Mysuru: The University of Mysore’s Syndicate meeting held on June 22, after a long gap, had many items on its agenda that were discussed. However, the proceedings have to be tabled in the next meeting.

When the issue for the Statute for the creation of ‘Life-Long Distinguished Professor’ in the university came up, a few members, referring to the Government letter replying to the query regarding the creation of the post (dated 19-07-2016), a copy of which is available with Star of Mysore, questioned, “This concept is not adopted in any of the Universities in India. When such is the case, whey there is a necessity to have such a ‘Distinguished Person’ in the University?

The letter also stated, “…further, there is no procedure for removal of person. Only the post comes to an end, after his death. The maximum term of the said post is of five years or the age of seventy five years, whichever is earlier.”

According to a source in the University, the issue was discussed at length and placing the government letter dated 20-02-2017, (a copy of which is with SOM) that had rejected the creation of the ‘Distinguished Professor,’ the decision was taken to cancel the appointment of such professors.

The question now doing the rounds is what will happen to some of the ‘Distinguished Professors’ already in the panel in the University and the list looks literally like a ‘who is who’. They are Prof. H.A. Ranganath former Director, NAAC, Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, Researcher and Chemical Scientist, Prof. T.V. Ramakrishanan, Theoretical Physicist, Prof. Mewa Singh, Specialist in Ecology and Animal Behaviour,  Prof. Tapas Kundu, molecular biologist and the head of Transcription and Disease Laboratory of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, and Prof K.S. Rangappa, former Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore.

Reacting to the decision of the Syndicate, Prof. Rangappa said, “How can they say that there are no distinguished professors in other universities? Banaras Hindu University and many IITs have ‘Distinguished Professors’. Besides, when I was the VC, we had written to the Governor and got his permission.”

According to Prof. Rangappa, the most important thing here is that the University is not paying any money to the ‘Distinguished Professors’. “In fact if a University has such distinguished persons, it enhances the reputation of the University. And, also, if no other university in the country has this category of professors, should not the Government give credit to University of Mysore for this great initiative?” he asked.

Finally, he said, “I have no issue with it if they want to take it back. After all, one has to be a distinguished professor to understand another. The way the University is functioning now-a-days, being pulled in all directions, makes me feel sad.”

Prof Mewa Singh said, “I have been appointed ‘Distinguished Professor’ and the grant of Rs. 15 lakh I have got is from the Department of Science and Technology. I don’t think I will be affected by this decision.”

Ambedkar statue

The decision to install a statue of Dr. Ambedkar also came up for discussion and it was decided to write to the Government and take its permission before the work can be started.

The move to shift University College of Fine Arts to the Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University was rejected as the members felt that the University of Mysore should have a music and performing arts department of its own.