Dr Manali Kshirsagar made history recently as she took charge as the first full-time woman Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, pledging a bold new direction focused on innovation, technology, and global competitiveness.

In a press conference following her appointment, Kshirsagar outlined her mission to revolutionize the 102-year-old state university by launching cutting-edge, technology-oriented courses designed to boost student employability and meet the evolving demands of industry sectors.

She emphasized the urgent need to align academic programs with real-world skills, preparing students not only for India’s workforce but for global opportunities.

“The university will prioritize industry-relevant courses to produce skilled manpower tailored to sector requirements,” Kshirsagar said, signaling a shift toward practical, future-ready education. She also committed to overhauling administrative processes to improve efficiency and responsiveness at the historic institution.

With a clear eye on raising the university’s profile, Kshirsagar announced plans to aggressively pursue higher rankings, including applying for the prestigious QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) ranking, aimed at attracting students nationwide and beyond. She reiterated the importance of research excellence and international outreach, positioning Nagpur University as a hub for global talent.

“Our goal is to equip students with skills demanded by international markets, meeting global manpower needs while drawing students from across the world,” Kshirsagar declared.

Before her groundbreaking appointment, Dr Kshirsagar served as Director (Technical) and Advisor at Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur, bringing extensive technical expertise and leadership experience to her new role.

Her appointment marks a historic milestone for Nagpur University, symbolizing not just a gender breakthrough but the dawn of a transformative era that could redefine higher education in the region.