New V-C takes charge, denies using influence

NAGPUR, JAN 15: Dr Arun Satputaley, who took over as the new Vice Chancellor of Nagpur University, denied that there was any political med...

NAGPUR, JAN 15: Dr Arun Satputaley, who took over as the new Vice Chancellor of Nagpur University, denied that there was any political meddling in his selection to the coveted post.

Talking to journalists before formally taking the charge, the senior academician said his selection was made purely on merit. He asserted that there is no substance in the reported statements that the selection of the Vice Chancellor was influenced by political leaders. quot;None of my close relations hold any elective post. Not even that of a village sarpanch,quot; he clarified.

The new VC Dr Satputaley, who arrived here from Mumbai in the afternoon, was was named the 34th Vice Chancellor of the 75-year-old Nagpur University by Governor Dr P C Alexander in his capacity as the Chancellor of Universities in Maharashtra.

Amidst a stream of callers congratulating him, he said: quot;As a student of Nagpur University and then as a teacher I had a cherished dream of holding the top post in the university. I was aspiring for that post but never thought of approaching influential political leaders to get it. This time also, I kept away from leaders after appearing before the Governor for interview at Mumbai. In fact, I never felt the need to do political lobbying. Because I thought, I did well in the interview,quot; he said sharing his views with journalists.

Well aware of the task ahead of him, Dr Satputaley said quot;it is no bed of roses. I know it very well that I have been assigned a difficult task of refurbishing the tainted image of Nagpur University and restoring the past glory.quot;

Reacting to reports that he was selected only after Maj Gen Dr Tutkane of AFMC, Pune, declined the offer, Dr Satputaley denied having any idea of what happened at Mumbai. He only said that Dr Tutkane was also among those appearing before the Governor for interview.

Later, he took over from Divisional Commissioner J S Saharia, who was named as officiating Vice Chancellor by Dr Alexandar after the resignation of Dr B B Chopane as Vice Chancellor in the wake of the fake marklist and degree scandal last year. Speaking at a formal function at the University Convocation Hall, Satputaley said he would seek cooperation from all sections to restore the past glory of the university. While handing over the charge, Saharia said he has the satisfaction of taking steps to check the downslide in the university.

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Officiating Registrar P S G Kumar, members of university bodies Dr Ved Prakash Mishra, Balraj Aher, Dr Eknath Kathale, C D Kongre, Arvind Barhate, Dr K N Munshi, Principal Madhukar Rode, Arun Patil, Principal R G Bhoyar, Dr Devendra Mohture, Principal Baban Taywade, Ashok Bhad and University officials Dr Vijay Vaidya, Subhash Belksare and Puran Meshram also spoke.