Lucknow, July 17 -- After the news of Prof Alok Kumar Rai's appointment as the director designate of IIM Calcutta was received, the academic circles here were abuzz with discussion on his contribution to Lucknow University as its vice chancellor.

The discussions centred on rankings to implementation of New Education Policy (NEP) to infrastructural and academic growth.

Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Manuka Khanna said the university did not have any major national or international rankings prior to Rai's tenure, but it was after he took charge that the university achieved NIRF, IIRF and QS rankings. Lucknow University also became the first university to get a NAAC A++ in the state.

"In terms of infrastructure, under his leadership, the Viveka...