Changa: Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT) marked a significant milestone with the pious nomenclature ceremony of its newly established SANTRAM Bhavan, held on Tuesday at its Changa campus. The ceremony was graced by the blessings of revered spiritual leaders, underscoring the convergence of spirituality, philanthropy, and academic excellence.
The inauguration was conducted in the august presence of Bhagavatacharya Pujya Shri Rameshbhai Oza (Bhaishri) of Sandipani Ashram; Anant Vibhushit Karshni Swami Shri Guru Sharananandji Maharaj of Ramanreti; Param Pujya Shri Ganeshdasji Maharaj, Mahant of Shri Santaram Mandir; and Param Pujya Shri Nirgundasji Maharaj of Santram Mandir.
SANTRAM Bhavan has been patronised by Shri Devang Patel of the IPCO Family along with devotees of Santram Maharaj from Nadiad. A leading industrialist and philanthropist, Shri Devangbhai Patel—supported by Smt. Anitaben Patel—has played a pivotal role in CHARUSAT’s growth. With cumulative contributions exceeding ₹25 crore, he stands among the university’s most distinguished benefactors, having supported key institutions including the Indukaka Ipcowala Institute of Management (IIIM), the Devang Patel Institute of Advanced Technology and Research (DEPSTAR), and the Anita Devang Patel Ipcowala Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence. SANTRAM Bhavan continues this legacy as a future-ready, technology-enabled academic and administrative hub.
The ceremony was attended by Shri Surendrabhai Patel, President, CHARUSAT and Kelvani Mandal; Dr. M. C. Patel, Secretary, Matrusanstha, Kelvani Mandal and CHRF; Shri Kiranbhai Patel, President, Matrusanstha; Shri Vipulbhai Patel, President, CHRF–CHARUSAT Hospital and MLA, Sojitra; Dr. Atul Patel, Provost, CHARUSAT; and Dr. Binit Patel, Registrar, CHARUSAT, along with members of the IPCO family, Matrusanstha, Kelvani Mandal, CHRF, and the wider CHARUSAT fraternity.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Atul Patel introduced the saints, donors, and dignitaries and outlined the vision and scope of SANTRAM Bhavan. The spiritual leaders and benefactors were felicitated with shawls, copies of the Bhagavad Gita, and mementos, followed by a visual presentation of the facility. In their addresses, the saints highlighted the values of humility, responsibility, and service in education. Swami Shri Guru Sharananandji Maharaj emphasised that true education cultivates humility, while Bhaishri praised CHARUSAT’s digital, paperless examination system as a progressive and responsible initiative. Shri Ganeshdasji Maharaj expressed confidence that students inspired by the ideals of Santram Maharaj would contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.
An interactive question-and-answer session with students and faculty followed. Shri Surendrabhai Patel noted that CHARUSAT’s growth has been guided by saintly blessings and philanthropic support, reaffirming that contributions made with noble intent strengthen institutions and yield enduring outcomes.
Strategically developed to enhance operational excellence and technological advancement, SANTRAM Bhavan houses key administrative and innovation units on the ground floor, including the Centre for Online Education Program (CCOE), Controller of Examination (CoE), Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC), Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Charusat Innovative Ventures Foundation (CIVF), and the Charusat Startup and Innovation Centre (CSIC), along with advanced IT, command-and-control, and conferencing facilities.
The first and second floors are dedicated to CHARUSAT’s pioneering Paperless Examination System—soft-launched in 2019 and fully implemented since 2022—serving over 10,000 students each semester across all faculties and institutes. The third floor further strengthens assessment and examination management with dedicated assessment rooms, staff offices, and an in-house press room for secure academic documentation. With the inauguration of SANTRAM Bhavan, CHARUSAT reaffirms its commitment to innovation, integrity, and excellence—creating an ecosystem where spirituality, philanthropy, and technology together shape future-ready education.