Name | S.M. Paul Khurana |
Designation | Director |
Complete postal Address with city code | E-1101, Park View City 2, Sohan Raod, Sector 49, Gurugram - 122101, Haryana |
Email IDs | smpkhurana@amity.edu |
Mobile No. | 9650844566 |
Dr. Khurana has also held prestigious positions in various professional associations such as:
Dr. Khurana was awarded CPRI Golden Jubilee Outstanding Achievements Award (2000). Best
Scientist of the Year (2002) Award. Dr. S. Ramanujam Memorial Award for
Outstanding research & Leadership in Potato R & D in India and The All
India Potato Improvement Project (Potato) run by Dr. Khurana for 10 yrs as P.C.
was adjudged as the Outstanding Project
in 2005, for Ch. Devi Lal Award
of ICAR. UNO: Dr. S. Radhakrishanan International Award (2006) for
Excellence in Higher Education amongst almost two dozen & odd others.
Dr. Khurana is a Fellow of National Academy of
Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi; National Academy of Biological Sciences,
Chennai (India) and Distinguished Fellow
of the Indian Potato Association. He was the first Indian to deliver the
keynote address at the Seventh Olympiad of the Mind at Paris (May 2005). He has
been a popular science orator and very motivating for the young
students/researchers. He has delivered various memorial/invited lectures in
various Universities/ Institutions both in India and abroad and even the IAS
Acad.
Dr. Khurana has published over 130 original research papers
in journals of repute/high impact and he has also authored more than 75
reviews/book chapters. His research career is spangled with achievements like
standardization and use of enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) &
immuno sorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) for detection of potato viruses,
development of simple techniques for screening of resistance to potato viruses,
apart from pioneering work in detection of plant diseases; associated with
selection/release of eight potato varieties including the first ever two
processing varieties in India. Besides his prolonged research & management
experience, he has guided ten Ph.D. students, written many monographs/bulletins
and authored/edited eight books/conference proceedings (including the two
published recently-(2006, 2008) from USA).
Higher Education Management: As Vice-Chancellor R.D.
University, Jabalpur (November 2004-October 2009), Dr. Khurana made all out
efforts to bring all round changes & development in the University, for the
cause and welfare of students, faculty and employees which helped to maintain
law-and-order; by reducing student/employee unrests; develop necessary
infrastructure and completion of left over construction of buildings as well as
maintenance/beautification of the campus. Revamped the examination system,
added an Examination Hall for 600 examinees and Evaluation Hall for 300
teachers created. Besides, added new Conference Halls in University Institute
of Management, Deptts. of Chemistry and Bio Science. Similarly, got University
Institute of Law built. Also University academic schedule of exams/results
& admissions were streamlined. Brought back the academic environment by
getting the CAS selections/promotions, HRD by way of exchange of faculty both
from India and abroad, inviting eminent speakers for guest lectures as well as
holding a large number of seminar/symposia/workshop/trainings. Further
year-long (2006-07) Golden Jubilee celebrations were organised wherein H.E. the
then President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam graced the convocation.
Dr.
Khurana is a pre-eminent scientist of rare distinctions and has contributed
significantly to agriculture (potato) R&D in the country which have left an
indelible mark for food security. Besides, he is a scientist rolled into an
author, thinker, speaker and administrator for research and higher education
for excellence. He is also known for his rare and tender human values. In
short, he is the man that planners ask for and people keenly listen to his
presentations. He has strong determination, commitment and integrity. His
colleagues/superiors and friends believe that he is an Institution by himself:
a scientist, research manager, leader and an achiever i.e. he has been a
crusader and his enthusiasm is ‘contagious’.