Gender-Nutral Shift: JNU Vice Chancellor is called ‘Kulguru’ instead of ‘Kulpuru’. Bharat News
New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to change the word “Kulpati” with “Kulpati” with his Vice Chancellor in all degree certificates and academic records, first proposed three years after such a change.JNU decided during its Executive Council meeting in April.The minutes of the meeting said as the agenda: “To change the designation of ‘Kulpati’ from ‘Kulpati’ to sign/name the degree certificate and other academic documents.”The direction for action has been marked by the controller of the direction.The news agency PTI quoted a JNU official, saying, “Kulguru” is not only culturally important, but also gender-plate, which offers more inclusive options for traditional titles used in Indian universities. “In Hindi, “Pati” means husband, while “guru” teacher translates a gender-tattha word. ‘Symbolic gesture’: JNUSU PresidentReacting to the move, JNU student union president Nitish Kumar said that instead of “symbolic gestures”, the university in Delhi should work towards “solid gender justice”.Kumar wrote on X, “Along with converting ‘Kulpati’ into ‘Kulguru’, VC should also fulfill the demands of the gender-plate washroom and gender-plate hostels.Not such a name first The university’s move is in line with the similar changes already implemented by the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.In February, Rajasthan passed an amendment to adopt “Kulpati” and “Himalapati” to adopt “Kulguru” and “Pratikulguru”, a decision approved the next month.In July last year, Madhya Pradesh unanimously approved an amendment that the Vice Chancellor of Universities in the state would be addressed as “Kulguru”.
