Kanyashree varsity VC gets govt’s Siksharatna award

Professor (Dr) Tapati Chakraborty, vice-chancellor of Kanyashree University, was today conferred the Siksharatna award by the state government in recognition of her contribution to higher education and research. The award was presented by state higher education minister Bratya Basu at a ceremony held at the Dhono Dhanyo auditorium in Kolkata.

Prof. Chakraborty, who has devoted nearly 25 years to academia, described the honour as both humbling and inspiring. Speaking to The Statesman after the ceremony, she said, “This has indeed been a long journey. I have worked for almost 25 years in the university system—teaching, research and administration. I was entrusted with many responsibilities, chaired several committees, ran around 16 to 17 research projects of the central government, published about 130 papers, and guided more than a dozen students. Yet, even today, I feel there is much more to do.”

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Reflecting on her career, she said the recognition belonged as much to her colleagues, students, and institutions as it did to her individual work. “I have received immense administrative support, which is vital for research. Crossing many obstacles to reach this stage, I thank God and also the well-wishers whose encouragement has given me strength. This award is not mine alone, but one I wish to share with everyone,” she said.

A noted academic and researcher, Prof Chakraborty began her teaching career at Kalyani University in 2002, where she served as professor in the department of biochemistry and biophysics. During her tenure, she guided research, headed national and state projects, and played pivotal roles in academic committees. The Siksharatna award, she underlined, has been conferred upon her in recognition of her contributions as a professor at Kalyani University.

Currently serving as the founding vice-chancellor of Kanyashree University, she has taken on the responsibility of shaping the fledgling institution into a centre of excellence. “This award will inspire me further to build Kanyashree University. The university has now become my dream, and I shall dedicate myself to it for as long as it takes to nurture and develop it,” she affirmed.

Despite challenges faced along the way, Prof Chakraborty considers herself fortunate to have received support from the state government in carrying forward her work.

“There is space in Bengal’s universities, however small, for anyone determined to carve their place through work. This honour from the government strengthens my resolve to continue contributing to higher education,” she said.