Gujarat University has finally ended its prolonged wait for a permanent Vice Chancellor, with Dr Prithrul Desai being appointed to the post. Desai is currently serving as the Principal of Sir P T Public College of Science, Surat. The appointment has been made in the name of the Governor under Section 10(4) of the Gujarat Public Universities Act, 2023.
Desai will hold the position for five years from the date he assumes charge or until he turns 65, whichever comes earlier. He will succeed In-charge Vice Chancellor Jagdish Joshi.
Educational Background
Dr Desai holds a PhD in Nuclear Physics, which he received from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), Surat, in 2010. In 2007, he became the first person from Gujarat to clear the State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) in Physics on his first attempt.
He completed his MSc in Physics (Electronics) from VNSGU in 1993, securing the first rank in the university with 62% marks. He had also topped the university in his BSc Physics examination in 1991, scoring 77%.
Professional Career and Achievements
Desai has been serving as Principal of Sir P T Public College of Science (Autonomous), Surat, since May 2012. Before that, he worked as a Physics lecturer at Navyug Science College, Surat, from December 1994 to May 2012.
His contributions to education have also earned him several recognitions. He received the Chunilal Ghelabhai Shah Education Ratna Award for 2021-22. In 2023, he was honoured with the SGCCI Golden Jubilee Mahavir Synthesis Award in the Outstanding Institute/College of Education category. He had earlier received the SGCCI Outstanding Institute Award for 2012-13.