Latest news with #P.PrakashBabu
The Hindu
19 hours ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Book on turning Prosopis juliflora to a resource of value
A book exploring viable means to turn the menace of Prosopis juliflora, a rapidly proliferating weed locally known as seemai karuvelam into a resource of some value was recently brought out at the Pondicherry University. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University, while formally releasing the book, expressed hope that the work would stimulate and catalyse global efforts towards controlling and utilising Prosopis juliflora. The book Prosopis juliflora: Attributes, Impact, Utilization summarises the findings of an exhaustive work by a research team led by S. A. Abbasi, a former professor, on finding economically viable ways of utilising Prosopis juliflora so that its standing biomass can be turned into a resource. The publication (Elsevier and Academic Press) has references to findings of other researchers across the world. According to a press release, Prosopis juliflora has emerged as the world's most domineering and harmful of weeds. India is among the countries that have been very seriously hit by this menace, asit growing uncontrollably in several States, causing great harm. Deleterious impact In the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu region too, the plant is seen growing almost everywhere, rampantly colonising new areas at the expense of diverse vegetation. The invasive plant also possesses negative allelopathy due to which itplant species from its vicinity and monopolise the space. In fact, such has been its deleterious impact that in 2022 writ petitions were filed in the Madras High Court to direct the government to intervene.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Pondicherry University releases global study on invasive species
PUDUCHERRY: Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor P. Prakash Babu on Friday released a new book titled Prosopis Juliflora: Attributes, Impact, Utilization, published by Elsevier and Academic Press. The book offers a comprehensive study of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as seemai karuvelam. Compiled after years of research by former professor S. A. Abbasi and his team at Pondicherry University, the book explores sustainable and economically viable uses of the plant's biomass. It also features contributions from global researchers, providing an international perspective on managing one of the world's most aggressive and ecologically damaging weeds. Prosopis juliflora has severely impacted biodiversity in regions such as Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, displacing native vegetation through its allelopathic properties, which hinder the growth of nearby plants. In 2022, several writ petitions were filed in the Madras High Court seeking government action to control its spread. Prakash Babu stated that the book is expected to guide global efforts not only to contain the plant but also to explore ways of converting it into a valuable resource for both ecological restoration and economic gain.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Research methodology module to develop indigenous perspectives
Pondicherry University has launched a 10-day research methodology course to promote indigenous perspectives to scholarship. The course has been designed by the Centre for Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI), School of Social Sciences and International Studies in collaboration with the Institute for Educational and Development Studies (IEDS) under the Indian Council of Social Science Research, Delhi. Inaugurating the event, Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, underscored the role of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in addressing social issues and promoting community development. He also spoke about the importance of methodological rigor, social realism, and 'Nyaya philosophy' in research. In his presidential address, P. Prakash Babu, Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, emphasised the relevance of the Indian knowledge systems in contemporary research. The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the continued significance of offline (field-based) research, especially in social science disciplines, and its role in building contextually grounded knowledge. Sudhakar Venukapalli, Honorary Professor, IEDS, highlighted the significance of critical and original academic research, highlighting the need to decolonise intellectual frameworks and rediscover the roots of the Indian knowledge system. K. Tharanikkarasu, Director of Studies, Education, Innovation & Rural Reconstruction, Pondicherry University, in a special address, discussed the differences between Western and Indian approaches to research. Biju K. C., from Christ University, Bengaluru, urged aspiring scholars to pursue meaningful and reflective research. A. Chidambaram, Centre Head of CSSI, Pondicherry University, G. Prabakaran, Course Director and Anchal Kumari, Assistant Professor, CSSI.
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Pondicherry University signs MoU with Central Power Research Institute
Pondicherry University and Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) Bengaluru have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for fostering academic and research collaboration. The agreement brings together two premier institutions to drive innovations in the electrical power systems, renewable energy technologies and sustainable development solutions, a press note said. The MoU envisages opening up multiple avenues for the collaboration, including joint research projects, faculty exchange programs and expert lectures, student internships and hands-on training at CPRI facilities, shared access to research facilities and laboratories and organization of national conferences and workshops. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-chancellor, Pondicherry University, emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership, stating that it aligns well with the university's aspiration to strengthen industry-academic linkages and create industry-tailored ecosystems. 'This partnership represents a perfect synergy between academic excellence and industrial expertise', he said. The collaboration with CPRI will enable students and faculty to work on transformative projects that address India's growing energy demands while maintaining the environmental sustainability by developing cutting-edge solutions that can be implemented at both national and global scale, he added. B.A. Sawale, Director General of CPRI, said the institution, which recognises the critical importance of bridging the gap between the laboratory research and commercial applications, was looking to synergise its state-of-the-art testing facilities and decades-old industry expertise with the Pondicherry University's strong academic foundation and research capabilities. S. Victor Anandkumar, Dean (International Relations), Pondicherry University, P. Elumalai, MoU co-ordinator and faculty member of the Department of Green Energy Technology, B. M. Jaffar Ali, Dean of Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies, and others participated in the MoU signing ceremony.
