/connect-gujarat-english/media/media_files/2025/01/27/MHLYuwo85DN3z891CbzX.jpeg)
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda is proud to announce that three of its eminent alumni have been honoured with the Padma Shri Award 2025, a recognition of their remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
The prestigious award, conferred by the President of India, is one of the highest civilian honours in the country.
The recipients, Prof. Ratan Parimoo, Shri Sureshbhai Soni, and Shri Ajay V. Bhatt, represent the diversity and excellence cultivated at MSU Baroda. Their achievements not only bring honour to the institution but also inspire students, faculty, and the entire academic community.
1. Prof. Ratan Parimoo
Field: Art
Faculty: Faculty of Fine Arts
Prof. Ratan Parimoo, an eminent art historian, educator, and former Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, has been honoured for his pioneering contributions to Indian art history and aesthetics. He is known for his extensive research on classical Indian art forms such as Ajanta, Ellora, and Mughal paintings.
As a co-founder of the Baroda Group of Artists, Prof. Parimoo played a key role in defining modern Indian art in the postcolonial era. His tenure at the university as a professor and later as Dean was marked by his dedication to integrating art history with artistic expression. This award is a fitting tribute to his lifelong work in enriching art education and research in India.
2. Sureshbhai Soni
Field: Social Work
Faculty: Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science
Sureshbhai Soni has been recognised for his significant contributions to social welfare. An alumnus of the Department of Mathematics, Shri Soni began his career as a teacher of Mathematics in Polytechnic, where he inspired countless students with his passion for teaching and mathematics. Later, he dedicated his life to improving healthcare facilities and uplifting the underprivileged.
His impactful work in Vadodara and surrounding regions reflects his deep sense of compassion and service, values deeply rooted in the ethos of MSU Baroda. His efforts in healthcare and community welfare have transformed countless lives and earned him this prestigious honour.
3. Ajay V. Bhatt
Field: Science and Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Technology and Engineering
Ajay Bhatt, a globally celebrated computer architect, is the co-inventor of the Universal Serial Bus (USB), a revolutionary technological innovation that transformed modern computing. His groundbreaking work has made connectivity easier and more accessible, impacting billions of people worldwide.
Shri Bhatt’s achievements are a shining example of the pioneering spirit fostered at MSU Baroda. His contribution to science and engineering has not only earned him global acclaim but also positioned him as a role model for aspiring technologists.
Prof. Dhanesh Patel, Incharge Vice Chancellor of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, expressed his joy and pride on this momentous occasion: "It is a proud moment for The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda to see our alumni being recognised at the national level for their exceptional contributions. Prof. Ratan Parimoo, Shri Sureshbhai Soni, and Shri Ajay Bhatt embody the values of excellence, innovation, and service that define our university. Their achievements inspire our students and faculty to strive for greater heights. On behalf of the MSU Baroda community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these extraordinary individuals and wish them continued success in their endeavours."
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda has a rich legacy of nurturing leaders, innovators, and changemakers who contribute meaningfully to society. The recognition of these alumni with the Padma Shri Award reaffirms the university’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
The university celebrates this proud moment and takes inspiration from the achievements of its alumni, who continue to uphold its legacy of excellence on national and global platforms.