Rajarshi Janak University Holds Its First Convocation Ceremony
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that Rajarshi Janak University will emerge as a hub for quality education. As the Chancellor of the university, he made this statement during the university’s first convocation ceremony held in Janakpurdham on Tuesday. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to quality education by aligning the university’s goals with national priorities.
The Prime Minister emphasized that organizing the first convocation at this significant center of knowledge and philosophy marks a major step forward for the region. He noted that the university's delayed progress reflected historical neglect caused by selfish governance and disorder. He said, "This area had fallen behind due to mismanagement and selfish leadership, but we are now advancing with the true practice of democracy."
Naming and National Significance
He highlighted that naming the university after Rajarshi Janak holds historical value. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that graduates of the university will be capable of competing globally with students from any nation. His message brought optimism for regional development and educational advancement in the days to come.
Founding Vision of Rajarshi Janak University
The initiative to establish Rajarshi Janak University began in 1996 (2053 BS), with a focus on promoting the Maithili language, arts, culture, and technical education. During the silver jubilee celebration of Ramsagar Ramswarup Multiple Campus (RRM Campus) in Janakpur, influential political leaders, representatives, intellectuals, social figures, and guardians collectively envisioned the creation of a university in the region.
An initial proposal committee recommended using the existing Ramsagar Ramswarup Multiple Campus (a constituent campus of Tribhuvan University) as the base institution for launching an autonomous public university in Janakpur.
Academic Leadership and Technical Priorities
According to Vice Chancellor Dr. Amar Prasad Yadav, who has 28 years of experience at Tribhuvan University, Rajarshi Janak University is now pivoting towards technical education. The university prioritizes fields such as:
-
Agriculture
-
Forestry
-
Engineering
-
Information Technology
In addition, the university is leading a unique research initiative titled "Mithila Village" focused on Eastern philosophy, Mithila art, and Vastu Shastra. The plan also includes:
-
Conservation of endangered cultural heritage
-
Development of the Ramayana Circuit
-
Research grounded in local identity
Current Academic Programs and Human Resources
The university currently runs 13 academic programs. It operates through four constituent campuses with 808 enrolled students. Additionally, 69 affiliated campuses are serving nearly 2,200 students across various locations.
The university’s personnel include:
-
30 contract-based faculty
-
50 course-based instructors
-
40 contract administrative staff
-
16 daily-wage staff
Areas of Study and Faculties
Rajarshi Janak University provides academic instruction across a wide range of disciplines, including:
-
Management
-
Education
-
Humanities
-
Science
-
Rural Development
-
Sociology
-
Information Technology
-
Public Health
-
Microbiology
-
Pharmacy
-
Medical Lab Technology
-
Nursing
-
Engineering
Despite challenges, the institution is gradually building its identity in the academic landscape.
Philosophical Roots and Cultural Mission
In line with its cultural and historical roots, the university proposed names connected to King Janak, emphasizing Eastern philosophy. Discussions held in Janak's court once centered around these same themes. Rajarshi Janak University was founded to offer study, research, and doctoral-level work based on this rich heritage.
Convocation