The lavish praise and compliments showered on Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof V R Mehta by university teachers, students, karamcharis and officials at the farewell function held in his honour on March 16 has demonstrated the unanimity of the university community in their verdict on Prof V.R. Mehta's tenure.
The representatives of several organisations, like DUTA and DUSU, hailed the contributions of the V-C to the cause of teachers' and students' welfare and his efforts at improving the infrastructure and academic standards.
According to Mr Sydney Rebeiro, Dean of Alumni Affairs, DU, such an overwhelming reception was last given to the renowned Dr C D Deshmukh, former Union Finance Minister and V-C of DU in the 1960s. "Such a reception has demonstrated the university community's ability to transcend itself and has proven that it is one in its perception," he said.
Vice-Chancellor Prof V R Mehta himself was a happy man. "For the past three days, I have been honoured by so many organisations in the university. It is a very satisfying feeling that one's functioning has been appreciated by so many," he told The Hindustan Times.
At the main farewell function held on Thursday, this was obvious. Speaking on behalf of the students, DUSU president Ritu Verma singled out the fact that the V-C was at all times accessible to students and ever eager to listen to their concerns.
DUTA president Dr S S Rathi said that the new academic courses started at the V-C's initiative had promoted academic growth in the university. He also hailed the "able administration" of Prof Mehta.
Prof Reddy, president of the DU Principals' Association, spoke about the numerous MoUs signed with foreign universities and the efforts of the V-C in raising funds from other sources to augment funding.
