The STAR Scholars Network has conferred its Lighthouse Leadership Award on Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), recognising his work in higher education leadership and institution-building. The ceremony took place in Washington, D.C. during international academic engagements.

The award recognises leadership in higher education, global scholarship, institutional development, international collaboration, and equitable education systems.

Dr. Uttam Gaulee, President of the Society of Transnational Academic Researchers, said Prof. Kumar’s work in building JGU has contributed to global academic leadership and institutional development.

Accepting the award, Prof. Kumar said he received it on behalf of JGU’s students, faculty and staff. He acknowledged the support of the university community and credited Founding Chancellor Naveen Jindal for his role in supporting academic freedom and institutional governance. He also thanked his family, teachers and mentors.

Awardees are selected through evaluation by the network’s leadership and advisory groups based on academic leadership, institutional development, research contributions, international partnerships, and inclusive knowledge systems.

Prof. Kumar is a legal scholar and education leader. Under his leadership, JGU has expanded multidisciplinary education, international partnerships, and public policy engagement. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of EducationWorld.

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