Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune

Principal,
Fergusson College, Pune

After obtaining MSc. in Geology from University of Pune, Pune, Maharashtra in the year 1983, Dr. Pardeshi was awarded with Junior Research Fellowship by CSIR and joined Department of Geology, University of Pune as a JRF and pursued research for Ph.D. degree in Geology under the guidance of Prof. K. B. Powar (Former Vice Chancellor, Shivaji University, Kolhapur and Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi). His research interests were Petrography, Geochemistry of granitic and basaltic rocks of the Drass-Kargil areas of Ladakh, Himalayas.

Teaching profession appealed to him since he was a student and he took up this profession and joined Fergusson College, Pune. Dr Pardeshi also completed a professional training programme in Structural Geology from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun. While, in teaching, he continued to do research and I was awarded with research project on “Geological Investigations on Deccan Trap Basalts of Kukdi River Valley of Western Maharashtra, India”, by UGC.

Principal Pardeshi has contributed significantly in designing, developing and teaching curricula of B.Sc. course in Geology of University of Pune and Other Universities and Diploma Course in Environmental management and Diploma course in Gemology and Diamond Grading (autonomous courses conducted by Deccan Education Society, Pune). Field work was one of the regular activity to enrich the curricula of various courses and motivate students to study and do research in Earth Sciences. He has contributed to training programmes for Competitive Examinations organized by University of Pune and Tribal Research Institute, Government of Maharashtra, and popularizing Science through lectures, slide shows and field trips in collaboration with various organizations.

He has also performed several types of Examination duties at College and University Level and always provided inputs for reforming the examination system. Dr Pardeshi has worked as Programme Officer of National Service Scheme (NSS) for about eight years and as Chairman of Gymkhana Managing Committee of the College for five years. As a Life Member of Deccan Education Society, he has been instrumental in establishing DES Law College which commenced in the year 2004. Currently, he is a Member of the Governing Body and Council of the parent organization, Deccan Education Society.

In January, 2009, Dr Pardeshi took over as Principal of Fergusson College. The process of Reaccreditation and Assessment of the College by NAAC was undertaken and subsequently the Institution was awarded with “A” grade and CGPA of 3.26. This helped Fergusson College in enhancing the academic and research standard as well as in mobilizing funds from various Government resources. Several development and merged programmes were conducted for which UGC sanctioned Rs.1.66Cr. under UGC XI Plan. Some of schemes like Coaching for NET/SET, UPSC/MPSC etc., are still continued and successfully progressing. Centres like “Career Counseling” and “Equal Opportunity Cell” have been established.

The College has been conferred with the status of “College With Potential for Excellence” by the UGC in the year 2011 and provided Rs.1.00Cr as financial assistance. The programmes included under CPE have helped the Institution to march towards excellence in field of higher education. For the development of infrastructure in science laboratories, Department of Science and Technology, awarded Rs.70.00L under Level ”O”.

At the same time, Dr Pardeshi has taken keen interest in developing collaborative programmes with some of the International Universities. A diploma level programme in Food Sciences is now being conducted in Deccan Education Society, in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.

As a nominated Member of Working Group of Planning Commission for the XIIth Five Year Plan, he has actively participated and contributed for preparation of the draft proposals under various categories. He is currently Member of Scrutiny Committee for Star College Scheme of Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. The aim is to popularize applied sciences especially life sciences by orienting the infrastructure and human resource which would be easily accepted by the Industry.

Dr. Pardeshi strongly believes in Team effort and motivate teachers and students to aspire and strive for excellence in education. The major goals of Fergusson College is to impart quality education through traditional and innovative learning practices, provide a dynamic and creative academic environment, to tap and nurture talent for the development of professional skills and an all round personality. The focus is also on inculcating good moral values and a sense of nationalism for competing in globalization.