The one thing Delhi University's new Vice-Chancellor does not want is to distance himself from his students. This ex-Stephenian watches Ranbir Kapoor movies, plays cricket and wants to improve the overall academic situation in the university

It has been two weeks since you took over as the Delhi University vice-chancellor. How has your experience been dealing with the semester system deadlock?

It has just been a couple of days that I have taken over this prestigious office. Talking of the semester system debate, in my view, it has lost direction. I am not bothered with the protests that much. I want to concentrate on the welfare of students and the improvement of the overall academic situation in the university.

I inherited this office with a lot of unresolved issues. The semester system topped my priority list. Now that the court verdict has finally come and exams postponed till January, there is some relief and hope for students. They will get reasonable time to prepare for the exams. The court decision has solved a major cause of concern, which was the interest of the students. It is relieving that the students are happy and satisfied with the decision, though the DUTA would still take a bit of time to be convinced.

What would be your immediate agenda?
As of now, issues with teachers regarding the syllabus to be taught under the semester system will be the first thing on my agenda. There is a huge unrest in the teaching faculty on various things.
u00a0
I think for a central university like ours, it is important that teachers across colleges should have proper workspaces on an individual basis. I am working on the idea that every teacher must have an office of his or her own with proper infrastructure and necessary modern gadgets like those of international universities.

There are a number of schemes and programmes at the under-graduate level that have to be effectively implemented. I want to make the varsity efficient enough to be able to respond to the needs of the nation as a whole. India is a country in a stage of resurgence, it is essential for us to produce the best and contribute to the country's growth. We have both the power and the potential.