Lucknow: The Union ministry of culture has nominated Lucknow University vice-chancellor Alok Kumar Rai in a high-level committee led by Union home minister Amit Shah to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Harekrushna Mahatab, a freedom fighter and former chief minister of Odisha. Additionally, the Union ministry of education has nominated Rai to the general assembly of NCERT for a three-year term. Under Rai's leadership, LU has implemented NEP 2020 and achieved NAAC A++ accreditation, Category-1 status, and a place in the top 100 NIRF rankings.