Date: Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:57:53
From: Ramachandran Guruprasad
Mysore University as its 23 Vice Chancellor…_
Today, the Panaroma section of the Deccan Herald (State Edition: 26/1/09) had
definitely a surprise material for me
(http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jan262009/panorama20090125114606.asp
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jan262009/panorama20090125114606.asp).*
A real 'Republic Day Gift' was in front of me in the form of a very pleasantly
conducted candid interview (by Mr Niranjan Nikam of the Deccan Herald)
honouring the 23rd Vice Chancellor of the Mysore University, Prof. V G Talwar.
The interview throws open many of the unknown mysteries in the glorious
professional career of Prof. V G Talwar. Hailing from a very humble family
background from the Jikanur Village in the Belgaum District, Prof. Talwar
started his career in BEL, Bangalore. He then moved on to the Mangalore
University and spent six years there before joining the University of Mysore.
For the last 17 years he has been associated with the University in various
capacities as lecturer, Professor, Registrar, Director of the Academic Staff
College and finally reaching the summit of becoming the 23rd Vice Chancellor of
the University.
As the VC, his present task is very challenging as many things need to be set
right in the management of the University Administration. As an immediate
welfare measure, Prof. Talwar has already initiated programmes to look into
providing ample opportunities to the welfare of the staff members, conduction
of innovative training programmes to imbibe newer skills by the staff, training
of officers and other staff members in embarking newer administrative
strageties and planning. Expanding the net of the training programme to Office
Superintendents, Peons and other categories of staff members. His more than
three decades of rich experience in administrative, academic and research
activities, will help him in taking this opportunity as a challenge.
In the course of the interview, Prof. Talwar said on the confidence imposed
upon him by the Karnataka Govt. by honoring him with the Vice Chancellorship,
which I quote, "I feel very happy and very proud. It is a great responsibility,
great challenge and I am indeed very grateful to the government for considering
me and giving me an opportunity. I will certainly put my heart and soul into
the job. The university already has its name and fame at the international
level and I wish the flag of the university will fly all over the globe in
future too".
Prof. Talwar is very clear that 'every department must be transparent in its
working'. He will not compromise on strictness if anyone violates the rich
tradition of the Mysore University in upholding its rich integrities of
honesty, diligence, truthfulness and openness.
Upon Universities having been rated as 5 Stars and 4 Stars earlier, Prof.
Talwar clarified this issue by saying that 'Universities cannot be compared to
Hotels'. The ranking confusion must be immediately removed. The present status
of the Mysore University being ranked as 'A+' is being reworked in NAAC.
About the 'hue and cry' of a large amount of money that is to be received by
the Mysore University from the Govt. of India for its welfare, infrastructure
and educational development, Prof. Talwar clarified that not a single paise has
been received so far from the sanctioned Rs. 100 crores.
Eventually when the money does come, Prof. Talwar is very clear that general
infrastructure and thrust areas would be given the topmost priority. Initially,
Rs. 40 crores was to be spent for a center of excellence), and the remaining 60
crores for development. Out of this a sum of Rs. 13 lakhs was to be allotted in
building a modern classroom in each department. Added to this a 24/7
electricity and water supply to the entire campus.
After prolonged deliberations with the Planning Commission, a 50:50 sharing of
resources was agreed upon for sharing the resources between infrastructure and
thrust areas. Prof. Talwar has complimented Prof. Shivashankermurthy, the then
acting VC for putting up an excellent proposal to the Panel. The good news is
that this proposal has been approved and UGC will release its first instalment
of Rs. 30 crores very soon.
To conclude, if President, Barack Obama is destiny's choice to drive America to
its next generation of prosperity, I wouldn't be wrong in saying, that, it is
the same destiny's choice in honouring Prof. V G Talwar, ('one of the most
humble human beings and a thorough Library and Information Professional') to
assume charge of the Vice Chancellorship of the Mysore University and take
charge of the 'Change of Guard of Honor' to drive the Mysore University to even
greater heights of educational supremacy.
Posted in LIS-Forum by
Mr R Guruprasad, Ph.D. Research Scholar, University of Mysore
and Scientist, KTMD, NAL
On behalf of Dr Khaiser Nikam, Chairperson, DOS, LIS, Univ. Mysore
==========================
Extracts from the Interview held by Mr Niranjan Nikam of the Deccan Herald with
Prof. V G Talwar of the Mysore University
