Pune, May 30: HE has been there for quite long. First, as a student, doing his post-graduation in arts and doctoral studies in Marathi. Then, a 19-year stint as a teacher before he shifted base to Pune as Professor and Head of Department of Marathi at the University of Pune (UoP) in 1996.

And nearly a decade since, noted Marathi litterateur Prof Nagnath Kottapalle finds himself headed once again for his alma mater, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University at Aurangabad. This time, as Vice-Chancellor.

Kottapalle’s appointment was announced on Monday by the office of Chancellor and Governor S M Krishna for a five-year term. ‘‘I feel greatly delighted and proud to head an institution where I have studied,’’ Kottapalle said, while speaking to Newsline about his plans and priorities.

‘‘Creating student-centric environment and a strong administration tops my agenda. Modernising the curriculum and introducing advanced courses like biotechnology and bioinformatics will also be my endeavour,’’ he said.

He did not seem worried that the Ambedkar Marathwada University has always been in the limelight for reasons like student unrest. ‘‘The image that comes through the media is not always the truth. There are several positives about the university. For instance, a large chunk of students from the socially-deprived class. Similarly, a historic museum and storage of rare manuscript and study material of great researchers,’’ he said. ‘‘Providing a conducive atmosphere furthering research at the university will be my endeavour,’’ he added.

He said traditional universities had nothing to worry about challenges from globalisation of higher education as long as they ensured a constant update of curriculum to suit the changing times. ‘‘Our students are our real strength,’’ he said, pointing out that barely 7 to 8 per cent of students had access to higher education. In a globalised atmosphere, even if some of the remaining 90-odd per cent students turned to traditional varsities, there would be no problems, he added. Also, there would be greater competitiveness among traditional universities and those setting up base from foreign countries or private universities, he said.