Arun Maira appointed Chancellor of Himachal University

President of India, in his capacity as the Visitor of the University, appointed Maira as the Chancellor of the University, authorities said.

As per the Central Universities Act 2009, the Chancellor presides over the Convocation of the University and chairs the meeting of the University Court.

The Vice-Chancellor Furqan Qamar called on Maira as soon as he received the official communication from the MHRD.

"Internationally renowned for his professional and academic contribution, Maira's appointment as Chancellor is likely to bring immense benefit to the University, and its fraternity is obviously jubilant," said BR Dhiman, Registrar of the varsity.

Born on August 15, 1943, Maira is an alumnus St Stephen's College, Delhi University and is presently serving as Member of the Planning Commission.

Maira was a member of the Tata Administrative Services and worked in several senior positions in the TATA Group in India and abroad.

He has been a member of The Confederation of Indian Industry's National Council for many years, as well as Chairman of several of CII's National Councils.

Maira was also chairman of Save the Children, India, and chairman of the Axis Bank Foundation.

He has also authored several books.