Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 16: St. Xavier’s College has appointed Karuna Gokarn as its principal, making her the first woman to lead the prestigious institution in its 156-year history. A microbiologist with over three decades at Xavier’s, Gokarn has taught biology and held several key academic and administrative roles.

Gokarn, 55, had been serving as interim principal since May 2025 following the retirement of Rajendra Shinde. The board of governors has now confirmed her appointment, which is pending state government approval. She will serve a five-year tenure.

Speaking to TOI, Gokarn highlighted key challenges facing the Jesuit institution, including a shortage of government-sanctioned teaching posts and high faculty turnover. She also outlined plans to achieve university status for St. Xavier’s and emphasized her vision to strengthen research and foster a deeper culture of scientific inquiry.

Before becoming principal, Gokarn served as vice principal in charge of academics and led committees on NEP 2020 implementation and institutional quality standards. Over her 31 years at the college, she credited the institution with shaping her as much as she shaped it.

Keith D’Souza, the college rector, described her as “a quiet professional, respectfully assertive and never afraid to put her point forward. She is pleasant and firm at the same time, and her organizational acumen is among her best qualities.”

Gokarn praised the college’s Jesuit values and adaptability, noting, “Our biggest strength is our values and our ability to respond to the changing times and expectations of higher education.” She added that students are the defining legacy of Xavier’s and expressed her commitment to carry that legacy forward.

On faculty concerns, Gokarn explained, “Due to vacancies, we have to take on teachers on an ad-hoc basis. After a few years of experience, they move on to other opportunities because of the lack of job security and pay.”