Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Dr. Santhishree Dhoolipudi Pandit highlighted the significant strides the university has made under her leadership during her visit to Kochi. Dr. Pandit emphasised that JNU has successfully moved beyond its past controversies and is now ranked second by the Ministry of Education. Additionally, JNU has secured the 20th position in Development Studies in the QS World University ranking, which includes over 1,500 universities.
Dr. Santhishree Dhoolipudi Pandit, the first woman to hold the position of VC at JNU, noted the university’s progress despite its previous reputation as a hub of agitations. She has a distinguished academic background, having completed her studies in Chennai and JNU, and earned a PhD in International Relations. Dr. Pandit is the daughter of Dr. Dhoolipudi Anjaneyalu, a media professional and government employee, and Prof. Adilakshmi, a Tamil Professor in the Leningrad Oriental Faculty Department in the former USSR.
During her visit to Kochi to inaugurate the Women’s Conference of the NGO (Non-Gazetted Officers) Sangh, Dr. Santhishree Dhoolipudi Pandit shared insights into the transformative changes she has implemented at the university. Dr. Pandit recounted that at the height of past agitations, she was escorted by 400 security commandos. However, she now moves around the campus independently, even making surprise visits to hostels. She and her IT engineer daughter live on campus, fostering a sense of community.
Dr. Pandit highlighted that JNU accommodates students from various schools of thought, facilitating a diverse array of discussions and seminars. She mentioned that some students treat her as a mother figure, while others engage with her in friendly debates. Despite ideological disputes, she emphasised that physical confrontations have ceased, reflecting the university’s peaceful and inclusive environment.
Emphasising her commitment to student merit, Dr. Pandit revealed that 175 appointments were made without any complaints. She also addressed the need for infrastructure improvement, announcing plans for a Rs 500 crore project to upgrade the university’s aging buildings.
She shared with the audience in Kerala the substantial changes JNU has undergone in recent years, moving away from its past reputation as a hub of left-wing political activity to a more balanced and academically focused institution.
