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21 Aug 2025

Dr. Vikrambhai M. Mehta Awarded Third Doctorate (PhD) for Study of Panjrapoles in Gujarat

In what is clearly an outstanding achievement, Dr Vikrambhai Manilal Mehta has recently been awarded his third doctorate from the Faculty of Commerce (Business Administration), Pune University. His latest PhD on "A Study of Administrative Problems in Panjrapole Managed by Public Trusts in Gujarat" is an inspiring milestone that redefines perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge, as he achieved this at the age of 86.

Dr Mehta’s first and second Doctorates were for his studies on "Principles and Policies of Procurement in the Engineering Industry in the Mumbai-Pune Region" and "Administrative Problems of Public Trusts Managing the Health Sector in Gujarat," respectively.

Mahendra Brothers, the company with which Dr Mehta has been associated for many decades said, “Known for his keen intellect, unwavering discipline, and deep commitment to learning, Dr. Mehta has continually demonstrated that age is no barrier to furthering one's education. His final doctorate is not only a personal triumph, but also a powerful message about intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.”

Vikrambhai’s study is based on research at nine Parnjrapoles in Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, and Gandhinagar in North Gujarat and Surat, Navsari, Valsad, and Dang in South Gujarat. After a discussion on the common issues that all of them are facing, the thesis outlines a number of recommendations for action both by the government and the trusts governing these institutions.

The study was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Prashant Sathe of the Brihan Maharashtra College Of Commerce Pune, and examined and approved by Prof. Dr. Mrs. Vani N. Laturkar, Professor, School of Commerce and Management Sciences, S.R.T.M. University, Nanded.

In her evaluation note, Dr Laturkar writes, “I appreciate whole heartedly the research supervisor and his candidate for choosing such a topic for research which reflects their high empathetically high quotient”. After a discussion on the topic and individual chapters, and granting approval for the PhD, she suggests some steps to ensure that “this research reach the general public which will ultimately be a contribution to society in creating an awareness and empathy among citizens.”