Shantaram Balwant Mujumdar is an Indian botanist

Botany

Botany, plant science, or plant biology is a branch of biology that involves the scientific study of plant life. Traditionally, botany also included the study of fungi, algae and viruses...

 and Chancellor of the Symbiosis International University

Symbiosis International University

Symbiosis International University is a private co-educational, multi-institutional university located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It has been given official recognition by the UGC and the AICTE. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has conferred an 'A' grade to the University...

. He was awarded the Padma Shri

Padma Shri

Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan...

 in 2005. He completed 75 years of his age in 2010.

Through his experiences at Fergusson College, he realized the difficulties faced by foreign students, particularly those from Afro Asian countries, studying in Pune. Inspired by the ideals of Viswa Bharati of Gurudeo Tagore and 'Antar Bharati' of Sane Guruji, and with a desire to help foreign students and offer them a 'Home away from Home', in 1971 he established an organization called Symbiosis, which means 'living together of two different organisms for mutual benefit'. The motto of Symbiosis is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - The world is one family.

External links

• http://symbiosis.ac.in/founder.html