Pro-Chancellor (Strategic Operations & Expansion)

Prof. Dr. M. Muthusamy Bhaskaran is a distinguished scientist, academic administrator, and policy expert with over 37 years of exemplary service in teaching, research, extension, and higher education governance at State, National, and International levels.

He has rendered more than 21 years of outstanding administrative leadership, having served as Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Open University (2016–2019); Founder Director, National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC), Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, Varanasi (2005–2011); Director and Special Officer, Seed Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU); Professor and Head, Department of Seed Science and Technology, TNAU; Pro Vice-Chancellor, VISTAS (2022–2025); and Vice-Chancellor (FAC), VISTAS (2025).

At the national level, during his six-year tenure as Director, NSRTC, Dr. Bhaskaran played a pivotal role in the operationalization and strengthening of seed regulatory institutions, formulation of Seed Policies, Schemes, Guidelines, Rules, and Directions, and successful implementation of OECD Seed Schemes in India. He significantly contributed to strengthening seed regulatory infrastructure across several Indian States and SAARC countries and was a key contributor to the establishment of the Tamil Nadu State Seed Development Agency.

He has served as Nodal Officer for ICAR–All India Coordinated Research Projects and has successfully mobilized externally funded national and international projects exceeding ₹2,697 lakhs as Principal Investigator. He was nominated by ICAR–Government of India as Chairman, Research Advisory Committee, ICAR–Indian Institute of Seed Science (IISS), UP, and has served on several National and International Boards related to education and seed science research.

As an accomplished teacher, Dr. Bhaskaran has taught extensively at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has guided 14 postgraduate and doctoral scholars. He has published over 160 national and international research papers in peer-reviewed journals and authored seven textbooks, reflecting his enduring commitment to academic excellence. In recognition of his contributions to teaching, the Madras Agricultural Students’ Union of TNAU conferred upon him the “Best Teacher Award” and “Best Textbook Writer Award.” Overall, he has received 14 National and International Awards for excellence in teaching, research, leadership, and ICT-enabled educational innovations, including initiatives such as the Seed Net Portal, Digital Library Projects, and the Automatic Seed Vending Machine.

Dr. Bhaskaran has represented India in 14 countries as an official delegate on seed quality regulation, trade, and bilateral policy development and has been a lead speaker at several international conferences. He participated in prestigious academic initiatives including the Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP), MHRD, Government of India, and the Knowledge Sharing Programme at Cambridge University, UK (2020). He was also part of the VISTAS Academic Leaders’ Exposure Visit to Europe during May–June 2025.

He has served in several high-level statutory and advisory roles, including Chairman, UGC Committee on NAAC Criteria (Leadership, Governance & Management); UPSC Board Advisor; TNPSC Member (Group-I Services); and Hon’ble Governor–Chancellor’s Nominee and Convener of the Vice-Chancellor Selection Committee for Anna University. He is a NAAC Qualified Assessor and has chaired numerous NAAC Peer Team Visits for institutional accreditation.

Renowned for his transformational leadership, Prof. Dr. M. Muthusamy Bhaskaran has introduced wide-ranging academic and administrative reforms, strengthened institutional governance, and demonstrated outstanding financial and resource management capabilities. His services were consistently rated “Outstanding” for six consecutive years in Central Government ACR performance reports.

His illustrious career stands as a testament to visionary leadership, academic excellence, and sustained contributions to higher education, agricultural science, and national policy development.

• Hon’ble Governor–Chancellor’s Nominee and Convener, Vice-Chancellor Selection Committee, Anna University (2017).
• Government and Hon’ble Governor–Chancellor’s Nominee, Faculty Selection Committees of State Universities (2016–2019).
• Member, Policy-making Committees, Higher Education Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
• UPSC Board Advisor, New Delhi (2007–2011; 2016–2025); TNPSC Member, Group-I Services (2016–2019; 2023–2025).
• Chairman, UGC Committee for NAAC Criteria on Leadership, Governance & Management (2017–2025).
• Chairman, Research Advisory Committee, ICAR–Indian Institute of Seed Science (2021–2024).
• Chairman / Member, 20+ National and International Professional & Scientific Bodies.
• NAAC Qualified Assessor and Chairperson, multiple NAAC Peer Team Visits
• Recipient of 14 National and International Awards and Honours.
• Represented India in 14 countries; Nodal Officer / Director for SAARC–MEA projects and OECD Seed Schemes.
• Participant, VISTAS Academic Leaders’ Exposure Visit 2025 to Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, and the Vatican).