The University of Calicut’s Senate is gearing up for a pivotal meeting on October 30. The primary agenda? To finally select its representative for the crucial search-cum-selection committee responsible for appointing the next Vice-Chancellor (V-C).
This upcoming session comes on the heels of considerable drama. On August 23, the Senate had initially voted to propose Dharmaraj Adat, former V-C of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, as their nominee. However, much to the surprise and dismay of many, Mr. Adat declined the position. This unexpected turn of events ignited a fierce controversy within the university’s governing body.
A subsequent meeting on September 11 quickly devolved into heated arguments. Members aligned with the Left faction demanded an open discussion to understand precisely why Mr. Adat refused the nomination. The intense disagreement forced the then Vice-Chancellor to abruptly call off the proceedings, leaving the crucial selection process in limbo and the university’s leadership uncertain.
Currently, P. Raveendran has been serving as the fully-charged V-C since July 2024. He was appointed to this interim role by the former Governor and Chancellor, Arif Mohammed Khan. Notably, Mr. Raveendran recently held a meeting with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Mr. Khan’s successor, in Thrissur, likely discussing the ongoing administrative challenges and the urgent need for a permanent V-C.
The upcoming October 30 meeting is therefore critical in bringing stability and clear leadership to the university’s top administrative position, aiming to resolve the impasse and move forward with a permanent appointment.