Phanithi Prakash Babu assumes office as Pondicherry University vice-chancellor

PUDUCHERRY: University of Hyderabad senior professor (biotechnology) Phanithi Prakash Babu assumed office as the vice-chancellor of Pondicherry University on Monday.

A release from the university said President Droupadi Murmu, who is also the visitor of the university, appointed Babu as the vice- chancellor. In an official communication dated March 6, the Union education ministry conveyed the President’s order.

After assuming office, Babu made a courtesy call on chief minister N Rangasamy at the legislative assembly. He later addressed all the deans and the heads of the departments on the university campus.

Babu's tenure will be for five years or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

A PhD in zoology, Babu did extensive research on neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. He received several awards, including the B P Pande Memorial Oration Award by the Indian Society for Parasitology in 2009 and the Tulsabai Somani Educational Trust Award by the Indian Academy of Neuroscience in 2002.