Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to replace the Hindi term “Kulapati” with the gender-neutral word “Kulguru” for the title of Vice Chancellor. According to media reports, the decision was shared during a recent Working Council meeting. The proposal came from JNU Vice Chancellor Shantisree Dhulipudi Pandit. Now, “Kulguru” will appear on degrees and official academic records.
The traditional Hindi term “Kulapati” means the head of an institution with “Kulguru,” which translates to “teacher.” It’s also a nod to India’s ancient academic heritage.
This change was in the pipeline for a long time. In 2022, JNU Vice Chancellor Shantisree Dhulipudi Pandit addressed an event highlighting the need for gender-neutral titles in official nomenclature. She had made an announcement to table the proposal at a crucial Executive Council meeting, which took place on September 14, and publicly backed substituting "Kulpati" with "Kulguru."
JNU does not stand alone in this initiative. In the earlier part of the year, Rajasthan launched the Rajasthan Universities' Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, requiring the utilization of "Kulguru" and "Pratikulguru" instead of "Kulpati" and "Pratikulpati" in every state university. The bill, which was approved in March 2025, explains the nomenclature as a move towards going back to hereditary Indian values in education.
Madhya Pradesh too had done so in the past. In July 2024, its Cabinet endorsed a proposal to formally confer on Vice Chancellors the title of "Kulguru." The state government described how the phrase helps deepen respect, bonding, and cultural identity a concept that saw unanimous nod among ministers.
