Calcutta University Senate Reconvenes After Five-Year Hiatus to Plan Convocation
In a significant academic event, Calcutta University (CU) conducted its first senate meeting in five years on Tuesday. This gathering, the highest decision-making body for university functions such as convocations, was crucial for discussing and finalizing details for the upcoming convocation ceremony, scheduled for March 23. The meeting marked a pivotal moment as the senate had last convened in 2020, prior to the previous convocation.
Proposals for Honorary Degrees Highlight Distinguished Achievements
During the session, several notable proposals for honorary degrees were put forward. Computer scientist Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar was nominated for a Doctor of Science (DSc) honoris causa. Bhatkar, renowned as the architect of India's national supercomputing initiative, is an esteemed IT leader, educationist, and recipient of both the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. He also founded and serves as the executive director of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.
Additionally, the senate proposed awarding Doctor of Letters (DLitt) honoris causa to Ranajit Das, a contemporary Bengali poet and educationist, and Father Thomas Chathamparampil, the former vice-chancellor of Christ University. These nominations recognize their substantial contributions to literature and education, respectively.
Senate Reconstitution and Medal Finalizations
The senate has been recently reconstituted with five new nominees appointed by Raj Bhavan, ensuring fresh perspectives in its deliberations. Beyond honorary degrees, the meeting also finalized the names of recipients for ten medals. This list will now be forwarded to Governor-Chancellor C V Ananda Bose for final approval, a standard procedural step in such academic honors.
Convocation Details and Historical Context
CU's convocation is set to take place at the centenary auditorium, marking a return to the College Street campus after a six-year absence. In contrast, the 2019 and 2020 convocations were held at Nazrul Mancha. This year's event is particularly notable as it will award a total of 1,106 PhD certificates, underscoring the university's ongoing commitment to advanced research and academic excellence.
The reconvening of the senate after such a prolonged interval highlights CU's efforts to streamline its academic processes and honor distinguished individuals, reinforcing its role as a premier institution in higher education.
