CHENNAI: In a strong appeal to bridge the political divide, G Viswanathan, Chancellor, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), has urged the Central and State governments to engage in immediate talks to resolve critical issues plaguing higher education in Tamil Nadu.
Viswanathan made the call while presiding over the MGR Memorial Lecture at the VIT, Vellore campus, on Tuesday.
He highlighted the current crisis, noting that 14 universities in the state, including the historic University of Madras, are functioning without vice-chancellors, severely hampering academic progress. “This situation harms the progress of Tamils and Tamil Nadu,” he added. “The Central and State governments should set aside their differences, at least in the field of education, sit together, and find resolutions. Issues between the government and the Governor must not affect the people or students.”
The Chancellor credited former Chief Minister MGR as the architect of TN’s higher education expansion. He stated that VIT originated from MGR’s encouragement for private institutions when public funds were scarce in 1984. From 180 students, VIT has grown into a multi-campus university with over 100,000 students.
“Kamarajar laid the foundation for school education in TN, while MGR did the same for higher education,” Viswanathan said.
The lecture was also addressed by film lyricist Muthulingam and VIT Vice President GV Selvam, who paid rich tributes to MGR’s leadership, generosity, and enduring cultural-political influence. “Even 38 years after his passing, the three-letter mantra ‘MGR’ remains a gravitational force in TN politics,” Muthulingam said.