Dr Shivaraj takes charge as Rajiv Gandhi University VC; Guv calls for research excellence
Itanagar, July 9
Renowned academician and retired Professor of Chemistry at Osmania University, Hyderabad, Shivaraj, on Thursday, assumed charge as the new Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, the premier Central University in Arunachal Pradesh.
A Lok Bhavan official said that soon after assuming office, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd), who is the Chief Rector of the university.
Congratulating Shivaraj on assuming leadership of the university, the Governor expressed confidence that under his stewardship, Rajiv Gandhi University would further strengthen its position as a centre of excellence in higher education, innovation, and knowledge creation.
Highlighting the unique academic and research opportunities available in Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor advised the Vice-Chancellor to encourage research focusing on the state's rich biodiversity, indigenous traditions, natural resources, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development.
He said such research would not only contribute to academic advancement but also support sustainable development and informed policymaking in the region.
The Governor also stressed the need to accord greater emphasis to sports, wellness initiatives, community engagement, and extension activities so that students develop into responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society and nation-building.
During the interaction, Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) underscored the importance of professionalism, discipline, punctuality, and commitment to scholarly pursuits, saying these values must remain the defining characteristics of the institution.
He emphasised that a conducive environment for intellectual growth should be fostered through the active participation of faculty members, administrative personnel, researchers, and students alike.
The Governor further urged the university leadership to strengthen academic standards while promoting innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and research collaborations that would enhance the institution's national and international profile.
Shivaraj assured the Chief Rector of his wholehearted commitment to strengthening academic excellence, promoting meaningful and socially relevant research, improving institutional governance, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating campus culture.
The Vice-Chancellor also said that he would build upon the university's existing achievements and work closely with faculty members, students, staff, and other stakeholders to further elevate Rajiv Gandhi University as a leading centre of higher learning, innovation, and societal engagement in the Northeast.
Former Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof. S.K. Nayak and Registrar N.T. Rikam were also present during the meeting at Lok Bhavan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see the Governor emphasising sports and community engagement alongside research. Our universities often focus too much on academics and forget about holistic development. But I hope this isn't just another bureaucratic appointment - let's see actionable plans, not just speeches. 🎓
Interesting news. As someone who worked in Indian higher education for a few years, I've seen how challenging it can be for VCs from outside a state to adapt. But the Governor's clear direction on research priorities - biodiversity, environmental conservation, indigenous knowledge - is excellent. That's exactly the kind of contextual research that can put a regional university on the global map.
Let's be honest - how many VCs actually deliver on such grand promises? This sounds like a typical press release. I hope Dr Shivaraj proves me wrong and actually focuses on research output, faculty development, and student welfare rather than just photo ops. The Governor's advice is solid, but implementation is key.
As someone who studied at a central university in India, I appreciate the emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research collaborations. The Northeast has such untapped potential - from biodiversity to cultural studies. Let's hope this appointment leads to concrete outcomes rather than just administrative shuffling. 🤞
The stress on professionalism, discipline, and punctuality is very welcome. We need more VCs who prioritise institutional governance and actual academic culture instead of just political connections. Dr Shivaraj's promise to work with all stakeholders is promising - hope he remembers the students are the primary stakeholders!
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