Pune university V-C finally confirms he’s off to Delhi

R K Shevgaonkar formally steps down as vice-chancellor of varsity, accepts post of director of IIT Delhi

Pune university V-C finally confirms he's off to Delhi

R K Shevgaonkar formally steps down as vice-chancellor of varsity, accepts post of director of IIT Delhi

Vice-chancellor of University of Pune (UoP) has finally taken the wraps off his Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi plans. Putting an end to all speculation regarding his impending departure, R K Shevgaonkar announced his resignation at a public event on Saturday from the university campus. Stating he had received a formal appointment letter from IIT Delhi for the post of director, Shevgaonkar announced his decision to accept the post and quit as vice-chancellor of the UoP soon.

Straight from the horse's mouth: VIce-Chancellor R K Shevgaonkar
announced his resignation at a public event on the university campus
on Saturday. File pic

Leaving in a month
Shevgaonkar said he would leave within a month's time. When asked to clarify who would take over the reigns of the varsity for the interim period till a formalised appointment was made, he simply said the decision rested with the Governor who was the UoP Chancellor. Two names, Dr Vasudev Gade and Dr Pandit Vidya Sagar, were prominently being circulated as Shevgaonkar's successor.

"That is the Governor's decision. I haven't made any recommendations is what I can clarify," said Shevgaonkar.
Speaking fondly of his time at the varsity, he said he had learnt a lot after coming to the city. "I didn't know anything about university administration, and it was after coming here that through experience and team guidance I learnt a lot. Another thing I learnt well was Marathi, which improved a lot after coming to Pune, as all official communication was through this language and I will remember the city for this gift," he said.

While stating he was happy with the work that he did during his 18 month tenure as vice-chancellor, Shevgaonkar said that a lot was left to be done as well. "The university functioning should not get affected by one person's exit. Many projects initiated have long-term benefits and will be seen much after I am gone as well," he said.

Asked about his experience as the vice-chancellor, he said 90 per cent of the people at the university, were co-operative, but the rest did not understand his views and made maximum noise. He also said the mindset of this set of people needed to change for the UoP to retain its numero uno position for years to come. Among all projects undertaken under his tenure, Shevgaonkar rated the new faculty of technology and M Tech-PhD course, initiatives for improvement of university staffers work experience and examination reforms, his best works. "While I cherish my experience at UoP, IIT is in my blood," said the former IITian.

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