Ciza Thomas, Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, assumed additional charge of V-C of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, on Friday (March 6, 2026).

She was received by Registrar Mothi George. She assumed charge a day after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar removed K.K. Geethakumary from the post of Vice-Chancellor of SSUS with immediate effect.

Ms. Thomas was quoted as saying in an official communication that the varsity would combine tradition and modernity while launching new projects and courses. She said the financial crunch faced by the varsity would be presented before the government. It would be discussed with Higher Education Minister R. Bindu during her visit to the campus on Saturday (March 7, 2026) to inaugurate various projects, the communication said.

Ms. Thomas said the varsity’s decision to consider a student of Bachelor of Fine Arts, who had failed in the examination in 2005, as having cleared the exam would be examined. He was later admitted to the Master of Fine Arts programme in violation of norms, according to a complaint lodged by Save University Campaign Committee before the Governor.