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SUMMARY OF THE
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS OF Dr.M.PONNAVAIKKO |
Dr.M.Ponnavaikko is Born in Sengamedu village in South Arcot
District in 1946 has over 40 years of productive experience
(as of July 2009)
with excellent
opportunities to serve in leading Academic Institutions and Industries
in India and abroad. He has visited over 15 countries in the world. His
professional career is characterized by new job assignments at various
stages and these assignments were essentially on invitation. For his
part, he has kept up the pressure on his work towards achieving in the
results envisaged by the mission of his employer - institutions.
Enmeshed in this process is his constant attention to widen his
knowledge-base and to acquire additional skills required by the job on
hand. The organization in which he worked and the persons with whom he
was associated have had a strong influence on him in building his
personal and professional traits. |
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A |
Institutions that shaped
his career |
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1 |
Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board |
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Assistant Engineer |
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1971-76 |
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2 |
Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
Bangalore |
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Project Associate in an R&D Project
sponsored by TNEB |
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Consultant to the Southern Regional
Electricity Board for computer based solutions to power systems
problems. |
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1972-76 |
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3 |
Rural Electrification Corporation, New
Delhi, A public Sector Government of India Undertaken |
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Special Officer in the Scale of a Chief
Engineer |
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1977-84 |
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4 |
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),
Delhi |
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Doctoral Research candidate (Part time) |
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Teaching PG classes assigned by the Guide |
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1979-83 |
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5 |
Electrical Construction Company a Joint
Venture of Government of India and Government of Libya |
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Advisor and Board Secretary |
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1984-1986 |
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6 |
Bright Star University, Libya |
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Higher Institute of Mechanical &
Electronics Engineering |
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Visiting Professor, 1986-89 |
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7 |
Self-financing Engineering Colleges
(Mookambigai Engineering College, Trichy and Crescent Engineering
College, Chennai) |
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Professor and Head, Department of
Computer Science Engineering |
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1989-1992; 1995-2000 |
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8 |
Regional Engineering College,
Trichirapalli |
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Professor & H.O.D., Computer Science &
Engineering |
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1993-95 |
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9 |
Tamil Virtual University |
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First Director |
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2000-2003 |
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10 |
SRM University, Chennai |
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Director, Research, Virtual Education and
International initiatives |
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2003 - 2007 |
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11 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, Stanford
University, USA,
Carnegie Mellon University, USA and Queen's University, Canada,
through
Academic Collaboration
as the
Director, International Initiatives at SRM Institute of Science and
Technology - SRM University |
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2003 - till date |
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B |
Demonstration of
Leadership |
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Involvement, Initiative, commitment, and Contribution are the innate
Leadership qualities in him.
He has left his foot prints in every organization where he served. He
led the Distribution system planning initiative in Tamil Nadu
State Electricity Board to start with and later as a pioneer in the
country through Rural Electrification Corporation. As the Chairman,
Technical Journal Committee and the Chief Editor, he was the first
to start a Technical Journal in the Higher Institute of Mechanical
and Electrical Engineering (HIMEE), Hoon, Libya. He led Mookambigai
College of Engineering to start Mookambigai Industrial Liason Centre
(MILC) for Industry - Institute Interaction. Provided the
leadership to launch a Summer Sequential M.Phil.(CS) Program in
Bharathidasan University for the benefit of the Computer Science
Faculty Members in the Arts & Science Colleges affiliated to the
University. Through his leadership he strengthened the Computing
infrastructural facilities at Mookambigai College of Engineering,
Keeranur, Regional Engineering College (REC), Trichy, Cresent
Enginerring College, Chennai, and SRM University, Chennai. As Chairman,
Board Studies in Computer Science, he has made original contributions in
the Computer Curriculum for UG and PG programs in Bharathidasan
University, REC, Trichy and Madras University. The specific leadership
contributions listed bellow have the National and International
recognition: |
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1 |
Rural
Electrification Corporation (REC), New Delhi
gave him the first opportunity to demonstrate his professional abilities
and leadership. As Special Officer (System Improvement), he pioneered a
scheme on all India basis for improving the power distribution systems
in the country for energy conservation, by framing standards and norms
for project formulation, appraisal, implementation and monitoring. He
administered the scheme in the then-24 State Electricity Boards (SEBs)
for seven years from 1977 to 1984. His methods and models are
followed even now by the REC and SEBs as "Ko models". |
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2 |
The second great opportunity was his
appointment as the first Director of Tamil Virtual University (TVU),
Chennai in the scale of a Vice-Chancellor. With no examples to
follow he had to start from conceiving the concept till completion for
delivering Web based courses on Tamil from Pre-KG till higher education.
Within a period of less than three years, courses on Tamil were offered
from Pre-KG to B.A. Degree in through web along with a large digital
library having over 2,00,000 pages of literatures, dictionaries with
search facilities and video galleries of 125 temples and cultural
events. Tamils from over 90 countries became the beneficiaries. To
promote Tamil Virtual Education around the world, nine Study Centres in
five countries were set up to start with. Commonwealth of Learning came
forward with its overwhelming appreciation and sponsored a project with
a financial aid of Canadian $75,000 to train 40 Malaysian students in
B.A. Tamil programme. He could proudly say that Tamil Virtual University
is a unique and pioneering effort in distance education achieved through
his enormous initiatives and leadership. |
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3 |
Services rendered at the Vice-Chancellor, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli The University education system should not confine only to the conduct programmes for the award mere certificates and degrees, but should contribute to the overall development of an individual with knowledge, capacity to build an economically sound career with cultural, social and human values. Further, the University should develop and offer programmes for the economic development of the people living in the area under the jurisdiction of the University. With this goal in mind I started my service in this University as the Vice-Chancellor and tried to implement the following: |
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3.1 Empowerment of Rural youth through skill based training programs:
Introduced the following community oriented innovative service programs for the benefit of unemployed rural youth men and women, school dropouts and handicapped persons:
i) Entrepreneurship Development Programmes
Promotion of youth entrepreneurship training are being conducted for unemployed men and women, school dropouts and to the college students. A large number of persons were benefited during the past two years.
- 2007-08 : 1601 (1022 men + 579 women)
- 2008-09 : 1892 (712 men + 1180 women)
ii) Certificate courses for unemployed youth and students
Certificate courses are conducted for unemployed men and women,
school dropouts and to the school and college students. A large number of
persons were benefited during the past two years.
- 2007-08 : 1706 (1224 men + 482 women)
- 2008-09 : 1571 (1010 men + 561 women)
- 2009-10 : 718 (431men + 287 women)
iii) Certificate courses for Deaf and Dumb
Specially designed Certificate courses in basic computer operation and
DTP are offered for the Deaf and Dumb persons. So far 84 persons, 65
men and 19 women are trained and employed.
iv) Certificate courses for Visually Impaired
Certificate course in Guitar was organized for 5 visually impaired persons, 4 men and 1 woman.
Diploma course in Keyboard operation for 10 visually impaired, 6 men and 4 women.
v) Certificate courses for Slum youth
Certificate courses in Tally and Computer Hardware and Networking were organized for slum youth, sponsored by the Slum Development Board. 54 candidates, 35 men and 19 women were benefited.
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3.2 Introduction of employable Skill based Curriculum in the Under
Graduate degree programs in all the Universities in Tamil Nadu.:
He noted that the undergraduate curriculum offered by the University through the affiliated colleges are theoretical and the Graduates are not employable on graduation and that the Degrees of this kind do not really help the students coming from the economically backward rural areas. He further noted that the curriculum did not include a course on Tamil, the Regional language of this land, as a compulsory component of the curriculum. He, therefore, believed strongly that the curriculum of the undergraduate degree programs of all disciplines should include skill based components and a compulsory course on Tamil for all the students with a provision to study their mother tongue too. Accordingly he revised the curriculum of all the undergraduate degree programs, introducing practical oriented Skill based courses and study of Tamil as compulsory components of the curriculum under Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). Appreciating this curriculum the Government of Tamil Nadu advised all other universities in Tamil Nadu to follow the same curriculum introduced by the Bharathidasan University.
3.3 Introduction of an innovative concept for Early Graduation by the Fast learners :
He also introduced a unique 6-year integrated M.Tech. programs in Computer Science and Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Geo-technology in the University Departments for the 12th Standard pass students, integrating B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees under CBCS, incorporating an innovative concept of early graduation for the fast learners. Bharathidasan University is the first to offer such an innovative concept in the country.
3.4 Introduction of a new innovative Four-year B.S. programmes in the
Science subjects:
As a pioneering initiative by myself in the country, Four-year B.S. degree programmes in the areas of Computer Science, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Geosciences and Electronics, equivalent to the Engineering degrees in these areas that provides career prospectus for higher education and employment in the countries like USA, are to be offered first time in the country at the Arts and Science colleges and in the Departments of the University from the academic year 2010-11. . Necessary approval for the new nomenclature has already been given by the UGC. At the instance of Bharathidasan University, this new nomenclature, B.S. degree, in the academic curriculum is introduced by the UGC.
3.5 Introducing Virtual Education Programs :
Virtual Education program is planned to be introduced in the University for the MCA, MBA, M.A.(Tamil), and M.Phil.(Tamil) courses.
3.6 Established the following Research Centres:
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Research Centre
- High pressure Research Centre
- Kalaignar valar Thamizh Mandram
3.7 Establishment of Counselling and Career Development Centres (CCDC) in the Rural Areas:
He believes that the University system should not stop its activities only with offering academic programs and awarding Degrees. The University system should serve the community in spreading educational awareness among the people and ensure that the Scientific and Technological developments reach the society and help them for their economical development. To achieve this goal he has proposed to establish ?Counselling and Career Development Centre (CCDC)? one in each of the eight districts served by the Bharathidasan University to provide the following services to the people with a financial grant of Rs.150 lakhs from UGC:
- Career Guidance through Touch Screen based information resource for Educational opportunities, Employment opportunities, Adult Education, Health Awareness, E-governance and guidance to the farmers, supported by a Senior Academician placed at the Centre.
- Empowerment Men and Women for Entrepreneurship/Employment through Skill based training and placement with the help of Industries and Service Sector.
- Formal training to the artisans, like self made Electricians, Plumbers, Masons, Mechanics, Welders, etc. and awarding University Certificates through appropriate testing.
- Offering Academic programs of the University under Distance Education mode in the (CCDC).
3.8 Introduced an innovative program to empower self-made artisans:
The self-made artisans like Electricians, Mechanics, Plumbers, Welders, Masons, etc living in the villages are under-employed since they do not have formal education and do not have any certification for employment. To empower the self-made artisans he has introduced a certification programme. Two baths of Electrical Technicians, numbering 48 candidates and one bath of Welding Technicians, numbering 11 candidates have been awarded University certificates.
He has also proposed to establish a Technical Skill development and testing laboratory in the University campus for training and certification of the Artisans.
3.9 Academic Service to the visually impaired :
To promote educational services to the visually handicapped persons with the help of computers, a Software development cell has been established and a visually impaired Professor with adequate experience in software like Braille has been identified for posting in the cell.
3.10 Establishment of Facilitation Centre for the disabled persons:
He has proposed to establish a Facilitation Centre for the disabled persons with the financial aid of Rs.100 lakhs. This centre will develop programmes, hardware and software systems required to improvise the living style of Deaf, Dumb, Visually impaired and mentally under developed persons. It will also develop training kids and teaching manpower to educate such persons.
3.11 Computer courses for Senior Citizens:
Introduced one month Computer literacy programmes for the aged senior citizens. In the first batch 128 persons, 105 men and 23 women were benefited. Currently 27 persons, 26 men and one woman are undergoing a three month certificate programme in computer usage.
3.12 Certificate Course in IT for School Children (SUITS) :
A one year University certification programme for the school children from 5th Standard to 9th Standard in collaboration with the School, University, and Industry has been started from this academic year for the students studying in the 5th to 9th standards. During this year 6890 students are studying in this programme.
3.13 Enhancement of the University campus facilities :
Actions are taken to improve the University campus as an excellent campus for the living of the students and staff to provide the following facilities:
- Construction of a five-bedded hospital in the campus
- a shopping complex
- an indoor stadium with gymnasium
- a married student apartment
- a multipurpose auditorium
- a modern sports fieldvImplementation of a rain water saving scheme with the construction of
percolation tanks
- a school for the children of staff members of the university
- Improvement of the roads in the residential and instruction areas, and
- Opening a good canteen near the administrative and academic areas of the university for the benefit of students, staff and the visitors.
- Construction of compound walls for the University Campus and for
Ladies Hostel: For the safety of the University and of the girls students of the university, constructed compound walls for the University campus and for the girls hostel are under
3.14 Waste water recycling , and water management system for the University
campus :
An expert was assigned with a project work to study the water resources in the campus and submit a scheme for implementation. The Expert has submitted his Report with a plan for implementation, covering the aspects like rain water harvesting, ground water recharging, waste water recycling, and water requirements for drinking and for plantation on a long term basis. The report has been taken for implementation.
3.15 Establishment of Grievance cell for Students
A Grievance cell for students, headed by a senior academician as the Director, has been established. The cell is provided with computer and internet facilities for direct access to the university information system.
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C |
Innovation and Creativity |
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Developed original mathematical models
for Distribution System Components and tools (O.R.Techniques) &
methods for Optimal Distribution System Planning. |
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Developed Nomograms as ready-reckoner
for Distribution System Analysis and Planning to help the practicing
Distribution Engineers as planning aids (known as "Ko models") |
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Developed a computer based method for
assessing the load generation balance on long-term basis for a
regional grid, covering, long-term load forecast, rainfall forecast,
water management in power station reservoirs and maintenance scheduling
of generating units in the Thermal, Nuclear and Hydro Power Stations in
the region to even out the shortage of power and energy, if any in the
region. This study was carried for all the regions in the country. |
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4 |
Developed a "Walking-Aid for Blind"
through a student project at Regional Engineering College, Trichy during
1994 (won Best Project Award from Tamilnadu State Council for Science &
Technology). |
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Developed Tamil softwares like 'Tamil
C' and 'Tamil Java' and a Bi-lingual Search Engine for Tamil
and English Portals through a student project. |
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Developed a "Virtual Eye", a GPS based guiding kit for the blind, developed through a Ph.D. Research programme by Mrs.Amudha under my guidance. |
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D |
Awards and Recognition |
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1 |
?Knights of Sovereign order of
Princes and Knights of Antarcticland? of the Sovereign Order of
Knights of Antarcticland, was awarded to Dr.M.Ponnavaikko by His
Highness Sir Giovanni Caporaso Gottlieb, elected 42nd
Grandmaster of Sovereign Order of Knights of Antarcticland
State, USA, in the Nobility Awarding ceremony held on the 7th
November 2009. With this Honor he is entitled to use the title
Sir affixed to his name, H.E. Sir M.Ponnavaikko. |
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Certificate of Honour, awarded
by The International Council of CCLP Worldwide, Brazil, in
recognition of his valuable contributions to the field of
higher education in India, on 6th November 2009. |
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"Lifetime
Achievement Award",
presented
by the International Association of Educators for World Peace,
Hunstsville, Alabama, USA, affiliated to the United Nations, at
New Delhi on the occasion of the South Asia Virtual Education Submit
held on 13-14 March 2008. |
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"Achievement Award"
presented by the Indian Science Monitor at the 5th
Annual Achievement Award Function during the National Science Day
Celebration on 28th February 2008. |
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Certificate
of Appreciation
awarded by IEEE Inc. USA to Dr.Murugesan Ponnavaikko, for his Notable
Services and Contributions towards the Advancement of IEEE and the
Engineering Professions, as Chair, IEEE Madras Section, 2006-2007. |
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"Distinguished Service to Tamil Award"
presented
by the California Tamil Academy, USA, in Recognition of his
Untiring Efforts to Promote Tamil Education Worldwide in June 2003. |
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Jaya
Distinguished Academician Award 2001. |
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Madras Chapter IEEE / PES Outstanding
Engineer Award 2000. |
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Recipient of the Best Project Award for
the development of "Walking Aid for Blind" from the Tamilnadu
State Council for the Science and Technology, 1994. |
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Listed in the Directory of Prominent
individuals in the fields of Science and Engineering in Marquis
Who's Who in America, 1998. |
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Expert
Member
in the National Committee on "National Initiatives on Engineering
Experimentation" constituted by AICTE, New Delhi |
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Expert
Member
in the UGC Sub-Committee to propose measures to deal with
fall-out on higher education as a result of a recent Constitutional (86th)
Amendment, making education as fundamental right for children of 6-14
age group. |
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Special
Invitee
to the National Graduate Student Repository formulation Committee,
constituted by the UGC, Sept. 2004 to Sept. 2005. |
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Special
Invitee
to the Committee, constituted by the UGC, for framing Norms and
Methods for implementing the proposal on National Graduate Student
Repository Scheme, July 2006 to October 2006. |
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Member,
Academic Council, Anna University,
for a 3
year period from 3rd January 2006 to 2nd
January 2009. |
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Chairman,
IEEE Madras Section,
2006, and
2007 |
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Vice-Chairman, Committee on 16-bit Tamil All Character Encoding:
TACE-16,
constituted
by the Government of Tamil Nadu, March 2007. |
Replica IWC Portuguese watches
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Chairman,
Committee on Tamil in Mobile phones,
constituted
by the Government of Tamil Nadu, March 2007-08. |
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Member,
First Class Administrative Reforms Committee,
constituted by the Government of Tamil Nadu, March 2007-08. |
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Member,
South Asia Subcommittee, constituted by the Unicode
Consortium, USA. to Examine the encoding of Tamil and other scripts
of India, 2007 - till date |
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E |
Publications / Presentations |
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1 |
Books Authored / Edited |
22 |
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2 |
Journal Papers
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47 |
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3 |
Conference Papers
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54 |
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4 |
Reports on Projects undertaken
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40 |
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5 |
Endowment Lectures
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05 |
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