VBU VC’s new mantra –conservation, sustainability, students’ welfare

Visva-Bharati University, a central university, originally founded by Rabindranath Tagore has drawn up a comprehensive agenda spanning heritage conservation, academic reform, global outreach, sustainability, and student welfare with an overall vision to restore it to its original spirit and global stature within five years.

Dr Prabir Kumar Ghosh, who assumed charge of Vice-Chancellor, Visva-Bharati University, nearly eight months ago, after 35 years in the ministry of agriculture, said that the university has prioritised conservation of its 48 heritage buildings, including Rabindranath Tagore’s residence. Acting on UNESCO recommendations, a Heritage Walk initiative was launched with a dedicated committee and eight trained multilingual guides; the walks began on 3 August and will run four days a week from 1 January. Key initiatives include opening the Gurudev Archives, establishing the Nandalal Bose Gallery, and planning a Light & Sound Show at Uttarayan.

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Speaking on the sidelines of an event organized by Katha Bitan, a cultural forum, he said that moves are afoot to revive ties with 38 countries associated with Gurudev, beginning with a 57-painting exhibition in Russia, academic dialogues with Argentina, Romania, and the US, and partnerships with China and Japan. Foreign student admissions are being streamlined in line with Gurudev’s original vision.

A recent Industry–Academia Meet saw participation from 81 industries, resulting in 5 MoUs, CSR collaborations, and corporate induction into the Placement Board. University’s curriculum modernisation, currently underway, includes industry inputs, AI, and emerging technologies, alongside renewed coordination with the UGC.

Dr Ghosh said that annual convocations will resume after a three-year gap. All 84 pending faculty promotion cases have been resolved, with corrective steps for non-teaching staff. Student welfare measures include improved food quality, filling vacancies, and recruitment for 73 posts at Path Bhawan and Shiksha Satra. Around 450 workers have been brought under Central Wage norms.

Viswa Bharati has taken up a number of green & digital initiatives. A long-term Green Campus plan includes waste management, bio-composting, reuse of water hyacinth by Shilpa Sadan students, and solar power coverage targeted within a year. Gurudev’s manuscripts are being digitised with the Asiatic Society, supported by the ministry of culture, ministry of education, and ASI.