NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to replace the term “Kulpati” with “Kulguru” for its vice-chancellor in all degree certificates and academic records, three years after such a change was first proposed.JNU made the decision during a meeting of its Executive Council in April.The minutes of the meeting stated as agenda: “To change/rename of designation from ‘Kulpati’ to ‘Kulguru’ for the signature on the degree certificates and other academic documents.”The directive has been marked for action by the Controller of examinations.“‘Kulguru’ is not only culturally significant but also gender-neutral, offering a more inclusive alternative to the conventional titles used in Indian universities,” news agency PTI quoted a JNU official as saying.In Hindi, “pati” means husband, while “guru” translates to teacher, a gender-neutral term. ‘Symbolic gesture’: JNUSU presidentReacting to the move, JNU Students’ Union president Nitish Kumar said that instead of “symbolic gestures”, the Delhi-based university should work towards “concrete gender justice.”“Along with changing ‘Kulpati’ to ‘Kulguru’, the VC should also fulfill the demands for gender-neutral washrooms and gender-neutral hostels. Move beyond symbolic gestures and work towards concrete gender justice,” Kumar wrote on X.Not first such name-change The university move is in line with similar changes already implemented by the Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments.In February, Rajasthan passed an amendment to adopt “Kulguru” and “Pratikulguru” for “Kulpati” and “Upkulpati”, a decision approved the following month.In July last year, Madhya Pradesh unanimously approved an amendment that the vice-chancellors of the universities in the state will be addressed as “Kulguru”.
