Prof (Dr.) Vishwanath D Karad

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad is a renowned Indian educationist, visionary, and staunch advocate of value-based education. He is the founder and Director General of the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) in Pune and the World Peace Centre under the Maharashtra Academy of Engineering and Educational Research (MAEER). He holds the UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace.

He established the Vishwashanti Sangeet Kala Academy, chaired by Bharat Ratna Smt. Lata Mangeshkar, to promote Indian classical music and dance. In 1996, he founded the World Peace Centre at MIT.

Throughout his career, Dr. Karad has organised numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars aimed at promoting peace and human welfare. His work has garnered recognition, including the UNESCO Chair for his contributions to education and peace.

He has also been instrumental in various socio-cultural initiatives, including the development of pilgrim centres in Maharashtra and the organisation of significant events such as the World Philosophers Meet in 1996 and the Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Education for Human Rights in 1999. Dr. Karad's vision led to the establishment of Avantika University, India's first design-centred university, which blends design, technology, and liberal education.

A follower of the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Dr Karad believes that the union of science and spirituality is key to achieving global peace. His life's work continues to inspire and shape the future of education in India.

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath Karad was born into a humble farming family in the small village of Rameshwar (Rui) in Maharashtra, India. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep commitment to education and human welfare, which later shaped his life's mission to promote a "Value Based Universal Education System" and the "Culture of Peace." His early life, rooted in simplicity and piety, laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to fostering world peace and positive mindsets through education.

Inspired by the teachings of the great saints of India, particularly Saint Dnyaneshwara, as well as by modern scientific minds like Albert Einstein, Prof. Karad sought to explore the intersections between science and spirituality. He became deeply involved in studying ancient scriptures such as the Dnyaneshwari and other works of spiritual wisdom, finding remarkable parallels between these spiritual teachings and the scientific theories of his time. His lifelong mission became the unification of science and spirituality, with the aim of fostering a global society rooted in peace and harmony. This vision guided his efforts in promoting a value-based education system that integrates scientific knowledge with spiritual insights, aiming to address the global challenges of his time.

Dr. Karad’s academic journey began with a strong foundation. He excelled in his studies, passing his S.S.C. examination in 1958 with distinction, ranking first in his school and second in the Solapur Centre. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University, graduating in 1963. His commitment to education led him to attain a Doctorate in Philosophy and Education from the International University of Washington, marking the beginning of his lifelong dedication to learning and teaching.

In 1983, Dr. Karad founded the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) in Pune, one of the first unaided engineering colleges in Maharashtra. His vision was to create an institution that not only imparted technical knowledge but also instilled moral and ethical values in students. Under his leadership, MIT has grown into a prestigious educational institution, recognised for its holistic approach to education.

A firm believer in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Dr Karad has always advocated for the union of science and religion as the key to global peace. This philosophy is reflected in his establishment of the World Peace Centre in 1996 at MIT, Pune. The Centre has since become a hub for national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on promoting peace, human rights, and democracy. His efforts were recognised on a global scale when UNESCO awarded the Centre the UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Democracy, Peace, and Tolerance in 1998.

Dr. Karad has established the Vishwashanti Sangeet Kala Academy, with Bharat Ratna Smt. Lata Mangeshkar as its Chairperson, to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Indian classical music and dance. His dedication to cultural and environmental preservation is also evident in his work with the Shri Kshetra Alandi Parisar Vikas Samiti, which focuses on sustainable development and pollution control in pilgrimage centres.

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad has conceptualised, authored, and edited a wide range of books and publications that reflect his commitment to promoting peace, spirituality, and value-based education. His works include notable titles such as In Quest of Universal Peace, Pathway to World Peace, The Bell of Hiroshima - Ringing Once Again, and Human Rights, Human Values and Social Change. These publications explore the intersections of science, spirituality, and ethics, and their roles in fostering a harmonious global society. Additionally, his writings on the teachings of Philosopher Saint Dnyaneshwara, such as Dnyaneshwara – A Mantra for the New Millennium, further emphasise his dedication to blending ancient wisdom with modern education.

Beyond his books, Dr. Karad has made significant contributions to academic discourse through various journals and news bulletins, including MAEER’s MIT, Pune Journal, with special issues on topics like education, energy, and geopolitics. He has also presented over 60 papers at national and international conferences, covering a wide array of subjects related to education, human rights, peace studies, and the integration of science and spirituality. His extensive body of work continues to inspire and guide educators, students, and global leaders alike.

In addition to his educational and cultural initiatives, Dr. Karad has been a driving force behind several significant socio-cultural events. He organised the World Philosophers Meet in 1996, which was the first global conference of science, religion, and philosophy. This event highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing global challenges. He also played a key role in the 69th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan and the 700th Sanjeevan Samadhi celebration of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj in 1996.

Dr. Karad’s visionary approach led to the establishment of Avantika University, India’s first design-centred university, in Ujjain. The university aims to blend design, technology, and liberal education, reviving Ujjain’s historical significance as a centre of learning and contributing to societal welfare.

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad envisions a world where education transcends academic learning, integrating science and spirituality to foster universal brotherhood and peace. His mission is to create value-based education systems that nurture not only intellectual growth but also moral, ethical, and spiritual development, shaping responsible global citizens.