Dr. M. Bhaskaran
Pro Vice-Chancellor

• Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai: 2016 to 2019
• Director, National Seeds Research and Training Centre, Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture & FW, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Operationalized NSRTC, Varanasi during 2005 to 2011 as founder Director.
• Special Officer Seed Centre: 2011 to 2016 and
• Professor and Head, Dept. of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 2011 to 2013 and 2022.

• Prof. Dr. Muthusamy Bhaskaran is a renowned scientist and educationalist had obtained his Graduation and Doctoral degree from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. He was awarded with the ICAR – New Delhi Merit and Junior Research Fellowship for both UG and PG Degrees and the best Ph.D. Scholar award for his research. He entered in to the State Government Services during 1986 and later during January 1989 joined as an Assistant Professor (Seed Science and Technology) served at various institutes in TNAU, Coimbatore.

• Completed 35 years of impeccable service as Educationalist -Teacher, Researcher and Extension worker in the field of Science and Technology and Education with more than 19 years in diversified administrative experiences @ State and Central Government services. He obtained National and International research projects worth of Rs.2600 lakhs.

• After his 30 years of meritorious service at various State and Central Government Organizations, Dr. M. Bhaskaran assumed charge as the Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai, on 3rd March 2016. Since joining as VC in TNOU contributing for the transformation of academic, research, faculty welfare and their developments including outreach activities for the benefit of students and aspiring learners. In particular, specific recognition obtained from the UGC for all the academic programmes during 2018-19 along with M.Phil and Ph.D recognition in regular mode.

• Dr.M.Bhaskaran has introduced novel courses, evolved innovative technologies, ICT enabled digital initiatives Viz., Seed Net Portal, Digital Library project, automated seed vending machine and linkage of National and International institutions.

• At the National level, during 2005, he was appointed as the Director of National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC), GOI, Ministry of Agriculture, Varanasi, UP selection through UPSC, New Delhi. During his 6 years stint at the NSRTC till 2011, he played a key role in operanalization of various Organizations at Central and State level and preparation of several Policy documents, Bills, Schemes, Guidelines, Rules and Directions for implementation.

• Dr. M. Bhaskaran served as Professor and Head, Department of Seed Science and Technology as well as Special Officer of Seed Centre of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University from June 2011 to March 2016. As Special Officer of Seed Centre of TNAU he was Nodal Officer for implementation and monitoring for ICAR – All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP)/Mega Seed Project at National level.

• Facilitator for funding and strengthening infrastructure for many seed quality regulations centers at State / National and SAARC countries. Key member in the preparation of policy document on Creation and Establishment of Tamil Nadu State Seed Development Agency.

• Conceptualized novel idea and introduced “Automatic Seed Vending Machines” for delivery of vegetable seeds for kitchen / roof garden for the benefit of consumers.

• As a teacher, Dr. M. Bhaskaran apart from teaching UG and PG has guided 14 Post Graduate and Ph.D. students. The Madras Agricultural Students Union of TNAU conferred him with “Best Teacher Award” and “Best Textbook Writer Award” in recognition of his services in teaching. So far, he has published more than 100 National and International research publications in peer reviewed journal and authored 6 text books with vast UG, PG teaching experiences.

• Received more than 14 awards and honors in recognition of his professional achievements. For the recognition of innovative ICT enabled Education activities in order to reach the unreachable, he received two awards ESTRADE 2017 Education and Dr.Abdul Kalam knowledge connectivity prime award.

• Dr. M. Bhaskaran has represented India to 14 countries as an Indian delegate to develop policy document on trade and quality regulatory issues and bilateral policy development between countries besides served as the lead speaker in several international conference that facilitated global linkages including prestigious Leadership for Academician Program (LEAP) of MHRD, GOI and knowledge sharing program @ Cambridge University London, UK during 2020.

• Acted as Hon’ble Governor Chancellors Nominee and Convener of search committee for the selection of Vice- Chancellor for Anna University during 2017.

• Member in various policy making committee of Higher Education Dept. of Govt. of Tamil Nadu & and Hon’ble Governor Chancellors Nominee in faculty selection committee of State Higher Education Institutes.

• Acted as Selection Committee Board Member of UPSC, New Delhi (2007-2011) and TNPSC, Chennai for combined Group –I Civil services as Board Member (2016 to 2019 and 2023-2024).

• He has been nominated by ICAR- GOI and served as Chairman, Research Advisory Committee, ICAR – Indian Institute of Seed Science (IISS – Mau, UP) for three-years until June 2024. He is a member of several National and International Boards related to Education and Seed Science Research. Served as President of Seed Science Forum, TNAU and Vice President, Indian Society of Seed Technology, New Delhi. He did advisory services as Chairperson / Member of several high-level committees in State / National – UGC, NAAC / International organisation.

• Dr. M. Bhaskaran proved his leadership ability as Head, Founder Director, Special Officer, and Vice Chancellor brought various academic and administrative reforms including outstanding financial resources generation and management. Dr Bhaskaran exceptional service and contributions are well documented continuously as “Outstanding” for six years in central government services ACR performance report. Liaising well in various capacities and enabled effective implementation of schemes / programs and provided advisory services.

• Acted as Hon’ble Governor Chancellors Nominee and Convener of search committee for the selection of Vice Chancellor for Anna University during 2017.
• Acted as Government and Hon’ble Governor Chancellors Nominee in faculty selection committee of State Universities during 2016-2019.
• Member in various policy making committee of Higher Education Department of Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
• Acted as Selection Committee Board Member of UPSC, New Delhi (2007-2011) and TNPSC, Chennai for combined Group I Civil services as Board Member (2016 to 2019 and 2023-2024).
• Acted as Chairman of UGC Committee for finalizing NAAC Criteria of Leadership, Governance and Management (2017-2019).
• Acted as Chairman, Research Advisory Committee, Indian Institute of Seed Science from March 2021 to June 2024.
• Acted and acting as Chairman and Member in more than 20 Professional and Scientific bodies at International and National level.
• Awards and Honors: 14 Awards and Recognition @ International and National level.
• Represented India and visited 14 countries as an Indian delegate; responsible to implement SAARC – MHRD GOI Projects; OECD Seed schemes in India, during 2007-2011.