JGU Vice Chancellor Prof C Raj Kumar Conferred STAR Scholars Network's Lighthouse Leadership Award
Law School Correspondent
26 March 2026 6:11 PM IST
The STAR Scholars Network has conferred its Lighthouse Leadership Award on Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and Dean of Jindal Global Law School, in recognition of his contributions to global higher education, academic leadership, and institution-building.
The award ceremony, held as part of global academic engagements in Washington, D.C., highlighted leadership shaping the future of higher education. The Lighthouse Leadership Award is a global recognition instituted by the STAR Scholars Network to honour leaders in academia for their contributions to scholarship, institutional innovation, academic collaboration, and social impact.
Dr. Uttam Gaulee, President of the Society of Transnational Academic Researchers (STAR Scholars Network), stated that the award is among the organisation's highest recognitions, reserved for leaders contributing to higher education globally. He noted that Prof. Raj Kumar's role in institution-building and positioning India within global academic discourse reflects transformational leadership.
On receiving the award, Prof. Raj Kumar said that he accepted the recognition on behalf of the JGU community, including its students, faculty, and staff. He also acknowledged the contribution of the university's Founding Chancellor Naveen Jindal, along with his mentors and family, in supporting the institution's growth since its establishment in 2009.
The award recognises leadership in areas such as academic institution-building, global scholarship, international collaboration, and promotion of inclusive and equitable education systems. Recipients are selected through a process led by the STAR Scholars Network's leadership and advisory community based on demonstrated impact across these areas.
Prof. Raj Kumar is an academic and legal scholar who has led the development of JGU as a multidisciplinary university with international collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and engagement in public policy.
The STAR Scholars Network is a global non-profit academic community focused on advancing scholarly collaboration, research, and innovation in higher education.