Gujarat University Alumni Association dormant

Ahmedabad : Gujarat University has long highlighted its notable alumni, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, as a point of pride. However, beneath the surface, the university’s Alumni Association has been dormant for years, raising questions about its effectiveness and engagement with graduates.

Established in 2016, the Gujarat University Alumni Association (GUAA) has not conducted any activities since its inaugural event in the same year. The association’s website indicates that the last recorded event was on October 13, 2016, leaving many alumni and stakeholders questioning its purpose and utility.

The importance of alumni engagement is underscored by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which awards up to 10 marks for alumni activities as part of its evaluation criteria. However, Gujarat University failed to apply for the renewal of its NAAC grade last year, which currently stands at a B+. This lack of proactive measures reflects poorly on the university’s efforts to maintain a vibrant alumni network.

Despite the university’s proud assertions of its influential graduates, the GUAA’s inactivity has prompted concern among alumni and educational stakeholders. Notably, the university has showcased figures such as PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and former Chief Minister Anandi Patel as part of its legacy. Yet, the absence of a functional alumni association undermines the potential benefits that could arise from fostering connections among these prominent figures and current students.

Adding to the university’s challenges, the Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea from Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, related to a criminal defamation case concerning PM Modi’s academic degree from Gujarat University. This legal issue further complicates the university’s public image, especially given the ongoing scrutiny of its operational standards.