NEW DELHI: Kanwal Sibal is expected to assume the role of the new Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. Sibal, a former Foreign Secretary of India, has previously served as the Indian ambassador to Russia, Turkey, Egypt, and France.
Currently, V.K. Saraswat, the former Director-General of DRDO, holds the position of Chancellor at JNU. According to sources, the official confirmation of Kanwal Sibal’s appointment from the government is imminent.
Social media has already seen congratulatory messages pouring in for Ambassador Kanwal Sibal. JNU Professor Amitabh Mahtoo commented, “Excellent choice Ambassador Kanwal Sibal to be the new chancellor, congratulations, sir.”
Another JNU Professor, Heeraman Tiwari, expressed his joy, stating, “Heartiest congratulations to Kanwal Sibal. Welcome, sir, under your guidance JNU will certainly prosper. We are delighted with the news.”
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According to the JNU Act, a chancellor’s term spans five years, with the possibility of reappointment. The chancellor also presides over the university’s convocation for degree conferral, as per the Act.
Kanwal Sibal, a distinguished career diplomat, retired as the Foreign Secretary of the Government of India. He was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2017 in recognition of his outstanding service in the field of Public Affairs.
His career commenced in 1967 when he joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Kanwal Sibal maintains an active presence on social media, frequently sharing insights on geopolitics and India’s foreign policies. Additionally, he contributes opinion pieces to various media organizations. In 2017, he received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, from the then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.