Mumbai, 2026: SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) inaugurated its Ph.D. Batch 2026, welcoming a new cohort of doctoral scholars across 13 academic disciplines. The inaugural ceremony marked the beginning of the scholars’ research journey while reaffirming NMIMS’ commitment to fostering research excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The event was graced by Padma Vibhushan Prof. Man Mohan Sharma, one of India’s most distinguished chemical engineers, as the Chief Guest. Widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to chemical engineering, research, and institution building, Prof. Sharma inspired the incoming doctoral scholars with a compelling message on the importance of research in shaping the future of the nation.
“Prosperity of a Nation Can Be Linked to the Number of Ph.D.s”
Addressing the newly admitted scholars, Prof. Sharma emphasized the vital role of doctoral education in national development.
“Prosperity of a nation can be linked to the number of Ph.D.s per million population. Research is about passion, patience and diligence. Don’t be afraid of failures, because failures are harbingers of success. Without inventions, innovation will not come. Ideas matter much more than affluence of facilities.”
He encouraged students to pursue research with commitment, curiosity, and perseverance, adding that meaningful innovation comes from original ideas rather than merely advanced infrastructure.
Prof. Sharma also congratulated NMIMS for its continued efforts in strengthening doctoral education and building a vibrant research ecosystem that encourages innovation and academic excellence.
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✦ Distinguished Dignitaries Attend the Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior academic leaders, including:
- Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Provost (Administration)
- Dr. Abhishek Ranjan, Pro Vice Chancellor
- Dr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Registrar
- Dr. Mayank Joshipura, Dean, School of Business Management (Research, Innovation & Faculty Development)
The event also brought together deans, faculty members, research supervisors, and newly enrolled doctoral scholars, creating an inspiring academic environment for the beginning of the new research session.
✦ Ph.D. Batch 2026 Represents 13 Diverse Disciplines
The NMIMS Ph.D. Batch 2026 includes scholars from a wide range of academic domains, reflecting the university’s multidisciplinary approach to research.
The participating disciplines include:
- Management
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Engineering
- Data Science
- Science
- Physiotherapy
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Commerce
- Economics
- Law
- Architecture
- Liberal Arts
This diverse academic representation highlights NMIMS’ focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling researchers to address complex real-world challenges through innovative and cross-functional research.
✦ Research That Creates Meaningful Impact
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Provost (Administration), encouraged scholars to see doctoral research as an opportunity to contribute to society rather than simply earning an academic qualification.
According to Dr. Mhaiskar, a Ph.D. transforms students from consumers of knowledge into creators of knowledge. He emphasized that research should extend beyond academic publications and contribute towards solving pressing business challenges, societal issues, and global environmental concerns.
His address reinforced the importance of responsible research that creates measurable impact across industries and communities.
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✦ Strengthening India's Research Ecosystem
The inauguration of the Ph.D. Batch 2026 reflects NMIMS’ long-term vision of building a strong research culture through:
- Interdisciplinary Research
- Innovation-Oriented Learning
- Experienced Research Supervisors
- Industry-Relevant Research
- Academic Excellence
- Global Research Perspective
- Knowledge Creation
- Collaborative Learning
By nurturing scholars across multiple disciplines, NMIMS aims to prepare future academicians, researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders capable of addressing emerging national and global challenges.
✦ Why Doctoral Research Matters Today
As industries continue to evolve through Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and advanced technologies, doctoral research has become increasingly important in generating new knowledge and driving scientific progress.
Universities that encourage original research contribute significantly to innovation, entrepreneurship, policy development, and technological advancement. Through its structured doctoral programmes and research ecosystem, NMIMS continues to strengthen India’s position as a global knowledge and innovation hub.
✦ Final Thoughts
The inauguration of NMIMS Ph.D. Batch 2026 marks another significant milestone in the university’s journey toward research excellence.
Inspired by the visionary words of Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma, the new cohort of doctoral scholars embarks on a journey centered around curiosity, perseverance, innovation, and societal impact.
With a multidisciplinary research environment, experienced faculty, and a strong commitment to knowledge creation, NMIMS continues to empower researchers who will contribute meaningfully to academia, industry, and nation building.
✦ Key Highlights
- Padma Vibhushan Prof. Man Mohan Sharma highlighted the role of doctoral research in nation-building, stating, “Prosperity of a nation can be linked to the number of Ph.D.s per million population.”
- SVKM’s NMIMS welcomed a new cohort of doctoral scholars across 13 disciplines, reflecting its strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and academic excellence.
- The ceremony reaffirmed NMIMS’ commitment to nurturing knowledge creators, innovation leaders, and researchers who contribute meaningfully to academia, industry, and society.
- Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Provost (Administration), NMIMS, encouraged scholars to create knowledge that addresses business, societal, and global challenges.
- The inauguration marks the beginning of the doctoral journey for the Ph.D. Batch 2026, reinforcing NMIMS’ commitment to strengthening its research ecosystem.
