University of Mumbai is one of India’s oldest universities. Established in 1857, this University has always remained a key centre of student activism.
Dr.Vinay Sahasrabuddhe completed his post-graduation from this University in 1981. Later, in 2009, he was awarded Ph.D. in Arts (Politics) by the same University for his study on institutional decline of political parties in India.
In 1987, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe successfully contested elections to the Mumbai University Senate from Registered Graduates constituency and served on the body for two consecutive terms (1987- 1994 and 1994-2000) later he was also elected to the same body from Affiliated Institutions’ Constituency through which he served on the body till 2005. Between 1987 and 1990, Senate sent him twice to the Executive Council of the University. A member of the top decision-making body of the varsity, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe worked on Finance Committee, Library Committee, Extra-Mural Studies Board and Annual Report Committee besides several Local Inquiry Committees.
All his efforts were directed towards strengthening the institutional mechanism of the functioning of University of Mumbai. As Member of Senate and Management Council, he unearthed several malpractices while striving for financial discipline and transparency as well as protection of functional autonomy of the varsity. In 1991, he conducted a motivational training programme for University Officials and employees. It was his efforts that converted University Club House; an underutilized establishment of the varsity into a Vidyapeeth Vidyarthi Bhavan, a hub of extra- curricular activities for the students. He also mooted the idea of Academic Audit of University academic staff. Years later, in 1998 his efforts for greater decentralization of university administration yielded results with the establishment of Ratnagiri Sub-Centre of the University of Mumbai.
One of the most pro-active members of senate; Dr. Sahasrabuddhe always stood-out as an impressive orator. In a short span, he became known for effectively voicing of concerns for the institutional decline of university facing innumerable challenges like violation of rules-regulations, corruption as well as mismanagement.