Prof N Lokendra Singh appointed MU VC
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 23 2021:
At long last, Union Ministry of Education has appointed Manipur University, Department of History head professor Naorem Lokendra Singh as vice chancellor of Manipur University.
In a letter sent to MU registrar on Thursday, ministry's under-secretary (Education) Vijay Kumar stated that President of India in his capacity as the visitor of Manipur University has appointed Prof N Lokendra Singh as the vice chancellor of MU, Imphal as per Statute 2(1) of the Manipur University Act 2005 for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office, or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
The terms and conditions of the services of Prof Lokendra as MU VC will be those as set forth in the Act, Statutes and Ordinances of the University, it added.
It can be mentioned that, Prof Lokendra's appointment comes hours after Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday in reply to a query in the Parliament had said that the President has given permission for appointment of vice chancellors in 12 central universities.
Accordingly, name of the selected vice chancellors of the 12 central varsities were declared including that of Prof Lokendra.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed VC has said that he will be focusing on enhancing the ongoing research programmes and activities of the university to make it noticeable at national level so as to ensure inclusion of the varsity in the National Institutional Ranking Framework.
Speaking after taking charge of the VC at his office on Friday, Prof Lokendra observed that MU has been making strides in infrastructure and academic programmes since becoming a central university 15 years ago.
But it has been facing some issues due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
To make sure that the varsity secures a place in the national ranking, MU must have a distinctive identity.
For ensuring this, he will be closely monitoring and working on one of the key requirements of the central university which is to inculcate national character in the composition of the faculty and students.
In connection with this, teachers and students of the varsity must work to bring out the true identity of the state, which is also one of the major aims of a central university, he said and vowed to take effective measures to ensure that MU reaches these goals during his tenure.
The VC continued that as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic is fully contained, he will redirect himself towards development of the university.
For this, detailed plans and proposals will be placed in the MU's Executive Council and Academic Council meetings, along with taking necessary decisions and implementing them.
He mentioned that though presently there are some disturbances in the academic calendar of the varsity, but still all programmes as mandated will be executed in accordance to the guidelines of the UGC and Union Ministry of Education.
The university with the aid of online platforms has been working to ensure that the students do not face any interruption in their academic career, Prof Lokendra further said.
Born on May 7, 1956; Prof Lokendra joined MU as assistant professor in May 7, 1987 and has been a professor for more than 20 years from 2000.He has been the head of MU Department of History and head in-charge of Department of National Security Studies before being appointed as the VC.
He also has held the post of School of Social Sciences dean (March 1, 2016-February 28, 2019), registrar (July 25, 2007-July 24, 2015), dean of students' welfare (April 3, 1998-April 2, 2001) along with being member of executive councils and academic councils of various universities.
Prof Lokendra did his BA History Honours from St Stephen's College, post-graduation from Centre for Historical Studies JNU Delhi, MPhil from Delhi University and received his PhD from Manipur University.
He is also North East India History Association life member; Indian History Congress annual member; Indian Tourism Congress annual member; Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, New Delhi member and Manipur History Society member.
He has successfully guided 14 PhD scholars under him and has authored three books as well as co-edited four books along with publishing 21 papers in various reputed journals.