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 PROFILE

1.

Date of birth and age

 

:

18-1-1947, 62 years

 

 

2.

Religion

 

:

Islam

3.

Specialisation

 

 

Educational Administration, Project Management, Industrial Marine Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity, Environmental Impact Assessment, S&T for Sustainable Development

4.

Employment/Career History

:

 

 

 

 

2007 June onwards

 

 

Vice-Chancellor,
Aligarh Muslim University

 

2004-2007
(up to June, 2007)

 

 

Vice-Chancellor,
Cochin University of Science and Technology

 

1993-2004

 

 

 

Professor, University of  Kerala
On lien, served as Chairman/Vice-Chairman 
at the Multi-National R&D Centre of SWCC, Saudi Arabia during 1993-2002

 

1987-1993

 

 

Reader, University of Kerala

 

1985-1987

 

 

Lecturer, University of Kerala

 

1983-1985

1978-1983

 

 

Asstt. Professor, Kerala Agricultural University

Research Associate, UGC, Govt. of India

 

1973-1978

 

 

Research Fellow, UGC, Govt. of India

5.

Education

 

:

 

 

 

 

University/College/School studied

 

Degree/Certificate obtained

Year

 

i

University of Kerala, Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries

 

D.Sc.

 

2004

 

ii

-do-

 

Ph.D.

 

1978

 

iii

School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology (Formerly, University of Kerala)

 

M.Sc.

 

1970

 

iv

St. Alberts College, Ernakulam

 

B.Sc.

 

1967

 

v

Union Christian College, Aluva

 

P.U.C.

 

1964

 

vi

Govt. HSS, Thodupuzha

 

SSLC

 

1963

6.

Social Work at the Village, Block & District level

:

1967-1968 :

Social Work & Self employment

 

 

 

 

1970-1972 :

Activist, worked with NGOs for Social Justice and Youth Empowerment

7.  ACHIEVEMENTS & CONTRIBUTIONS 

7.1  As Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University (Since June 2007 to present)

Joined the University on June 11, 2007 as its 21st Vice Chancellor.  Took charge at a time when the University was passing through one of the darkest periods in its history, dotted by murders of two students in quick succession, violent clashes between student groups, looting and destruction of property, regional fighting and constant disruption of academic activities.  There was complete breakdown of rule of law and everyone was under constant threat of assault and humiliation.  With firm and well thought out initiatives, the University has been brought back to normal level of functioning in the last two years.  The University has been put on a resurgent track.

 

Under the initiative "academic rejuvenation" the University has been able to register major achievements as listed below.

  • The University has been granted a Plan outlay of Rs. 185 crores for XI Plan development initiatives.  In the X Plan it was only Rs. 50 crores. 
  • Launched the upgradation programme of JNMC: Based on a proposal submitted by the University, the Government of India has granted Rs. 150 crores for the upgradation of the J.N. Medical College to the level of All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
  • AMU Schools brought under a Directorate of Education.  A modernization action plan on par with Navodaya Vidyalaya of the Government of India worth Rs. 82 crores has been submitted to the Government of India.
  • Launched the "INSPIRE" programme in AMU.  Based on the publications made, the University has been ranked in 2008 as Twelfth among Universities in India and selected for special funding under "INSPIRE" programme of the Department of Science & Technology.   A Central Instrumentation Centre is proposed to be created.
  • The Government of India has sanctioned a fully residential Civil Services Coaching Academy to the AMU at a cost of Rs. 13 crores to be established in 2009. 
  • Encouraged external funding.  A large number of Ph.D. scholars and teachers have come forward to submit research projects and they have brought substantial funding from various agencies.  149 such projects are operational in the last 2 years. 
  • Set in motion an ICT revolution in the last two years.  The campus connectivity was .5 mbps in 2007 and this has now been expanded to 34 mbps making fibre connectivity available in every Department of the University.   About 600 computers have been distributed to the Departments, as a first step, a "Computer Hub" has become functional in the Departments, Halls of Residences and Dean's Offices.  The University has now been identified to be part of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) under which about 1000 prestigious institutions in the country will be interlinked, and the University will be provided with 1000 mbps bandwidth during the course of this project.
  • Commissioned a Digital Resource Centre at the Maulana Azad Library. Staff and students from anywhere in the campus can now have access to library resources available in the Library. 
  • The University is participating in the National Mission of Education on ICT wherein generation of e-content and e-learning tools will be taken up by all the Faculties in the University during the year 2009-10: a forerunner of e-teaching and e-learning in AMU.
  • Signed MoUs with a number of foreign Universities.
  • Launched a massive expansion programme with a target to establish five Special Centres of AMU at Murshidabad (West Bengal), Katihar (Bihar), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra) and Malappuram (Kerala) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2000 crores.  The Government of India has allocated Rs. 50 crores  for the Centres in Murshidabad and Malappuram considering the fact that the State Governments have come forward to allocate land.
  • A novel multi-tier consultation mechanism has been established in the University by constituting Students' Grievance Committees involving the best students in each class, in each department.  Such grievance committees are in place in all the Departments and in all Halls of Residences.  The University level Grievance Redressal Committee is also functioning.
  • Launched new courses such as Islamic Banking and Finance, Nano Technology, Remote Sensing etc. during 2009.
  • Established Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award with a prize money of Rs. 5 lakhs in 2008.
  • Held the First World Summit of AMU Alumni in October, 2008. Established an Alumni Foundation.  A Corpus Fund of Rs. 100 crores has been targeted.
  • Middlemen and brokers have removed in awarding works.  All contracts are being awarded to CPWD, a Government of India firm. The Building Committee has been activated. A newly constituted Infrastructure Development Committee consisting of senior teachers from the Faculty of Engineering serves as "OMBUDSMAN" to monitor various projects, eliminate corrupt practices, assure quality construction and ensure timely delivery of projects.
  • 233 teachers including 61 Professors, 80 Readers and 74 Lecturers were appointed during 2008-09 through General Selection Committees. 
  • All admission tests, admissions, and examinations were conducted and results published on time. 
  • Organized a National Seminar on Minority Education in India : Issues of Access, Equity and Inclusion in 2008. An "Aligarh Declaration" on education has been approved.  The University has declared a decade of education during which the Muslims in India must use all possible resources for educating their children, while fully utilizing various programmes offered by State and Central Governments.  All initiatives in this regard will be inclusive of all communities, irrespective of region, language or other identities.

 

7.2  At the Cochin University of Science and Technology:

Served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Cochin University of Science and Technology during November 2004 to June 2007.

  • Sustained effort at regaining the S&T focus of the University by promoting individual and collective initiatives of teachers in undertaking new and innovative research programmes and strengthening the partnerships of CUSAT with the Southern Naval Command, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), etc.

  • Preparation of a Vision Document for the University by involving the Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and the teachers in various Departments, indicating a long-term Road Map for the University. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, stands broadly accepted and the University is poised to be transformed into an institution of national importance, namely 'Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology' (IIEST).

  • The University has received Rs.10 crores from MHRD as Special Grant for selected upgradation proposals.

  • Established a Fast Track Mechanism to implement the infrastructure development projects.

 New Initiatives:

  • Established a Modern Marine Engineering Campus called "Kunjali Marakkar" School of Marine Engineering.

  • Established a New Department - the Department of Aerospace Technology in 2006-07 with two B. Tech Programmes.

  • Commenced M.Sc in Nano Science - 2007 onwards.

  • Launched the IPR Chair in 2005 and the Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Contemporary Studies in 2006.

  • Established the Centre for e-learning with UGC support.

  • Strengthened the activities of CELOS under the "University with Potential of Excellence" scheme of UGC.

Total syllabus revision with extensive industry's university interaction.

The University was put on a re-surgent tract with a special focus on cutting edge areas of Science and Technology with greater Industry-University linkage to achieve the national goal of creating a world class University at Kochi, the emerging IT and Tourism hub in India.

7.3  Kerala Agricultural University:

Headed the Fisheries Division at the Regional Agricultural Research Station at Kumarakom during 1983-85. Principal Investigator of 16 ICAR Projects. Functioned as the Implementing Officer of the Lab to Land Programme, Village Adoption Programme, Krishi Darshan Programme and the School Adoption Programme. Gained in depth knowledge on Agricultural and Ecological issues of Kuttanadu in the context of Ecosystem Management.

7.4 SWCC Research Development Center, Saudi Arabia:

Chairman/Vice-Chairman of the Department of Ecology and Marine Biology (1993-2002). Uninterrupted administrative experience. Leader of a Multi-national Team of Researchers responsible for evolving and evaluating proposals for international collaboration and for implementing projects. Worked with Foreign Missions from Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA); BFCC, UK; DUPONT Co. and Fairleigh Dickinson University, USA during this period.

Gained significant knowledge and experience in Industrial Marine Biology, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. Completed several Environmental Impact Assessment Studies with reference to worlds largest Desalination and Power plants located on the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. Carried out several studies covering in-plant locations, effluent discharge channel, outfall bays and intake sites. Submitted reports and recommendations outlining measures for the protection of the marine environment. Issues such as mixing, dilution and dispersion of effluents in the sea were studied in the context of the standards set by the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA) and recommendations made. The size of mixing and recovery zones needed for the plants were determined based on the eco-toxicological effects of effluents on marine flora and fauna. Sensitivity maps were prepared for keeping discharges at safe levels.

Special studies were carried out for protecting plant structures like intake bays, intake bar screens, traveling screen, pumping sites, condenser tubes, backwash pumps, and various installation of the power generating and desalination units from macro fouling organisms, jellyfish influx, plankton blooms, influx of spilled oil and other contaminants. A season-wise inventory of potential marine events of consequence to the plants was prepared.

Drafted a 10 year Master Plan for the study of environmental issues and their abatement in SWCC sites in Saudi Arabia. This plan enshrines the environmental policy of SWCC and a strategy to achieve its environmental goals, fully subscribing to the Royal Decrees on Environmental Standards and Regulations in the Kingdom. This is expected to significantly improve the corporate capability in environmental governance in Saudi Arabia.

 

7.5 University of Kerala:

Extensive experience during 1978-1983, 1985-1993 and 2002-2004 in the planning and administration of long term Research Projects in the University funded by agencies such as the Indian Space Research Organization, National Thermal Power Corporation, University Grants Commission and State S&T and Environment Committee. Currently Govt. of Kerala Nominee in the R.Shankar Award Committee to select the best college in Kerala.

 

7.6 As Leader of a dynamic team of multi-disciplinary investigators, planned and executed a number of EIA studies in Kerala (India). Provided high quality data and assessments that provided new knowledge on environmental issues relating to various industries and development projects. A few of the important studies are listed.

  1. Established Environmental Impact Assessment Methods incorporating concerns for Ecological Sustainability of Ecosystems, Public Health and Industrial Safety. Numerous batches of M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. students were trained on these methods. They are now occupying positions of responsibilities in different organizations.

  2. Studied the environmental impact of coconut retting activity (a cottage industrial activity that supports the massive coir industry in India) on public health and coastal ecosystems.

  3. UN Survey: Carried out an environmental management survey covering 20 major industries (Cochin Oil Refineries, Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore, Punalur Paper Mill, Hindustan Machine Tools, Premier Tyres, Cominco Binani Zinc, Travancore Titanium Products, Chavara Minerals and Metals, Kundara Alind etc.) in Kerala on behalf of a UN Agency in 1976. Collected data on available environmental protection system, the status of occupational safety, health, hygiene, handling and disposal of hazardous wastes, discharge of effluents etc. Surveyed the adjacent ecosystems and interviewed local citizens.

  4. Environmental auditing of a Titanium Dioxide plant with special reference to effluent disposal and its impact on the resources of the Thiruvananthapuram coastal sea.

  5. Studied the environmental safety of effluent discharges from aluminium, ceramic, starch and newsprint factories on the Ashtamudi Estuary and the Kallada River in South India. Studied the point source and fugitive emissions for these factories. Toxicological aspects of discharges were evaluated.

  6. Carried out an environmental auditing of the impact of sewage disposal on the coastal ecosystems of Thiruvananthapuram city and the widespread public health problem arising out of the same.

  7. Evaluated the effects of unplanned development activities on the ecology and resources of the Shasthamkotta and Vellayani Freshwater lakes and suggested environmental protection measures.

  8. Studied the status of ecology and biodiversity of the Thenmala, Peppara, Aruvikkara, and Neyyar Reservoirs and proposed conservation and protection measures.

  9. NTPC Project: Co-Investigator in the Project to assess the Environmental Impact of Kayamkulam Super Thermal Power Station. Several recommendations for locating sites for discharges, cooling water intakes and disposal of other wastes were given.

  10. ISRO Project: The application potential of remote sensing was studied in the context of pollution monitoring with special reference to effluent dispersion in the coastal areas of Kerala.

  11. Bioaccumulation and biomagnifications of heavy metals were studied in the context of chronic pollution in the Ashtamudi Estuary.

  12. Coordinated the University Grants Commission, DSA Project on Coastal Ecosystems. Headed a multidisciplinary team. Carried out a most comprehensive study on the estuarine tracts on the Arabian Sea Coast. This is regarded as one of the most comprehensive studies done in India. Conservation and management plan submitted to Government of India.

 8. RESEARCH DEGREES GUIDED:

Guided nine candidates in their studies for the Ph.D. degree and several candidates for their M.Phil and M.Sc. Theses. As a Research Guide in the University of Kerala I had the opportunity of guiding successfully several candidates in their Doctoral and Post Graduate programmes. The first Ph.D. thesis submitted under my guidance was judged
as the best thesis from Indian Universities and was awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Award by the ICAR. Following are the details of doctoral theses for which degrees have been awarded.

  1. Assessment of Production Potential and Environmental degradation in the Achankovil River in Central Kerala by Swapna.  This dissertation presents the Ecology of the Achankovil River in Kerala (Awarded during 2008).

  2. A study on the application potential of data from Indian Remote Sensing Satellites for pollution monitoring efforts with special reference to retting coconut husk in the Anchuthengu - Kadinamkulam estuarine system in Kerala by Mr. N.C. Anil Kumar. This is a pioneering study regarding the application potential of Satellite imageries for EIA studies in coastal zones (Awarded degree in 1998).

  3. Ecology and community structure of estuarine meiofuna on the South-West Coast of India by Miss K.S. Anila Kumar. This thesis reports on the impact of city sewage on the ecology and community of an estuary on the Arabian Sea coast (Awarded degree in 1997).

  4. Limnology of a man made reservoir on the Western Ghats, Southern Kerala to        Mr. Sabu Thomas. This thesis documented the Environmental Impact, impoundment consequent to a River Basin Project (Awarded degree in 1997).

  5. Studies on certain selected heavy metals in the estuarine Crab, Scylla Serrata (Forskal) from Southern Kerala by Smt. Rema Devi. This treatise tells the impact of industrial pollution with special reference to the accumulation of heavy metals in water, sediments and tissues of edible crabs on the Arabian Sea Coast (Awarded degree in 1995).

  6. Distribution of heavy metals in the Ashtamudi Estuary with special reference Molluscs by Mr. Wilfred O. Joe. This thesis elaborates the impact of industrial pollution and the resultant accumulation of heavy metals in edible Molluscs in a harbour on the Arabian Sea Coast (Awarded degree in 1995).

  7. Zooplankton ecology of certain aquatic biotopes in Kerala by Mr. I Harikrishnan. This study presents a volume of data on the impact of anthropogenic activities on the sustainability of an estuary, a fresh water pond, reservoir and a lagoon in Southern India (Awarded degree in 1995).

  8. Studies on the ecology of a newly commissioned dam and its impact on the down stream ecology of a river in Kerala (India) by Mr. S. Synudeen Sahib. This study evaluated the impact of a World Bank aided River Basin Project in Kerala. The impact of a dam on the downstream ecology of a river system has been documented. This study has evoked great international interest and has resulted in a major Indo-Netherlands programme for environmental action plan for the Kallada River Basin (Awarded degree in 1993).

  9. Studies in fish brain in relation to feeding by Smt. P.S. Sherly. Studied the impact of pollutants on the structure of fish brain (Awarded degree in 1993).

  10. Effect of coconut husk retting on the water quality and biota of an aquatic biotope in Kerala by S. Bijoy Nandan. This dissertation presents the environmental impact of coconut husk retting on the water quality and biota of estuaries. Retting is a microbiological process, which processes the coconut husk and is the foundation for the giant Coir Industry in South India (Awarded degree in 1992).

9. MEMBERSHIP IN COMMITTEES:

Major Government/University Committees in which served/serving:

  1. Member, National Monitoring Committee for Minorities' Education (NMCME), Government of India, for a period of 3 years from 07.08.2007 to 06.08.2010.

  2. Member, Committee for setting up of 30 new Central Universities, constituted by UGC, MHRD (Vide No.F.25-7/2007(CU) dated 13.12.2009 issued by Joint Secretary, UGC)

  3. Member, Executive Committee, Maulana Azad Educational Foundation, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi since July 2007.

  4. Member, SWCC Environmental Committee, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 1994-2002.

  5. Consultant Ecologist, Theerapatham Urban Development Project (2003-04)

  6. Member, Task Group on "Environment". Science, Technology and Environment Committee, Government of Kerala vide G.O. (MS) No.28/87/STED dated 16th Nov. 1987.

  7. Member, Steering Committee on Management of Wetlands. Govt. of Kerala vide G.O. (Rt.). No.51/88/STED dated 14.3.1988.

  8. Member, Sub-committee to examine the environmental clearance aspects of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation at Kumarakom vide G.O. Rt. No.152/88/STED dated 14th June, 1988.

  9. Member, Multidisciplinary Project Formulation Team for the conservation of Wetlands, Government of Kerala, vide G.O. Rt. No.219/90/STED dated 8.5.1990.

  10. Member, Special Task Force for the preparation of Action Plan for Shastamcotta Lake, Government of Kerala.

  11. Member, Post Graduate Board of Studies in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala (1988 onwards).

  12. Member, Advisory Committee for the implementation of the Special Assistance Programme under the University Grants Commission in the University of Kerala (vide G.O.No.P1.a1.3083/85 dated 23rd February, 1987.

  13. Organizing Secretary, National Seminar on Aquatic Pollution organized by the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala in December 1989 at Thiruvananthapuram.

  14. Member, High Power Environmental Consultative Committee, Government of Kerala, vide G.O. Rt.No.452/92/STED dated 17.10.1992.

10. Honorary Fellowships:

  1. The Society of Fisheries Technologists (India), Matsyapuri, Kochi - 682 029 has bestowed its prestigious Honorary Fellowship on 27.07.2005.

  2. The Zoological Society of India honoured Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis with its Honorary Fellowship and Gold Medal in November 2006.

  3. The Indian Society of Life Sciences has conferred the `Fellowship of the Indian Society of Life Sciences' and Gold Medal in December 2007 for outstanding contributions in the field of Life Sciences. 

11. AWARDS:

  1. Prof. N.B. Nair Award for Environmental Excellence on 4.2.2008 by Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Contemporary Studies, Cochin University of Science & Technology.

  2. Amity Academic Excellence Award 2008 bestowed by the AMITY University, NOIDA, U.P.

12. VISITS ABROAD (2007-09):

  • Visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan to attend the International Conference on the Theme "Place of Uzbekistan in Islamic Civilization", during August 14-15, 2007.

  • Visited Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as a member of Indian High Level Cultural Delegation of Civil Society from April 27, 2008 to May 3, 2008.

  • At the invitation of the Federation of Aligarh Alumni Association in U.S.A., visited USA for attending the VII Annual Convention as Chief Guest from
    8 - 16 August 2008.

  • At the invitation of AMU Alumni Association, Oman, visited Higher Education Ministry and Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman on April 10-11, 2009.  Delivered the Sir Syed Memorial Lecture organized at the Indian Embassy, Muscat.

13. LISTING IN PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORIES:

Listed in the following prestigious International Directories.

  1. Listed in the Environment Encyclopedia and Directory published in November 2000 by the Europa Publications, London, UK.

  2. Listed in the Directory of International Biography, 27th Edition Published in 1999 by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England.

  3. Listed in the "WHO's who and does what in Environment and Conservation", published in 1995 by the Foundation for Environmental Conservation, Switzerland.

14. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP (2004 - till date):

  1. Member, Governing Body, Kerala Institute of Labour & Employment (KILE). (2005 - 07)

  2. Member, Governing Council, Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology
    (C-MET). (2006 - 07)

  3. Member of the Court of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, representing the Association of Indian Universities. (2006 - 09)

  4. Member, Governing Body, Centre for Heritage Studies, Hill Palace, Tripunithara - 682 301, Ernakulam. (2005 - 07)

  5. Member, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment; Shastra Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. (2004 - 07)

  6. Member, Governing Body, Kerala Books & Publication Society, Kakkanad P.O., Kochi- 682 030. (2004 - 07)

  7. Member, Executive Council, Indian Institute of Mass Communication Society, New Delhi for a period of 2 years. (2007 - 09).

  8. Member, Executive Council of the Central University of Kerala,

  9. Kasaragod, Kerala (2009-2012)

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