The crisis at Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) reveals a fundamental disconnect between the institution’s administration and the true essence of what a university should embody. Once a nationally prestigious college, D M College has now deteriorated into a shadow of its former self, failing to function as a proper university. This alarming decline was highlighted by a press note from DM University dated July 14, 2024, which sadly confirmed long-standing concerns.
Reflecting on the historical excellence of Manipur University at Canchipur, shaped by the visionary leadership of Prof. K J Mahale, it becomes painfully clear how far DMU has strayed. Prof. Mahale, with his extensive experiences under India’s first university, Bombay University, and various French institutions, epitomized the knowledge and vision required to establish a genuine university environment.
In stark contrast, the state government and the functionaries at DMU, including the first Vice Chancellor, appear woefully ignorant of what constitutes a true university. The recent Press Note declared: “Dhanamanjuri University is a State University which runs with major financial support from the State Government. Its revenue collected from students and constituent colleges forms only a meager source of its funding requirements. Therefore, the views of the State Government relating to new appointments need to be considered by the University, including the declaration of results for recruitments.”
This statement starkly illustrates the lack of understanding at both governmental and university levels. Comprehending the true nature of a university requires broad exposure to global institutions; merely accumulating higher degrees and limited experience within a university setting are insufficient. No government bureaucracy can effectively foster the qualitative growth and prosperity of a university. In the case of DMU, there is a shared deficiency in this regard.
The situation has escalated to the point where students’ grievances have reached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). They are demanding directives for the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of DMU to compensate each student with Rs. 1 lakh. Additionally, they call for an NHRC Investigation Division inquiry to identify those responsible for the students’ mental distress, harassment, and academic loss, and urge any further actions deemed necessary by the Commission to safeguard the students’ human rights.
The plight of DMU’s students is not just a matter of administrative inefficiency; it is a severe indictment of the lack of vision and understanding at the helm. The pressing need for a reevaluation of DMU’s administrative approach and the urgent requirement for informed, visionary leadership to restore the institution’s lost glory cannot be overstated. The future of DMU, and the academic and professional futures of its students, hangs in the balance.
