It took 13 years. But Arunachal Pradesh finally has one of its own at the helm of Apex Professional University — and the moment has sent ripples of pride across the state’s academic community.
A Historic First at APU’s Doors
Dr. Tayek Talom has been appointed the new Vice Chancellor of Apex Professional University (APU) in Pasighat, becoming the first person from Arunachal Pradesh to hold the post in the university’s 13-year history. That’s not a small thing. For over a decade, the top chair of one of the state’s most prominent private universities had never been occupied by a local. That changes now. Dr. Talom officially assumed charge on August 1, 2026, after taking the Oath of Allegiance administered by the university’s Chancellor, Acharya Dhanwant Singh, during a formal ceremony.
The Man Behind the Milestone
This appointment didn’t come out of nowhere. A seasoned educationist and academic administrator, Dr. Talom previously served as the Director of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. He brings with him decades of ground-level understanding of what the state’s education system needs — not just in theory, but in practice. That’s exactly the kind of leadership APU has been waiting for. He’s someone who has seen the system from both ends, and that perspective matters enormously.
What He Plans to Change
Addressing the university community after assuming office, Dr. Talom said his focus would be on building a student-centric institution driven by academic excellence, innovation, research, creativity, discipline, ethical leadership and enhanced employability. He stressed the need to create an academic environment that nurtures talent and equips students to meet emerging challenges. Bold words — but given his track record, there’s reason to believe he means every one of them. He also outlined plans to strengthen research and innovation, promote interdisciplinary learning, integrate emerging technologies into education and expand collaborations with industries and academic institutions. He made clear that accessibility and inclusivity in higher education aren’t afterthoughts — they’re central to his vision.
A University That’s Been Growing
Established under the Apex Professional University Act, 2013, the university is a UGC-recognised state private university and a member of the Association of Indian Universities. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and research programmes across disciplines including law, forensic sciences, education, liberal arts, management, technology, pharmacy, nursing, paramedical sciences, naturopathy, yogic science, architecture and planning. APU is no small institution. It covers a wide academic canvas, and having a leader who understands Arunachal’s aspirations at its top could meaningfully shape where the university heads next.
Arunachal’s Moment
This appointment is more than a professional milestone for one individual. It signals something the state has long deserved — local representation, local leadership, and a local voice shaping the future of higher education. For students in Pasighat and beyond, Dr. Tayek Talom’s rise is proof that the talent has always been here. It just needed the right door to open.
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