The iconic Sir JJ School of Art, along with two adjoining institutes, finally received the union government`s nod for `de novo` deemed-to-be university status on Thursday. The institute will now be known as Sir JJ School of Art, Architecture and Design. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the foundation stone of the de novo deemed university on Thursday evening.  The union education ministry had also released a notification to this effect. 

Present at the occasion were Speaker of Maharashtra`s Legislative Assembly, Rahul Narwekar, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Higher and Secondary Education, Textile Industry and Parliamentary Affairs Chandrakant Patil, Minister of School Education and Guardian Minister of Mumbai City Deepak Kesarkar, Principal Secretary of Higher and Technical Education Department Vikas Chandra Rastogi, Director of Arts Directorate Rajeev Mishra among others.  Pradhan handed over the letter granting the deemed university with de novo status to Fadnavis.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan said, "In the field of art, there is the power of creation. Indian society has been very progressive from ancient times through arts the depicted culture and the way of life. This had been a society that is connected with culture, is creative and contributes to innovation. The Art school established in the 19th century is a proud heritage of India and will continue to shine in the future."