The Executive Council of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to honour Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies (SIS), with the title of ‘Professor Emeritus’. The decision comes after Mr. Mattoo chose to retire voluntarily from the university.
His nomination was proposed by Rajesh Rajagopalan, a professor at the School of International Studies. Following discussions at an Executive Council meeting, the university agreed to award him the title from February 28, 2027, which is also his retirement date.
Mr. Mattoo has held several important positions during his academic career at JNU. Before becoming the Dean of SIS in 2024, he served as the Chair of the Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament.
He also previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu. Mr. Mattoo is currently the only Padma Shri award recipient affiliated with JNU.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Mattoo said that JNU had always been more than just a workplace for him. He described the university as his intellectual home and expressed his deep emotional connection with the institution.
“One may retire from a university’s service, but never from its embrace,” he said.
He also thanked JNU for giving him the Professor Emeritus title, explaining that the recognition held special meaning for him compared with his previous honours.
Mr. Mattoo added that positions and titles may change over time, but the affection of students, respect from colleagues and connection with the university remain important.
JNU currently has 16 professors who hold the Professor Emeritus title. The list includes well-known academics such as Romila Thapar and Zoya Hassan.
According to JNU’s guidelines, candidates for the title must have made important contributions to the university’s development and served as professors for at least 15 years. They must also be recognised as leading scholars at the national and international levels.
Their research, publications and academic work should have made a significant contribution to their field or society.
The decision to honour Mr. Mattoo recognises his long academic career and his contributions to JNU and higher education.