A Visionary Step for Assam’s Higher Education: Dr. Hitesh Deka Appointed as Vice Chancellor of Nagaon University
Heramba Nath
The recent appointment of Dr. Hitesh Deka as the Vice Chancellor of Nagaon University by the Government of Assam is not just a routine administrative development—it is a thoughtful and timely affirmation of ethical leadership, academic depth, and a long-standing commitment to public life. At a time when universities across India face challenges of relevance and integrity, this decision offers a breath of fresh air and signals the value of wisdom, experience, and grounded intellect in academic governance.
Dr. Deka’s life and career speak of a rare journey—from the grassroots of rural Assam to the highest offices of academic and public responsibility. His early schooling began at Bezera Lower Primary School near his home in Kamrup district, where the seeds of discipline, curiosity, and moral uprightness were sown. These foundational years were deeply influenced by his father, the late Prabhat Chandra Deka, who was not only the Headmaster of Bezpara Lower Primary School in their native village but also a man of remarkable moral character and social responsibility. Known for his punctuality, strict guardianship, and commitment to education, Late Prabhat Chandra Deka left a profound impact on his son’s early development. His principled life as a teacher and respected community figure imbued young Hitesh with values of duty, integrity, and compassion—qualities that would go on to define his personal and professional journey.
Dr. Deka continued his schooling at Bezera Higher Secondary School, and later pursued his Pre-University and Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Political Science from Pub-Kamrup College, Baihata Chariali—an institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his academic brilliance and leadership. During his time there, he was a brilliant student, well-known to the entire teaching and administrative staff for his dedication and sharp intellect. He was also a favourite student of the then Principal, Late Tarun Deka, a strict and smart administrative head, who recognised his exceptional potential and mentored him with affection and vision. Notably, he served as General Secretary of the Students’ Union at Pub-Kamrup College, marking the beginning of his early involvement in student leadership. These formative years were not only rich in academic achievement but also instrumental in building his character, communication skills, and deep sense of public responsibility.
Dr. Deka’s academic journey continued at Gauhati University, where he pursued his Master’s Degree and later his Ph.D. His university years were marked by intellectual immersion and vibrant campus participation. He was elected General Secretary of the Gauhati University Students’ Union—a rare distinction that reflected his growing influence as a youth leader, his powerful communication skills, and the trust he commanded among peers. Widely recognised for his deep thinking and articulate expression, Dr. Deka became a familiar figure in debates, public discussions, and intellectual exchanges, further enriching his leadership credentials.
He began his professional career as a lecturer at MNC Balika Mahavidyalaya, Nalbari, and later joined KC Das Commerce College, Guwahati. His lectures—insightful, engaging, and wide-ranging—were not just academic sessions, but deeply impactful conversations on literature, society, and values. As Principal of KC Das Commerce College, he led the institution through a phase of remarkable growth. His tenure saw a significant uplift in the academic environment, infrastructure, and student welfare—earning him deep appreciation across academic circles.
Dr. Deka also participated in numerous seminars at various colleges as a guest lecturer, where he delivered valuable lectures on relevant topics at an outstanding level. His presentations—marked by clarity, depth, and conviction—reflected a unique style and natural eloquence. The art of public speaking appears to be an innate gift in him, with his voice, diction, and narrative flow often described as god-gifted. His oratory skill has earned admiration from intellectuals, students, and audiences across disciplines, further cementing his reputation as an inspiring communicator and scholar.
Dr. Deka was later entrusted with major leadership roles in Assam’s higher education landscape. He served as Dean and then Vice Chancellor of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), where he innovated distance education and expanded learning accessibility across underserved regions. His next term as Vice Chancellor of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Vishwavidyalaya was marked by integrity, cultural consciousness, and a visionary approach to curriculum and governance.
Beyond administrative distinction, Dr. Hitesh Deka has been a prominent literary voice in Assam. Though not a career journalist, he served with intellectual grace as the Editor of the Assamese daily Dainik Asam, where his editorial columns earned wide acclaim. Moreover, he contributed as a columnist in several reputed Assamese newspapers, offering thoughtful reflections on social, cultural, and political themes. His articles carried valuable messages to society, often addressing complex issues with moral clarity and cultural depth. Many readers eagerly awaited his columns, which became a fixture of serious thought in Assam’s literary and journalistic landscape.
His formal political career began in 1991, when he was elected as a Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Kamalpur LAC, representing the Natun Asom Gana Parishad (NAGP) during the tenure of late Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia. His political involvement focused on youth empowerment, educational reform, and rural development—values that mirrored his life’s commitments in the academic and social spheres.
Throughout his career—as a teacher, administrator, writer, editor, and legislator—Dr. Hitesh Deka has been admired for his smiling presence, graceful demeanour, and rare ability to connect with people. He is amiable yet principled, humble yet confident, and his lectures remain etched in the memories of those who have heard him speak. Known for his gentle speech, intellectual clarity, and lively public interactions, he is regarded by many as an ideal human being and a scholar of outstanding character.
The Government of Assam’s decision to entrust Nagaon University to such a towering personality is not only wise but historic. It represents a recommitment to merit, academic freedom, and institutional excellence at a time when public universities urgently need inspired leadership.
As he takes charge, Dr. Hitesh Deka brings not just credentials, but vision—not just authority, but empathy. Rooted in rural Assam, and intellectually seasoned by decades of service across education, politics, and literature, he is poised to lead Nagaon University into a new era of innovation, relevance, and academic integrity.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Hitesh Deka on this richly deserved appointment. The students, scholars, and people of Assam look forward to a university that will thrive under his guidance—a university that will not merely function, but flourish; not merely teach, but inspire.
Indeed, this is not just an administrative posting—it is a historic affirmation of what true educational leadership should be. It is a step toward building institutions that reflect the intellectual spirit, cultural wisdom, and moral strength of Assam itself.