Dhankhar lauds Ravi for holding V-Cs’ conference

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition, Page 2

1. Constitutional Role of Governor in Higher Education

• Governor’s Dual Responsibility:
  • As a constitutional head, bound by the oath under Article 159 of the Constitution.
  • Role includes preserving, protecting, and defending the Constitution and working for the service and well-being of the people.
• Governor’s Role in Universities:
  • Chancellor of State Universities (in many states including Tamil Nadu).
  • Exercises powers related to appointments, convocations, and academic administration — a sensitive area often leading to friction with elected state governments.

2. Importance of Educational Conferences

• Forum for Academic Exchange:
  Encourages sharing of innovative ideas across universities.
• Promotion of Constitutional Values:
  Events like these reflect the Governor’s duty to promote education, tolerance, dialogue, and democratic engagement among academic leaders.

3. Vice-President’s Key Messages for Universities

• Encourage Innovation and Cross-Pollination:
  Universities must share faculty talent virtually and physically across campuses.
• Nurture Tolerance for Divergent Opinions:
  True spirit of democracy lies in respecting minority voices and engaging in dialogue without judgment.
• Guard Against Intolerance:
  Suppression of different views distorts the essence of democracy.
• Promote Democratic Ethos in Academia:
  Academic spaces must remain open, dynamic, and resilient to the exchange of ideas.

4. Political Undercurrents

• Backdrop of Tussle in Tamil Nadu:
  The conference was seen amid tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor over bills pending for assent and governance issues.
• Governors and Higher Education Autonomy:
  Debate around whether Governors overstep their role in university administration, raising questions of constitutional morality vs political convenience.

Conclusion

Vice-President Dhankhar’s remarks underline the crucial role of constitutional functionaries like Governors in upholding educational excellence and democratic values. For aspirants, this episode offers deep insights into federal relations, constitutional governance, autonomy of institutions, and ethical leadership.