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