Dr Subhash Chaudhari, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University passed away on Thursday morning at a private hospital. He was 59. He leaves behind father Rambhau, mother Anusaya, wife Rasika, two daughters Priyal and Isha and a host of relatives to mourn his loss. Last rites were performed at Ambazari ghat. His elder daughter Dr Priyal lit the pyre. Dr Chaudhari was suffering from liver disease for the last one month. About 20 days ago he was admitted to first at Arihant Hospital and then at KIMS-Kingsway Hospital. In last five days, his condition deteriorated and doctors had decided to shift him to a hospital in metro city through air ambulance. As his condition was very critical, the decision to airlift him was dropped. Dr Chaudhari’s contributions to the academic field were widely recognised.

 

The untimely death of Dr Chadhari has left a void in education circle. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed deep grief on the demise of Dr Chaudhari. In his tweet Gadkari says, ‘The news of death of Dr Chaudhari saddened me. His contribution to education field was outstanding. He will ever be remembered as a soft-spoken person who gave priority to the students’ interests’. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister condoled the death of Dr Chaudhari. ‘Dr Chaudhari had done a good work for the children of deprived class by taking efforts to get them proper education and health facilities. He had initiated in formation of skill development facilities for youths and women in rural area. I pay my condolences,’ said Fadnavis in his tweet. Education: Dr Chaudhari did his graduation in Civil Engineering, acquired a master’s degree and PhD. He had a vast experience in teaching, research and administration. He was appointed as Vice-Chancellor of RTMNU in August, 2020.

 

Before being appointed as Vice-Chancellor, he served as Professor and Principal of J D College of Engineering and Management. He had also worked as Pro-Vice Chancellor of RTMNU. He had worked on various bodies in different capacities. Tenure: During Dr Chaudhari’s tenure, RTMNU witnessed grand events like Indian Science Congress, Indian Pharmaceutical Congress, centenary celebration. President, Vice-President of India visited the university. Suspension: Dr Chaudhari was suspended by the Chancellor and Governor on February 21, 2024, on the charges of violating the university rules.

 

The court, had termed his suspension as illegal and observed that proper procedure was not followed. Dr Chaudhari assumed the charge as RTMNU’s VC on April 11. Citing the reason that his presence would create hurdles in the enquiry, Chancellor again suspended him on July 4, 2024. Surprisingly, no enquiry was started till now. He had approached court against the newly drafted statute by which Vice-Chancellor can be put under suspension. Mohan Mate, MLA of Bharatiya Janata Party; Atul Londhe, Congress Spokesperson; Dr Murlidhar Chandekar and Dr Kamal Singh, former Vice Chancellors of Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University paid visit to the residence of Dr Chaudhari. A condolence meeting was held at Ambazari ghat presided over by Dr Sanjay Dudhe, Pro-Vice-Chancellor. It was attended by Ashok Dhawad, ex-MLA; Dr Raju Hiwase, Registrar of RTMNU; Dr Anil Hirekhan, Registrar of Gondwana University; Dr Praful Sable, ex-Director of Board of Examinations and Evaluation, Dr Sanjay Kavishwar, Dean, Commerce and Management; Dr Kalpana Pandey, President of Vidyapeeth Shikshan Manch, Dr Shyamrao Koreti, Dean, Humanities; Dr Puranchandra Meshram, ex-Registrar of RTMNU; Dr Dattatray Watmode, ex-Dean; Yogesh Bhute, Member of Management Council; Dr Santosh Kasbekar, Dr Satish Chaple, members of Shikshan Manch, others, were present.