Dr RML National Law University’s new V-C to develop ‘attitude of nationalism’ in fraternity

Hours after taking charge as the vice chancellor, Bhatnagar said he would work to develop a feeling of brotherhood among all sections of society as well as respect for rule of law. He also said he would focus on gender sensitisation among students and staff members. 

Last year in September, hundreds of girl students had protested on the university campus, alleging sexual harassment and stalking by two senior varsity officials. To that the V-C said, “The university grievance cell is there to address any such problems.” 

“I will try to develop a conducive environment on the campus, where teachers will be encouraged to undertake cutting-edge research. Teaching standards are the backbone of any law school,” Bhatnagar said. 

He said after the university reopened on July 2, he would brainstorm with faculty members to improve the pedagogical material for effective classroom teaching and keeping the students interested in academics. 

“After discussing with faculty, I will embark upon a plan to sharpen the soft skills of students. Then, I will try to strengthen the community with relevant projects, through which students can engage with the issues of the downtrodden masses,” said the V-C. 

“Better placements will be another focus area of the university,” he said, adding that he would try to ensure better coordination between administration and teachers.

Prior to joining RMLNLU, Bhatnagar was the dean at the School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, for two decades. His overall teaching experience spans 40 years.

To recall, after last year’s protest by girl students, the then V-C Prof Gurdip Singh had left the office in October -- six months before his tenure ended. As the state government could not appoint a regular vice-chancellor at that time, the senior most professor of the university, Sanjay Singh, was asked to work as the officiating V-C for six months.