Mysuru: Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, had organised a programme at Rani Bahadur auditorium in Manasagangothri here last evening for the release of a Festschrift titled ‘Thinking Gender: Socio-cultural perspectives’ in honour of Dr. R. Indira, former Professor of Sociology, University of Mysore. 

The Festschrift (a collection of writings published in honour of a scholar) is edited by Dr. Shalini Suryanarayan, Dr. G. Shanthi and Dr. K.G. Gayathri Devi.

Presiding over the programme, University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar observed that about three good experienced professors retired from service at UoM every year which obviously affect the quality of education and research. He bemoaned that filling those vacancies has been difficult for various reasons including approval from the Government. 

He said that 350 vacant posts of Professors have to be filled up before National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) members visit the University on Jan. 22 next.

Continuing. Prof. Hemantha Kumar recalled the invaluable service rendered by Dr. R. Indira stretching about 35 years and releasing a book in her honour is a good development, he added and recalled that Indira was instrumental in establishing a women’s study chair at the University. 

Dr. V.K. Nataraj, former Director of Institute of Development Studies, UoM, released the book.