MIT Group of Institutions came into existence with a simple need for better education. But over the years, we have evolved into an institute focused on holistic education that goes way beyond academics to promote value-based learning for future leaders. The idea of MIT was conceived in 1981 and the first institute came into existence in 1983.
Back in 1981, a bright science student met a professor at College of Engineering Pune – Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad Sir. He expressed his despair and desire to commit suicide as he couldn’t get admission in an Engineering institute, despite his promising mark sheet.
Although Prof. Dr. V. D. Karad Sir convinced the student that he could pursue other subjects and achieve success, he himself was disturbed to the core. He realized the importance of creating more opportunities for professional education. He had also witnessed the crippling drought in 1972 and how Maharashtra experienced a shortage of engineering professionals. During the time, the state had to recruit engineers from other states. At the time, there were only 8 engineering colleges with a capacity to educate just 1800 students per year.
This incident of a bright student being deprived of technical education highlighted the society’s need to find a ‘way’ for higher education, even though the ‘will’ existed.
As a Professor at the College of Engineering, Pune, Prof. Dr. V. D. Karad Sir met students from many states and regions and realized the importance of making a difference. He passionately spoke about his ideas to uplift the educational scenario and wrote an article that was a milestone in the history of Technical Education in India.
On 1st May 1983, the Minister of Technical Education of Maharashtra – Mr. Sudhakar Naik visited Marathwada Mitra Mandal College for an event and discussed Karad Sir’s thoughts on technical education. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Hon’ble Shri Vasantdada Patil was also extremely convinced and impressed with Karad Sir’s genuine efforts and passion to make education more accessible to one and all.
The historic decision taken by the Maharashtra government led to the initiation of the First 9 private Engineering Colleges in the state.
The first engineering college in Pune after 125 long years was under the name – MIT on 5th August 1983.
The cooperation of many led to this milestone as they witnessed an honest teacher’s struggle and dedication to transform education. A number of professionals came forward to help out in the initial formation of MIT Group of Institutes and the Group is grateful to all the well wishes who helped transform the name of MIT into a trusted and reputed educational brand today. Adv. Bhaskarrao Avhad offered the use of his law classroom and a small office on Karve Road for the distribution and collection of admission forms for the first batch of MIT, Pune. Shri Uttamrao Patil, Secretary of Shivaji Maratha Society, lent few classrooms so that the institute could begin teaching.
अधिगत्य गुरोः ज्ञानं छात्रेभ्यो वितरन्ति ये । विद्या वात्सल्य निधयः शिक्षका मम दैवतम् ॥ [The teachers who distribute knowledge among students after getting it from their gurus, and who are storehouses of love and knowledge, are indeed like God]
The sheer might of the dedicated teacher – Prof. Dr. V. D. Karad Sir and his deeply rooted deeply Indian culture that led to the genesis of the value-based quality education at THE MIT GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS.
