The Bhagvan Shree Chakradhar Swami Chair, started by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University teo years ago, appears to be another white elephant added to the University.
The people of the region have seen fate of Ravindranath Tagore Chair earlier. Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Chair getting poor response and now Chankradhar Swami Chair has been added to the fleet of non-productive institutions.
The institutions should have been addition to advanced research in any University, have not taken any step towards advancement of academic activities. While inaugurating Chakdradhar Swami Chair it was proposed that advance research in Mahanubhav Sect, its literature will be initiated. The Chair also was expected to collect manuscripts and publish literature. The University, which has named its library (Knowledge Centre) after V B alias Bhausaheb Kolte has not been able to initiate research in his field. Dr Kolte was a great scholar in Mahanubhav Sect literature and culture.
Dr Pramod Munghate, who is heading the Chair, stated that within a few months of inauguration of the Chair, Corona pandemic adversely affected the activities. The Government had sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the Chair, the interest on which was to be utilised for the activities.
Two or three lectures were organised during the last two years. Unlike Tukadoji Maharaj Chair, this institution had not proposed any formal course to be conducted. However, research could have been initiated. Tukadoji Maharaj Chair had started MA degree course. However, there are no takers for it.
The University has a separate Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chair and also Department of Dr Ambedkar Thoughts, which is recognised by University Grants Commission. Those clearing degree in Dr Ambedkar Thoughts get employment in many universities and colleges. This is not the case with the students of either Tukadoji Maharaj Chair or Shree Chakradhar Swami Chair.
Some of those interested in carrying out study in Mahanubhav Sect, have stated that the institution is only a building of cement concrete. Even facilities of books, reading room are not available.
The University authorities are expected to provide reading material for the students. The literature studies and created by Dr Kolte can also be made available for the students.