Gulzar's appointment as chancellor elates Assam University

The news of the appointment of eminent lyricist Gulzar as its chancellor has elated officials at Assam University. They hope this association will help the university in improving its image.

"The appointment of the Chancellor in the central universities is the prerogative of the President of India, who is the Chief Visitor of the universities. Gulzar is an eminent personality and a Padma Bhushan awardee. The President of India might have thought it appropriate and hence it is done," said Pinak Pani Nath Purkayastha, secretary to the university's vice chancellor, Somnath Dasgupta.

Dasgupta, however, could not be reached over phone for comment.

The university had already uploaded the name of Gulzar as chancellor on its official website.

"We have received a confirmation from the eminent lyricist in this regard. Gulzar is likely to visit the university on May 13. However, the date is yet to be confirmed," said Purkayastha, adding that the university convocation begins from May 14.

Purkayastha, however, declined to divulge much on the issue.

"We cannot comment much on the appointment of the chancellor. However, I feel it to be good news and that the appointment will definitely help the university in building its image in a better way," he said.

The campus is located at Dargakona, about 20 km from Silchar.

Drawing its 300-plus faculty from many disciplines, from all over the country, the university sustains a multi-disciplinary approach to higher education. The university also has 16 schools and 35 departments under these schools on major disciplines.