Breaking a century-old glass ceiling, President Droupadi Murmu has appointed professor Naima Khatoon as the first woman vice-chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Seen as part of the BJP government’s Muslim women outreach, the timing of the appointment, days ahead of the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, is noteworthy.
Pending for a while, the appointment is also being seen as a message to the Muslim world as the AMU vice-chancellor holds an important position in the community in India and abroad. Ms. Khatoon took charge from her spouse professor Mohammad Gulrez who was officiating as the vice-chancellor for almost one year.
