JNU Adopts ‘Kulguru’ As Gender-Neutral Hindi Title For Vice Chancellor

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 12:59 IST

JNU has replaced the Hindi term “Kulpati” with “Kulguru” for Vice-Chancellor, aiming for a more gender-neutral title, as proposed by VC Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit.

In an important change, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to replace the Hindi word “Kulpati” (which means head of an institution) with “Kulguru” (which means teacher) as the official Hindi title for the Vice-Chancellor. The new term is meant to be more gender-neutral. This proposal was made by JNU Vice-Chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit during a recent meeting of the university’s working council.

The change at JNU was proposed earlier this year during a meeting of the Executive Council, where Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit suggested using the term “Kulguru” for official signatures on degree certificates and other academic documents.

JNU’s decision follows similar steps taken in other states. In February, the Rajasthan government introduced the Rajasthan Universities’ Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to replace “Kulpati” and “Pratikulpati” (Pro-Vice Chancellor) with “Kulguru” and “Pratikulguru” in all state university laws written in Hindi.

The Bill, which was passed in March, explains that the Vice-Chancellor is both the executive and academic head of a university, and that the new terms reflect the traditional guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition) from India’s ancient education system.

Similarly, in July last year, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved a proposal to adopt the term “Kulguru” for Vice-Chancellors. The state government said the new title conveys a sense of affinity, affection, and respect, and the move was approved by the Council of State Ministers.

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