Avishkar: Mumbai University with 23 entries wins contest

After five years of successfully lifting the first place trophy for the state-level research competition, Avishkar, the University of Pune (UoP) has slipped to the runner-up position for the first time.
Since the inception of the state-level competition in 2006, UoP had a record for lifting the overall winner’s trophy. Buzz broke out in the varsity after the results were declared at the Shivaji
University in Kolhapur where the competition was held this year.

Avishkar, an inter university research competition is organised every year to promote and encourage students and teachers to do research and inventions.

This year, UoP had sent 48 projects for the competitions of which 26 entries made it to the finals. In all, 7 students and teachers got first prizes and four entries won second prizes at various events.
However, the University of Mumbai, that had a total of 23 entries in finals, was declared the overall winner this year.

Varsity officials, who are baffled by the loss of place, say this could have happened as rules of the competition were changed this year.

“The change in rules were intimated at last minute, putting our students at a disadvantage. May be, they would have better chances had they known in advance,’’ said an official.