Prof. Ashok Kumar Mehta Assumes Charge as Head of Department, Prof. Arun Kumar Karn Given a Warm Farewell
Darbhanga: A dignified ceremony was organized at the Postgraduate (PG) Department of Maithili at Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU) on Friday, where Prof. Ashok Kumar Mehta officially assumed charge as the new Head of the Department (HoD). Faculty members, research scholars, staff, and students welcomed him with the traditional Mithila Paag (ceremonial headgear) and shawl, symbolizing respect and honor. On the occasion, former Head of the Department Prof. Arun Kumar Karn was given a heartfelt farewell in recognition of his valuable academic contributions and successful tenure.
Participants described the occasion as an important milestone for the department and expressed confidence that under the new leadership, the department would continue to achieve greater academic excellence and expand its educational initiatives.
Traditional Welcome Marks the Beginning of a New Chapter
The charge-handover ceremony was conducted with simplicity and dignity in the department premises. As Prof. Ashok Kumar Mehta formally took over as Head of the Department, faculty members and staff honored him with the traditional Mithila Paag and shawl, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The ceremonial welcome was warmly received, and attendees greeted the new HoD with applause and best wishes for his tenure.
Emotional Farewell to Prof. Arun Kumar Karn
Another significant moment of the event was the farewell accorded to outgoing Head of the Department, Prof. Arun Kumar Karn. Faculty members, research scholars, and students praised his leadership and acknowledged his efforts in strengthening the department's academic standards.
Speakers highlighted that during his tenure, Prof. Karn promoted research activities, encouraged academic excellence, and initiated several student-centric programs. Under his leadership, the department successfully organized numerous academic seminars, literary events, and scholarly discussions, enhancing its reputation within the university.
Several participants became emotional while expressing gratitude for his guidance, mentorship, and dedication to the department.
New HoD Expresses Gratitude
After assuming office, Prof. Ashok Kumar Mehta thanked the faculty members, staff, and students for the warm welcome and confidence shown in him.
He said that serving as the Head of the Department is not merely an administrative responsibility but also an opportunity to preserve and strengthen the department's academic traditions. He emphasized that his primary focus would be on promoting quality education, encouraging research, enhancing academic activities, and ensuring the overall development of students.
Prof. Mehta also appealed to all faculty members and staff to work together with a spirit of teamwork to achieve new milestones for the department.
Special Focus on Research and Academic Excellence
Prof. Mehta stated that higher education institutions today face the challenge of maintaining academic quality while encouraging innovation and research. He stressed the importance of strengthening research projects, organizing national seminars, workshops, and academic conferences, and creating a vibrant learning environment.
He also expressed his commitment to implementing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) by promoting modern teaching methods, digital learning resources, and interdisciplinary academic activities.
Commitment to the Promotion of Maithili Language and Literature
Speakers at the ceremony emphasized the need to preserve and promote Maithili language, literature, and culture, noting that the PG Maithili Department at LNMU has long played a significant role in this mission.
They expressed hope that under Prof. Mehta's leadership, the department would launch new initiatives to encourage literary research, preserve manuscripts, promote Maithili studies, and inspire young scholars to pursue advanced research in the language.
Students Express High Expectations
Students and research scholars welcomed the appointment of the new Head of the Department and expressed confidence that academic activities would receive further momentum under his leadership.
They said that regular classes, improved research guidance, literary programs, and support for competitive examinations would greatly benefit students. At the same time, they thanked Prof. Arun Kumar Karn for his continuous guidance and mentorship throughout his tenure.
Faculty Members Extend Best Wishes
Faculty members congratulated Prof. Ashok Kumar Mehta on his new responsibility and expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would help the department achieve new academic milestones.
They also appreciated the contributions of Prof. Arun Kumar Karn, noting that many of the academic initiatives introduced during his tenure would continue to benefit the department in the years ahead.
Strengthening the University's Academic Tradition
Education experts believe that the progress of any academic department depends on effective leadership, committed faculty members, and active student participation. In this context, the appointment of a new Head of the Department is viewed as an opportunity to introduce fresh ideas and strengthen academic excellence.
If the department continues to prioritize quality teaching, research, innovation, and literary scholarship, it is expected to further enhance its reputation at both the state and national levels.
A New Beginning with Fresh Expectations
The leadership transition in the PG Department of Maithili at Lalit Narayan Mithila University has been widely welcomed by the university community. The appointment of Prof. Ashok Kumar Mehta has raised expectations that the department will move forward with renewed energy, innovative academic initiatives, and a stronger focus on research and student development.
At the same time, the contributions of Prof. Arun Kumar Karn were remembered with deep respect and appreciation. Members of the university community expressed confidence that under the new leadership, the department would continue to make significant contributions to the promotion of Maithili language, literature, and culture while achieving new milestones in higher education.