogue at WEEF-GEDC 2025
Expert Lecture Series on MEP Fundamentals
Nourish HER: A Women's Health & Nutrition Session
Workshop on Blogging, Content Development and Digital Storytelling
Industry-Expert Talk
Vice Chancellor Graces Innovation-2K25 as Chief Guest

Dr. Mrs. Sushma S. Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor of NICMAR University, Pune, graced the "Innovation-2K25" Prize Distribution Ceremony at PES’s College of Engineering, Phaltan, as the Chief Guest on October 9, 2025. The event showcased ground-breaking projects by over 3,000 engineering and polytechnic students from across India. In her address, Dr. Kulkarni emphasized the critical role of innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of technology, urging students to transform their ideas into real-world solutions.

event-5-img1 event-5-img2 event-5-img3 event-5-img3
Vice Chancellor Leads Global Dialogue at WEEF-GEDC 2025

Dr. Mrs. Sushma S. Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University, Pune, participated in the World Engineering Education Forum - Global Engineering Deans Council (WEEF-GEDC) 2025, held at DGIST, Daegu, South Korea, from 21st to 25th September 2025. As Chair of the GEDC, she delivered the inaugural address at the conference, which brought together over 700 delegates from universities, industries, and professional bodies worldwide. Dr. Kulkarni also moderated the session “Academic Leadership – How to Nurture Faculty for Taking up Leadership Roles in Future” featuring Prof. Sohee Kim and Prof. Ariela Sofer. She was a panelist in both sessions of “RTTT: Global Women Engineering Leaders Share Their Professional Journeys”, engaging alongside Loreto Valenzuela, Stephanie Farrell, Renetta Tull, Tania Bueno, Ariela Sofer, and others. Additionally, she spoke in the “Global Collaboration Dialogue: Bridging Borders in Engineering Education”, emphasizing cross-border partnerships and international cooperation. She also participated as a panelist in the session “How to Attract Students and Create Interest in Engineering”, moderated by Rok Kim, alongside Paloma Diaz, Jayant Bhadauria, and Marta Correia. Dr. Kulkarni also co-authored and presented a research paper titled “A Comprehensive Review of Students’ Wellbeing in Engineering Education” with Dr. Sachin Batra. Her participation showcased NICMAR University’s commitment to global leadership, inclusivity, and innovation in engineering education.

event-5-img1 event-5-img2 event-5-img3 event-5-img2 event-5-img1 event-5-img3 event-5-img2 event-5-img1 event-5-img3
Expert Lecture Series on MEP Fundamentals

The School of Project Management at NICMAR University, Pune, recently organized an insightful guest lecture series for its MBA (APM) students as part of the 'Fundamentals of MEP Projects' elective.
The series commenced on 26th September 2025 with a session on ‘Building Automation for MEP Projects’, led by Mr. Tushar Shinde, National HVAC Specialist at Belimo Automation India Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Shinde elucidated the concept of building automation, its critical role in MEP, and best practices for optimizing comfort and energy efficiency, supported by a relevant case study.
This was followed by a comprehensive lecture on ‘Commissioning and Compliances for MEP Projects’ on 4th October 2025, featuring a team of experts from Beratung Consultants Private Limited. The session was led by Mr. Ajinkya Kakade (General Manager), who delved into the commissioning process and a five-level framework. His colleagues, Mr. Ashish Gulabani (Sustainability Manager) and the team of Mr. Vinayak Panigrahy & Ms. Shweta Khare (Lead MEP Design), covered environmental sustainability and compliance requirements, respectively. The session was enriched by a case study on HVAC chiller commissioning and an interactive Q&A moderated by Mr. Mihir Save (Director).
The lecture series provided students with practical industry perspectives, bridging the gap between academic curriculum and real-world project management challenges.

event-5-img2 event-5-img1 event-5-img1 event-5-img2
Nourish HER: A Women's Health & Nutrition Session

As part of the ‘Swastha Nari Sashakta Pariwar’ initiative, NICMAR University Pune's Internal Committee for POSH along with ‘Genesis- the Gender Championship Club’, organized ‘Nourish HER: A Women's Health & Nutrition Session’ on 30th September 2025. The session aimed at creating awareness among faculty, staff and students about the importance of nutrition, balanced diet, and lifestyle management for maintaining good health and overall well-being. The session was delivered by Dr. Priyanka Bandal, Clinical Dietitian and Diabetic Educator, Manipal Hospital, Pune. Dr. Bandal highlighted how proper dietary habits contribute not only to physical fitness but also to improved concentration, energy levels, and long-term disease prevention. She discussed essential aspects of nutrition, including the role of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) in daily diet, the importance of hydration and mindful eating, the effects of unhealthy food practices, such as excessive consumption of processed foods, junk food, and sugary drinks etc. She gave a lot of practical tips for everyone to manage diet despite busy schedules. Overall, the session by Dr. Bandal was really insightful.

event-5-img1 event-5-img2 event-5-img1 event-5-img2 event-5-img1
Workshop on Blogging, Content Development and Digital Storytelling

IMBA students at NICMAR Business School (NBS) attended an engaging, hands-on session on October 8, led by Dr. Preeti Mulay, an expert in content development, blogging, and digital storytelling. The interactive, lab-based workshop introduced students to practical techniques for creating impactful digital content and writing compelling blogs. The session enhanced their creative communication skills and offered valuable insights into effective online storytelling.

event-5-img1 event-5-img2
Industry-Expert Talk

The School of Construction, NICMAR University Pune organized an industry-expert talk on Wednesday 24th September 2025 at the Mini Auditorium. The session was delivered by Shri. Kapilesh Bhate, MD, Precast India Pvt. Ltd. The topic of the talk was “Precast India Connections (PIC) for Precast Concrete Construction”. The session was a part of the elective course Trends in Modern and Contemporary Structures. The expert covered the Concept of Precast Concrete, Operational Advantages of Precast Concrete, Design of Connections in Precast Concrete, Concept of Precast India Connections (PIC) a patented technology developed by Precast India Pvt. Ltd., and Case studies of applications of PIC system during the session. The talk was followed by a question and answer session wherein the students asked various questions related to precast concrete and connections in precast concrete. The session was well-attended by the students and faculty members of the School of Construction, NICMAR University, Pune.

event-5-img1 event-5-img2 event-5-img3
×

Following management development programs (MDPs) were organised by the School of Executive Education Programmes, NICMAR University, Pune in October:

Name of the Programme Name of the Company Date
Project Management Practitioners’ Programme (Level 1, Module 2) The Tata Power Company Ltd. 6th to 10th October 2025
Management Development Programme-Construction Project Management Madhya Pradesh Building Development Corporation Ltd. (Batch 2) 06th to 11th Oct 2025
Industry Expert Talk

Mr. Imran I. Pathan, Co-Founder & Director of AweNics Ventures Private Limited and distinguished alumnus of NICMAR, delivered an inspiring session on "Construction and Entrepreneurship." Mr. Pathan shared his wealth of experience through real-world case studies, offering students practical insights and forward-looking perspectives on the construction industry. The session featured engaging discussions and an interactive Q&A, making it a highly enriching experience that empowered students with future-ready knowledge and a deeper understanding of the evolving construction landscape. This event is part of NICMAR’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, helping students gain exposure to expert insights and entrepreneurial thinking.

Orientation Session on Higher Education Opportunities at Massey University, New Zealand:

An orientation session was recently held for the students of PGD in Quantity Surveying and Contracts Management at NICMAR University, Pune, under the Collaborative Agreement with Massey University, New Zealand. Ms. Archana Malhotra (Massey University), Mr. Ajit Joshi and Ms. Rutuja Walse (RBS Intellect) introduced students to postgraduate study options, academic pathways, and career opportunities in New Zealand. The session proved to be highly informative and inspiring for the PGD QSCM students, opening new horizons for international education and global career development.

Expert Session on Navigating the New Global Economy

NICMAR Business School hosted an insightful expert session on 29 October, by Dr. Nirmal Chandrakant Soni, Associate Professor at the Balaji Institute of International Business, Sri Balaji University, Pune, on “Navigating the New Global Economy: International Economics, Emerging Markets, and Entrepreneurial Strategy.” Dr. Soni offered valuable perspectives on global market dynamics, emerging opportunities, and agile entrepreneurial strategies, enabling students to interpret economic trends, anticipate change, and build sustainable competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Field Visit to Yelghol and Kothurne Village in Maval

On 15th October 2025, the School of Project Management at NICMAR University, Pune organized a meaningful field visit to Kothurne and Yelghol villages in Maval Taluka as part of the “Social Immersion Course” for MBA APM students, under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA)—a flagship community service initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. During the visit, students actively engaged with rural households and communities, conducted detailed surveys to gather demographic data, and identified local challenges. They interacted with villagers and the village sarpanch to understand ground realities and collaboratively explored sustainable, grassroots solutions. The experience offered a powerful lens into rural development and deepened their appreciation for participatory learning, community engagement and social responsibility. Proud to see our future project leaders stepping into the heart of India and contributing to inclusive growth and social responsibility.

The month of October witnessed sustained momentum in campus placements for the 2024–26 batch, marked by active participation from reputed organizations across diverse sectors. The institute welcomed leading recruiters from domains such as real estate and infrastructure, engineering and EPC services, manufacturing and industrial products, consulting and business advisory, as well as power, design, and diversified business groups. The continued momentum reflects the institute’s deepening industry connect and growing recruiter confidence in its talent pool. With several stalwart organizations already in the pipeline the placement season is poised to achieve further milestones and open up broader opportunities for students.

Patron

Dr. Mrs. Sushma S. Kulkarni

Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University, Pune

Advisor

Dr. Rahul Deshpande

Dean QA, NICMAR University, Pune

Editor

Dr. Vandana Bhavsar

Associate Professor, NICMAR University, Pune

Editor

Dr. Soumi Rai

Associate Professor, NICMAR University, Pune

25/1, N.I.A. Post Office, Balewadi, Pune - 411 045, Maharashtra, India

IGBC Plaque

NICMAR University, Pune is Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Certified Green Campus

IGBC Certificate