Dr Snehlata Deshmukh, former vice-chancellor of Mumbai University, passed away on Monday aged 85 following a prolonged illness. Dr Deshmukh, a well-known paediatric surgeon, held the position of dean at Sion hospital before her notable appointment as the vice-chancellor of Mumbai University in 1995, a position she held till 2000. During her five-year tenure, she made several bold and significant decisions, including the ground-breaking one to include the mother’s name on university degree certificates, reflecting her commitment to gender equality and societal change.

Her pioneering efforts in neonatal care were instrumental in establishing the neo-natal department at KEM Hospital marking a significant advancement in paediatric healthcare in India.