Latest news with #P.PrakashBabu
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Workshop to train officials in evolving efficient public service delivery held
The Capacity Building Commission, in association with Pondicherry University, organised a three-day event recently to evolve a civil service rooted in Indian ethos, with a shared understanding of India's priorities, working in harmonisation for effective and efficient public service delivery, a press note from the University said. The programme was part of Mission Karmayogi that aims to train approximately 1.5 crore government officials across the Centre, the States, and the local bodies. Faculty members and non-teaching staff from various Central Universities underwent training through Lead Trainers deputed by the Capacity Building Commission. After they have completed the training, these Master Trainers will, in turn, impart the ethos to respective faculty and staff of their own Universities, the press note said. Earlier, while inaugurating the programme, Jitendra Kumar Tripathi, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC), highlighted the critical role of higher education institutions in driving national capacity-building missions. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, in his presidential address, stressed the strategic relevance of structured capacity development in achieving responsive and reform-oriented governance. In his special address, Diksha Rajput, Joint Secretary, Capacity Building Commission, UGC, elaborated on the objectives of the Master Training Programme and emphasised the long-term transformative potential of training master trainers across the nation. P. G. Arul, Director (i/c), UGC- Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre, Pondicherry University, programme coordinator, K. Srujana, Assistant Professor, UGC-MMTTC, Pondicherry University officials including D. Lazar, Finance Officer, M. Vijayakumar, University Librarian, P. Natarajan, Dean, School of Management M. Shuaib Mohamed Haneef, Director, Electronic Media and Mass Communication Research Centre were present.
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Experts see bigger role for nuclear energy to attain sustainability goals
Experts who addressed a recent workshop have advocated for exploring an expanding role for civilian nuclear power in India's clean energy transition and meeting its sustainability targets. The speakers were participating in the 'National Workshop on Advances in Nuclear Energy for Sustainable Environment (NWANESE-2025) held under the auspices of the Pondicherry University's Department of Green Energy Technology with the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, under UNESCO Chair initiative. They called for increasing use of nuclear energy domain for energy diversification and fulfilling the nation's sustainability objectives, particularly in the context of climate change. Presiding over the inaugural, Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor P. Prakash Babu underscored the crucial importance of nuclear safety, the need for increasing public awareness, and the vital societal applications of nuclear technologies. B. M. Jaffar Ali, Dean (i/c), MSGET, highlighted the synergies between nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power sources to ensure India's energy security and progress toward decarbonisation. A panel of nuclear scientists and experts from IGCAR, including T. Rajkumar, Ram Kumar Maity, S. Tripurasundari, Sanjay Kumar Das, C. V. Srinivas, and S. Chandrasekaran delivered technical talks over sessions. R. Arun Prasath, Head and UNESCO Chairholder, stressed the urgency of climate action and outlining India's clean energy roadmap. The Government of India's Nuclear Energy Mission under 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' aims to scale up nuclear capacity from 8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, he said. Mr. Arun said the country's India's energy transition is guided by a multifaceted commitment to sustainability and climate responsibility. Noting that India had made remarkable progress in green energy, now obtaining nearly 35% of its energy from renewable sources—well above the global average, he said the country faced rapidly growing energy demands while aiming to generate 500 GW of non- carbon-based energy by 2030. As part of its global climate commitments, India has pledged to meet 50% of its total energy requirements from renewable and clean sources, and has submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce carbon emission intensity by 35% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. This was in addition to the commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. France Marquet, Principal Trustee, Madanjeet Singh Foundation and Benno Boer of the UNESCO Regional Office, New Delhi, shared their messages for the event. The event brought together more than 300 participants including faculty members, scientists, research scholars, and UG/PG students, the press note said.
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Pondicherry University, IIPE ink MoU for joint research in earth science and energy fields
Pondicherry University and the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE), Visakhapatnam, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint research endeavours in earth science and energy fields and sustainable technologies. The MoU establishes multiple avenues for collaboration, including joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, expert lectures, student internships and hands-on training at IIPE and PU facilities, shared access to research facilities and laboratories and organisation of national conferences and workshops leading to enhanced academic and research co-operation, a press note from Pondicherry University said. The University described the collaboration as a milestone in fostering academic and research collaboration. On concluding the agreement, P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University, emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership, which 'aligns well with the university's aspiration to strengthen institute-university linkages' and creating academic and research-relevant knowledge ecosystems. 'This partnership represents a perfect synergy between academic and research excellence. At Pondicherry University,' the Vice Chancellor said. The collaboration with IIPE will enable students and faculty to work on transformative projects that address India's growing energy demands while maintaining environmental sustainability. 'Together, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that can be implemented at both national and global levels.' he said. 'As India's premier petroleum and energy academic and research institution, IIPE recognises the critical importance of bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial applications,' said Shalivahan, Director of IIPE. The IIPE, Visakhapatnam, a domain-specific institute at par with IITs and IIMs, was established by the Government of India under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. 'The MoU with Pondicherry University allows us to combine our state-of-the-art testing facilities, academic and research experience with Pondicherry University's strong academic foundation and research capabilities', he added. S. Victor Anandkumar, Dean (International Relations), outlined the university's expanding global and industrial outreach. Shailendra Singh, MoU co-ordinator and faculty member of the Department of Earth Sciences, elaborated the scope of the partnership. According to the University, the collaboration was the result of nearly a year of careful planning and a series of discussions. It is particularly significant that it creates a structured platform for continuous interaction between both institute faculties and students, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and productive. K. Srinivasamoorthy, Head, Department of Earth Sciences, said the MoU would significantly impact the university's academic landscape. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by faculty members, research scholars, and representatives from both the institutions.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Pondicherry University launches PG diploma courses in rock art, Agamic studies
Pondicherry University has launched one-year PG diploma courses for rock art and Agamic studies offered by its History Department. Launching the courses run by two newly launched research centres on these respective areas, P. Prakash Babu, Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor, said the two centres were 'unique and socially relevant in the present-day materialist world'. Admissions to the two diploma courses will commence very soon, he added. The Center for Agamic Studies and Indian Knowledge systems aims to study the dynamic role of temple in the medieval Indian society and the role of Agamic texts in the growth and expansion of the professional arts and crafts of the lower sections of the society. The Agamic texts also help in unravelling their role as contributors to sustainable development in the medieval times which can provide lessons to learn in the implementation of SDGs in the contemporary times. The diploma in rock art and cognitive studies is a field based discipline with the curriculum designed to provide a wide knowledge of the global as well as Indian rock art traditions. The programme will equip the students the necessary skills to get employed in eco-tourism, adventure tourism as well as making them qualified site managers of the rock art locations. According to the Vice Chancellor, this vital pictorial evidence of the prehistoric times helps us to understand the evolution of the cognitive capabilities of the human species and their manifestation in the form of paintings and engravings. In fact, the prehistoric paintings acted as teaching aids for the adolescent hunters in understanding the behavioural patterns of the wild animals. N. Chandramouli, Head, Department of History said idea for these centres were sown during a 2023 international seminar led by the University on tantric religion that saw enriching contributions of several Indian and foreign scholars. Madhu Khanna, exponent of tantric studies and founding Trustee of Tantra foundation, New Delhi, conveyed her felicitation message to the University leadership. Ruman Banerjee, Assistant Professor, Department of History, said a comprehensive curriculum had been developed for the rock art diploma programme. Students would be initiated into methodologies of rock art documentation and conservation, theoretical frameworks of cognitive archaeology and cutting-edge research on the neurological underpinnings of artistic expressions. They will not only learn from leading scholars but also gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field, contributing directly to our ongoing research projects. G. Chandhrika, Dean, School of Social Sciences & International Studies, highlighted the spiritual aspects of the Agamic temples. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society, expressed the SAS's readiness to collaborate with the two research centres. Apart from Ruman Banerjee, Assistant Professor, Department of History, the heads of the departments and centres, Deans, faculty, research scholars and statutory officers participated.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
V-C hails critical role of nurses, paramedics in healthcare domain
P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, has underscored the critical role of nurses and paramedics in the healthcare system. Addressing the recent graduation ceremony at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College, an affiliate institution of the University, the Vice-Chancellor told the graduating class of paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals that their role in the field of healthcare went beyond just supporting doctors. 'You are the backbone of the healthcare system. You are the first to respond in emergencies, the steady hand in recovery, and the kind voice in moments of fear. Whether it's a nurse offering comfort in a crowded hospital ward, a physiotherapist helping someone walk again after injury, or a lab technician ensuring accurate diagnoses — your work changes lives', Mr. Prakash Babu said. Recalling the vital roles of these health professionals in times of public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, he said: 'The world has finally begun to see what we have always known: that healthcare is not possible without paramedics and allied professionals. Dwelling on the theme of 'Viksit Bharat - 2047: Role of Paramedics in India', Mr. Babu said achieving the set goals required robust progress in various sectors, and healthcare stands as a cornerstone. Within the healthcare system, paramedics — including nursing staff, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), lab technicians, radiographers, and other allied health professionals — have a critical role in strengthening the healthcare delivery system, expanding accessibility and affordability and ensuring a continuum of care. The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the vital role of paramedics in emergency and disaster response, mass casualty management, crisis containment, propagation of digital health and telemedicine support and supporting preventive and primary care. Their mandate, which includes conducting awareness programmes, vaccination drives, screenings (BP, diabetes, malnutrition), and home visits, is key to reducing long-term national health costs and also reducing urban-rural health disparities, he said. According to the Vice-Chancellor, as India focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure — from metros to remote villages — the need for skilled, ethical, and compassionate paramedics has never been greater. 'You are entering a field where your degree is not just a qualification; it is a responsibility. A responsibility to serve with empathy, to uphold the dignity of life, and to continue learning every day', he said. The Vice-Chancellor also conferred degrees upon the graduating students. B. Ramachandiran, chairman, Radha Ramachandiran, Founder Trustee, Rajiv Krishna, Managing Director, Sree Venkateshwaraa Group of Institutions (SVGI), Moushmi Rajiv, Executive Director, SVGI, B. Vidhya Rangaraju, Chief Operating Officer, Malliga Kannan, Principal Indirani College of Nursing, C. Ananda Vayaravel Cassinadane, Dean, College of Paramedical Sciences and S. Jeyanthi, Principal, College of Physiotherapy were present.
