On October 30, the Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) Executive Council shortlisted five candidates for the esteemed position of Vice-Chancellor. Subsequently, these five names underwent consideration by the university’s governing body. In its meeting on Monday, the governing body’s 84 members finalized three potential candidates, notably including a female professor, Naima Khatoon, for this prestigious role.
The recommendations have now been forwarded to Visitor of the AMU & the President of India, who holds the authority to select one candidate for the position. This significant decision occurs amid the ongoing wave of women’s empowerment in India, prompting a keen anticipation on whether a woman will secure the opportunity to serve as the VC, drawing considerable attention to this potential landmark for gender inclusivity at the university.
The recent passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Indian Parliament on 21st September marks a significant leap toward gender parity in legislative bodies. This progressive bill seeks to ensure that women occupy at least 33% of seats in state legislative assemblies and the Lok Sabha. This legislative stride aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for women’s empowerment and their crucial participation in various sectors.
Against this backdrop of women’s advancement, the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) faces a historic milestone in the selection process for the next Vice Chancellor (V-C). The ongoing proceedings witness female candidates contending for the prestigious position for the first time in the university’s 100-year history. This transformative step emphasizes inclusivity in an institution traditionally led by men.
While celebrating this historic moment, it’s essential to recognize that AMU’s trajectory has predominantly been steered by male leadership. The current scenario, with five exceptional candidates vying for the V-C position, stands as a critical juncture. The responsibility entrusted to the AMU Court in shortlisting three finalists is pivotal in determining the institution’s future trajectory.
In this process, the emphasis on inclusivity and diverse representation emerges as crucial. The selection, driven by merit and competence, should also consider gender diversity and representation, acknowledging the invaluable perspectives women bring to leadership roles. This move resonates with recent legislative efforts for gender inclusivity, heralding progress towards balanced and equitable leadership in academic institutions.
The decision-making authority rests with the President of India, who serves as the Visitor to the University. This decision bears the potential to set a remarkable precedent, aligning with the government’s vision to promote women’s active participation in leadership roles, fostering a more inclusive environment at AMU.
The spotlight is on Professor Naima Khatoon, the esteemed Principal of AMU’s Women’s College, who boasts an extensive academic background. Dr. Naima’s potential candidacy for the V-C role is underscored by her vast experience and significant roles in the women’s education sector.
Hailing from a remote Muslim community in Odisha, Prof. Naima has established an extensive and diverse academic and administrative career within AMU. Her journey, adorned with a plethora of achievements, showcases her dedication to academia and institutional development.
Her expertise, backed by a Ph.D. in Political Psychology, is honed through her work at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in Delhi and AMU. Currently serving as the Director at the Centre for Skill Development & Career Planning at AMU, her academic contributions transcend national boundaries, evident through her lectures and participation in national and international conferences. Her prolific research contributions, encompassing authored books and numerous papers, coupled with her administrative roles, testify to her pivotal role in the university’s multifaceted growth.
As the AMU Court proceeds, with Professor Naima Khatoon among the three final candidates, this transparent selection process underscores the institution’s commitment to securing an able and visionary leader to steer AMU into its next chapter of growth and development.
The potential appointment of a woman to the V-C position holds promise in steering the University toward proactive initiatives and fostering an inclusive and progressive academic environment. This crucial decision could serve as a catalyst in championing equality and diverse perspectives in academic leadership.
Moreover, highlighting the impact of women in leadership roles within educational institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Kashmir University reinforces the importance of women’s leadership in fostering positive changes and institutional growth.
While the AMU awaits its new Vice Chancellor, the potential for a woman to take the helm offers an opportunity to champion the welfare of students, staff, and crucial university matters, steering the institution toward growth and progress.
Now, all eyes turn towards the President of India, vested with the responsibility to select the Vice Chancellor for Aligarh Muslim University. The decision poised before the President is significant, as it resonates with the ongoing legislative efforts emphasizing women’s active participation in key leadership roles. As the Visitor to the esteemed central university, this decision holds the potential to set a remarkable precedent, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting women’s involvement in leadership positions. With the prospect of a woman assuming the pivotal role of V-C at AMU, the decision takes on added weight, promising to contribute towards nurturing a more inclusive and diversified academic environment.
This crucial selection represents an opportunity to underscore the commitment to gender inclusivity and equality within the academic sphere, empowering and nurturing a more balanced and representative governance structure at Aligarh Muslim University.
The Indian government has significantly emphasized women’s empowerment, acknowledging their pivotal role in driving progress. For instance, during Najma Akhtar’s tenure as VC of Jamia Millia Islamia, the institution achieved an A++ grade from NAAC, highlighting the impact of women in leadership roles.
Similarly, the appointment of Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, a political science professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University, as the first female Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) brought new heights of recognition to the university. Also, Professor Nilofer Khan, currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, has spearheaded significant changes and development within the institution.
While the AMU awaits its new Vice Chancellor, the potential for a woman to take the helm offers an opportunity to champion the welfare of students, staff, and crucial university matters, steering the institution toward growth and progress.
Now, all eyes turn towards the President of India, vested with the responsibility to select the Vice Chancellor for Aligarh Muslim University. The decision poised before the President is significant, as it resonates with the ongoing legislative efforts emphasizing women’s active participation in key leadership roles. As the Visitor to the esteemed central university, this decision holds the potential to set a remarkable precedent, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting women’s involvement in leadership positions.
With the prospect of a woman assuming the pivotal role of V-C at AMU, the decision takes on added weight, promising to contribute towards nurturing a more inclusive and diversified academic environment. This crucial selection represents an opportunity to underscore the commitment to gender inclusivity and equality within the academic sphere, empowering and nurturing a more balanced and representative governance structure at Aligarh Muslim University.
(Writer is Professor in Comparative Literature & Donor Member of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Email: [email protected])
