Tamil Nadu - Dindigul   

More research centres for rural development planned

— Photo: G. Karthikeyan

S.M. Ramasamy, Vice Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural University.

DINDIGUL: Establishment of more centres for advanced research and social uplift of poor and tribals, exploration of minerals and water potentials of the district and upgrading research on hi-tech areas were some of the major missions of Gandhigram Rural University, said SM. Ramasamy, ninth Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Talking to press persons here on Thursday, he said. “Our main aim is to capitalise the university’s potential and create global visibility. Essence of hi-tech research will be applied for development students and rural society, he added.

A Centre for Applied Geology would be set up to survey nanoscopic minerals and gems and map tectonic movements and sketch seismo tectonic mapping on vulnerability of Kodaikanal, Dindigul and Varushanadu hills and soil erosion. It would survey potential of minerals in Dindigul, Natham, Karur and Kangeyam areas and chalk out plans to revive over 40,000 tanks that were fully desilted in the State to improve groundwater. It would also research on groundwater exploration and conservation, flood management and rainwater harvesting structures, he stated.

Centre for Coastal Area Studies would study coastal land, coastal resources and eco-system, disaster vulnerability and carve out strategies for protective living of coastal people. Similarly, Centre for Tribal Studies would study tribal people of this region and their counterparts in developed countries for their uplift and the Centre for Rural Health Care would do health budgeting and pencil optimal healthcare strategies for government action.

The university would have Edusat facility to enable students to have advanced lectures from eminent scholars.

Extension activities of all departments would be centralised soon to take more benefits to rural people in an effective way. Centre for Commonwealth Literature and Oriental Studies would also be set up. Village Resource Centre would also be opened in more villages.

The university would introduce two M.Phil. courses on Energy and Food Science, and Nutrition from the next academic year. All existing courses will be luminated further and infrastructure upgraded.

Faculty exchange programmes with international institutions would also be initiated. Introduction of innovative water conservation technologies, disaster protected and sustainable living strategies, creation of balance sheet on natural and man made assets for continued rural development strategies were other top priority areas, Mr. Ramasamy said.

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More research centres for rural development planned

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