Building a new campus

LUCKNOW, MAY 14 : After R.P. Singh, Lucknow University has got another reformer as its vice chancellor—Prof Ajaib Singh Brar. He was in news recently for his decision to introduce a system on the lines of the IITs and IIMs, in which students evaluate teachers. The decision is being seen as an important step in turning around a university whose academic standards have fallen over the years.

But Brar is not bringing in the changes alone. He is taking students, teachers and employees into confidence before making changes and is also open to criticisms as well as ideas floated by them.

A senior professor at IIT-Delhi before he became LU vice chancellor in January 2008, Brar is the first vice chancellor of Lucknow University—after a gap of 50 years—to take regular classes. There’s more to his credit. After nearly two decades, the University completed its examination procedure in May so that students can get their results in time.

Brar’s achievements in the few months that he has been on campus stems from his ability to usher in changes while anticipating hurdles and persuading colleagues to join him. Take for instance his plan of getting students to assess teachers. Many expected teachers to oppose it but surprisingly many teachers’ organisations welcomed his decision and in fact even warned him of where to expect trouble.

Next on his agenda: digitalisation of the library and accounts, a review of the graduate and post-graduate syllabus and regularising the academic session.