Volume 13 : Issue 1 & 2 : December, 2019 Tezpur University NEWSletter Cultural activities Page Awards and achievements Page 18,19 3,4

TU bags the GYTI award for the third consecutive year Tezpur University bagged the prestigious Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards for the third consecutive year. The award was presented to the student trio comprising TU to start 3 new Saurav Jyoti Sarma, Abhijit Nath and Chandeep S. Gogoi of the Department of Mechanical Engineering for developing a departments Panipuri Vending Machine that produces Panipuri in a faster In addition to the existing 22 departments, and more hygienic manner. UGC has sanctioned 3 new departments viz, This was a part of their B.Tech project under the Department of Foreign Languages, Department supervision of Dr. Polash Pratim Dutta, Assistant Professor of Assamese and Department of Design, to the of the Department.The students, with the help of Tezpur University. Academic programmes under these University Intellectual Property Rights Cell (TUIPR), have also departments will be offered from Academic applied for a patent. Session 2020-21. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg. 2 Tezpur University | Newsletter

From the Vice Chancellor From the Editorial Desk he year 2019 has been significant for us as the TUniversity completed 25 glorious years on January 20, 2019. Established 25 years ago as a result of the historic Assam Accord, the University has evolved as an institution of high-quality teaching-learning and outstanding research and innovation. However, we must guard against complacency and continue to strive towards becoming a world class university. Recently, the University has been sanctioned he year 2019 has been a milestone for Tezpur University three new departments, viz, Department of Tas it has completed 25 years of existence in January. Foreign Languages, Department of Assamese and The University celebrated its SIlver Jubilee with a year-long Department of Design, by the University Grants programme comprising academic as well as co-curricular Commission. Academic programmes (PG/UG) activities including Silver Jubilee lecture series by eminent under these departments will commence from the academicians, industry-academia conclave, outreach academic session 2020-21. programmes, etc. that culminated in the 26th Foundation Keeping the flame of excellence, the faculty Day celebration on January 21, 2019. The year also marked members of the University have brought fresh the achievement of our students and faculty. While our laurels to the University including two more FRSCs, faculty members brought accolades like FRSC fellowship, one STRIDE project, two patents, to name a few. Our STRIDE project and patents granted, our students shone students have bagged the prestigious Gandhian in winning the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards awards for the third consecutive year. The h-index of the for the third consecutive year (2017-19). Besides, University having gone up to 74 (Scopus) continues to they have successfully displayed their talents at manifest the quality of research carried out by our faulty various zonal, state and national level tournaments/ and scholars. In the NIRF rankings, the University has competitions. remained at the same position (29th) while it has made a We, the editorial team, have tried to report all slight gain in the QS Indian University Rankings 2020 being the important events of the year. However, there at the 35th rank from last year’s 36th. may be some omissions that may have inadvertently I hope, all this achievement will pave the way to occurred. We hope this edition of TU Newsletter will greater heights of excellence. My best wishes are with the serve as an important medium for the dissemination students, faculty and staff. of information about different activities carried out in V.K. Jain the University. Vice Chancellor …Editorial Team Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg. 3

Awards and achievement TU improves position in QS Rankings Tezpur University (TU) brings another good news to the State by improving its position in QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) India University Rankings 2020. TU now ranks in 35th position out of 100 of India’s best universities in the ranking. Last year, the University ranked in 36th position. Govt. of Assam’s Young Scientist Award-2019 to Dr. Manashita Borah TU faculty elected as Dr. Manashita Borah, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engi- Council Member of IUIS neering, Tezpur University, was conferred the prestigious Young Scientist Prof. Shashi Baruah of the Dept. of Mo- Award-2019, by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. lecular Biology & Biotechnology has been of Assam. It consists of a trophy, citation and cash prize of Rupees one elected as a Council Member of the pres- lakh only. The award ceremony was held in the Assam Administrative tigious International Union of Immuno- Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati, on 5th March, 2019. The purpose logical Societies (IUIS). The election of the of the award is to recognize outstanding achievements/contributions 2019-2022 Council of IUIS was held in a made by young scientists in research, excellence in technology develop- meeting of the General Assembly of IUIS ment, achievements and social contributions. during the 17th International Congress of Immunology (IUIS 2019) held in Beijing, S. Ramachandran National China. As a Council Member, Dr. Baruah will be focusing on the area of Gender Bioscience Award to Prof. P. Deb and Advancement of Immunology Teach- ing and Research in developing countries. Prof. P. Deb, Coordinator TUIPR Cell and Professor at the Dept. Currently, Dr. Baruah is serving as the Vice of Physics was conferred with S. Ramachandran National Bio- President (East) for Indian Immunology Science Award for career development for 2017-18 by the Society (IIS). Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India in March 2019 in recognition to his research contributions in pioneering a FRSC Awarded to TU new class of secondary magnetic nanosystems and develop- ment of smart nanoprobes for molecular imaging. faculty member Prof. Ashok Kumar of the Department of Physics has been admitted to the presti- gious Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) as a fellow. A noted academician in the field of Physics and materials science, Prof. Kumar obtained M. Tech and Ph.D. degrees from IIT, Kanpur, in Material Sci- ence and had done master’s in Physics with Electronics as specialization from Meerut University. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg. 4 Tezpur University | Newsletter

Awards and achievement TU Research Scholar bagged TU student selected for Asia best presentation award Mr. Sritam Biswas, a research scholar of Department of Pacific Higher Education Network Physics has bagged the best presentation award (in post- Mr. Uddipan Sharma, an MA student of Department of er presentation category) in the National Conference on Cultural Studies was selected as a participant in the 2019 Light Matter Interaction at Nanoscale (LMIN 2019) held Asia Pacific Higher Education Network for Safeguarding at Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpak- Intangible Cultural Heritage (APHEN-ICH) Field School kam, Tami Nadu, India on July 15-17, 2019. He presented which was held during 16- 23rd August, 2019 in the Re- the paper titled “Extremely low-cost paper-based SERS public of Korea. He was one of the two students selected substrate for the detection and analysis of arsenic level from all over the country to participate in the school. in the water”. The research work was jointly

News, Events, Workshop on photography and Conferences, Seminars video production for social change

A workshop on “Photography and January to 16 February 2019. tives. The workshop was facilitated Video Production for Social Change” The primary objective of the by well known wildlife filmmaker and was organized by the Department of workshop was to shape the ability of Green Oscar awardee Ms. Rita Banerji, Mass communication and Journal- students of MA C4D in using Photog- Director of Green Hub and Dusty Foot ism, Tezpur University during 29th raphy/video for social change initia- Productions. TU hosted Northeast India’s biggest science fest The 2nd Assam Science Festival – ment of Assam. of Advanced Study in Science and from March 23 to March 25 at the uni- This time the science fest was be- Technology (IASST), North Eastern versity premises. The Assam Science ing organized by the council with the Space Applications Centre, Kaziranga Festival was organized by Assam Sci- active support of Tezpur University. University etc. Aryabhatta Science ence Technology and Environment The three day Science Festival Centres from different districts of the Council, popularly known as ASTEC, saw enthusiastic participation of state also participated in the fest, be- under the aegis of the Department various institutions like CSIR-NEIST, sides many schools of Sonitpur dis- of Science and Technology, Govern- Assam Science Society, Institution trict. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 5

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars TU completes 25 glorious years

urtains came down on the year- alumni meet, industry-academia inter- entist and Executive Chairman of Na- Clong silver jubilee celebrations of action on research and development, tional Assessment and Accreditation Tezpur University (TU) on January 21, felicitation of the retired employees of Council (NAAC), Mr. S. K. B arua, Man- 2019. The yearlong Silver Jubilee cele- the central university and an array of aging Director of Numaligarh Refinery brations started from January 21, 2018 cultural programmes on the university Limited, Dr. N. C. Borah, Chairman- to January 21, 2019. campus. cum-Managing Director, GNRC Guwa- The University fittingly organised The event was inaugurated by DN hati, Dr.Tushar Rane, Head, UNICEF, a three-day event from January 19-21, Buragohain, former director of IIT Gu- Assam were some of the prominent 2019, where the University hosted an wahati. Prof. V.S. Chauhan, noted sci- dignitaries graced the occasion. Industry-Academia Conclave held

s per Silver Jubilee Celebration, A host of dignitaries from Indus- cilitate mutual benefit for both the Athe University under the aegis try and Academia spoke on the oc- parties. of IQAC organised an Industry-Aca- casion. They also explored the possibili- demia Conclave on January 20, 2019 Various dignitaries from the ty of collaboration in relevance areas in order to discuss various academic industry highlighted the need of where TU is working. and industry aspects for mutual col- special focus on the areas that TU Industry expert from various laboration. can contribute which would fa- fields were present at the meeting. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 6 Tezpur University | Newsletter

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars Workshop on Management of University Administration held A National Workshop on Man- agement of University Adminis- tration was jointly organized by Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and Tezpur University (TU) sity. The three-day workshop featured University, Mr. Syed Nazibur Rahman during 06-08 February, 2019. noted academicians and administrators ACS (Retd.), Prof. Alok Buragohain, for- The workshop was inaugu- from their domain sharing their knowl- mer Vice-Chancellor, Dibrugrah Univer- rated by Prof Mihir K. Chaud- edge with the participants. sity, Dr. Kamal Narayan Kalita, Associate huri, Adviser, Education (Cabinet Dr. Amarendra Pani, Director (Re- Professor of Psychiatry, Lokapriya Gopi- Rank), Govt. of Assam & Former search), AIU, Prof. M.A. Kalam, Dean, Ad- nath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Men- Vice Chancellor of Tezpur Univer- ministrative & Regulatory Affairs, KREA tal Health etc. attended the workshop.

Fine Print published “Fine Print”, the April and May issue of the laboratory journal of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department was published during the year 2019. As a part of their course curriculum, the second semes- ter students of the department brought out the two issues of the second volume successfully under the guidance of the course instructor Mr. Manoj Deori, Assistant professor in the Department. The newsletters which is being brought out every year aims to acquaint the student journalists with the techniques of news gathering, processing, designing and print production. National Workshop Department of Computer Science & Engineering organised a five Day National Workshop on Machine Learning in R & Py- thon (MLRP) during 28th January to 1st February, 2019. The Annual Photography Exhibition Computer Science & Engineering department organised a lecture on Text Analysis for event Detection, by Prof. Jugal organised by the MCJ Department Kalita, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA on18th The Department of Mass Communication and Journal- January, 2019. ism organised the Annual Photography Exhibition from 16-18 May 2019. The exhibition- cum- sale of the photo- Seminar on Marginalization and Marginality graphs was displayed by the second semester students of MA, Mass Communication and Journalism. Prof. P. K. Dr. Ambedkar Chair organised a National Seminar on Margin- Das, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, alization and Marginality in India with a Focus on NER: Mul- Tezpur University, inaugurated the program. This year tiple Contexts for State Intervention. Sponsored by RGNIYD the theme of the exhibition was ‘CHROMA’- celebrating & Organized in collaboration with OKDISCD, Guwahati on colours. March 15-16, 2019. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 7

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars UNICEF-Tezpur University sign agreement facilitating Paid Internship for MAC4D students ezpur University has signed an agreement with UNI- batch have joined state offices in five different locations TCEF which will make it possible for MA C4D students across the country as interns from the second week of to undergo paid internship at the UNICEF India country June 2019. office and state offices during 2019 – 2022. The next three batches of C4D students beginning The first batch of five interns – Ankita Dutta, Ana- with the one enrolled in July 2018 will be able to avail this mika Mazumdar. Bhaswati Saharia, Shaheed Ahmed opportunity as part of the semester long internship dur- Alomgir and Sujit Bhattacharya - passouts of the 2019 ing the fourth semester of the MA(C4D) programme. UNICEF Country Representative at Tezpur University

Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF other senior officials of the University Assam and other officials, also visited Representative in India, visited Tezpur on various prospects of collaboration the Centre for Inclusive Development, University on August 21, 2019. During between Tezpur University and UNI- the Department of Chemical Sciences her visit, Dr. Haque held meetings with CEF. Dr. Haque who was accompanied and the Department of Mass Commu- the Vice Chancellor Prof. V.K. Jain and by Dr. Tushar Rane, Chief of UNICEF- nication and Journalism.

The University bid Farewell to Prof Alak Kumar Buragohain One of the finest academician cum administrator, Prof. Alak Kumar Prof Madan M. Sarma Buragohain, who had joined the University on 01/07/04, superan- One of the noted academicians of the state, Prof. Mad- nuated from the University service on 11/02/19. Prof. Buragohain, an M. Sarma superannuated from the University ser- who was the founder Head of the Department of Molecular Biology vice on 31/03/19. Prof. Sarma, who had joined Dept. and Biotechnology at Tezpur University, had extensive experience of English & Foreign Languages, Tezpur University, on of over four decades in research and teaching. Prof. Buragohain 18/01/95 and served in many capacities. Most nota- had stints in academic governance- first as the Registrar of Tezpur bly, he headed the University as acting Vice Chancel- University (16/06/08 to 06/06/13) and later as the Vice Chancellor lor from 21/05/17 to 21/02/18. He had served as Dean, of Dibrugarh University from 10/06/13 to 18/07/18. Humanities and Social Sciences for three terms. He Prof. Ananta Kumar Nath, who had served the University as was also Head of the Department of English & Foreign the Head of Hindi Dept. from Feb. 2010 to Feb. 2013 superannu- Languages for three terms. With teaching experience ated from the University service on 31/12/18. of more than 42 years, Prof Sarma had published sev- eral books, research papers on World Literature and Mr. Babul Talukdar, who had joined the University as Assistant Folk Literature. He was a prolific writer in English as Finance Officer on 13/04/94 superannuated from the University well as Assamese. service as Joint Registrar (A) on 31/08/19. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 8 Tezpur University | Newsletter

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars

n the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October O02, 2019, Tezpur University celebrated the momentous occasion with a host Gandhi of activities. The celebration started with “Swachhta Hi Sewa” followed by other programmes. The students and the University community performed Swachhta Jayanti Abhiyan. Later a Talk on “Full Effort is Full Victory” was organised where the invited guest, Mr. Om Prakash Bagaria, a former IITian and a noted entrepreneur of Tezpur observed deliberated the virtues of Gandhism.

l A National Seminar on Book History in North-East l Department of Cultural Studies organised a Work- India was organized by The Centre with Potential shop on Videography and Editing during 19 – 25 for Excellence in Particular Areas, Department of March 2019. Mr Tarun Bharatiya, a national award Cultural Studies during 11 - 12 February 2019. winning film-maker was the resource person pres- ent on the workshop. l Department of Physics organized a UGC-SAP (DRS II) Sponsored Second National Conference l On the occasion of birth and death anniversary of on Hard and Soft Condensed Matter Physics (Nch- Chandra Prabha Saikiani on 19 March, 2019, the scmp-2019) during March 4-6, 2019. Centre for Women Studies organised a lecture de- livered by a noted environmental activist, Vandana l The Department of English and Foreign Languag- Shiva. es organized a national seminar on English in In- dia: Curricular, Cultural and Critical Shifts during l 63rd Mahaparinirvana Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar 28-29 March, 2019. – The University observed 63rd Mahaparinirvana Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by offering Floral Trib- l An interactive session cum lecture with all the ute. During the occasion gloves & half jackets were students of Business Administration was taken by distributed to Sulabh workers. Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei, Manipur University on 30 April, 2019 l Academic excursion for the 3rd Semester MTTM Students of the Department of Business Adminis- l The Department of Mass Communication and tration to Bhutan was organised during 22-28 De- Journalism observed National Public Relations cember 2018. Day on 21 April, 2019. l The Teaching Learning Centre, Tezpur University l 3rd Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture was deliv- organised an Induction Training of Faculty during ered by Prof. Uma Chakravarti on November 06, June 11 – July 10, 2019. The training program pro- 2019 . The lecture was on the theme ‘Buddhism, vided the teachers new skills and discussed the lat- Secular Humanism and Another Way of Being’. est development in the academic world. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 9

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars Collection of Rare Musical Instruments The Department of Cultural Stud- ies has collected some rare folk instruments of Assam (including Raamtaal, Ektara, Tokari, Dagar, Chilkhol, Baagdhenu, Jengtong, Ghunkong, Garo Kham, Juria Pepa, Badulichunga and others) for dis- play in the Cultural Interpretation Centre developed under the aegis of the UGC’s Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Area. These instruments were collected from Mr. Dwijen Gogoi. “Research Integrity Awareness Workshop” In order to distinguish between standard and predatory, dubious, deceptive journals and to ensure that Indian academic work ap- pears only in standard journals, Workshop on Manuscript Tezpur University along with Uni- Manuscript Conservation Centre, TU in collaboration with National Mission versity Grants Commission (UGC) for Manuscripts, New Delhi organised a National Workshop on Preventive co-hosted a “Research Integrity Conservation of Documentary Heritage during 21-25th October, 2019 at Awareness Workshop” on August Department of Cultural Studies. The workshop aimed at preaching aware- 26, 2019 at the Council Hall of the ness and develop preliminary knowledge among the participants from vari- University. ous institutes across north-east India working or having interest for manu- The workshop introduced script conservation. UGC initiatives in academic in- tegrity and quality improvement programmes along with a round- table and a workshop compo- 3rd International Day of Yoga held nent. About 200 participants from Tezpur University in collaboration the theme “Health Development and the East Zone states of Arunachal with Yoga Centre and NSS (National Nation Building through Yoga” quiz Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Manipur, Service Scheme) wing of the Univer- competition on Yoga were held dur- Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, sity joined the rest of the world to ing the day. Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Ben- celebrate the 5th International Day of A week-long yoga camp for dif- gal took part in the workshop. The Yoga. ferent age groups was also organised participants included key univer- Various Yoga related activities, under the guidance of Yoga coach sity officials, head of institutions, such as, demonstration and exhibi- Shri Partha Pratim Das and Yoga coor- especially from the IQAC, acade- tion of various yoga asanas and pos- dinator of the University, Prof Papori micians, researchers, editors and tures, online essay competition on Baruah from 15 - 20 June 2019. publishers. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 10 Tezpur University | Newsletter

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars

Colloquium on IP Day 2019 Intellectual Property Day was celebrated in Tezpur University on April 26 under the flagship of TUIPR Cell with an array of programmes that were meant to focus on encouraging innovation and creativity. This year the theme of the celebrations was centred around “Reach for Gold: IP and Sports”. National seminar on differently-abled organised he Centre for Inclusive Develop- The Vice Chancellor of Tezpur Uni- The seminar saw a number of Tment in collaboration with the versity Prof. V.K. Jain inaugurated the participants including PWDs from Indian Institute of Research and seminar while Prof. D. C. Deka, Vice various states of the country. Development for Differently-Abled Chancellor of Madhavdev University, Among other dignitaries, Dr. Ra- (IIRDDA), Guwahati, organized a day- Narayanpur, and Dr. J. N. Nayak, Reg- mani Barman, Chairman of IIRDDA, long seminar on “Emancipation of istrar, North Eastern Hill University, Dr. Rajeev K. Doley, Director, CID-TU, Students with Disabilities in Science Shillong, participated as guests of and Dr. Jintu Sarmah of TU addressed & Technology” on September 13. honour. the participants. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 11

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars

The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism in collaboration with One Teaching and Learning Centre, Tezpur University organised a One Week Faculty Enrichment Programme on Decoding Social Media: Dynamics, Uses and Abuses Week from 11 to 17 February, 2019. During the programme, the resource persons and participants made delib- Faculty erations on the evolutions of social media and its boon and banes. Some of the resource persons who took part in the weeklong deliberations Enrichment were Prof. G. Ravindran from Madras University, Prof. T. T. Sreekumar from EFLU, Hyderabad, Dr. M. Shuaib Mohamed Haneef, HoD i/c, Pondicherry University and Programme Ms. Arnika Singh, Programme Manager, Social Media Matters. North East Youth Conclave held Second Industry The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tezpur Univer- Academia Conclave sity in association with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Delhi organised a As part of celebration of its silver three-day North East Youth Conclave from 06-08 September. jubilee, a regional workshop on The theme of the conclave was Role of youth in contributing towards a “Translational Research and Innova- culture of Peace and Non-Violence. tion-…...making use of IPR across The inaugural ceremony was graced by Senior Journalist and noted au- value chain” was organized on 30th thor Samudra Gupta Kashyap as the Chief Guest. Prominent social activist of Dec (Sunday), 2018. Dibyajyoti Saikia and Gulshan Gupta, the North East Coordinator of Gandhi The workshop was attended Smriti and Darshan Samiti also spoke on the occasion. with 30 select participants from vari- 150 youth representatives from 18 different universities across north- ous fields of science and technology, east India including Assam University, Silchar, Tripura University, Sikkim who had one or more technologies Manipal University and Manipur University of Culture participated in the in hand and are getting ready for conclave. translation in the next level. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 12 Tezpur University | Newsletter

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars l Department of Computer Sci- ence & Engineering organised a five Day National Workshop on Machine Learning in R & Python (MLRP) during 28 Jan- uary to 1 February, 2019. l The Computer Science & Engineering department organised a lecture on Text Analysis for event Detection, by Prof. Jugal Kalita, Univer- sity of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA on 18 January, 2019.

l Mr. Debasis Sarkar, a pio- tures on “Academics and neer in Observational As- Evaluation System” of the IPR awareness tronomy and its populariza- University, General Con- tion and the Secretary of the duct, Student Support Sys- workshop held Sky Watchers Association of tems among others. IPR awareness workshop on Effective use of North Bengal (SWAN) deliv- Geographical Indication and Trademark in ered a talk on India’s Lunar l Dr. Amit Rahul Baishya from the market for handloom industry: Tezpur Mission ‘Chandrayaan’ at the Department of English, the Tezpur University Ob- University of Oklahoma, US University Intellectual Property Rights Cell servatory premises (rooftop delivered a talk on “Alien along with Geographical Indications Regis- of the SAIC building) on 5th Motion: Encounters with try, Chennai, Government of India and MSME September. Otherness in “The Sound of Development Institute, Guwahati, Minis- a Wild Snail Eating”” in the try of MSME, Government of India on 24th l Tezpur University along Seminar Hall, Department October, 2019 organised an IPR awareness with the Nation celebrat- of Cultural Studies on 25th workshop on Effective use of Geographical ed Jal Diwas on 22nd July, July 2019. Indication and Trademark in the market for 2019 as a part of Jal Shakti handloom industry on October 24, 2019. Abhiyan by Government l “Walk to the Library” pro- of India. The celebration of gramme was organised at the Jal Diwas was initiated the new academic session by the AICTE Cell, Tezpur in order to inculcate the University. An essay writ- habit of reading books and ing competition on “Water visiting the library amongst Conservation, Flood and the new students and re- Assam: A perspective solu- search scholars. The event tion” was held among the was organised on 30th July, University students on the 2019 under the guidance occasion. of Prof D.K. Bhattacharrya, Dean of Academic Affairs. l The University organized an orientation programme l Tezpur University organised for newly admitted stu- Town Official Language -Im dents on July 26, 2019 to plementation Committees welcome its new batch of (TOLIC) meeting on July 05, students. The orientation 2019 amongst its member programme included lec- at Tezpur University. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 13

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars Department of Social Work organised a Consultative workshop on ‘Optimal Models of Course on Nutrition on 22 December.

l Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture Series (Second Lec- l TU celebrated Hindi Fortnight during 01-14 Septem- ture) on the theme “Philosophy of B.R. Ambedkar in ber, 2019 with participation from students, research the Context of North-eastern Region” was delivered scholars, staff and faculty members of the University. by Dr. C.J. Thomas (ICSSR-NERC) on 10 May, 2019. l Arnab Borah, an alumnus of Tezpur University from l Department of Energy organized “National Sympo- the department of Computer Science and Engineer- sium on Sustainable Waste Management (SWM 2019)” ing delivered a talk on “Creating an effective personal- under the ageis of ISWMAW on 3 August 2019. ized strategy to have a successful career in Engineer- ing” on 7 November, 2019. l Academic excursion for the 3rd Semester MTTM Stu- dents of the Department of Business Administration l Department of Sociology organised an International to Bhutan was organised during 22-28 December, Seminar on Locating Neighbourhood in the Global 2019. South on 25 -26 September 2019. This seminar was conceptualised to focus on neighbourhoods, their l Tezpur University celebrated 127th Birth Anniversary particularities and their role in shaping our under- of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on 14 April, 2019. standing of the urban in the global South.

Flood Relief ezpur University community offered tion Officer visited flood affected jhawani Ttheir sincere help towards the flood vic- village (one of the adopted villages of the Activities tims of Assam by contributing to the Chief University) and distributed medicines and by Tezpur Minister Relief Fund, Assam. Additionally, a essential dry foods. team of Prof. D.C.Baruah, Dr. Pradyumna Ku- Tezpur University Teachers Association University mar Choudhury, Dept. of Energy and Mr. Sa- also distributed relief materials in the great- Community maresh Barman, Public Relations & Informa- er Gutlong area(K). Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 14 Tezpur University | Newsletter

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observed The University on October 31, 2019 Tezpur University administered the Dean Students Welfare, Dr. Amiya observed the birth anniversary of Ekta Diwas pledge and flagged off Kumar Das, programme coordina- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, celebrated the Unity Run. SSB jawans, led by tor NSS , Dr. Hitesh Sharma, faculty as “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” in collabo- their commandant, Shri Madhukar Incharge, NCC, Dr. Bhupali Kashyap, ration with the Sashastra Seema Amitabh also participated in the Cultural Officer participated in the Bal(SSB). unity run. Run-for-Unity. To mark the celebration of the Apart from hundreds of Univer- In the evening, an essay compe- National Unity Day, a pledge taking sity students, NCC cadets and NSS tition was organised by NSS, Tezpur ceremony was organised. volunteers of the University, Biren University on Sardar Patel’s life and Prof. V.K. Jain, Vice Chancellor, Das, Registrar, Prof. Dhanapati Deka, work.

l T&P Cell organized a session on “How to start your opinions on contemporary foreign policy themes, UPSC journey” for interested UPSC aspirants on 30th Ambassador Dilip Sinha IFS (Retd.) delivered a talk October, 2019 at Dean’s Gallery, School of Engineer- on the topic “ India’s Contribution to the United Na- ing, Shri Padmanabh Baruah, IPS was the distin- tions” on October 17, 2019 at the KBR auditorium of guished Speaker on the occasion. the University.

l Department of Computer Science & Engineering is l Under the guidance of Dr. Kishor Baruah of Dept. offering New Masters Programme M. Tech in Com- of Physics, a special sky watching (Moon viewing puter Science & Engineering approved by AICTE. through telescope) along with astronomy video show was organised on 3rd October, 2019 by the l Tezpur University launched alumni web portal: The Astronomy Club of the University for the children University for the greater interest of TU alumni com- (from little kid to 12 years of age) at the roof top of munity launched an alumni web portal https://tuaa. the SAIC building. tezu.ernet.in/. Through the portal all TU alumni can register and access to various information and facili- l Department of Cultural Studies organised a work- ties of the University. shop on ‘Drama, Scripting, Designing, Acting and Music’ as a part of “Kartik Hazarika National Theatre l As part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ Distin- Festival 2019”, in the Chandraprabha Saikiani Bha- guished Lecture, where experts share their views/ wan, Tezpur University during 6-8 January 2019. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 15

News, Events, Conferences, Seminars XVI Convocation of Tezpur University held Tezpur University organised its XVI Con- vocation on December 27, 2018 at Ka- laguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha auditorium of the University with a total of 1132 students been conferred upon Degrees and Diplomas. Amongst them, 51 were awarded PhDs, 674 were Masters, 352 were Un- der Graduates (B.Tech/B.Sc/BA), 25 were PG Diplomas and 30 were Degrees and Diplomas under the Open and Distance Learning programmes. Professor (Dr.) Ramesh C. Deka, Fit India Movement celebrated Professor Emeritus & Advisor to Direc- The University celebrated Fit India Movement on the occasion of Na- tor Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical tional Sports Day on August 29, 2019. Led by Prof. Dilip Kumar Sai- Sciences , Patna and Former Director, kia, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University, faculty, staff and students AIIMS, New Delhi was the Chief Guest, of the University wholeheartedly attempted to walk 10,000 steps. As while Hon’ble Governor of Assam Prof. part of the fitness pledge, the walk was organised at 6 AM from the Jagdish Mukhi presided over the Con- Community hall of the University and all members present on the vocation as the Chancellor of the Uni- occasion accomplished the task of walking minimum 10,000 steps. versity. Internal Complaints Committee of the University organised a Sensi- tization Programme on “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace” on August 28, 2019 for all employees of Non-Academic Centres/Cells/ Offices of the University.

l The “OrganiX-2018”, an International Conference in Chemistry was organized by Department of Chemical Sciences during 20- 21 Dec. 2018, Convenor, Dr. Bipul Sarma welcomed over 250 participants from across the globe with 30 eminent speakers. Chairman, Prof. Ashim Jyoti Thakur addressed the gathering with a glimpse of department profile.

l Teaching Learning Centre, TU organized a One Day Workshop on Pedagogical Action Research on 18/06/19.

l International exposure trip was organised by the Department for the MBA students to Malaysia, Singapore and Dubai during 1st week to 3rd week of January 2019.

l The Department of Cultural Studies has incorporated the instal- lation of ‘Wall of Heroes’- A ‘Wall of Heroes’ on freedom fighters As a part of the Women Studies lecture who fought against the British and lesser known in our history initiatives Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre was inaugurated by Professor Vinod Kumar Jain, Honorable for Women Studies organized a talk on Vice-Chancellor, Tezpur University on 30th of January 2019. 22nd February, 2019. Ms. Kamla Bhasin, noted social activist delivered the talk. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 16 Tezpur University | Newsletter

l Sampark an industry-academia Training & Placement interaction was organised by the Department of Business Adminis- raining & Placement Cell (T&P) ranges preparatory and motiva- tration on the theme of Sampark… Tof Tezpur University witnessed tional talks by various industry the interface: Act East: Unveiling another fruitful placement season experts from different fields for the the Opportunities held on 14-16 for the batch of 2019. benefit of students. The cell also February 2019. More than 50 organisations regularly organizes appropriately conducted recruitment for our stu- designed grooming sessions be- l Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facil- dents with an annual CTC ranging fore the actual placement activities ity, Department of Molecular Biol- from Rs. 2 lakh to 11.5 lakhs. T&P take place. The grooming sessions ogy and Biotechnology organized invited companies from various comprises both soft skill training a National Workshop on Whole Ge- fields in order to make opportu- and technical trainings. nome Data Analysis using Compu- nities available to all streams of Organization like Oil India, tational Framework and Tools Dur- students and many leading corpo- BCPL, Tata Consultancy Services , ing 24-25 January 2019. rates recruited students from our Infosys, Wipro, Britania Industries, campus. Cognizant, Concept Education, SBI l Special alumni meet was organized This year also we placed more Life , AMUL , DHL , RBL Finserve, on 19th January, 2019 at TU’s KBR than 90% of our Management Cummins India, ICICI Bank, Mahi- auditorium on the occasion of the students on campus. Some of our ndra Finance, Axis Bank, Chola- closing ceremony of silver jubilee alumni have also taken initiative mandalam Finance & Investment celebrations of TU. The meet was to bring their organisations for ,Bandhan Bank, Vivekananda attended by most of the senior campus placement. All the activi- Kendra Vidyalayas, Qua Qua Ex- professors, faculty and other em- ties of the Cell are led by the team periences, Zaloni, LOADSHARE, ployees who are TU alumni. The of Training and Placement office UTI AMC Ltd , Gandhi Fellowship- TU Alumni chapter of Bengaluru along with the faculty coordinators Piramal Foundation, Svatantra Mi- participated in the meet through at department level and student crofin Pvt. Ltd., Federal Bank , MRF Skype. Coordinators from different pro- Tyres, Apollo Tyres, Berger Paints, grammes. GlaxoSmithKline, Blueberry Digital l The Department of Cultural Studies We have also started the cam- Labs, Schoogle, Crompton Greave under the aegis of UGC’s SAP DRS- pus recruitment process for 2020 Electrical Pvt Ltd, Azim Premji II organized a National Seminar on passing out students and the Cell Foundation, Greenwood, Ramoji ‘Understanding the Sacred’ during maintains a constant contact with Film City, Sesta, ASOMI FINANCE, on 25 - 26 February 2019. its students through Emails and Montex Glass Fibre Industries , WhatsApp groups and notify them Arohan Finance ,Uflex, Mahindra & l Internal Complaints Committee about the companies that would Mahindra, HDFC AMC ,UNICEF, Vi- (ICC) of the University carried out be visiting. mta Labs, Teach for India, E TV and Department/ hostel Level Sensiti- As a part of Industry interac- many more conducted recruitment zation programme on Prevention tion & collaboration the cell ar- process for our university students. of sexual harassment at work place for students on 20-21st February 2019. ICC also organised Sensitiza- tion programme on Prevention of sexual harassment at campus for all the security staff and local ven- dors on 19th & 26th March 2019.

l The first edition of the silver jubilee alumni meet was organised by the department of Business Admin- istration on 25th May 2019 at the department premises. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 17 Important international/national collaborations

A Memorandum of Understanding with Issar Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, Institute of Technology, Stock- was signed between Tezpur Univer- Hyderabad on 18/07/2019 to carry holm, Sweden to work together sity and the University of Auckland, out studies involving pre-clinical in the fields of Education and Re- New Zealand on 18 March 2019. Pro and clinical assessment of peptides- search. A team from KTH led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dilip Kumar based anticoagulant and antithrom- Prof Rajeev Thottappillil visited Saikia signed on behalf of Vice-Chan- botic drug(s) for the treatment of car- Tezpur University during 10-12 cellor of Tezpur University, Professor diovascular diseases. May, 2018 as per the invitation of Vinod Kumar Jain while Professor Di- l An MoU is signed between Tezpur Prof D C Baruah, Department of ane Brand, Dean of Creative Arts and University and Indian Institute of Energy, TU. Industries and Dr. Ralph Buck, Associ- Foreign Trade (IIFT) at New Delhi l A formal ceremony for exchange ate Dean, International Creative Arts on 21 November 2019. Prof V K of MoU between TU and Ad- and Industries signed on behalf of Jain, VC, Tezpur University and vanced Materials Processes Re- the University of Auckland. The MoU Prof Manoj Pant, Director, IIFT search Institute (AMPRI) was or- would facilitate academic exchange signed the MoU for furtherance ganised on October 24, 2019. Dr. between the Department of Cultural of mutual research and academ- A.K. Srivastava, Director, AMPRI Studies, Tezpur University and the ic collaborations between these Bhopal was present on the oc- Faculty of Creative Arts and Indus- two institutions. casion. The formal ceremony of tries, University of Auckland. l The University signed an MoU for exchange of MoU was followed Tezpur University signed MoU academic collaboration with De- by interaction/discussion. TU and with Queen’s University Belfast: In a fence Research Laboratory (DRL) AMPRI signed the MoU last year. significant initiative to tap mutually on October 03, 2019. beneficial opportunities for collab- l The University signed an MoU orative research and building capaci- with Mission Directorate, Swa- ties of human resource, a Memo- chh Bharat Mission (Gramin) on Celebration of 125 years of randum of Understanding (MoU) November 18, 2019. Miri Jiyori (one of the first nov- was signed by Prof. V.K. Jain, Vice l The University entered into a els of Assamese) On the occa- Chancellor, Tezpur University (TU) Memorandum of Agreement sion of 125 years of Miri Jiyori, and Prof. Ian Greer, President and (MoA) with Dr. Bhubaneswar Centre for Assamese Studies Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) on 10th May, 2019 organised a Belfast (QUB) in the presence of key on August 22, 2019. Panel Discussion on the theme “Assamese Novel, Emergence functionaries from both the univer- l Tezpur University signed a Mem- and Growth”. The University sities on 02.05.2019. The MoU has a orandum of Understanding with students also performed the number of provisions for the benefit KTH Royal Institute of Technolo- play Miri Jiyori (an adaptation of students and faculty members of gy, Stockholm, Sweden: The Uni- of the original novel) in the eve- both the universities. versity signed a Memorandum of ning during the occasion. The University signed an MoU Understanding with KTH Royal Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 18 Tezpur University | Newsletter

Republic Day: Independence Day: The University celebrated the 70th Re- The University community celebrated the 73rd Independence Day with a public Day with great fervor and joy daylong programme. Prof. V.K.Jain, Vice Chancellor hoisted the National with a daylong programme. Tricolour in the playground of the University. The unfurling of the flag was The day started with a cycle rally followed by a program of patriotic songs, dances presented by the Uni- by the students followed by hoisting versity students and students of Taxashila Vidyapith and Kendriya Vidya- of the National Flag in the playground laya, CUT. of the University by the Vice Chancel- lor, Prof. V.K.Jain. It was followed by a program of patriotic songs/chorus/ group dance by the students of the University, Takshashila Vidyapeeth and Kendriya Vidyalaya. A friendly cricket match by the employees of the University was also played along with various other sport- ing activities.

l “InSCIgnis” organised on the occasion of National Science Day: On the occasion of National Science Day observed every year throughout the country to commemorate the invention of the Raman Effect by the noted Indian physicist, Sir C.V. Raman, the University too celebrated the day with great enthusiasm and joy. Tezpur University’s annual science fest showcased an array of activities ranging from experimentation and designing, astronomy exhibition, quizzes, workshops, fun events and lecture series from eminent scientists from around the globe. Apart from the lecture series, workshops and other mentioned activities, a book fair was also organized during the event. Tezpur University | Newsletter Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 19 Cultural Activities

l On the occasion of death anni- fitting manner at the University. Agarwala at the Council Hall. Dr versary of Kalaguru Bishnupras- Prof. Malinee Goswami, a noted Charu Saharia, noted scholar ad Rabha, the University remem- scholar in Sankaradeva Studies graced the occasion as the invit- bered the great cultural icon of delivered a talk on the occasion. ed speaker. the state by organizing a cul- l The University paid rich tributes l The University offered rich trib- tural program. Renowned singer to Kaviguru Rabindranath Tag- utes to Dr Bhupen Hazarika on and scholar Shri Pulak Banerjee ore on his Birth Anniversary by his 8th Death Anniversary. Dr graced the occasion as Invited observing Rabindra Jayanti at Mausumi Saharia, noted scholar Guest. the screening hall of the Dept of on Dr Bhupen Hazarika studies l The death anniversary of Srim- Mass Communication and Jour- and a renowned singer graced anta Sankaradev, the great social nalism. the occasion as Special Guest to reformer, Vaishnava saint and l The University organized “Shilpi deliver a talk and sang a few ren- doyen of Assamese culture and Divas” on January 17, 2019 to re- ditions of Dr Bhupen Hazarika on literature was observed in a be- member Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad the occasion. Vol. 13 : No. 1 & 2 : December, 2019 | Pg 20 Tezpur University | Newsletter

Students achievement

National Festival A total of 23 universities across the East Zone participat- ed in the festival. The 34th Inter University National Youth Festival Orga- nized by Chandigarh University, Gharuan, during Febru- Tezpur University adjudged the BEST MUSIC TEAM. ary 01-05, 2019. 1. Quiz - 1st Quiz : 1st Position 2. Western Vocal Solo - 1st Folk Orchestra : 4th Position 3. Classical Vocal Solo - 2nd Western Instrumental : 4th Position 4. Folk Orchestra - 2nd 5. Western Group Song - 2nd Zonal Festival 6. One Act Play - 3rd The 34th Inter University Zonal Youth festival organised 7. Mehendi - 3rd by Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar, 8. Group Song Indian - 4th during January 03-07, 2019. 9. Light Vocal - 4th Quiz : 1st Position 10. Debate - 5th Folk Orchestra : 1st Position Cultural Procession : 2nd Position Elocution : 2nd Position Western Vocal Solo : 2nd Position Western Instrumental Solo : 2nd Position Clay Modelling : 3rd Position

35th East Zone Inter University Youth Festival Tezpur University participated in the 35th Inter University East Zone Youth Festival christened as ‘KARMOTSAV 2019’ organized by The Assam Royal Global University, Guwa- hati, under the aegis of Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Gov- ernment of India during November 11-15, 2019.

Chief Patron : Prof. V. K. Jain, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University Editorial Team : Dr. Rajeev K. Doley, Mr. Samaresh Barman, Dr. Sarat Kumar Doley and Mr. Subhajit Paul on behalf of Media Cell Other Members of Media Cell : Dr. Joya Chakraborty, Mr. Kul P. Upadhyay and Ms. Maitrayee Dutta. Published by : Dr. Biren Das, Registrar, Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur. Contact : 03712 - 273110, email : [email protected], website: www.tezu.ernet.in