M. Jagadesh Kumar is a distinguished academician, researcher, and administrator currently serving as the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC). His career spans decades in the field of electrical engineering, academic leadership, and research.
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Early Life and Education
Born in 1962 in Mamidiyala, Telangana, India, M. Jagadesh Kumar pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. His academic background laid the foundation for his extensive contributions to engineering research and higher education.
Academic and Administrative Career
Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Before his current role at the UGC, M. Jagadesh Kumar served as the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from January 28, 2016, to February 3, 2022. During his tenure, he was known for implementing structural and administrative reforms and handling various academic and political challenges at the university.
He succeeded Sudhir Kumar Sopory as JNU’s Vice-Chancellor and was later succeeded by Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. His tenure at JNU was marked by efforts to modernize education and research methodologies while upholding academic discipline.
Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC)
On February 4, 2022, M. Jagadesh Kumar was appointed as the Chairperson of the UGC, succeeding D.P. Singh. His role at the UGC involves policy-making, ensuring higher education reforms, and enhancing research opportunities in universities across India. His leadership focuses on digital transformation in education, new curriculum frameworks, and regulatory changes to improve higher education institutions nationwide.
Research and Publications
Apart from his administrative roles, M. Jagadesh Kumar is a prolific researcher in the field of electrical engineering, semiconductor devices, and nanoelectronics. His expertise has led to multiple research papers and books.
Books Authored
He has written several books focusing on transistors and semiconductor technology, including:
- Junctionless Field-Effect Transistors (2019)
- Fundamentals of Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (2016)
- Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (2016)
These books contribute significantly to the understanding of transistor technology and advanced electronics.
Contributions to Higher Education
Throughout his career, M. Jagadesh Kumar has worked towards improving India’s higher education system. His key initiatives include:
- Encouraging digital learning platforms for wider student accessibility
- Promoting interdisciplinary research across universities
- Implementing educational reforms to modernize university curricula
- Strengthening India’s global academic rankings through quality improvements
Conclusion
M. Jagadesh Kumar is a visionary leader in Indian academia, contributing significantly to both engineering research and higher education reforms. As the Chairperson of the UGC, he continues to shape policies that influence universities and students across India. His expertise, administrative experience, and research work make him a key figure in India’s academic and technological landscape.
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