Vice-chancellor of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Prof K S Rangappa on Friday took charge as the vice chancellor of University of Mysore (UoM) amid chaos at Crawford Hall, the administrative office of the varsity. He is the 24th V-C to head the varsity that is nearing its centenary in the year 2016.
Rangappa emerged lucky among four in the race. Mewa Singh of the University of Mysore and N S Ashok Kumar registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and Prof G K Karanth of Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bangalore, were among others in the list of shortlisted candidates.
No sooner the vehicle carrying Rangappa entered the Crawford Hall, the eagerly awaiting fans burst chains of fire crackers. Some among them rushed towards the vehicle vying with each other to greet him with bouquets and garlands.
Chaos and commotion was witnessed as he was led by the band of people towards VC’s chamber in the ground floor. A glass pane of the door of VC’s office was damaged in the melee, when the people accompanying him scrambled for space.
When noise filled the air, Rangappa had to appeal to them to maintain peace. He also promised to meet every individual, thus brokering the peace.
Rangappa told media he took charge following the order of Governor H R Bhardwaj, who is also the chancellor of the universities. “I got a call from the governor around 11.30 am with the latter breaking the news of appointing me as the V-C. I met the chancellor, agreed to shoulder the responsibility and received the order,” said Rangappa who is down with throat infection.
To a query on how does he feel to be the V-C of University of Mysore eventually after being in the list of probables for several years, Rangappa quipped; ig agiddinalla ( I am the V-C now). I am lucky to be the V-C of both KSOU and UoM, said Rangappa to the applause of his well-wishers.
Continuing, Rangappa said “Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar too has given his consent for my new posting.”
Left out
Dalit Vidyarthi Okkoota has demanded for suspending the search committee and form another committee giving representation for oppressed classes. A release from the president of the Okkoota M G Manoj Kumar stated those in the committee belonged to upper class.
