Online Meeting with Mari University, Russia - MoU Signing

Santosh Deemed to be University hosted a formal online meeting with Mari University, Russia on 22nd January 2026. The meeting was held with the objective of formalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions further strengthening Santosh University’s growing network of international academic collaborations. The session commenced with a warm welcome and introductory remarks by the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. V. N. Mahalakshmi who set the tone for a focused and productive engagement. This was followed by formal introductions of all members present in the meeting presented by Dr. Shalabh Gupta, Director – International Relations.

Dr. Jyoti Batra, Dean Research presented an overview of the ongoing research progress on selected topics to the leadership of Mari University offering a focused look at the research initiatives being pursued at Santosh University with prospects to continue strengthening the research vertical and expressed the University's commitment to advancing collaborative research. Representatives from Mari University responded with keen interest and proposed scheduling a dedicated meeting with Dr. Vedernikov Aleksandr, Deputy Director of Medical Institute, Head of Department of Anatomy, Mari State University to explore research collaboration in greater depth. Dr. Manoj Goyal, Hon'ble Pro-Chancellor walked the participants through the key points of the MoU outlining the framework for collaboration between the two institutions. He also shared insights on university’s recent international visits and ongoing collaborations with universities across the globe contextualising the significance of this new partnership.

Members from Mari University put forth a proposal for a student exchange programme suggesting that 3 to 5 students from each university may participate under this initiative. The proposal was received positively and acknowledged as a meaningful step towards fostering student-level engagement between the two institutions. The MoU was formally signed during the online Zoom meeting by Dr. K. Ezhilrajan, Registrar, Santosh Deemed to be University and the Vice Rector of Mari University. The signed document was officially presented to both parties marking the successful formalisation of the partnership.

The meeting concluded on a positive and enthusiastic note with both universities expressing mutual appreciation and looking forward to a productive and long-standing collaboration.