Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director of the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha, Koraput.According to a July 2 notification issued by Department of Higher Education under Ministry of Education, he will hold the position for a term of five years or until he attains the age of 70, whichever is earlier.“It is a great honour to be appointed as Vice-Chancellor of a Central University located in the tribal heartland of Odisha. The challenges are enormous, but I am determined to devote my full strength to ensure that the university reaches greater heights,” he said.A senior scientist with extensive experience across various CSIR institutions, Dr. Shasany has made notable contributions to botanical research. He was instrumental in developing a new variety of lotus at CSIR-NBRI, named ‘NBRI Namoh 108’, distinguished by its 108 petals.He has also taken a keen interest in promoting floriculture across India, including Odisha, to enhance farmers’ incomes through flower cultivation. Moreover, he played a significant role in reviving endangered flower species traditionally used in rituals at the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Published - July 04, 2026 04:11 am IST