Dr Syed Akheel Ahmed, Mangalorean Star

Dr Syed Akheel Ahmed [ Mangalorean Star: March, 2009 ]

Born in Bangalore on April 10th 1954, Dr Syed Akheel Ahmed hails from a Saints family and hence it is no surprise that he holds the religious values he has learnt as a child, very close to his heart. However, his quest for knowledge has led him to have a very deep reverence for education and this is perhaps what has earned him his present place in society today. He became a Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry, University of Mysore, at the tender age of 20 years, after which Dr Syed Akheel Ahmed has held a number of prestigious posts in his academic career. He is at the moment the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of the famed Yenopoya University.

Dr Akheel Ahmed is the son of Syed Takhi and Noorunnisa Begum and is married to Ayesha Nasreen. They have three sons – the eldest is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Management at European Institutes of repute after being selected to the prestigious �Erasmus Mundus� programme of Europe. He is the only one to be selected from India. The second son is doing his graduation in Basic Science and has maintained his record of getting a distinction. The third son is pursuing his Engineering course in P.A. College of Engineering, Mangalore.

Remembering his grandmother, Mrs. Saleha Banu, Dr. Ahmed says that it was she who inspired him to learn mathematics. She used the ladies finger’s crowns to explain the concept of addition and subtraction. He is extremely proud of the fact that his grandmother was the first lady in their village near Mysore to complete her education; later she served as a teacher. Though Mrs Saleha Banu hails from a khazi’s family, she sent her eldest daughter, Prof. Syed Akheel Ahmed’s mother, to study science which was then, only available at Bangalore. Late Noorunnisa Begum was one among the four Muslim women to complete her double graduation from Mysore University. She served many posts like Vice Principal of Maharanis Teachers Training College, Mysore and as Headmistress of Girls High School, Hassan. A recipient of many honours and awards she has also authored nine books; among these “Aau Bachcho Din Seekhein” is popular throughout India. She is the founder President of All Muslim Women Association, called “Bazm-e-Batool” (the only Muslim women’s organization in South India), that aims to empower Muslim women through education.

An unforgettable incident

Prof. Syed Akheel Ahmed lost his father when he was four years old. He clinged to his mother and went to school at the age of about six years. When his grant maternal uncle took him to the school, the Headmaster of Nizamia Primary School told him to get him admitted to 2nd Standard. The academic year was midway. A few days later, his teacher wrote a question on the blackboard and Mr Syed said to the teacher, “The question you have written on the board is wrong”. The next day the teacher promoted him to the 3rd std. He has a faint memory of the teacher but always remember him in reverence the wisdom of the teacher.

The college days to Mr Ahmed has been always quite memorable. He is the youngest to complete NCC certificate at the age of 15 years from the then 20 Mysore BN and during May 1969 he was selected for Advance Leadership course held at Manali, Himachal Pradesh, at the age of 16 years. He also served as Sergeant and Under Officer and as Secretary, Urdu Association at Govt. College, Hassan. He also served in different capacities as a postgraduate student at the University of Mysore. Notably, as President of Mehfil – a literary organization, Vice-President Chemical Society, University of Mysore and as a Member of Students’ Cultural Association, Manasagangothri campus.

Achievements after joining Yenepoya University

During his first 6 months as a Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ahmed made it his duty to first meet his staff and inspired them to change their mindset by thinking afresh. As a result, he was able to convince them that knowledge is the ultimate weapon with which one can rule the world. Medical professionals who were never bothered to pursue their PhD program are now showing exemplary enthusiasm in taking up doctoral studies, says Dr Ahmed. The Yenepoya Research Centre has become a hub of research activities, motivating and inspiring youngsters to pursue quality education and to attain excellence of international standard through quality education and need-based research. Not surprisingly, 54 candidates have applied for PhD programs in different disciplines. Despite being a Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ahmed actively participates in research activities to inspire the staff and the students. He says he has a project worth 46.00 lakhs, sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment and Forest to develop “Clean technologies for waste minimization from nutraceutical industries”. The University is rightfully proud of this ongoing project.

His Vision

In India, 100 million people are aged between the ages of 18 – 24 out of which only 10% have access to higher education. Only one million are employable. His aim is to transform competent youth, to a national and international level and to provide quality education for them. To empower all marginalized sections of the society, especially women through education, is his top priority. To motivate and inspire teachers to become as role models of society. In our society, teachers play an important role in a student’s life. He says they have to perform their duties professionally by inspiring the students, invoking moral values and enhance their civility by enhancing concern towards the society.

Achievements and Accomplishments at a glance

Dr Syed Akheel Ahmed joined the faculty of University of Mysore as Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry in 1974; was selected as Reader in Analytical Chemistry in 1986 and as Professor of Chemistry in 1994. He served as Chairman, Department of Chemistry, University of Mysore, for a period of two years from January 1999 to December 2000.

Served as Director, University-Industry Interaction Centre, during 1999-2004; Chairman, Board of Studies in Chemistry, University of Mysore, during 2001-2004 and Chairman, Board of Studies in Polymer Science, University of Mysore, during 1999-2003.

Held many positions in France: as Post-doctoral fellow during 1981-82 at University of Paris and as Assistant Professor during 1982-83 and Associate Professor during 1983-84 at University of Grenoble, France. He was designated “Foreign Collaborator” by Atomic Energy Commission of France for the year 1984-85.

Has been conferred with several awards and honours including the Young Scientist Award for Chemical Sciences, 1989 and Prof H. Sanke Gowda, Research Award for Analytical Chemistry in 1992-93. He received US $ 500 as honorarium award from Pergamon Press, Great Britain for his review article entitled Polyaniline – A novel Polymeric Material published in International Journal ‘Talanta’. He is the recipient of Republic Day Award for excellence in the field of Analytical Chemistry, January 26, 1998, awarded by ISAS, BARC, Mumbai. He also received Appreciation Award 2001-2002, awarded by Chromatography Society of India, Mumbai.

Has to his credit about 100 research publications in International and National Journals of repute with about 800 citations in Journals and Books, which include over thirty citations from the Noble laureate, for Chemistry 2000 Prof. Alan G MacDiarmid.

Over twenty-five, Research Scholars and one Post-doctoral fellow are associated with Prof. Syed for their Doctoral Program and sixteen of them have been awarded, PhD Degree. He has authored a chapter in an advanced research book, a book published by I K International and two books are under preparation.

Dr Syed has carried out extensive research work on Conducting Polymers, Nutraceuticals and Green Analytical Chemistry. Has a wide range of research interests; which include Analytical Studies on tricyclic drugs, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Validation; stability studies; and development of new materials and methodologies for chromatographic techniques, he has also interest in the field of clinical pathology.

His interest in the field of Environmental Science and Technology includes the study of the impact of degradation of high-tech materials on Environment, Environmental Management, studies on recovery of metals from secondary sources and development of green analytical methods for certain environmental toxicants.

Dr. Syed is a Fellow for Society for Advancement of Electrochemical Science and Technology, Institution of Chemists and Indian Chemical Society. He holds life membership for over a-dozen prestigious scientific forums: Material Research Society of India, Indo-French Technical Association, to mention a few.

He has widely travelled in India and abroad. He has delivered about three dozens plenary and invited lectures in National and International conferences and symposia. Besides, he has delivered a number of Lectures on general topics. He is an active Social Worker and holds trusteeship and executive membership for a number of Civic Organizations.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

International

• Recipient of Fellowship, Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Paris, France, 1981-82.
• Nominated by Rectorat de l’Academic de Grenoble, France as “Assistant Associe”, 1982-83 and “Maitre Assistant Associe”, 1983-84.
• Designated by Atomic Energy Commission, France as Foreign Collaborator, 1984-85.
• The honorarium of US $ 500 for the Review Article entitled “Polyaniline – A Novel Polymeric Material” in Talanta, 1991, Pergamon Press, Great Britain.

National

• Awardee -The YMSA 1989 Young Scientist Award for Chemical Sciences, awarded by MAAS, Aligarh, India.
• Awardee – Prof. H. Sanke Gowda Research Award for Analytical Chemistry, 1992-93, awarded by University of Mysore, Mysore.
• Awardee – Republic Day Award for excellence in the field of Analytical Chemistry, January 26, 1998, awarded by ISAS, BARC, Mumbai.
• Awardee – Appreciation Award 2001-2002, awarded by Chromatography Society of India, Mumbai.
• Plenary speaker, National Symposium on Electrochemistry, Energy and Industry, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, April 4-6, 1987.
• Invited Speaker, All India Workshop on Micro- and Semi-micro Methods of Chemical and Instrumental Analysis, University of Madras, Madras, May 14-27, 1987.
• Plenary Speaker, National Symposium on Electrochemicals, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, July 24-27, 1987.
• Invited Participant, Solid-State Physics Symposium, Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Bombay, December 27-31, 1987.
• Invited Speaker, International Seminar on Instrumental Methods of Electroanalytical Techniques, Mysore, November 26-28, 1987.
• Invited Speaker, All India Workshop on Micro and Chemical Techniques and their Instrumental Applications, Dr.H.S.Gour Vishwa Vidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, March 2-29, 1988.
• Recipient of Travel Fellowship, INSA, COSTED, International Seminar on Solid-state Ionic Devices, University of Singapore, Singapore, July 18-23, 1988.
• Plenary Speaker and Session Chairman, National Symposium on Electrochemical Techniques and Instrumentation, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, December 1-2, 1988.
• Invited Speaker, International Seminar on Analytical Techniques in Monitoring the Environment, Tirupathi, January 10-12, 1989.
• Invited Speaker, All India Workshop cum Training Course on Advanced Electrochemistry, Dr.H.S.Gour Vishwa Vidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, November 26-30, 1989.
• Recipient of Travel Fellowship, IUPAC International Symposium on Speciality Polymers, University of Singapore, Singapore, November 7-9, 1990.
• Invited Speaker, Bells Control Ltd., Mysore, December 6-8, 1990.
  Leading article – Anion Exchange Studies on Electrically Conducting Polymers: Polyanilines in “Reactive Polymers”, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, May 1992.
• Invited Speaker, National Workshop on Chemical Sensors, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, and November 16-18, 1992.
• Invited Speaker, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, January 24, 1994.
• Plenary Lecture, National Seminar on Recent Advances in Polymers, University of Indore, Indore, February 6-7, 1995.
• Invited Lecture, Indo-French Workshop on Electronic Conducting Polymers, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, India, March 20-22, 1995.
• Invited Lecture, National Symposium on Polymers, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, February 26-27, 1996.
• Invited Lecture, National Seminar on Recent Advances in Physico-chemical aspects of Fibres and Polymers, University of Bombay, February 28-29, 1996.
• Invited Lecture, National Seminar on Modern Trends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Pt: Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (M.P), November 3-5, 1997.
• Invited Lecture, National Workshop on Microanalytical Techniques, Kuvempu University, Shimoga (Karnataka), February 10-13, 1998.
• Invited Lecture, National Seminar on Environmental Pollution – Causes and Remedies, PES Institute of Technology, Bangalore, October 8-9, 1998.
• Invited Lecture, National Symposium on Chemistry, Industries and Environment, Motilal Vigyan Maha Vidyalaya, Bhopal, February 26-28, 1999.
• Invited Lecture, Recent Advances in Chemical, Electrochemical and Nuclear Energy Systems, PES Engineering College, Mandya, Karnataka, October 21-31, 1999.
• Invited Lecture, XIX Conference of Indian Council of Chemists, Kuvempu University, Karnataka, November 25-26, 2000.
• Member, Advisory Committee, Second International Seminar on Analytical Technique in Monitoring the Environment, Tirupathi, India, December 18-20, 2000 and delivered an invited lecture.
• S.S. Koppalkar Memorial Lecture, Dr. A.V. Baliga College of Arts and Science, Kumta, January 12, 2001.
• Keynote address, X Annual Convention, Chem. Forum, P.C. Jabin Science College, Hubli, January 21, 2001.
• S.M.N. Kutti Endowment Lecture, P.S.M.O. College, Tiruvangadi, Kerala, January 25, 2001.
• Invited Lecture, Current Status of Science in Higher Education, University of Mysore, Karnataka, November 21, 2001.
• Invited Lecture, Seminar on Empowerment of women with reference to minorities, Karnataka State Commission for Women, Bangalore and Al-Ameen Education Society, Bangalore, February 7, 2002.
• Invited Lecture, Seminar on Frontier areas in chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Kuvempu University, Karnataka, March 3, 2002.
• Visiting Scientist, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, January-February, 2003.
• Invited Lecture, Training Programme in “Recent trends in material science and mathematical modelling, S.J.College of Engineering, Mysore July 30, 2003.
• Invited Lecture and Chairman of the Session, Convention of Indian Society for Technical Education, Students Chapter, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere. April 16-17, 2004.
• Inaugural Address, World Environment Day, SJ College of Engineering, Mysore June 5, 2004.
• Invited Talk, Two-day workshop on Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere. June 11-12, 2004.
• Invited Talk, UGC Workshop on Chemistry Syllabus for B.Sc. Degree Semester Scheme, Maharani’s Science College for Women, Mysore, July 15-17, 2004.
• Invited Lecture, Orientation Course for the Preuniversity Lecturers, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Mysore, July 22, 2004.
• Inaugural address, UGC State Level Seminar on Modern Techniques in Analytical Chemistry, Shri Dharmastala Manjunatheswara College, Ujire, July 29-30, 2004.
• Invited Lecture, National Conference on Advances in Water and Wastewater Treatment, University B.D.T. College of Engineering, Davangere, January 7-8, 2005.
• Invited Lecture, 3rd National Conference Polymers � Macro’05, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore, April 15-16, 2005.
• Visiting Fellow, Department of Chemistry, Amravathi University, Maharastra, September 10-16, 2005.
• Invited Lecture, National Level Students Symposium on Emerging Area of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, BIOCHEMEXCEL 2005, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere, November 24-25, 2005.
• Keynote Address. One day state level seminar in Revival of Conventional Courses, Abbas Khan College for Women Bangalore University, February 11, 2006.
• Invited Lecture, Industrial Applications of Chemistry, Amruta Mahavidyalaya managed by Mata Amrutanandamayi Math, College of Science and Business Management affiliated to the University of Mysore. Mysore, March 7, 2006.
• Invited Lecture, Chromatography, Department of Chemical Engineering, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere. March 31 and April 1 2006
• Invited Lecture, Regional seminar on “Environmental pollution with special reference to pesticide pollution” Department of Chemistry, Parvathaneni Brahmayya Siddhartha College of Arts and Science, Vijayawada July 28-29, 2006.
• Invited Lecture, Analytical Chemistry in 21st-century prospects and challenges Chemistry Teachers forum Tumkur University, Tumkur, September 23, 2006.
• Invited Lecture, Separation Science / Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, S.G.B. Amravathi University, Amravathi, November 15-16, 2006.
• Invited Lecture, National Symposium on the role of Analytical instruments in characterization and Quantification of materials; Department of Atomic Energy Bangalore, January 27-28, 2007
• Invited Lecture, Student Participation in Quality Assurance, B.M.S. College for Women Bangalore. April 23-24, 2007
• Invited Memorial Lecture, National Symposium on Electrochemical Science and Technology, The Electrochemical Society of India, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. July 20-21, 2007.
• Invited Lecture, Engineering the Benign Laboratories, International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Research (ICFCR 2008), Mangalore University, December 31, 2008.
• Keynote address, Green Analytical Chemistry  An Emerging Discipline, National Level Seminar on Modern Methods in Chemistry, St. Aloysius College, January 20, 2009.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

The only Professor in the University of Mysore to be recognized as a research guide in three disciplines, viz., Chemistry, Polymer Science and Environmental Science.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

-Fellow, Society for Advancement of Electrochemical Science and Technology.
-Fellow, Institution of Chemists.
-Fellow, Indian Chemical Society.
-Life Member, Material Research Society of India.
-Life Member, Indian Science Congress Association.
-Life Member, Forum for Advancement of Science of Human Development.
-Life Member, Indo-French Technical Association.
-Life Member, Indian Thermal Analysis Society.
-Life Member, The Electrochemical Society of India.
-Life Member, Indian Association of Solid State Chemists and Allied Scientists.
-Life Member, Indian Society of Analytical Scientists.
-Life Member, Indian Council of Chemists.
-Life Member, Society of Polymer Science India.
-Life Member, Indian Association of Chemistry Teachers

Membership – National Bodies:

• Member – Scientific Advisory Committee, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore. (July 2008)
• Member – Governing Council and Governing Board of UGC-DAE -Consortium for Scientific Research, UGC, New Delhi. (August, 2008)
• Member – Academic Council, Central University of Pondicherry (2008-2011)
• Member – Expert Committee, Cochin University (November, 2008)
• Member – Expert Committee, – UGC XI plan (2007-12) of Ram
• Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Faizabad, U.P. (September, .2008)
• UGC nominee – Advisory Committee and Planning Development & Monitoring Board Meenakshi University ( Deemed University), Chennai. (January, 2009)
• Chairman  Project Review Committee, Ministry of Forest & Environment ( 2008-2009 )
• Member – Vision Document and Prospective Scheme for the Welfare of Minorities in Karnataka. (2008-09)

MEMBERSHIP IN ACADEMIC BODIES

• Subject Expert: Evaluation for Research Associates, July 1998, New Delhi.
• Member: Expert Committee to Evaluate Minor Research Projects, June 2003, Bangalore.
• Observer: UGC test for JRF and Lecturership, September 2004, Bharatiar University.
• Observer: UGC test for JRF and Lecturership, December 2004, Karnataka University.
• Member: Editorial Board, Chemical and Environmental Research (Journal).
• Chairman: Board of Examiners – Polymer Science – University of Mysore (1998-2001).

Invited Expert: To adjudicate PhD thesis of

-Aligarh Muslim University
-Cochin University
-H.S. Gour University
-Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai
-Jabalpur University
-Kerala University
-Karnataka University
-Madras University
-Nagpur University
-Osmania University
-Shri Krishnadevaraya University
-Shri Venkateshwara University
Over 30 PhD thesis have been evaluated.

Member: Board of Appointment

-Bangalore University
-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai
-Cochin University of Science & Technology
-Kuvempu University
-Mangalore University
-Mysore University

Member: Board of Examiners in
Mysore, Bangalore, Cochin, Gulbarga, Karnataka, Kuvempu, Mangalore and Sri Krishnadevaraya Universities.
Invited Speaker/ Resource person

Refresher course/Orientation program:
University of Mysore/ Bangalore/ Cochin/ Gulbarga/ Kerala/ Kuvempu/ Mangalore/ H.S. Gour (Sagar – M.P.) / Goa / Sri Venkateshwara/ Shivaji University.
Delivered over 200 lectures

Member: Board of studies in

-Chemistry : University of Mysore (1998-2001) and (2004 – 2007)
-Chemistry : Kuvempu University (1996-99)
-Industrial Chemistry : Kuvempu University
-Chemistry (UG) : Karnataka University (1997-2000)
-Chemistry (PG) : Invited Member (1999)
-Environmental Science: University of Mysore (1995-98, 2001-2004)
-Polymer Science: University of Mysore (1993-99) and (2002-2005)
-Polymer Science and Technology (PG): University of Mysore (1999-2002)
-Foods and Nutrition : University of Mysore (1992-95)
-Geology : University of Mysore (1995-98) and (2001-2004)
-Statistics : University of Mysore (1996-98)
-Chemistry : Gulbarga University (2001-2004)
-Environmental and Water Management: University of Calicut (2003-06)

Message to the readers

“The 21st century is an era of knowledge-driven economy. In a knowledge-driven economy, knowledge is used as a promoter, as a product and as a tool. Hence, with a lot of human intellectual and talent capital available in India, we must transform our nation as a knowledge society. This can be achieved by creating knowledge hubs evenly distributed throughout the nation. By doing this, we will be able to transform India into a developed country by 2020. To achieve this, it is desirable that all Indians have to join by forgetting their background, their ideologies and various prejudicial attitudes and work together to make strong and developed India.”

Submitted by Violet Pereira