Prof. V. K. Jain, Dean of Students' Welfare, JNU
interviewed by Bhoomika Meiling for JNU News

Bhoomika: When and how did your association with JNU begin?

Prof. Jain: I joined JNU in 1985 as Associate Professor in School of Environmental Sciences. I did my Ph.D from School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Sussex University, Brighton, U.K. The field of my research then was plasma physics. Before going to U.K., I did my masters in Physics from AMU. On coming back from Sussex University in 1983, I joined Physics Department, IIT Delhi, as a scientist in the CSIR Pool scheme. A year and half later, I was selected as Associate Professor of Physics in SES, JNU. 

Bhoomika: What is the area of your research presently?

Prof. Jain: My present research interests, in addition to plasmas, are in the area of air and noise pollution, and energy use and its implication. 

Bhoomika: Since you are working on air pollutants, how would you comment on the present debates on global warming?

Prof. Jain: There is strong evidence that global warming is indeed happening and is having an impact on various ecosystems. But it would be premature to say that frequent occurrences of hurricanes, floods and excessive precipitation in Europe and other extreme climatic events are all directly caused by global warming. 

Bhoomika: Before being appointed as the Dean of Students’ Welfare, what other administrative posts have you held?

Prof. Jain: I have held various administrative positions from time to time, beginning with Chairman of Sports in1994, then Provost and, later, Associate Dean of Students. For a short while, I was also the Chief Proctor. Then, I became the Dean of SES for two years during 2006-2008.

Bhoomika: How do you find the balance between your research work and administrative duties?

Prof. Jain: A certain amount of discipline and time management is helpful in finding the balance.

Bhoomika: What are your hobbies?

Prof. Jain: Basically sports are my passion. In particular, badminton, tennis and cricket are my favourites. Though, these days I find time to play only badminton! 

Bhoomika: Did you ever play formally for a team as a student?

Prof. Jain: Yes, I did play badminton for Sussex University for a short while (1980-1981).

Bhoomika: What new projects is the Dean of Students’ Welfare office working on in 2008-2009?

Prof. Jain: Right now, we are waiting for the completion of the 544-seater co-ed hostel Koyna. Hopefully, it will ready in all aspects by the end of December, so that allotment can begin next semester. The University Administration has agreed in principle to have another hostel of similar capacity in near future. We have proposals to add tennis courts, a basketball court and a separate building for Yoga Kendra on the campus in near future.

Bhoomika: Is it true that more girls have been admitted to JNU this year than boys? How is your office handling the challenges arising due to such a situation?

Prof. Jain: As compared to last year, the number of girls this year has increased considerably. As an interim measure, on the initiation of JNUSU, we have created dormitory facility in Chandrabhaga hostel to accommodate some more girls apart from the regular allotments. The problem of their residence will be completely taken care of once Koyna starts functioning. 

Bhoomika: Since your office involves direct contact with students and their problems, do you experience too much pressure at times? How do you handle it?

Prof. Jain: Although we welcome inputs from JNUSU, hostel presidents, and from the student community in general, yet at times frequent protests and demonstrations take a lot of our time. We do consider very sincerely the constructive ideas brought in by students. As far as day to day running of the hostel affairs are concerned, the wardens try to engage with students through mess and hostel committee.

Bhoomika: What message would you like to give to the JNU community?

Prof. Jain: I wish that all of us work in synergy to realize the vision of the present Administration to make this university a world-class one not only in terms of academics but also in terms of infrastructure and facilities.