'Kulguru' replaces 'Kulpati' at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Here's why

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to adopt the term ‘kulguru’ as the Hindi designation for its Vice-Chancellor, replacing the traditionally used ‘Kulpati’, with an aim to promote gender neutrality.

This change was proposed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit during an Executive Council meeting earlier this year, where she emphasised the appropriateness of ‘kulguru’ as a gender-neutral term that better reflects the role of a university head. The term ‘kulguru’ draws from the ancient Indian guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition, according to a report by The Indian Express.

The change will also be reflected in academic documentation, including degree certificates, Indian Express reported, citing university sources.

Vice-Chancellor Pandit, the first woman to hold the position at JNU, has been an advocate for gender-sensitive reforms within the university. Upon her appointment, she initiated changes in official communications, replacing gender-specific pronouns to foster inclusivity. She has also emphasised the need to remove stereotypical representations from educational materials and to create a more gender-friendly campus environment.