Prof. Siddashrama likely to be VC of Mysore Varsity

Mysuru: Is the wait for the 25th Vice Chancellor of University of Mysore finally coming to a close or the wait going to get longer?

According to sources, Prof. N.S. Ashok Kumar of Mass Communication and Journalism, Bangalore University, Prof R.K. Somashekar of Department of Environmenal Science, Bangalore University and Prof C.P. Siddashrama from the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, who was the acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore, had been short-listed.

It may be recalled that the Search Committee headed by headed by former VTU Vice Chancellor Prof H.P. Kincha and three other members, former Vice Chancellor of Gulbarga University Prof. V.B. Coutinho, UGC member Dr V.S. Chauhan  and Central University Vice Chancellor Prof H.M. Maheshwariah, met in Bengaluru on July 6, to propose three names to the post of VC, Mysore Varsity.

Even the name of Bangalore University Physics Prof. Sharath Ananthamurthy was also doing the rounds.

All indications are that the CM Siddharamaiah is keen on the Professor from the parent University, to occupy the chair of the VC. The name of Prof Siddashrama has been forwarded to the Governor’s office on Friday, the source said.

Meanwhile, the Search Committee, it is learnt, wanted the State Government to verify the documents and claims made by all the three short-listed candidates to ensure that the appointment will not lead to controversy. It is also suggested that all the three should get a verification certificate from their parent university.

“A heterogeneous university like the hundred-year-old University of Mysore needs a VC who is well exposed to national and international academicians, who has good contacts at the Centre and the State level to keep the momentum going. Disbursing salaries is not the only job of the University. Today we need projects from outside and we need to generate our own resources as the government is paying salaries for only those employed at present,” said a professor who did not wish to be named.

“What the University of Mysore needs at this juncture is to see that a competent Vice Chancellor who has age on his side and who is not tainted must head the century old University,” said a former Syndicate Member on condition of anonymity.

However, another source said that the Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala may or may not concur with the choice of the Government and he might raise some questions if he is not satisfied and even send back the list.