Thu Dec 18 14:15:20 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

Summary:

The Senate of the University of Calicut (CU) has elected R. Ramakumar, a member of the Kerala State Planning Board and professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, as their nominee for the search-cum-selection committee that will choose a new Vice-Chancellor. The election took place after two previous nominees declined the position and following a direction from the Kerala High Court.
News Article:

University of Calicut Senate Elects R. Ramakumar to VC Search Committee

KOZHIKODE, December 18, 2025 (The Hindu) – R. Ramakumar, a member of the Kerala State Planning Board and Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, has been elected as the University of Calicut (CU) Senate’s nominee for the crucial search-cum-selection committee tasked with finding a new Vice-Chancellor.

The election took place at a special senate meeting held at the university campus in Tenhipalam, Malappuram, today. According to sources, 58 members participated in the process, presided over by senior member M. Rajan. Mr. Ramakumar, proposed by pro-Left members, secured 33 votes, defeating Achuthsankar S. Nair, backed by the United Democratic Front (UDF) who received 20 votes, and K. Muralidharan, proposed by pro-BJP members, who garnered 4 votes.

This election marks the third attempt by the senate to select a nominee for the panel, after previous nominees Dharmaraj Adat and A. Sabu declined the position on August 23 and October 30, respectively. Today’s meeting was prompted by a directive from the Kerala High Court, following a challenge by the State government to the Chancellor’s constitution of the search-cum-selection committee on October 31. The court had also mandated that the university obtain the consent of the chosen senate nominee.

While pro-UDF members inquired about Mr. Ramakumar’s consent, pro-Left members indicated that the University Registrar would be responsible for informing him of the Senate’s decision. The selection committee will play a vital role in shaping the future leadership of the University of Calicut.

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