<p>Prof Niranjana, known by his pen name Niranjana Vanalli, has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Bengaluru North University (BNU).</p>.<p>Prof Niranjana is from the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at the University of Mysore. </p>.<p>Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot issued an order on Tuesday appointing him as the new vice chancellor for a period of four years with effect from the date he assumes office or until he attains the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier. </p>.<p>The term of the BNU’s first vice-chancellor Prof T D Kemparaju ended last July. The committee constituted for the selection of the new vice-chancellor had recommended three names: Profs B C Mylarappa and B K Ravi, both from Bangalore University, and Prof Niranjana. </p>.<p>Prof Niranjana’s appointment has drawn criticism with some aspirants alleging that he was picked because he is related to a national leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).</p>.<p>“The person appointed is a relative of a top RSS leader, and everyone can guess the background of this appointment,” said a senior professor who was also an aspirant. </p>.<p>Prof Niranjana responded to his appointment saying he was appointed purely on merit and experience. “I have contributed to journalism and higher education for the last 30 years and I was a cultural ambassador for two years and also served as a registrar,” he said. </p>
<p>Prof Niranjana, known by his pen name Niranjana Vanalli, has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Bengaluru North University (BNU).</p>.<p>Prof Niranjana is from the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at the University of Mysore. </p>.<p>Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot issued an order on Tuesday appointing him as the new vice chancellor for a period of four years with effect from the date he assumes office or until he attains the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier. </p>.<p>The term of the BNU’s first vice-chancellor Prof T D Kemparaju ended last July. The committee constituted for the selection of the new vice-chancellor had recommended three names: Profs B C Mylarappa and B K Ravi, both from Bangalore University, and Prof Niranjana. </p>.<p>Prof Niranjana’s appointment has drawn criticism with some aspirants alleging that he was picked because he is related to a national leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).</p>.<p>“The person appointed is a relative of a top RSS leader, and everyone can guess the background of this appointment,” said a senior professor who was also an aspirant. </p>.<p>Prof Niranjana responded to his appointment saying he was appointed purely on merit and experience. “I have contributed to journalism and higher education for the last 30 years and I was a cultural ambassador for two years and also served as a registrar,” he said. </p>