Guwahati, 13th February: In a significant development, Nani Gopal Mahanta, who recently announced his resignation as the academic advisor for the state of Assam on February 12, is poised to become the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University.
Prior to his resignation, Mahanta served as a professor at the Department of Political Science at Gauhati University. He held various esteemed positions within the university, including Head of the Department of Political Science and Registrar from 2018 to 2019.
Mahanta, an alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), boasts a distinguished academic background. He was recognized as a Rotary World Peace Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2002 to 2004, where he engaged in extensive international research and internship activities across Europe and South Asia.
With a wealth of academic contributions, Mahanta has authored numerous publications in national and regional newspapers and journals, along with several books to his credit. He actively participates in debates and discussions on various socio-political issues at both state and national levels, frequently appearing in television and print media platforms.
His dedication to education and public awareness has earned him accolades, including the Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF) Excellence Award in 2009 for his efforts in promoting civic and social rights and responsibilities.
Mahanta’s involvement extends beyond academia, as he has provided consultancy services to key educational institutions and policymaking bodies in Assam, including the Department of Education, Secondary Education Board of Assam (SEBA), and Cotton College, among others. He also served as the President of the Governing Body of Handique Girls College and as the President of the Northeast India Political Science Association (NEIPSA) from 2014 to 2018.
Hailing from a Vaishnavite Satriya family in Sivasagar, Assam, Mahanta maintains a deep-rooted connection to his cultural heritage, being an avid connoisseur of ‘Naam Prasanga’ and the Satriya ethos. His multifaceted expertise and commitment to academia make him a promising candidate for the role of Vice Chancellor at Gauhati University.