Prof. KK Aggarwal appointed president of South Asian University, sets vision for regional education growth

NEW DELHI: Prof. KK Aggarwal has been appointed as the new President of South Asian University (SAU) for the next five years. With extensive experience in academia and leadership, including roles such as Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation and founder Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Prof. Aggarwal brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.
In a recent interview, Prof.Aggarwal shared his vision for SAU and outlined plans for the institution's future. He emphasized the importance of shared funding among member countries, with India contributing 57% and other SAARC nations contributing proportionally. Additionally, he highlighted the university's commitment to diversity, aiming to enroll 50% of students from India, 40% from SAARC countries, and 10% from outside SAARC.
SAU offers post-graduate and doctoral programs in various disciplines, including Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Sociology, International Relations, and Law. Prof. Aggarwal expressed plans to introduce courses of common interest to SAARC countries, such as disaster management and artificial intelligence for agriculture, health, and manufacturing.
Addressing concerns about visa measures for foreign students, Prof. Aggarwal assured that the university would prioritize admissions to facilitate study visas. He also highlighted the generous scholarships available to PhD students, including a monthly stipend of ?25,000 along with tuition and hostel fee waivers.
With regard to infrastructure, SAU plans to construct ten hostels with a capacity of 500 students each. Prof. Aggarwal commended Prime Minister Modi's initiative to engage youth in development efforts, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in national progress.
SAU has been actively promoting admissions through press conferences and outreach efforts across SAARC countries. Prof. Aggarwal attributed the university's appeal to its low fee structure, excellent infrastructure, faculty, and diverse courses.
Looking ahead, Prof. Aggarwal outlined plans for the university's expansion, including the development of additional facilities and resources. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology for societal development and empowering students to become technology-aware professionals.
Prof. Aggarwal's appointment reflects SAU's commitment to academic excellence and regional cooperation. His leadership is expected to steer the university towards greater achievements, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among member nations.