‘Need to promote inter-disciplinary research’
   Date :14-Feb-2020
Need to promote inter dis
 
RTMNU V-C Dr S P Kane lighting the traditional lamp to mark inauguration of ICAPCM while Dr Manikrao Salunkhe, and other dignitaries look on. (Pics by Anil Futane)
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
 
“Our universities are lagging behind in the field of research, because we have limited it in the frames of rules. There is need to promote and support inter-disciplinary research and the first step towards it is this conference. This is also being envisaged in the new education policy”, said Dr Manikrao Salunkhe, Vice-Chancellor of Bharati Vidyapeeth (deemed to be University), Pune and President of Association of Indian Universities. Dr Salunkhe was delivering the inaugural address of International conference on ‘Advances in Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences’ (ICAPCM), organised by Department of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science and Laxminarayan Institute of Technology of RTM Nagpur University (RTMNU), here on Thursday. Vice-Chancellor of RTMNU Dr S P Kane presided over. Officiating Registrar and Working Chairman of ICAPCM, Dr Govardhan Khadekar, Chairman, ICAPCM, Dr Neeraj Khaty, Director of LIT Dr Raju Mankar, Director of Innovation and Incubation Centre Dr Rajesh Singh, heads of various departments were seated on the dais.
 
Dr Salunkhe said that the universities must come out of the bureaucratic system and break boundaries of faculties and subjects to promote inter-disciplinary research. He quoted several examples of scientists who won Nobel Prizes, to inform that they were awarded the prize in subject which they did not opt during their college days, but worked on it after formal education. The nations which made progress in research followed industrial revolution from the ancient agrarian society and then promoted inter-disciplinary research. In India we started working in pursuit of knowledge directly from agriculture and followed it in bureaucratic manner. Even accepted structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick was not the first attempt.
 
The research was started by French researcher in 1860, about 100 years before Watson and Crick. The structure presented is not only related to biology, but also chemistry, physics and mathematics. Dr Salunkhe also referred to importance of Fuji Logic research in mathematics and statistics, used widely in the field of electronics. He quoted example of P C Mahalanobis, who was a student of physics and later came to be known as father of Statistics. Prof Sukhatme was instrumental in working out methods of overcoming drought situation of 1974 through inter-disciplinary studies. In the new education policy the government is supporting inter-disciplinary studies. RTMNU has taken a step through this conference towards the same. A compendium of abstracts of research papers was released on the occasion. Dr Khadekar made introductory remarks and delivered welcome address. Dr M M Karde introduced the guest. Dr Manisha Joshi and Dr Priyanka Warnekar conducted the proceedings. Dr V M Tangde proposed a vote of thanks. The parallel technical sessions will be held in the university campus, Amravati Road, from Friday. 
 

RTMNU to host Indian Nati 
‘RTMNU to host Indian National Congress in its centenary year’ The inter-disciplinary conference is preparation for Indian Science Congress, which Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) proposed to host in its 100th year of establishment. The University 97 years of formation. In his presidential address Dr Kane stated that he had to refuse the offer of hosting Indian National Congress, because of very short notice. Hyderabad was unable to host the mega event because of some problems and RTMNU was in the process of formation of various bodies, as per new Maharashtra Public Universities Act. Six departments have joined hands to organise this inter-disciplinary conference, for which over 1,000 participants have registered.
 

78 year old phd _1  
Special felicitation of 78-year-old PhD recipient A special felicitation was accorded to Dr Shrichandra Shrivastava, who acquired doctoral degree (PhD) in Chemistry, at the age of 78. Dr Shrivastava was awarded PhD during the convocation held recently. A retired government employee, Shrivastava could not pursue post-graduation in Chemistry as he received government job. He did M Sc in Chemistry by taking unpaid leave of two years and after retirement from service registered for PhD and completed it at the age of 78. His enthusiasm and determination was appreciated during the International conference on Thursday. He was honoured at the hands of Vice-Chancellor Dr S P Kane.
 

Salunkhe_1  H x 
50 Centre of Excellence in sports to be created at varsities: Salunkhe With the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an ambitious project of Khelo India for college students has been launched. It will be held across the nation from February 22 to March 2. Earlier it was for students between 6 years and 17 year. Dr Manikrao Salunkhe, President of Association of Indian Universities stated that under the programme 50 Centre of Excellence will be created on the lines of Sports Academy, attached to the universities. The government has made financial provision for the programme. About Rs 50,000 will be spent per student, who excel in any sport.
 
New Education Policy to promote interdisciplinary research Referring to the new education policy Dr Salunkhe said the universities of three categories are being promoted - dedicated to research, to research and teaching and to teaching only. The Union Government has allocated Rs 20,000 crore for research and is promoting inter-disciplinary research. The institutions of higher education will be disaffiliated and will be allowed to award degrees. The curriculum guidelines have been framed by the UGC, 80% of which will have to be followed for uniformity. The institutions will be able to frame 20% of the syllabus based on local needs. National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) will be independent agency and will be responsible for framing policy. For the first time Quality Mandate has been given by the government under its new Education Policy, which is necessary for development of the nation.
 
V-C Dr Kane honoured The Organising Committee of the International Conference honoured Vice-Chancellor Dr S P Kane by offering shawl, shreefal, memento and a scroll of honour. Dr Kane is completing his tenure as VC in the first week of April. Replying to the felicitation Dr Kane said that he is overwhelmed by the felicitation in a gathering of academicians. Dr Kane quoted an example of Bhim, a Pandava, whose hunger was satisfied immediately only when his mother Kunti offered him a Laddu. Dr Kane said that he is happy that his mother, the University, is felicitating him. Dr Kane has been associated with the University for last 37 years. In a chocked voice Dr Kane expressed his feelings after the felicitation, along with his wife Nila Kane. He stated that this part of the programme was a surprise for him and was not informed earlier by the organisers. The scroll of honour was read by Dr Amruta Indurkar from Department of Marathi of RTMNU.