Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
In a bold and culturally significant move, Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda has announced that the title of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in state universities will be changed from the traditional ‘Kulpati’ to ‘Kulguru’. This progressive change aims to honor India’s ancient academic heritage while promoting gender neutrality in higher education leadership.
The decision comes as part of Haryana’s wider educational reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Haryana is leading the way by becoming the first state to fully implement NEP across its universities, including prestigious institutions like Kurukshetra University, which recently earned a NAAC A++ grade.
‘Kulguru’, meaning ‘teacher of the family’, resonates deeply with India’s rich cultural traditions. The term is already in use at prominent institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and universities in Rajasthan, signaling a growing trend to modernize academic titles with respect to inclusivity and heritage.
Alongside this title change, Haryana is also enhancing student employability by introducing mandatory internships and Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programs (AEDP) in various courses like BCA, B.Com Professional, B.Sc Event Management, and B.Sc Medical Lab Technology. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Minister Dhanda’s vision clearly reflects a balanced approach—respecting tradition while embracing progressive educational reforms. By rebranding Vice-Chancellors as ‘Kulguru’, Haryana is setting a powerful example for other states, fostering a more inclusive, practical, and culturally rooted education system.
