VIT Chancellor Calls for Joint Centre-State Action on University Appointments

G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor of VIT, has called for cooperation between the Central government and the Tamil Nadu administration to address appointments for vice-chancellors in 17 universities within the state. Speaking on Friday in Vellore, Viswanathan emphasized the need for political differences to be set aside in favor of dialogue on higher education matters, citing cooperative models from other democracies.

Viswanathan cautioned that the absence of appointed vice-chancellors in these institutions could hinder the translation of Tamil Nadu's high gross enrollment ratio in higher education into educational quality.

The chancellor's remarks were made during a felicitation event for Tamil poet and lyricist R. Vairamuthu, who received the Jnanpith Award. Viswanathan noted Vairamuthu's prolific career, highlighting his over 7,500 songs and poems, seven National Awards, and 40 authored books. Vairamuthu also spoke at the event, advocating for the translation of Tamil literature into multiple languages to expand its reach.

Key Facts

• G. Viswanathan, VIT chancellor, stated on Friday that the Centre and Tamil Nadu government should cooperate on appointing vice-chancellors.
• Appointments are pending for 17 universities in Tamil Nadu.
• Viswanathan warned that a lack of appointed vice-chancellors could prevent the state's high gross enrollment ratio from translating into quality education.
• The remarks were made at an event in Vellore, hosted by VIT, to felicitate poet R. Vairamuthu on receiving the Jnanpith Award.
• Former Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Sathasivam and Tamizhiyakam secretary M. Sukumar were also present.