Shimla, June 2,
Marking the end of a prolonged administrative vacuum of three years, the Himachal Pradesh government has appointed noted physicist Dr Mahavir Singh as the new Vice-Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. The formal order of appointment was issued by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who serves as the Chancellor of the university, under Sub Section (1) of Section 12 of the Himachal Pradesh University Act, 1970.
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Dr Singh, widely known in academic circles as Dr M.V. Sharma, is a veteran researcher from the university’s Department of Physics. His appointment takes effect from the date he assumes charge, with his emoluments and service conditions to be governed by the norms set by the State Government.
The Vice-Chancellor’s post had remained unfilled since April 2022 following the resignation of Prof. Sikandar Kumar, who vacated the office after being elected to the Rajya Sabha. In the interim, Dr Sat Prakash Bansal, VC of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, had been holding additional charge.
The selection process for the new Vice-Chancellor had been mired in legal scrutiny, with the matter pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court for several months. The latest appointment comes on the heels of a recommendation by a duly constituted selection committee.
Dr Singh brings with him an impressive legacy of academic and research excellence. Recognised nationally for his contributions to nano-particle science, he played a key role in the development of ultra-sensitive radar systems for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He has also collaborated with leading international research institutions, including a reputed scientific body in Germany, on advanced nano-technology projects.
Holding several patents in the domain of nano-particles, Dr Singh has mentored numerous PhD scholars at HPU and has been credited with enhancing research standards during his earlier tenure at Baddi University. More recently, under his leadership, HPU secured approval for a state-of-the-art Radioactive Laboratory—an important milestone for scientific research in the state.
His appointment has been welcomed by the academic community, which sees it as a much-needed step towards restoring administrative stability and invigorating research activity at the university.
As the university enters a new chapter, stakeholders are hopeful that Dr Mahavir Singh’s blend of research acumen and institutional experience will steer HPU toward renewed academic excellence.
