Regional Medicinal Plants Promotion Centre (Eastern Region)

REGIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS PROMOTION
CENTRE

(Eastern Region: Incorporating
West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand & Bihar states)

In collaboration with National
Medicinal Plants Board, AYUSH Dept, Govt of India

&

Indian Institute
of Technology, Kharagpur (W.B.)

Site: Plot No 88/851, Gyan
Vigyan Nagar, Ward No 5, Karagpur (W.B.) 721 301

Synopsis by
Akmal Husain

Sr. Scientist & Officer-in-Charge, Marine Aquarium & Research Centre,

Zoological Survey of India,
Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India

Digha (W.B.) 721 428; Email: akmal_husain@yahoo.com, cell No : 09434939702

Regional Medicinal Plants Promotion Centre (Eastern Region)

India being enriched in Biodiversity has abundance of plant resources capable of healing property to a variety of health ailments to both the human beings and animals. Our ancient
literature is full of citations through age old practices of Ayurveda & Unani systems. The relevance of dependence on such traditional/conventional means is further increased due to recurrence of new ailments as side effects of the modern synthetic drugs being widely practiced through the refined & well researched alloppathy as well as environmental pollution problems due to pharmaceutical industries. Also, modern synthetic medicines are too costly, hence beyond the reach of poor people. There are over No. of known plants naturally occurring as well as being cultivated in India with ever increasing knowledge through innovative researches of which our region of interest (Eastern region comprising the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand & Bihar) being geo-climatically quite suitable for the natural abundance of these medicinal plants, alone has over Nos. of known varieties.

In the post independence period, with the onset of large number of health aspects related Biomedical research institutions mainly through I.C.M.R., C.S.I.R., I.C.A.R. & a host of Universities/Colleges & the private entrepreneurs in health sector, we could establish world class research output through Scientific manpower & Knowledge up gradation including status data on this vital subject. But, unfortunately very little has been done to reach such findings up to the common people through simple means & in their own language & communicative mode for fullest utilization of these valuable researches which often remain confined from Laboratory to Library & to the Seminar/Symposia & Conferences etc. without reaching to the real needy section of society at large.

Since past one decade, much had been talked about on this issue by the Scientific luminaries like His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, The Hon’ble President of India, Late Dr. T.N. Khoshoo, Dr. R.A. Mashelkar and a host of others to emancipate such valuable knowledge to the common people for which there is need of more Promotion Centers than the Research Centers. Perhaps it is due to this reason that having widely talked and realized on Knowledge as power, Knowledge as Commodity & Intellectual Property concerns etc, India has established Knowledge Commission, National Medicinal Plants Board, Intellectual Property Law Schools etc for better coordination and proper spread of intellectual assets in its true sense of spirit. Similar to that we had been talking since long time about the concept of lab to land. Therefore, this is high time for the policy planners/makers to give serious thought on our mission for raising thrust on promotional avenues than to repeat or perform substandard researches at the cost of public exchequer.

While on July 23^rd
2006, during the key note address by Shri V. S. Sirpurkar, the then Hon’ble
Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, at the inaugural session of Rajiv Gandhi
Intellectual Property Law School at Kalidas auditorium of Indian Institute of
Technology, Kharagpur (W.B.) highlighting the importance of rich heritage,
conservation and emancipation of knowledge, he sited an instance of a herb of
his locality near Nagpur (Maharashtra) which had miraculous control for the high
sugar level patients, played stimulating role for establishing the Medicinal
Plants Promotion Centre at this important town which has earned international
reputation in today’s world of knowledge and intellectual circle. Six weeks
latter, an important incident of severe pain & partial paralysis of the self has
finally decided the fate for creation of such utility centre dedicated to the
cause of mankind in general and the poor people in particular. Someone, who has
already suffered heavily of such ailments and had been fully cured, has
suggested me to wash the affected portion through warm water containing the
extract of leaves of Vitex negando (in Hindi it is known as Samalu & in Bengali
it is called Beguna) obtained by boiling such leaves in water. Through regular
wash & bath with such extract (twice daily) for over forty days, the whole
problem has fully disappeared with feelings of fresh strength and resistance in
the whole body. To my utter surprise, this has inhibited deterioration in the
degenerative process of the lumbo sacral region bones (which was detected
earlier).

Such tree is commonly known to the
local people for its insecticidal (preserving food grains), and pain killing
property mainly used as bath after the child birth in rural folk. Such tree a
perennial plant is in abundance in wet soil areas in different parts surrounding
Kharagpur town and like vast stretch wild growth in Digha area. Likewise, V.
negando there are large number of other known & unknown plants/trees in every
locality which are not being utilized for the want of proper knowledge and
message to the masses. After getting the miraculous relief from this natural
gift (V. negando), the author has felt indebted of society for creating an
ambitious awareness centre for the spread of knowledge to the common people in
their own language and mode regarding its various aspects. With this view, to
satisfy the urge for serving the mankind, following is the objective and
strategy to work on this mission.

Our project will be based on
following aspects and hence related methodology will be adapted with a view to
initially cover the existing known and unknown varieties of medicinal plants and
herbs in the states of West Bengal, the adjoining states of Orissa, Jharkhand
and Bihar. Our horizon may spread phase wise depending upon circumstances:

1. 
   

   Data Establishment
   (including identification of unknown specimens):

Through
researches already carried out by different agencies and institutions, status
report will be prepared for the already identified medicinal plants naturally
occurring in our region. Efforts will continue to add more unknown species
through ongoing researches (by other research institutions and centers) as well
as traditional sources like community people and locally involved active groups,
N.G.Os. etc. Thus at every step of our activity, we have to involve all
concerned groups amongst the Government agencies, Academic and Research
Institutions, the activists and nodal agencies like Health Ministry, World
Health Organization (W.H.O.) etc.

2. 
   

   Conservation/promotion of
   naturally occurring medicinal plants abundance:

Through literature and interactive
sessions and involving local N.G.O.s, movement will be made for awareness to the
farmers, common rural people and also to Government agencies and the activists
to preserve and conserve such identified valuable species of plants and herbs
which are naturally occurring in various geo-climatic conditions and localities.
Importance of such herbs and plants in respect of its environmental utility,
health ailment healing aspect as well as traditional food and fodder etc will be
highlighted and properly communicated to the masses through our periodical meets
and interactions by arranging seminars & symposia of the common masses through
literature and leaflets etc in various local languages.

3. 
   

   Cultivation of species
   used as conventional food grain or for medicinal purposes:

The
identified and better economically viable plants/herbs species will be
encouraged to the farmers for cultivation (with available technology provision
and congenial conditions), both for the immediate local requirements as well as
for the revenue generation as source of livelihood to small and medium farmers.
Full fledged demonstration of such plants (being cultivated at our experimental
farm center) will be routinely carried out to the entrepreneur groups and
farmers for their proper knowledge and practical utility. Efforts will be made
to demonstrate all such cultivable and naturally occurring plants at our
experimental farm centre for which proper assistance from the State Government
Agriculture Department, Forest Department and a few I.I.T. (Kharagpur)
establishments will be sought on regular terms to meet such ambitious
objectives. Although functioning of this part will be always available for the
spot study to interested groups, but through periodical seminars and wide public
meets, we will try to educate and make aware common people the increasing
dependence and relevance of such valuable natural assets and its proper
utilization for the welfare of mankind.

4. 
   

   Proper utilization:

The traditional knowledge is full of mention of various beneficial modes of
different parts of a tree or herb with medicinal importance. As is well known
that for one plant its seeds are useful while for other its leaf or root etc.
Hence, it is quite essential to establish knowledge report for selected plants
as which part of it is useful for a particular ailment and that too how it
should be used. Efforts will be made to compile such detailed reports for the
utility of various medicinal plants as how to prepare its particular part and
use the same in an ailment in what way. For example, for curing the neurological
disorder/partial paralysis etc, it is essential to boil leaves of Vitex negando
& with such extract to wash the affected portion with warm water regularly for
over a month (depending upon gravity of situation). Also by following few
precautions and exercises, along with use of such medicinal plant product in a
particular manner will cure certain ailments. It is therefore quite essential to
establish such valuable methodology of various plant products for curing a
particular ailment. Only then, real benefit of such studies and findings can
reach the common people.

5. 
   

   Commercial & Trading
   Aspect:

After the
baseline data of medicinal plants are prepared and methodology for its proper
utilization is established, it will be our prime concern to make larger benefits
of such resources in terms of employment as well as revenue generation for the
larger benefit of society. Through established researches and our own
experimental farm center demonstrations, efforts will be made to promote
entrepreneur groups and skilled farmers to perform large scale cultivation and
processing of its part as useful product in curing various health ailments.
Every knowledge based support and technological facilities will be provided to
the interested groups & farmers. Likewise there are a few institutions which
provide specific training programs for processing and farming/cultivation of
such species in scientific manner (like Central Institute of Medicinal &
Aromatic Plants, Lucknow etc), local entrepreneurs will be promoted and assisted
for specific trainings at such centers of excellence.

We will also
provide assistance and short duration courses at our center to cater such
requirement of the local people. Also avenues will be searched for the proper
marketing of these products. If proper awakening to the common people is made
through closely-knit interactive sessions through such centers, large number of
educated youths will be benefited of establishing their own venture and also for
a variety of health ailments common people can get benefited at low very cost as
well as without any fear of side effects. Likewise an active interaction group,
our centre will keep a close coordination with all agencies like Health
Ministries (both the State Government & Union Government), Research & nodal
agencies, Government Departments engaged in the social welfare of the masses,
Health and social activists, N.G.O.s etc and the pharmaceutical industry for
better implementation of our broad objectives. Thus we will be acting as a
bridge between Research Centers, Government agencies/Departments, traditional
Pharmaceutical industry and the common people as user as well as entrepreneur
for the vast natural asset abundantly occurring (as Medicinal Plants/Herbs).

Initially, we
will be carrying out such experimental program at our own land in an area of
about 0.50 acre at the suitable location within the municipal limit at Kharagpur
town (proposed site name: Plot No 88/851, Gyan Vigyan Nagar,Ward No 5,
Kharagpur). Further efforts will be made to approach State Government and the
Indian Institute of Technology authorities for their cooperation in the
expansion plan for establishing Extension Centre/s. Our aim is to start
plantation with the onset of coming monsoon which is likely to be inaugurated
within November/December 2007 by some International acclaimed scientific
luminary to boost our noble efforts.

Govt. must cut down expenditure

Welcome to the new government at centre as well as in few states putting before public a sigh of relief any charge through mandate happens to be in people’s welfare provided the correct and needful leadership is given from all over the world media has widely a claimed and welcomed the new government headed by Mr. V. P. Singh the best finance Minister India has ever had. The London press in its reputation for scrupulous honesty states that in Indian politics honesty is as rare as snow in Delhi. However, some of the stalwarts in this government are erstwhile congressmen but they are expected to fulfill the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and Jai Prakash Narain. The people’s verdict in this lok sabha elections manifests the feelings of electorate that the idle and corrupt government must be thrown out irrespective of party/stature. The present trend of mandate alarms more the present and future governments besides a deep lesson to the party which ruled the nation for nearly four decades. Since the minority and coalition government is supposed to be an unstable one hence in order to survive full term it must strive hard to consolidate its position by performing well and fulfilling peoples hopes.
The new government is expected to put heavy checks over unnecessary expenditures in ceremonies and celebrations Heavy expenditure over VIP securities public meetings laying foundation stones and installing statues should be curbed Now the common citizen have been aware of government’s carrot race policy by communal appeasement language reward talking tall talks of great foreign threats to the security of nation and in the name of national integration. In order to avoid mid-term poll causing heavy exchequer to public money, the government is expected to forget past acrimony work together in the interest of nation and should put them to task to fulfill their election promises in order to win the hearts of people. Mud slinging /washing of dirty linen in the public should not be repeated as the former Janata government did. The Agriculture sector is to be uplifted at the industrial status by providing better and cheaper agricultural inputs. The farmers should get handsome incentives and better facilities for marketing of their products. However a good start by U.P. Government. Middle class people particularly the Academicians should get tax relief whereas additional taxes from higher class & luxury item industries may be realized common people should get more relief from price check of essential items R & D facilities under science & Technology need more liberal policies to avoid Brain Drain and to match the Industrial and scientific world.
Under the stewardship of Mr.V.P. Singh an able and honest Administrator all-round efficiency and honesty in the implementation of welfare schemes is expected with spectacular change only the free and fair press and media can correctly evaluate the functioning of Government. High order of reform is needed to provide quick cheap and fair justice in the land of lord Ram, Krishna, Gautam and Mahavir alcoholism should not be permitted as it breeds various modes of crime. Government should not hesitate closing down its own such plants and Revenue Department, instead another new source of revenue must be generated. The Government machinery and people should be checked of high expenditures in grand celebrations and ceremonies at least the involvement of Government authorities in these should be dealt with stern action.
The real tribute to father of nation and other martyrs will be to eliminate communalism from our society of great cultural heritage. The Administration should be toned up in solving this highly explosive problem by removing the communally motivated people absolutely from the Government and Administration. The incapable person is not to get the responsible position and a specialized task force of civil and police officials of high morale and integrity is to be established to copy any likely situation. In such events local and District Administration should be immediately penalized as the Government of Devi Lal did against two senior police officials. No. officer should be punished less than termination of service in case of genocide at the part of his fault. Regarding Babri Masjid-Ram Janm Bhoomi tangle. Government should invite high intellectuals of great morale and secularism of both the community instead allowing to play self-styled political and religious leaders for the complete and final solution. By working in this way, the present Government will not only prove stable but enter into the hearts of people to provide more opportunities to rule and also the image of nation will be truly acclaimed worldwide.
(The Pioneer, Lucknow, December 20, 1989)

Awareness about science is growing

Lucknow has been known in history for its music beauty in motion and poetry in life. Its composite culture is a unique mix of Indian and Mughal traditions, architecture and life style. It has also been a centre of Urdu poetry, Hindi literature and kathak dance. The ruins of the erstwhile Residency a great monument of India’s war for independence in 1857, and the heroic deeds of Begum Hazrat Mahal are among the evidences of the city’s glorious past. Lucknow is also known as the city of gardens.
Besides its rich cultrural scene,lucknow is rapidly becoming a site of science culture. About 10 national research institutes institute engineering and technology, Ayurvedic college, unani and homoeopathic colleges, the university medical college and other scientific institutions have put the city on the global scientific map Mention must also be made in this regard of the emergence of biomedical research activities through a large number of laboratories of international repute. Thus lucknow is now not only the chief nerve centre for cultural and political activities but also of scientific study and research.
Lucknow university is the centre for research activities in all disciplines of science, in basic applied and biomedical aspects Birbal sahni Institute of palaeobotany is the pioneering research establishment for study of fossils all over the world. The king George’s Medical college (KGMC) has age old traditions in medical education and research. The centres of biomedical research in KGMC has received a boost with the opening of sanjay Gandhi post graduate institute of Medical research with talented staff and latest equipments.
Lucknow has some full fledged laboratories under the council for scientific and Industrial research (CSIR). The central Drug research Institute (CDRI) housed in and around the historic chatter Manzil palace was inaugurated by Pt. Nehru in 1951. It has been in the fore-front of drug research with several divisions.
The National Botanical research Institute (formerly National Botanical garden) is the leading institution dealing with various aspects of basic and applied plant sciences Besides developing experimental plant sciences it has also succeeded in identifying environmental pollutants, sensitive plant species and encouraging plantation of such species useful as filters of environmental pollutants . The central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic plants (CIMAP) is actively engaged in the development of know how for optimum exploitation of natural resources for herbal drugs and aromatics. The industrial Toxicology research centre (ITRC) with its prestigious national missions and high quality research output has put the country on the world map in environmental research .
Besides these, CSIR has a sophisticated central instrumentation and Maintenance facility a regional centre of central food technology research Institute (CFTRI) and a polytechnology transfer centre.
The Indian council of Agricultural research (ICAR) also has two well equipped laboratories in lucknow. These are the Indian Institute for sugarcane research(IISR) and central Institute for Horticulture in Northern plains incorporating the mango research station.
The establishment of the regional science centre has also helped in spreading awareness about science in the city .
These reputed research institutions served as a forum for frequent scientific interactions at local national and international levels fostering science and scientific spirit for humanity. Hence, with the emergence of scientific temperament in society thew science based culture is developing fast in our city.
(The Times of India, Lucknow, July 1,1990)

Diffusing communal tension

The highly developed virus of communal fever which has arisen out of Babri Masjid-Ram Janma Bhoomi controversy has once again threatened peace and communal harmony of citizens. The poorer sections of both the communities are the worst sufferers when there is breach of peace. In addition our national goals are hampered and the image of country becomes dirty. The common people are fully aware of the conspiracy or narrow political gains of a handful of big people at the cost of innocent lives and damage to public and personal property.
It is not the time to debate and argue as to who has brought about this situation and who is right and who is wrong. It is evident that most of the people who cry for the masjid hardly go to offer prayers at the mosque at their own doorstep. It is also true that for Hindus such place is sacred because of their belief and devotion, whereas for Muslims it is no more than an old mosque like hundreds of other places of worship in their own control which are not in use and are without light. Neither a true Muslim nor devoted Hindu would ever like to bear this kind of conflict.
Viewing Islamic thoughts seriously, we find that the very basic philosophy of Islam centers on the principle of sacrifice. It is high time to come ahead to offer it to our brethren of the majority community in deference to their religious beliefs, devotion and sentiments. This way of sacrifice will in no way affect Muslims religious sanctity rather will teach the lesson of peaceful co-existence and the message of Islam for universal brotherhood and regard to other people’s belief and religion.
If such tangle is not resolved urgently by way of sacrifice and recourse is taken to playing the game of dirty polities and long delayed judicial process, the communal virus may prove highly catastrophic.
(Patrika, Lucknow, Nov 14, 1989)

Uplift minorities

Kudos to the effective and speedy measures taken by V P Singh government in resolving the important political problems namely, Punjab issue, J & K sessionist problem and the Babri Masjid-Ram Janama Bhoomi tangle. His visit to Punjab immediately after assuming office, offering prayers at Golden Temple, Amritsar, fresh consideration for 1984 November riot victims and for that matter holding consensus by all party meeting is a welcome step in the direction of healing the wounds of badly misled sikh community . This will mobilize the highly energetic sikh youths for not only restoring peace in the highly productive state but their best talents and energies will be utilized in nation building Mr. Singh’s move is scholastic,m mature and humane rather than authoritarian. The front government thus wants to win th3 hearts of people. Basically all people are innocent Sane and peace-loving. In most of the cases, circumstances compel them to adopt the way of indecency and lawlessness. Hence the government should analyze psychological the causes and work out strategy accordingly instead of undertaking harsh measures as the former government did, since situation in both Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir has touched an all time low that any miracle is completely ruled out. All political parties and welfare organizations should make a joint effort in salvaging the situation.
Equally important problem lies with the country’s largest minority Muslims. This community is always used as political tool at the time of elections. By merely appointing enquiry commission and providing cosmetic relief the government should not hope to make much impact on the disenchanted Muslim community.
The front government should provide clean administration to win the confidence and hearts of minority people for the party’s real survival and brighter prospects. It is worth mentioning that Muslims are hardly violent and aggressive. They are very sensitive and are easily provoked. Right from independence movement to present day, they have excelled in very field where they could get chance to contribute. Their problems need careful handing i.e. on psychological grounds rather blaming them as mere riotors and smugglers.
The best initiative in this regard will be to freshly enquire about worst hit riots of Moradabad, Meerut, Budaun, Bhagalpur etc.by providing them fair and due compensation and rehabilitation. Family members of riot victims deserve concessions and reservations in employment etc. A reservation in employment etc. appointing Muslim to important posts were in no way to solve their problems. Persons at the helm of affairs should be of high caliber and morale irrespective of their caste-community affiliation.
(Patrika, Lucknow, Januaruy 3, 1990)

INDIAN INSTITUTE OFPOLITICAL PLANNING& MANAGEMENT

Akmal Husain
Sr Scientist & Officer-in-Charge
Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
Zoological Survey of India
Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
Digha (W.B.) 721 428

India being the largest democracy of the world with six decades of its existence is still in the infancy stage of basic infrastructure in the sense that the very specialized training course and institution to train the Top Political Managers (like elected members of Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Council, the Hon’ble Ministers, Chairman of Board/Corporation etc) is still nonexistent. Also there is neither any mandatory practice nor constitutional provision in this regard. It is pity that to manage each and every segment of specialized institution both in Academic and Corporate sector, there are specialized training and refresher courses of specific kind of Management; likewise areas of Business Management, Banking & Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Personnel Management, Industrial Management, Forest Management, Environmental Management etc. But alas, the people who run all finer and key portfolios in Government system by virtue of being just the people’s elected political representative in all spheres have neither any requisite minimum standard of knowledge, experience, qualification or competence. Even after resuming such key responsibilities, there is hardly any convention for the specific political-managerial training or refresher course to govern judiciously and effectively.
Although day to day routine system runs through highly competitive, efficient and intelligent bureaucratic machinery, but again their powers and action depends upon such political masters. That is why, often such system fails and the entire nation faces the brunt of whimsical & incompetent political coterie, what has been noticed from time to time. For that reason, even the country had to experience shame in the eyes of international community and nations. It is for this reason that such an important idea is mooted to bring out this unique institution as the crucial need of the entire democratic political set up for the fair and efficient governance.
Hence this meaningful idea is mooted and put forth for taking desired action to establish such unique institution for the overall well being of the mankind through well trained and educated political masters to run the highly sophisticated institutions in routine governance. To bring out such establishment, there is dire necessity for some legal and constitutional steps to be taken. Once such creative institution of eminence with distinct vision and mission takes into action, the future of democracy and overall wellbeing of mankind of not only this vast country will be ensured as well as the said institution will be a torch bearer to the whole democratic world in its true sense of political governance. Since in the absence of skilled and specialized trainings, the proper justification of the well thought and nicely drafted poor men’s manifesto can not be executed by the mighty jurisdictions of elected political authorities (despite the enriched infrastructure, the well trained bureaucracy and the learned academics). Hence, establishment of such institution is the utmost need of the time to save and serve democracy properly.

Nature Science & Religion

Synopsis By
Akmal Husain
Sr. Scientist & Officer-in-Charge
Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
Zoological Survey of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests
Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
Digha (W.B.) 721 428
It is ethically believed that this beautiful planet for the creation and existence of the present day world came into existence in a full seven days of systematic exercise of the Omnipotent God Almighty. Accordingly, the process of development and establishment of norms and order started taking place as per the circumstances and events. With millions of years of long journey, the present day highly developed and sophisticated society came into existence with the well defined institutions of knowledge, faith and action, namely the Nature, Science and Religion which are key fabric of the present day human society.
Since Human being, as is repeatedly mentioned in Holy scriptures is the Supreme living being and rest others as its subordinate for the sustenance of the entire life system depends greatly on these institutions of civilization and sophistication. It has therefore, been the very focal concern of the human civilization to understand and establish the relationship between such vital institutions of Nature, Science and Religion in its own way and in each time. Although, some scholars had attempted from time to time to correlate and establish a coherence between these three vital institutions of the mankind, but a comprehensive exercise in this regard was the vital need of the present day society where we often come across some kinds of conflicting situations and hence this handiwork will be an attempt to get understand the whole spectrum and relevance and relationship of Human being with these institutions.
Part A
Components of Nature
It is believed that The Almighty God, before sending the Human being to this destination has first created such vital components of the universe which play an interactive role in meeting out the whole needs and means in its habitation. It is therefore essential to understand about the creation and functions of the following important components of Nature for the topic to understand in its totality.
The Earth
The Sea
The Sun
The Moon
The Stars & Planets
Part B
Dimensions of Science
In order to understand various occurrences and exercises taking place in nature as well as by means of human activities and exercises in various phases of life and material forms, the systematic knowledge of a particular kind has been categorized through different branches of Science, to name a few as follows:
The Physical and Material Science
The Biological Science
The Chemical Science
The Earth Science
The Marine Science and Ocean logy
The Space Science and Astronomy

Mufti showed great patience

The tragic incident in the valley at the cost of high political exchange is the worst ever speculated political game by a new and popular government within a few days of its assuming office. The successful abduction of an innocent highly educated, shy natured daughter of the country’s high political personage was viewed as surprising and shocking throughout the world. At such incidents I could not have shown more patience as Mufti Sayeed had shown keeping busy in his routine official matters. The gross negligence of state land and order authorities e.g. Home secretary chief secretary, DGP, police commissioner and other lower police officers would have been dealt with severely at least by immediate suspension of all and the termination of the concerned officers. The moment Mr Sayeed was designated Minister in the Union cabinet all safety, security and protective measures were critically needed for the whole of his family.
Such a shameful incident would have provided us ample motive to deal tactfully with the terrorists and the secessionist situation in the state. I would have never asked the state government to agree on conditional release of my dear daughter at the cost of nation’s interest. The state government deserves all –sided condemnation in its total failure in tackling such vital issues. It is still shameful that the five released hardcore terrorists and secessionists reportedly managed to cross over to Pakistan due to gross negligence of our territorial forces. The border forces needed strict measures to check infiltration and going and supply of weapons and armory.
(The Pioneer, Lucknow, Januaary 3,1990)

Strategy for upgrading Academic Standard at A.M.U. Aligarh

Highly sought streams like Microbiology, Biotechnology, Fashion designing/technology, Hotel management, Information Technology, Molecular Biology, Nuclear Medicine etc as full fledged departments are immediately required. Mobilization for campus recruitment for students of Law, Engineering, Business Management, Tourism management etc. should be taken care.
The mushrooming of tea stalls and roadside dhahwas should be checked which attract a large number of students to waste their time. To device some norms/restrictions such that students may utilize their maximum time in studying and keeping involved in futuristic career prospects by means of interactive meets both in the Department and in the hostel. Efficient and well managed/guided career guidance centre is required for every stream for which talented professionals are needed.
In order to stand ahead in the academic output & matching the requirement of job industry, key issue involved are: 1) Upgrading the syllabi (in all streams) as of global competitiveness, and 2) Employing most talented and better result oriented faculty.
Syllabus upgrading and updating has to be an important & continuous process wherein expert group for each subject and stream has to be made responsible by studying and incorporating the latest syllabus being adopted by world class institutions. Once syllabi match the objectives of bodies like U.P.S.C., U.G.C, C.S.I.R. etc, then only students will be able to perform better in key tests. To begin with, it will be wise to match our syllabi with that of premier Indian Institutions like I.I.Ts., I.I.Ms., I.I.Sc., J.N.U. etc.
A device should be developed through which only the best and befitting talent must be engaged for such responsible job. Fresh products of same institution (herein AMU) should not be immediately employed as faculty (irrespective of outstanding performance) unless they are so much capable they should first earn experience at coveted institutions elsewhere. There should be provision for time framed contractual positions (with lucrative benefits) for extraordinary scholars working abroad in the well reputed institutions/universities. Faculty recruitment advertisements should always be global through international journals and e-mailing. Substandard faculty members may better be engaged in administrative and peripheral works. Another harsh measure is to trim the surplus & useless faculty members by some meticulous device in phased manner.
There must be establishment of Registrar Academic to look after quality up gradation and compatibility amongst various disciplines so as to match world class institutions. Such establishment should function as watchdog on the quality & innovation of the academic excellence without any compromise. Hence, top priority should be given to this important unit for which proven talented person on purely contractual basis should be deputed on attractive package.
In order to establish such unit, detailed studies of institutions like I.I.Ts., I.I.Ms,
I.I.Sc. etc may be carried out. The key functions of this unit will be to update and improve syllabi, teaching methodology, commitment and concern of the faculty members for the overall academic wellbeing of students through interactive sessions with outside institutions, nodal agencies, industry and the Government run Scientific and other academic bodies. The syllabi should be tuned up of job oriented and of market ready profile.
Emphasis should be given to invite national and international fame scholars and activists (of various disciplines) for delivering thought provoking key addresses for stimulating the faculty and students together. To maintain high standard and dignity of the University, attempt should be made to invite Nobel Laureate for the key functions like Convocation (instead of political personality). Frequency of arranging national/international level conferences, seminar symposia should be increased for wider academic interactions. Industry sponsored researches should be encouraged through upgraded Research Centers at the pattern of C.S.I.R. & I.I.Ts.
There is need to establish a centre (may be named as Alumni Centre or Foundation Centre) for coordinating with elite and generous alumni to contribute for ongoing efforts on infrastructure improvement and creation of new study centers/departments etc. For instance, I.I.T. Kharagpur through such unit called Technology Foundation Centre has attracted huge funds through its alumni which could bring out new Departments & Centers like Vinod Gupta School of Management, G. S. Sanyal School of Telecommunications and the newly started Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law. Above all, we require serious introspection and a firm commitment to revolutionize the whole set up with sincere and honest zeal without compromising personal interests for the only cause of Academic excellence.
Views by: Akmal Husain M.Sc, M.Phil (Alig) Cell No 09434939702
Sr Scientist & Officer-in-Charge, Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
Zoological Survey of India (Ministry of Environment), Digha (W.B.)

CHALLENGING TASK AHEAD FOR A.M.U.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is passing through the great challenging phase of its history. For the entire Muslim community of this continent, it is quite challenging to tune up the famous Oxford of the east which was one time excelling in imparting the advancing educational and cultural requirements of the community in particular and the country in general. AMU had always been the torch bearer of the society even during the horrible days of independence movement accompanied by several communal disturbances. Since over the past two decades, there had been emergence of new areas of professionalism in academic world, but AMU could not cope up with situation arisen due to global competitiveness in modern academic and professional streams. It is therefore, high time to introspect for such a vital issue as it has already lost a lot of talent in shaping the proper destiny of talented modern youths.
Although, significant achievements had been done in respect of normal functioning of the university by the consistent efforts of University authorities (with the cooperation of the State as well as the Union Government) which has resulted in a well planned time framed routine Admission and Examination process, completion of examination results and the convocation etc. The residential strength of the students and related infrastructure had been tremendously increased in the past few years. Also, a few new valuable streams had been added to the existing departments and faculties, but the quality and potential of the academics has taken backbench in respect of comparatively poor output and marketability of the students. Still highly sought streams like Microbiology, Biotechnology, Fashion designing/technology, Information Technology, Molecular Biology etc are still missing as the full fledged departments. It is quite amazing to express the harsh reality that our pass outs are hardly securing significant positions in the All India competitions like UPSC exams for Civil Services, Engineering Services, Medical Services, Forest Services, Defence Services etc including the very insignificant performance in National level Scholarship tests conducted by UGC & CSIR. Also, the mobilization for campus recruitment of pass out students of Engineering, Business Management, Tourism management is also lacking for the better career security and future prospects. The concerned faculty members and the top University authorities should aim seriously in this regard. Thus, once student enters into a stream, it must be heartfelt & painful concern of the faculty members and University authorities to fully ensure the academic and career concern of the promising students. Otherwise, there will be a chaos in large section of the students as well as bad name to the institution and overall betrayal to the students’ poor parents who send them here with lot of expectations.
The mushrooming of tea stalls and roadside dhahwas attract a large number of students to waste their time just sitting aimlessly for lengthy period of times. The university administration should device some norms/restrictions such that students may utilize their maximum time in studying and keeping involved in futuristic career prospects by means of interactive meets both in the Department and in the hostel other than just the routine curriculum activities. The efficient and well managed/guided career guidance is quite necessary for every stream for which talented professionals are needed.
It has been noticed that even the Research fellowship examinations conducted by U.G.C. & C.S.I.R. had become the nightmare for most of the bright students of so many departments. This has resulted into decimal intake of Research pursuits. Such sign clearly suggests the downfall of academic standard, which has given a shameful name amongst the elite Universities, which was not the case two decades ago.
This is the right time for taking a few hard steps in order to bring back the past glory and to stand firmly with pride amongst the top most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Since very little has to be done for the administrative matters, the important segment remains that of attaining academic excellence. For any academic centre and institution of advanced learning, it is required to stand ahead in the academic output & matching the requirement of job industry. Such key issue involves: 1) Upgrading the syllabi (in all streams) as of global competitiveness, and 2) Employing the most talented and better result oriented faculty.
Syllabus upgrading and updating has to be an important & continuous process wherein expert group for each subject and stream has to be made responsible by studying and incorporating the latest syllabus being adopted by the world class institutions. Hence it requires rigorous exercise which has now become easier due to invent of internet service. The syllabus has to be framed in a very careful manner such that our students should not suffer due to the latest developments (in a particular subject or stream) while they go to pursue further advanced studies or during the employment. Once syllabi match the objectives of bodies like U.P.S.C., U.G.C, C.S.I.R. etc, then only students will be able to perform better for key positions. To begin with, it will be wise to match our syllabi with that of premier Indian Institutions like: I.I.Ts., I.I.Ms., I.I.Sc. Bangalore, J.N.U. etc.
Faculty is the backbone of an institution, better the talent and virtue, finer will be the output. Hence it is the first and foremost duty of the Government machinery and the University authorities to deploy the highly talented academicians and professionals to carry out the most delicate and important role of the society as the better teacher gives better citizen and so a better nation. Since in all religious scriptures, teachers had always been highly regarded due to their matchless responsible position. Even during these days also, teachers are highly paid monetarily in regards to their working time slot.
The University authorities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India should develop a device through which only the best and befitting talent must be engaged for such highly responsible job. The fresh products of the same institution (AMU) should not be immediately offered faculty positions (irrespective of their outstanding academic performance) unless they are so much capable they should first earn the experience at coveted institutions elsewhere. This trend is being strictly followed in elite institutions like I.I.T., I.I.M. etc. There should be provision for time framed contractual positions (with lucrative benefits) for the extraordinary scholars working abroad in the well reputed institutions/universities. Faculty recruitment advertisements should always be global through international journals and e mailing. The substandard older faculty members may better be engaged in administrative and peripheral works. Another harsh measure is to trim the surplus & useless faculty members by some meticulous device in phased manner.
As in the Industry, there is thrust on establishment & functioning of the important unit namely: Research & Development (R. & D.), similarly there must be similar establishment in such a vast and prestigious institution: namely the Registrar Academic to look after the quality up gradation and compatibility amongst various disciplines so as to match world class institutions like London School of Economics (L.S.E.), Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge etc. including the reputed Indian Institutions like I.I.Ts., I.I.Ms. etc. Such establishment should function as watchdog on the quality & innovation of the academic excellence without any sort of compromise. In other words, the strategy of such wing must be to function as the R. & D. unit. Hence, top priority should be given to this important unit for which proven talented person on purely contractual basis should be deputed on attractive package and the team members dedicated for the most important cause of bringing academic excellence.
In order to establish such unit, detailed studies of institutions like I.I.Ts., I.I.Ms,
I.I.Sc. etc may be carried out. The key functions of this unit will be to update and improve syllabi, teaching methodology, commitment and concern of the faculty members for the overall academic wellbeing of students through interactive sessions with outside institutions, nodal agencies, industry and the Government run Scientific and other academic bodies. The syllabi should be tuned up of job oriented and of market ready profile. Emphasis should be given to invite national and international fame scholars and activists (of various disciplines) for delivering thought provoking key addresses for stimulating the faculty and students together. To maintain high standard and dignity of the University, attempt should be made to invite Nobel Laureate for the key functions like Convocation (instead of political personality). Frequency of arranging national/international level conferences/symposia should be increased for wider academic interactions. Industry sponsored researches should be encouraged through upgraded Research Centers at the pattern of C.S.I.R. & I.I.Ts. etc.
Although, sufficient infrastructure development works had been carried out in the recent past, but there is always scope for strengthening facilities and creation of new establishments which require enormous funds. A.M.U. being comparatively old institution have produced large number of alumni who has excelled and earned reputation all over the globe in various fields. This is high time to establish a centre for coordinating to these elite and generous personalities to contribute for the ongoing efforts in this regard. For instance, I.I.T. Kharagpur through such unit called Technology Foundation Centre has attracted huge funds through its alumni which could bring out new Departments & Centers like Vinod Gupta School of Management, G. S. Sanyal School of Telecommunications and the newly started Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law. Such efforts can be carried out here also with better expectations. Above all, we require serious introspection and a firm commitment to revolutionize the whole set up with sincere and honest zeal without compromising all sorts of personal interests for the only cause of Academic excellence.
Views by: Akmal Husain M.Sc, M.Phil (Alig) Cell No 09434939702
Sr Scientist & Officer-in-Charge, Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
Zoological Survey of India (Ministry of Environment), Digha (W.B.)

The sacred cow

India being the most rich nation in cultural heritage could identify the worth of numerous natural assets as sacred and hence the old mythology started worshipping them. The important mentions in this regard are the peepal tree, the sun and the most beneficial pet animal cow Besides sufficient appreciation in the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures, the worth of cow had been very much emphasized by the holy prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) of course 14 centuries ago, He preached his disciples about its milk to be beneficial, its ghee to be curative in so many diseases and for bade eating of its meat as it was suggested to be harmful to the system and the health. Recently it has been reported that its excreta is good absorbent of deadly radio-active emissions as pollutants in the precious environment.

The Kannauj Action Plan

KANNAUJ MY VISION 2020
(The ambitious action plan for Kannauj
Synopsis By Akmal Husain
Senior Scientist/Deputy Director & Officer-in-Charge
Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
(Zoological Survey of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests)
Government of India
Digha (W.B.) 721 428
Ph. 09434939702 & 09434385674; E-mail: akmal­_husain@yahoo.com

This novel idea has emerged from the presentation by the greatest Scientist of the century and the Hon'ble President of Indian Republic, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, while addressing the 90th Indian Science Congress held at Bngalore on 4th January 2003 in his high profile talk on “India my vision of 2020” to see our motherland at par to the developed nations like U. S., U. K. etc. Getting boosted and inspired by His Excellency, the author has deeply thought on such issue and having discussed on the matter with luminaries like His Excellency the then Governor of Karnataka Shri T. N. Chaturvedi, besides the host of other intellectuals, academicians and policy planners and decided on such subject as a dream project of deep concern with the concept that "Think Globally, act locally", being the son of such historical place, which at present being so low rated in respect of life quality and infrastructure needs urgent and well planned long term plan as an ambitious project to turn clock back to the centuries old glory.
By utilizing the modern means of technology and infrastructure development, a multi disciplinary approach has to be evolved in order to materialize the concept and harness the vast natural potential of this habitat. Such action plan will be of immense value to all the agencies involved in raising the life quality as well as the enrichment of its past glory, like planning commissions of both the Union as well as the State Govt. besides the host of its departments, the activists and the involved N.G.Os etc. Also to the Academicians and students involved in unitary planning may avail such document as a valuable guiding factor. Such documentation can be utilized as the key planning guideline for future planners and District Administrators.
Through such study and presentation, my aim is to educate common people and the concerned authorities and agencies about the significance of this place and through a concerted effort to develop this place as the world class territory in all walks of life especially attracting the tourists and the scientific and manpower potential, which all seems to be a possibility by the dedicated involvement of the Government agencies, the people and more so of the peoples representatives in the Union and State Governments.
The author appeals to the learned peoples, the nodal agencies, and the concerned Government organizations to kindly provide us the requisite knowledge on such vast subject to fulfill the dream in order to prepare a documentary in the form of 2/3 Vol. C.D. on the following pattern:
1) The Historical significance,
2) The strategic and geographical aspect,
3) The demographic habitat of the District area,
4) The status of Agriculture as potential source of revenue and employment,
5) The status of infrastructure like Electricity, Road, Transport, Health etc,
6) The Industrial status of the District,
7) The status of Educational setup of the district,
8) Tourism potential of the District.
The detailed description on the above aspects with supportive pictures and concerned interviews etc will carry the length of a full volume of C.D. which will be followed by the proposed action plan on the aspects of our concern (No. 4-8). Such action plan will suggest as how to bring the Kannauj District territory on the international map at par to the developed nations, for which models will be presented through length of full 2 volumes C.Ds, wherein the illustrations and plans successfully carried out (as model) by the developed states of India as well as from some developed nations like U.K., U.S.A., etc will be presented with sufficient information and guidelines.