Pune: Are The Vice-Chancellor’s Priorities Shifting From University Needs To Vintage Cars?
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The Savitribai Phule Pune University, known globally as the ‘Oxford of the East,’ is embroiled in controversy over a new initiative by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi. The plan involves converting a 10-acre area of the university into a Convention Center, a five-star guest house, and a vintage car museum. This proposed site is located behind the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Student organizations are questioning whether the Vice-Chancellor is prioritizing the needs of a private collector’s vintage car collection over the university’s educational requirements. Currently, the university is in dire need of modern hostels, international-standard laboratories, and a central kitchen. Despite this, efforts are underway to establish the Cyrus Poonawalla Convention Center on a central, densely wooded part of the 406-acre campus.
The proposed project, expected to cost ₹200 crore, is to be funded by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. It includes plans for a 100,000 square foot Convention Hall, a high-end guest house, and the vintage car museum. The development will involve clearing 8,000 to 10,000 trees from the site.
Critics argue that the project will lead to significant environmental damage and raise concerns about the future ownership of the facility. They question whether the completed project will remain under university control or be transferred to the private benefactor.
“‘Poonawalla has accumulated many vintage cars, and they are running out of space. This raises the question of whether the university is being used to set up a vintage car museum,’” said Rahul Sasane, President of the University Student Struggle Committee.
The final proposal is expected to be sent to the Governor soon.
