1 . Dr. E. Somasundaram Director (Agribusiness Development), TNAU
Dr. E. Somasundaram, an eminent figure in the agricultural domain, serves as the Director of Agribusiness Development at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). With a rich educational background including a Ph.D. in Organic Agriculture, he embarked on a distinguished 28-year journey encompassing teaching, research, and extension services. Dr. Somasundaram’s expertise extends to agronomy, marked by notable achievements such as the Shri. T. Konda Reddy Shield and Medal for Agronomy and the Dewang Mehta National Award for Best Professor in Agribusiness Management. His multifaceted role includes being the Coordinator of Agribusiness Export Consortium, President of Institutions Innovation Council, and Nodal Officer for GoI, MoE – Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. Dr. Somasundaram has left an indelible mark with 155 research articles, 12 books, and successfully operating various schemes with a total budget outlay of 5.51 Cr. His impactful journey includes accolades like the Best Success Story Award and the Outstanding Scientist Award, reflecting his commitment to the agricultural community.
2. Dr. D. Narasimhan A Trailblazer in Biodiversity and Ethnobotany
Dr. D. Narasimhan, an accomplished scholar, graduated and earned his PhD from Madras Christian College, specializing in Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, and Medicinal Plants. With an illustrious teaching career spanning 25 years, he has published 65 papers in refereed journals and co-edited a Symposium Volume on “Plant Diversity, Human Welfare, and Conservation.” Dr. Narasimhan’s literary contributions include co-authoring three books and carrying out 10 projects as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator for various agencies. He has guided numerous M. Phil and Ph.D. scholars, receiving recognition for three as the best in Botany at the University of Madras. Dr. Narasimhan has been honored with the Dr. V.V. Sivarajan Gold Medal by the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) and holds key positions in national and state-level bodies, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and research.
3. Dr. B. Gowtham Distinguished Geoscientist and Academic Leader
Dr. B. Gowtham, a highly accomplished geologist, boasts an extensive academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Geology with CSIR-NET-JRF. Serving as Head of the Department at both Presidency College, Chennai, and Government Arts College, Coimbatore, he combines rich educational experience with practical contributions. His expertise extends to conducting field training for geologists and organizing national-level workshops. Dr. Gowtham’s significant publications in hydrogeochemistry, groundwater quality, and environmental impact underline his commitment to advancing geological sciences. Additionally, his active participation in esteemed conferences and workshops, both nationally and internationally, reflects his leadership in the field. As a member of various academic organizations and expert committees, he contributes significantly to environmental and geological research and education.
