From Bouquets To Books: Prof Anil Kumar Rai’s Green Initiatives At MJPRU

Prof Anil Kumar Rai has assumed charge as the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU), Bareilly, succeeding Prof KP Singh

Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel appointed Prof Anil  Rai, who began his tenure on August 31, 2026

Prof Anil  Rai previously served as Vice Chancellor of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University in Rajasthan from September 2023 to August 2026

An accomplished academic and administrator, he holds PhDs in Journalism and Mass Communication and Hindi and has held several senior positions at prominent universities

During his Shekhawati tenure, Prof Anil  Rai advanced institutional innovation and student-focused administration through the Indian Knowledge Tradition Centre, Deendayal Research Centre and High-tech Media Lab. He strengthened student services through Radio Shekhawati 91.2 FM, automated examination systems and online degree facilities

Prof Anil  Rai strengthened campus infrastructure with green initiatives, hostels, healthcare facilities and knowledge parks, promoting accessible, technology-driven education.

At MJPRU, Prof Anil Rai has introduced two key measures to foster environmental consciousness, knowledge and social responsibility

The university will replace traditional bouquets at official events with books or living plants to honour guests

Prof Anil Rai said bouquets wither within days and eventually become waste, while books can cultivate knowledge and intellectual awareness, and plants symbolise life and leave a lasting ecological legacy. He stressed that universities must serve society beyond awarding degrees. They should use education to drive constructive social change.

Prof Anil Rai believes these small changes can strengthen environmental and social awareness. Books can promote reading, while plants can spread the message of ecological conservation.

As part of MJPRU’s goal of becoming completely plastic-free, Prof Anil Rai has prohibited sealed bottled water across the campus

During events, the university will replace plastic bottles with reusable glass or copper vessels, including traditional glasses, lotas and jugs

The university will prioritise safe drinking-water infrastructure and sustainable reusable alternatives

Prof Anil  Rai urged teachers, staff and students to keep the campus clean, green and sustainable. He encouraged cleanliness, plantation and plastic-free living in daily life.

Prof Anil Rai has integrated environmental responsibility into university practices. He further promotes sustainable living and the value of knowledge.

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