[Assam] Gauhati University deserves a better deal

[Rini Kakati]

The present VC: Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury was going to resign last week as he could not carry on his job under the circumstances. But the Governor did not accept his resignation. I am not surprised.
The Vice Chancellor of the University finding himself in the midst of a sea of problems is desperately looking for rescue. Appeal to the Government for revival of the university fell on deaf ears. The politician make tall promises but in practice nothing happens. To save the university from sinking to the bottom the VC has extended his begging bowl to the NRIs like drowning man clutches a straw.This summer when I was at Guwahati, I had an opportunity to listen to his emotional appeal to the public in a meeting: “Save our university”. Next to him sitting was Mamoni Baidew (Mamoni Raisom Goswami) who was also appealing for the University in the same tune: saying “ Our students are wonderful bright and intelligent, they certainly need help and support”.The demand for converting GU into a Central University has been felt for long, as the conversion can cater to the needs of students in a much better way. Enhancement of the standard of the university would prevent the brain drain to a considerable extent, as good number of students go out of the state every year for pursuing higher education. This kind of university will create a centre of attention for students from South- East Asian countries too in near future.It is really sad to see the decaying condition of the Gauhati University, how negligence and misuse of the campus lead to such a degrading stage. There are no sympathisers to help this institution because the whole atmosphere of education is so vitiated that money has become dearer than value of knowledge. The students community have become so used to the situation that they have no remorse or realisation that they are the worst sufferers.Perennial financial crisis has retarded the progress of the premier university of the North-East region. It is unfortunate that the university which has contributed immensely in enriching the education scene of the region is now crying hoarse for funds. This university has shaped the destiny of the significant section of its students and can boast of producing a number of scholars and researchers who made laudable contributions to the state. But still then its academic excellence has fallen short of what is expected of a institution of its stature.Recently the university have come up with a Rupees 180 crores proposal for revamping its infrastructure. The reluctance of our Government to invest in education is not something surprising. But again may be the university authorities in the past fail to exhibit the kind of leadership necessary for putting its case strongly before the Government. With the state Government attitude not being positive the university has no other option left except to seek donation from the public and the corporate houses. Therefore it entails a greater responsibility and dogged persuasion on the part of the university to convince the government that big investment is a must.And so far the flippant attitude of those who are in the helm of affairs towards Gauhati University is concerned we are really in distress to remind those people the GU is the mother of all institution of higher education in Assam. This university has deserved the treatment the English has given to Oxford.As part of its initiative to tide over the crisis the Vice Chancellor: Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury has taken some innovative steps. An account in the State Bank of India branch in the university campus has been opened where one can deposit no matter however small the amount maybe for the development of the university. Today we have many a millionaire and billionaire but no donorsBut the key question is enough has been said but what can we do?1) I think like a number of colleges and universities round the world the Alumni of Gauhati University must come forward and contribute to the all round development of their Almar Mater.2) The students community of Gauhati University where ever they are in the globe make themselves organised, arrange exchange programme through their relevant universities. Fund can be explored through overseas students union, political parties like Labour League of Friends in UK.3) There are various charitable societies known internationally for their charitable causes. If they can be approached representing the plight of the Gauhati University, it is worth a try.The involvement of the people will definitely help the university to overcome its crisis and embark on new plans and projects. A lady come forward to donate her little savings to help the present VC is enough to guess that : the challenge is in front of us all to make it a common issue to help the Gauhati University rise to our expectations and work hard not only to attain its past glory but also to scale new prospects.Picture: Administration Building of the Gauhati University
 
Rini Kakati
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