In a recent development, Prof. KK Aggarwal has been appointed as the new President of South Asian University (SAU), for the next five years. With a distinguished background in academia and leadership roles, including serving as Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation and founding Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Prof. Aggarwal brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
In a recent interview, Prof. Aggarwal delineated his vision for SAU, emphasising collaborative funding among member nations. India’s contribution will stand at 57%, with other South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries pitching in proportionally. He underscored SAU’s commitment to diversity, aiming for an enrollment comprising 50% Indian students, 40% from SAARC nations, and 10% from beyond SAARC borders.
SAU presently offers post-graduate and doctoral programs across diverse fields, including Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Sociology, International Relations, and Law. Prof. Aggarwal intends to introduce courses of mutual interest to SAARC nations, such as disaster management and artificial intelligence for agriculture, health, and manufacturing.
Addressing concerns regarding visa procedures for international students, Prof. Aggarwal affirmed the university’s dedication to facilitating study visas. He also highlighted generous scholarships available to PhD students, including a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000 alongside tuition and hostel fee waivers.
In terms of infrastructure, SAU plans to erect ten hostels, each capable of accommodating 500 students. Prof. Aggarwal lauded Prime Minister Modi‘s efforts to engage youth in development endeavors, stressing their role in national advancement.
SAU has been actively promoting admissions through press briefings and outreach initiatives across SAARC nations. Prof. Aggarwal credited the university’s allure to its affordable fee structure, outstanding infrastructure, faculty caliber, and diverse course offerings.
Looking ahead, Prof. Aggarwal outlined expansion plans for the university, including the augmentation of facilities and resources. He accentuated the significance of harnessing technology for societal progress and empowering students to emerge as technologically adept professionals.
