Utkal University and (right) new vice-chancellor Ashok Kumar Das

Bhubaneswar, May 14: Distinguished scientist Ashok Kumar Das has been appointed as vice-chancellor of the Utkal University.

Governor S.C. Jamir, who happens to be the chancellor of all the state universities, selected Das from among three candidates shortlisted for the topmost post of the state’s premier varsity.

Das, an alumni of Utkal University, is currently with the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) as head of its laser and plasma technology division.

A panel consisting of R.K. Chauhan (former UGC secretary), Dinesh Singh (VC, Delhi University VC) and Kailash Chandra Mishra (VC, Sri Sri University) was formed to shortlist three candidates.

A member of the search and selection committee said that they recommended the name of Das as they wanted to try a person without a teaching background for the post.

“The post has already seen a lot of traditional performers from various academic background. This time, we wanted to take someone from research background. While the administrative part will largely be handled by the registrar, the VC will focus on teaching and research aspects,” said a committee member.

Born in 1953, Das obtained his PhD in 1980 and did his postgraduation training course in nuclear science in 1973 at BARC.

Das graduated from Utkal University in 1971 in physics and has guided two PhD students. Three other students are working on their doctoral degree under his guidance.

The acclaimed scientist has presented 1,430 papers at various conferences, workshops and symposiums at national and international level including countries such as Russia, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Israel and South Africa.

Das has been a member coordinator in different five-year plan projects and is also a member of the advisory committee in the department of science and technology. He has won several awards and commendations.

While there were over 100 applicants for the post, names of three persons, including Utkal University professor Samson Maharana (commerce), Prakash Sarangi (retired professor of political science of Central University, Hyderabad) and Das, were shortlisted by the search and selection committee appointed by the chancellor.

The post has been lying vacant since the retirement of P.K. Sahoo on May 2. The final interview that was earlier scheduled for May 8 had to be postponed following health problems of the governor.

Revenue divisional commissioner (central) S.K. Vashishth is now in charge of the varsity. He will be in charge until the Das takes over. Das said he was yet to receive any official communication regarding his appointment. However, he expressed joy and said it would take some time to wind up his present assignments and take up the responsibility as the VC of the varsity.