Renowned chemist and retired Professor of Chemistry at Osmania University, Hyderabad, Dr Shivaraj formally assumed charge as the new Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) — the premier Central University in Arunachal Pradesh — on Thursday, 9 July. His appointment marks a fresh chapter of academic leadership at an institution that serves as the Northeast's flagship centre of higher learning.

Governor's Expectations

Shortly after taking office, Dr Shivaraj called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd), who holds the position of Chief Rector of the university, at Lok Bhavan. The Governor congratulated the incoming Vice-Chancellor and expressed confidence that under his stewardship, RGU would consolidate its standing as a centre of excellence in higher education, innovation, and knowledge creation.

Governor Parnaik specifically called on the new Vice-Chancellor to direct research efforts toward Arunachal Pradesh's distinctive strengths — its rich biodiversity, indigenous traditions, natural resources, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development. He noted that such locally anchored research would not only advance academic knowledge but also support sustainable development and evidence-based policymaking across the region.

Emphasis on Holistic Development

Beyond academics, the Governor stressed the importance of sports, wellness initiatives, community engagement, and extension activities, arguing that students must graduate as responsible citizens equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and nation-building. Lt Gen Parnaik also underscored that professionalism, discipline, punctuality, and scholarly commitment must remain the defining values of the institution.

He called for an intellectually stimulating environment built through active participation of faculty, administrative staff, researchers, and students alike. The Governor further urged the university leadership to pursue innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and research collaborations that would raise RGU's national and international profile.

Vice-Chancellor's Commitments

Dr Shivaraj assured the Chief Rector of his wholehearted commitment to strengthening academic excellence, promoting socially relevant research, improving institutional governance, and fostering an inclusive campus culture. He said he would build on the university's existing achievements and work closely with faculty, students, staff, and other stakeholders to further elevate RGU as a leading hub of higher learning and societal engagement in the Northeast.

Officials Present

Former Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof. S.K. Nayak and Registrar N.T. Rikam were also present at the meeting at Lok Bhavan, marking a formal handover of institutional leadership.

With a career rooted in chemistry research and academic administration, Dr Shivaraj's appointment is expected to bring both scientific rigour and a renewed focus on research relevance to one of the Northeast's most strategically important universities.