Prof Shukla promises to form ‘Truth and Reconciliation Committee’
Shillong, Apr 11: Even as groups of teachers and students remained adamant on removal of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) vice-chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, the latter has appealed to all stakeholders to maintain peace and not get swayed by “external influences”.
In a “sincere appeal” to the students, Prof Shukla on Friday said, “Your voice matters. However, protests must remain peaceful, constructive, and democratic. Do not let external influences hijack your agency or misguide your cause.”
He also assured to constitute a “Truth and Reconciliation Committee” to objectively review the grievances and recommend a roadmap for institutional healing.
Addressing NEHU teachers and staff, he said, “Let us rise above factionalism and reaffirm our academic mission. Let us not allow partisan politics to cloud our professional judgment. The future of our students must be our top priority.”
Urging student unions and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and avoid rhetoric and threats, he said, “You hold immense influence and responsibility. Use it wisely.”
In his appeal to the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, the VC said, “We seek your support in ensuring the rule of law is upheld within the university premises. Every unlawful act, no matter how politically framed, must be dealt with according to the Constitution.”
He also assured of his “full cooperation and openness to reform, inquiry, and institutional improvement” to the government of India and the ministry of Education.
Admitting that the events of the past few months reflect a crisis of institutional trust, he said, “They also reveal the urgent need to depoliticise academic spaces and reaffirm the values of scholarly inquiry, freedom of thought, and justice.”
Prof Shuka, meanwhile, promised to initiate long-term institutional reforms, including strengthening of grievance redressal mechanism, etc.
He also proposed to form a “Truth and Reconciliation Committee” comprising retired jurists, educationists, and community elders to objectively review the grievances and recommend a roadmap for institutional healing.
He assured that he would call for a Special Session of the Academic Council and Executive Council, to be held jointly with student representatives.
Asserting that he had chosen to serve NEHU “not for recognition or reward” he said he wanted to contribute meaningfully to higher education in Northeast India.
“My career has been defined by teaching, mentoring, and institution-building. These recent events, while personally distressing, have strengthened my belief in the power of truth, the resilience of the academic community, and the transformative potential of education,” he said.
He also urged the stakeholders to “reclaim the spirit of NEHU” with dialogue, discipline, and determination.
