Gauhati University Deserves a Better Deal

The present Vice Chancellor and chief administrative officer of Gauhati University, Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury planned to resign during the last week of Septmber 2007, because he is unable to carry out his job under the circumstances prevailing at the University. The Governor of Assam, who is the formal Chancellor of the University, did not accept his resignation. I am not surprised!

The Vice Chancellor of the University is finding himself in the midst of a sea of problems and is desperately looking for rescue. Appeals to the Government of Assam for revival of the university have fallen on deaf ears. The politicians make tall promises but in practice nothing happens. To save the university from sinking to the bottom, the VC has extended his begging bowl to the NRAs (Non-resident Assamese) like a drowning man clutching a single straw.

This past summer when I was at Guwahati, I had an opportunity to listen to his emotional appeal to the public in a meeting titled “Save Our University”. Sitting next to him was Mamoni Baidew (Mamoni Raisom Goswami) who was also appealing on behalf of the University in the same tune saying “Our students are wonderful, bright and intelligent; they certainly need help and support”.

The demand for converting GU into a Central University has been made for a long time. The conversion can cater to the needs of students in a much better way. Enhancement of the standard of the university will prevent brain drain of Assamese students to a considerable extent, as a very large number of students go out of the state every year to pursue higher education. A revitalized university under competent and entrepreneurial leadership can create a center of higher education that can attract students from other South- East Asian countries also, in not too distant future.

It is really sad to see the decaying condition of Gauhati University, and how negligence and misuse of the campus have led to such a degraded state. It seems that there are no sympathizers left to help this institution because the whole academic atmosphere has become so corrupted that money speaks louder than knowledge. The student community has become so used to the situation that they have no realization that they are the worst sufferers.

Perennial financial crisis has retarded the progress of the premier university of the North-East region. It is unfortunate that the university which has contributed immensely in enriching the educational scene of the region is now crying hoarse for funds. This university has shaped the destiny of the significant section of Assam’s intelligensia and can boast of producing a large number of scholars and researchers who have made laudable contributions to the state. But its academic performance has fallen short of what is expected of a institution of its stature.

Recently the university have come up with Rupees 180 crores (approximately $4.5 million US) proposal for revamping its infrastructure. The reluctance of Assam Government to invest in education is not surprising. But again it maybe that the university authorities in the past failed to exhibit the kind of leadership necessary for making its case strongly before the Government. With the state Government attitude being negative, the university has no other option left except to seek donation from the public and corporate houses. At the same time, it requires a greater responsibility and dogged persuasion on the part of the university to convince the government that big investment is a must.

The flippant attitude of those who are in the helm of affairs towards Gauhati University is causing great distress in the intellectual circles in Assam since GU is the mother of all institutions of higher education in Assam. This university deserves the treatment in Assam that the English has given to Oxford.

As part of its initiative to tide over the crisis, the Vice Chancellor Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury has taken some innovative steps. An account has been opened in the State Bank of India branch on the university campus for anyone to deposit much-needed and much-appreciated donations for the development of the university. Even the smallest amount one can afford to donate is welcome. Today we have many millionaires and possibly billionaires in Assam, but not many generous donors

The key point is that is enough has been said, but what can we do? Here are some suggestions:

1) Like many colleges and universities around the world, the alumni of Gauhati University must come forward and contribute to the all round development of their alma mater.

2) The alumni community of Gauhati University, wherever they are in the globe, must organize themselves, and undertake relevant programs through institutions they are associated with. Funds can possibly be raised through overseas students unions and political parties like the Labour League of Friends in UK.

3) There are various international charitable societies known for their focus on educational causes. If they can be approached with the plight of the Gauhati University, it may bring some financial relief.

The involvement of its alumni and the people of Assam and Assam’s diaspora around the world is absolutely crucial to help the university overcome its current crisis and embark on new plans and projects. Recently, a lady came forward to donate her life not-so-large savings to help the present VC in his quest. Her selfless example drives home the point that the challenge in front of us all is to make it a common cause to help Gauhati University rise to our lofty expectations so that it can work hard not only to re-attain its past glory but also to attain new heights.

Rini Kakati, London
October 1, 2007