Kashmir University VC dedicates Padma Shri to Tagore, Nehru

Srinagar, Jan 27 (PTI) Vice Chancellor of KashmirUniversity Riyaz Punjabi, who has been conferred with PadmaShri this Republic Day, said he drew inspiration from greatslike Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore.

An elated Punjabi said he dedicated this award to the"great minds of India" who inspired him through out his life.

"I dedicate this award to the great minds of India likeRabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru who have always beenan inspiration for me," he told PTI.

Punjabi said he felt "elated, happy and honoured" forbeing conferred the honour. "I am satisfied that Republic hasacknowledged my work and efforts," he said.

Punjabi, who is a Doctorate in Law, has had a careerspanning over 40 years in academics and research.

He has authored six books and was a professor at theCentre for the Study of Social Systems in Jawaharlal NehruUniversity. Punjabi has contributed more than 200 researchpapers in national and international journals.

Punjabi was among 83 awardees in this year''s Padma Shrilist which was announced earlier this week.

Referring to the criticism from certain sections aboutimposing a ban on student politics in the university campus,Punjabi said under the current circumstances allowing suchactivities was not possible.

"This is one area that people do not understand, it is anabnormal situation here and you never know what agenda peoplecome up with," he said, adding if the situation improvesstudent politics might be allowed on the campus.