On Wednesday, 1st November 2023, the esteemed Research Professors at Srinivas University belonging to Social Science and Humanities gathered for a significant meeting. The session, chaired by the Honourable Chancellor, commenced at 11 am and concluded at 1.30 pm with a luncheon, marking a productive morning of insightful discussions and future planning. As one of the Research Professors at the University, I also got an opportunity to take part in this meeting.
The meeting began with a
prayer, setting a solemn tone for the proceedings. Dr. Anil Kumar, the
Registrar of Srinivas University, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and
delved into several key topics. He outlined the new guidelines for PhD admissions,
emphasizing that candidates would be allowed to present their research in the
final colloquium only after completing the initial Doctoral Committee Meetings
and necessary publications. This step is crucial before they can submit their
final reports.
Dr. Kumar also highlighted the
upcoming Research Conclave scheduled for December 2023, expressing his
eagerness for diverse paper presentations on various topics. He touched upon
the University's ongoing commitment to hosting a Conference on Culture, a tradition
that continues to enrich the academic environment.
The Chancellor of the
University, Sri Raghavendra Rao, was warmly welcomed. His vision and leadership
have been instrumental in the University's growth from a modest beginning with
seven students to now proudly enrolling over 16,000 students. His focus on
aligning with industry requirements and fostering a research-centric approach
has been a cornerstone of the University's success.
Dr. Kumar also extended his
greetings to the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Srinivas Rao, whose belief in the
University as a hub for research opportunities rather than just teaching has
been a guiding light. His innovative ideas have significantly contributed to the
University's development.
The stage was graced by
esteemed personalities, including Dr. PS Aithal, the former Vice-Chancellor,
Dr. Ajay Kumar, Registrar-Development, Deputy Registrar Dr. Srinivas Mayya, and
Registrar – Evaluation Dr. PS Aithal.
The event's formal
inauguration was marked by the dignitaries lighting lamps, symbolizing
enlightenment and knowledge.
The meeting then transitioned
to insights from various research guides. Dr. H R Ganesh, a Research Guide in
Management and Commerce, shared his extensive experience, starting as a
Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University. He outlined four critical dimensions
essential for any researcher pursuing a PhD: freedom in topic selection, a
robust support system, a rigorous yet flexible doctoral training program, and
adequate infrastructural support for publishing research findings. Dr. Ganesh
commended Srinivas University for successfully providing these elements,
contributing to the attraction of 700-800 research scholars for PhD and
post-doctoral degrees.
He also highlighted the
University's unique approach to doctoral training and the consortium of senior
researchers, which convenes every Saturday, allowing for an exchange of ideas
and perspectives. This flexibility and support system, he noted, are rare in
other institutions and have been pivotal in the increased enrolment in PhD
programs at Srinivas University.
Dr. Kadandale Ganesh Bhat, a
Sanskrit Scholar, expressed gratitude towards the University for giving
prominence to the Sanskrit language, acknowledging the need for more focus on
this ancient language in contemporary academia. He dwelt in detail in Kannada:
ನಾವು ಗಂಗೆಯ ಸ್ನಾನಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹೋಗುವ ಹಾಗೆ, ಗಂಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತ್ರ ಸ್ನಾನ ಮಾಡುವ ನಿರ್ಧಾರವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ಗಂಗೆಗೆ ಸೇರುವ ಪಕ್ಕದ ನದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾನ ಮಾಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದರೆ, ಆ ಹೊಳೆಯ ನೀರು ಗಂಗೆಗೆ ಸೇರಿದಾಗ, ಅದು ಗಂಗಾ ನೀರಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದೇ ರೀತಿ, ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅನೇಕ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸರು ಇದ್ದಾರೆ, ಅವರಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸಾಧನೆಗಾಗಿ ತವಕವಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೆ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳು ಸಿಗದೆ ಇದ್ದವು.
ನಮ್ಮ ಪೂಜ್ಯ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ರಾಯರು ಈ ಸಾಧನೆಗೆ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಅವಕಾಶವನ್ನು ನೀಡಿದರು. ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ಈ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆಯನ್ನು ಅವರು ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸಿದರು. ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯವನ್ನು ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸುವಾಗಲೇ, ಇದನ್ನು ಆರಂಭಿಸಬೇಕೆಂದು ಅವರು ನಿಶ್ಚಯಿಸಿದ್ದರು. ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ, ದೈವಾನುಗ್ರಹದಿಂದ, ಈ ಯೋಜನೆ ಕಾರ್ಯರೂಪಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದಿತು. ಈ ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂರು ಸಂಶೋಧಕರು ಸೇರಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಇದು ತುಂಬಾ ಸಂತೋಷದ ಸಂಗತಿ.
ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ, ನಾನು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸರ ಪರವಾಗಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಪೂಜ್ಯ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ರಾಯರಿಗೆ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳನ್ನು ಅರ್ಪಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತ ವಿಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿವಿಧ ವಿಷಯಗಳಿವೆ, ಅವುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ಮಾಡುವಂತೆ ನಮಗೆ ಆದೇಶಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಅದು ಜ್ಯೋತಿಷ್ಯ, ವೇದಾಂತ, ವ್ಯಾಕರಣ, ಅಥವಾ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಇರಬಹುದು. ಈ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವಿಭಾಗಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅನೇಕ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇದು ನಮಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಈ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸರು ಮುಂದಿನ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಗೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಕರಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ನಾನು ಯೋಚಿಸಿದಾಗ, ಒಬ್ಬ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸ ಒಂದು ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಿ ಎಚ್‌ ಡಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾನೆ ಎಂದು ಕಂಡುಬಂದಿದೆ. ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತ ವಿಭಾಗದವರು ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತ ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತ್ರ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ, ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ರಾಯರು ಹೇಳಿದಂತೆ, ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತದಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವಿಷಯಗಳು ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಮಾಹಾಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನಿದೆಯೋ ಅದು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕಡೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆ, ಮಾಹಾಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನಿಲ್ಲವೋ ಅದು ಎಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಅವಕಾಶಗಳಿದ್ದರೆ, ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಮಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನದಂತಹ ಎರಡೂ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸರು ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡು ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ಮಾಡಿದರೆ ಉತ್ತಮ ಫಲಿತಾಂಶಗಳು ಬರಲಿದೆ. ವಂದನೆಗಳು.
In a recent address, Dr. P S
Aithal, the former Vice Chancellor of Srinivas University, reflected on his
23-year tenure with the institution, which he joined in 2000. He highlighted
key milestones in the University's evolution, including its transition to an
independent university in 2013 and its membership in the Association of Indian
Universities in 2015. By 2017, all programs had transitioned from Mangalore
University to Srinivas University, marking six years of independent operation.
Despite being a relatively
young university, Srinivas University has established itself as a center of
excellence in undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and post-doctoral research. Dr.
Aithal credited the Chancellor for his foundational efforts and acknowledged
the governing members' significant contributions to the University's growth,
despite various limitations.
Dr. Aithal expressed gratitude
for serving two terms at the University and welcomed the appointment of a new
Vice-Chancellor to lead the academic and research sectors, as directed by the
Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor. He noted the University's rapid growth, from
initial resource constraints to now hosting 11,000 students, with an additional
6-7 thousand in the Srinivas Group, totaling 18,000 students.
He emphasized the importance
of both senior and young professors, with the former playing advisory roles and
the latter having promising futures. Dr. Aithal, now enjoying his role as a
Senior Professor, reaffirmed his commitment to serve the University until
retirement, a promise made to the Chancellor 20 years ago. He urged research
professors to be more student-centered, emphasizing that their scholars'
success would benefit the University.
Dr. A Srinivas Rao, the
Pro-Chancellor, discussed the University's development and the critical role of
research. He stressed the need for optimal research benefits, proper time
management, and maximizing human resource contributions, drawing parallels with
practices in China. He advocated for a multi-skilled research agenda, selecting
topics relevant to societal needs and national conditions.
Dr. Rao also highlighted the
importance of guiding students towards their interests from a young age and the
significance of ancient philosophies, like Parjnya Japa, in solving modern
problems. He emphasized patent acquisition and securing research projects.
Responding to CA Raghavendra
Rao's call, Dr. Rajesh, a research professor in the Department of Kannada,
proposed establishing a School of Language to consolidate humanities research.
Dr. Abhishek from the Department of MBA suggested starting interdisciplinary
research in Management, Commerce, and Computer Science to achieve global
standards. He detailed the recognition his research received from the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of India, contributing to the University's
international acclaim.
Dr. Sonda Bhaskar Bhat from
Kateel advocated for integrating ancient knowledge with health science,
technology, and defense, using Sanskrit knowledge. He suggested exploring
agricultural expertise, seed technology, and storage effectiveness.
Dr. Basil Hans addressed the
need for regular interaction among researchers, emphasizing the importance of
effective engagement in the University's research community. He called for
measures to ensure consistent participation and interaction, vital for the
University's continued success and growth.
Prof. Jagadeesh, a Research
Professor in Computer Science at Srinivas University, provided valuable
insights into the current state of Research at the institution. He pointed out
that many researchers are engaged in part-time Research due to their
commitments to routine academic work, NBA NAAC-related tasks, and
administrative responsibilities. This scenario often extends to their personal
lives, where they have additional commitments.
In his narrative, Prof.
Jagadeesh referred to the example set by Shri B M Srikantayya, known as the
father of Navodaya, who emphasized the significance of not critically analyzing
a university's three primary functions: imparting knowledge, conducting Research,
and undertaking extension work. Shri Srikantayya advocated for the innovative
approach of conducting online Research, acknowledging the challenges but
choosing to view them positively.
Dr. Shailashree, who
coordinates the research activities at Srinivas University, expressed her
confidence in the research endeavours undertaken by the institution. The
University has established a robust research environment with over 200
researchers and 28 research professors, several of whom have been recognized
for their work. She highlighted the effective matching of students with
research guides based on their areas of interest and the flexibility to change
guides if necessary. Despite some professors being abroad, they maintain
contact with their students through digital platforms like Google Meet.
Dr. Kusum, a Research Guide in
Management and English, emphasized the importance of accountability among
students. She suggested publishing all theses in the form of books to ensure
their preservation and accessibility to the public.
Dr. Linus Benedicta Pinto, a Management
and Commerce Stream Research Professor, proposed enhancing multi-disciplinary Research.
She suggested combining physiotherapy and medical topics with management and
accounting to contribute to society.
Dr. Venkata Krishna advocated
for establishing research labs to transform knowledge into skill. He emphasized
the need for faculty to acquire IEEE memberships and shared his experience in
guiding students in automation systems.
Chancellor CA Raghavendra Rao
commended the research scholars and the Sanskrit Group. He addressed the issue
of student engagement in Research, suggesting strict measures to ensure genuine
interest and commitment. He emphasized that the University operates primarily
on student fees and is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and
quality research.
Dr. Srinivas Mayya, Registrar
of Evaluation, thanked the Chancellor for his interest, which has been crucial
in organizing these meetings. The Pro-Chancellor also recognized the need for
multi-disciplinary and quality-oriented Research, indicating that new rules
would be introduced to support these objectives.
This meeting at Srinivas University highlighted its research landscape's challenges, innovations, and future prospects, underscoring a commitment to quality, student-centred learning, and the pursuit of knowledge across various disciplines.
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