Historic Moment: Indian-Origin Candidates in the Running for Oxford Chancellor!

39 Candidates, Including Indian-Origin Leaders, Compete for Oxford's Top Role!

The University of Oxford announced the 38 finalists for its new chancellor position, and most of the candidates are of Indian origin. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was excluded from this race due to his criminal convictions in his country. The finalists include Ankur Shiv Bhandari, the first Indian-origin Mayor of Bracknell Forest; Nirpal Singh Paul Bhangal, a Professor of International Entrepreneurship; and Pratik Tarvadi, a medical professional. Other notable senior politicians in the running include former Conservative Party leader Lord William Hague and former Labour politician Lord Peter Mandelson. These candidates will compete against academics, politicians, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs.

To be selected for the unpaid Chancellor role at the University of Oxford, candidates must demonstrate outstanding achievements in their respective fields and possess the ability to earn respect beyond their expertise. They are required to show a strong appreciation for the university's research and academic mission, as well as its global community, and possess the ambition to make it a world-class institution. Additionally, candidates must prove their ability and willingness to enhance the university's reputation at local, national, and international levels.

As Lord Patten, a former governor of Hong Kong, will retire at the end of the Trinity Term after serving 21 years as Chancellor, members of the University’s convocation will vote online to choose his successor. The first round of voting will take place in the week of October 28, and the top five candidates will be announced during the week of November 4. The second round of voting will start in the week of November 18, and the new chancellor of the University of Oxford will be announced in the week of November 25, serving a fixed term of up to 10 years.

The Chancellor, as the ceremonial head of Oxford University, oversees several important ceremonies and chairs the committee to elect the Vice-Chancellor. Additionally, the Chancellor engages in advocacy, advisory, and fundraising work, acting as an ambassador for the university at various national and international events. Ankur Shiv Bhandari stated that serving as the Chancellor of the University of Oxford would be the honor of his life, as this university has been a center of learning, research, and history for many centuries. Another candidate, Bhangal, emphasized his international connections and experience in developing new courses at Oxford University, expressing his belief in making significant contributions to the 21st century. Tarvadi views the position as an opportunity to promote inclusivity and innovation, noting that his international experience would help forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones.

The position has previously been held by notable figures, including former Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, former Labour Home Secretary Roy Jenkins, and Lord Patten.

Editor’s Note: 

The University of Oxford's announcement of 38 finalists for the Chancellor position highlights a diverse pool of candidates, including those of Indian origin. With the retirement of Lord Patten after 21 years, this election marks a significant moment for the university. To be selected for this renowned position, candidates must showcase their outstanding achievements and demonstrate a strong commitment to making the university a world-class institution.  The candidate's qualifications and visions for the role will play a crucial part in shaping the future of Oxford as a leading institution. 

Skoobuzz anticipates that this November, we will witness the crowning of the new Chancellor of Oxford University, who will be of Indian origin.