New JNU Chancellor Stresses on Education Autonomy

Vijay Kumar Saraswat, newly appointed chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) expressed his thoughts on the fact as to why the vice chancellor of the varsity should be given the liberty to decide whom they want to teach or what they wish to teach and who will be the one to teach.

Saraswat during his first visit focused on the need for academic autonomy and to develop a bridge between industry and academia. He further added that the institute should aim for value addition to social goods as one of its goals.

Also Read: JNU to Launch Certificate Course in ‘Yoga Philosophy’ from Coming Academic Session

According to the JNU administration release, Chancellor of the University inspired to promote education and research so that they lead to various positive benefits for the society. He further added that knowledge generation should exceed beyond individual excellence and translate to a social cause.

He also discussed for an ecosystem creation such that it promotes value addition, innovation and research by collaborating with other universities of the country and institutes across the globe.

Saraswat who is also a full-time National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog member has conducted talks with the Vice-Chancellor of the University, registrar, deans of the schools, rectors and chairpersons of special centres.

Also Read: CM: Free Education for Punjab Girls up to Doctorate, Five New Colleges this Financial Year

Vijay Kumar Saraswat, scientist and former chief of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was appointed by the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry as the chancellor of JNU last month. Saraswat took over the responsibility from Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, the chief of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) whose tenure period of five years ended on 30 March 2017.