SPU alumni to fund cervical cancer vaccines

Vadodara: Alumni of Vallabh Vidyanagar-based Sardar Patel University (SPU) in Anand district announced financial support for administering cervical cancer vaccines to nearly 1,000 girl students studying in various postgraduate departments of the university.Immediate assistance for 500 vaccine doses was declared during the grand alumni reunion, "Sandhan–2026", held on Sunday.
SPU vice-chancellor prof Niranjan Patel made the announcement as part of a new initiative titled "Alumni Event of the Year", with alumni and faculty pledging contributions towards the preventive healthcare drive. Each vaccine dose costs nearly Rs 3,700.The reunion brought together former students from across batches and disciplines.Chief guest prof Abhilash Nair of IIM Kozhikode underlined the critical role alumni can play in govt, accreditation, student representation, global connectivity, start-up and innovation ecosystems, industry-academia collaboration, internships and placements.On the occasion, Jivraj Dankhara announced the institution of a gold medal in the semiconductor field in the name of Maniben Patel, daughter of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.A key highlight of the event was the release of SPU's first alumni souvenir, "Yogatva", chronicling the university's history, achievements and contributions of faculty, students and distinguished alumni. Department-wise alumni interactions were held later in the day.The university also felicitated several accomplished alumni for their achievements in industry, defence, finance, public service and research. Among those honoured were Abhishek Gami, MD of United Wolfram; Shweta Prajapati, CEO of CerboTech; ISRO scientist R J Bhanderi; Abdul Wahid Saiyed of American Express (UK); Dr Meenal Jani, deputy conservator of forests; and Dr Yogendra Chauhan, president of Deepak Camtech Limited, along with several others who excelled nationally and globally.