CHANCELLOR
Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita (Rtd.) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM
An astute Military General with four decades of experience in the domain of higher military leadership, strategic planning and decision making, multi-domain training, capability development and general administration, Lt. Gen R P Kalita retired as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command where he covered a span of nine states sharing boundaries with five countries. He holds the distinction of becoming the first officer from the State of Assam and the North East who achieved this rank. Lt. Gen Kalita also brings extensive experience in planning and directing operations of large defence organizations as well as national security and strategic management, disaster management, material management and supply chain management.
An alumnus of Sainik School Goalpara he attended training in National Defence Academy Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy Dehradun and was commissioned to 9 KUMAON in 1984. He has served extensively in the operational areas of Jammu & Kashmir and North East India, which shaped his military acumen. He has also operated during Op Pawan in Sri Lanka in the early part of his career and has commanded a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Kashmir. He commanded a Division in challenging environment along the Line of Control in Kashmir and a strategically important Corps in the Northeast. His leadership and practical experience in some of the toughest parts of the country showcased his ability to navigate complex situations with tact and resilience. He has also served in peacekeeping missions in conflict zones under the United Nations in Sierra Leone and Sudan.
An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Higher Command and National Defence College, he also holds a MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from University of Madras (2014) and a MPhil in Defence and Management Studies from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore (2007). He was conferred upon D Lit Honoris causa by Arunachal University of Studies in February 2026. For his inspiring leadership and commitment to ensuring security of the nation he was awarded PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM and VSM. He was also honoured with Assam Vaibhav, the highest civilian award of Government of Assam.
After retirement he served as Chairman 7th Assam State Finance Commission and is presently working as Chairman AERC.
Message From Chancellor
"To meet the future challenges of an aspiring nation like ours, there is a need to empower the youth with traditional value based higher education adapted to move with the modern technologies. Pragjyotishpur University is designed to promote inquisitive learning rooted in tradition, innovation and research. The university strives to create a knowledge-based society which is future ready with strong nationalistic fervour and focused on nation building. Regards."