Draft:M. Abdul Salam
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M. Abdul Salam (born 10 May 1952) is an Indian educationist, agricultural scientist, and political leader. He is known for his work in agronomy, university administration, and public service. Salam served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calicut from 2011 to 2015 and is a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently holding the positions of National Vice President of the BJP Minority Morcha and State Vice President of the BJP in Kerala.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Salam was born on 10 May 1952 in Kollam district, Kerala, India.[2] He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc. Ag.) from the University of Kerala and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agronomy from Kerala Agricultural University in 1976.[3] He obtained a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in 1984, receiving awards such as the GS Pathak Prize and the Ponnuswami Chettiar Medal.[4] In 1992, he completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Aberdeen under the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship, engaging in research that expanded his expertise.[5]
Academic career
[edit]Kerala Agricultural University (1979–2011)
[edit]Salam began his academic career at Kerala Agricultural University, serving as Professor and Head of Agronomy, Associate Dean, and Head of Research Stations at Vellanikkara and Madakkathara.[6] He supervised 13 Ph.D. and 33 M.Sc. students, introduced pioneering agronomy courses, and contributed to curriculum reform.
His early research focused on dryland farming, water use efficiency, and nutrient management. He also played key roles in various institutional and research programs.
Vice Chancellor of University of Calicut (2011–2015)
[edit]Salam served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Calicut from August 2011 to August 2015.[7] Under his leadership, the university underwent significant modernization:
- Implemented e-governance, m-governance, digital filing systems (DDFS), and cloud computing.[8]
- Oversaw major infrastructure projects such as the Central Academic Block (CASLAB), new hostels, and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.[9]
- Elevated the university’s ranking to 101st globally in QS BRICS and 7th in India.[10]
- Achieved a historic NAAC A-grade accreditation.[11]
- Established 11 new directorates/centers, approved 197 new research guides, and awarded 287 Ph.D. degrees.
- Introduced awards such as the Sadguru Award, Sadguna Award, Golden Mother Award, and Green Campus Award.
- Initiated programs including Public Wellness, Elders Wellness, Couple Empowerment, Agro-Food-Flower Festivals, Drama Fridays, and Green Fests.
- Streamlined examinations by creating nine divisions in the Pareeksha Bhavan, introducing digital certificates, and reducing result publication time to 15 days.
- Championed industry-linked skill development programs and student placement drives.
Research and contributions
[edit]Salam is recognized as one of India’s foremost experts in cashew agronomy:
- Developed high-yielding cashew varieties such as ‘Priyanka’ and ‘Amrutha’.[12]
- Introduced high-density planting techniques and drought-tolerant cashew varieties.
- Pioneered bio-ethanol production from cashew apple.
- Served as Project Coordinator for cashew research at Kerala Agricultural University and as a member of the State Cashew Development Council.[13]
Publications
[edit]Salam has authored:
- 153 peer-reviewed research papers, including 60 on cashew, 42 on rice agronomy, 11 on water management and agro-meteorology, 20 on farming systems, and 20 in other areas.
- 15 review articles.
- 13 books in English and Malayalam on topics such as cashew cultivation, biotechnology, rural development, and food security.[14]
- 37 popular articles in agricultural magazines and dailies.
- 8 extension bulletins and 3 book chapters.
- Over 50 radio and television talks on agriculture and environment.
- 30 extension leaflets/folders on various agricultural practices.
International engagement
[edit]- Visiting Professor at Kuwait University (2003–2007).[15]
- ITEC Expert for the Government of Suriname (2001–2002).[16]
- Advisor and consultant in over 20 countries, including the UK, UAE, Oman, Mozambique, Kenya, and Liberia.
- Participant in more than 40 international seminars and conferences.
Political career
[edit]Salam joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019 and has since served as:
- National Vice President of the BJP Minority Morcha, focusing on outreach and inclusion programs across South India and the Lakshadweep region.[17]
- State Vice President of BJP Kerala.
He contested elections from:
His political vision emphasizes inclusive development, secular and green education, skill education, and community empowerment.
Consultancy and advisory roles
[edit]After his tenure as Vice Chancellor, Salam continued to advise universities and government bodies on accreditation, digital governance, and educational strategies. He has been a panel member of national bodies such as the University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education, and National Assessment and Accreditation Council.[20] He also founded the “Fitness Byte” student wellness initiative.[21]
Awards and honors
[edit]- Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship (UK)[22]
- Krishi Vijnan Award, Government of Kerala[23]
- Best Vice Chancellor Award, World Chancellors Congress[24]
- Honorary Colonel, Ministry of Defence, India (2012)[25]
- Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Indian Institute of Oriental Heritage and IAEP
- Academic Leadership Awards from ET Now, DNA, Amity, and Dewang Mehta[26]
- GS Pathak Prize and Ponnuswami Chettiar Medal[27]
Philosophy and legacy
[edit]Salam advocates for:
- Green education, promoting environmental responsibility and ethics.
- Digital empowerment through technology in governance and research.
- Holistic development combining skills, ethics, and employability.
- Universities as catalysts for social change, fostering graduates who are socially conscious and globally competent.[28]
Spanning nearly five decades, Salam’s contributions have had a lasting impact on Indian higher education, agricultural science, and public service.
- ^ "Former Calicut University Vice Chancellor joins BJP". The Hindu. 10 September 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Profile: M Abdul Salam". The New Indian Express. 11 September 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "KAU Distinguished Alumni". Kerala Agricultural University. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "TNAU Annual Report 1984". Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "University of Aberdeen Fellowships". University of Aberdeen. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "KAU Professor takes charge as Calicut University VC". The Times of India. 22 August 2011. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Abdul Salam appointed Vice-Chancellor of Calicut University". The Hindu. 22 August 2011. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Calicut University adopts e-governance". The Hindu. 26 July 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Calicut University gets new infrastructure". Deccan Chronicle. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Calicut University ranks among top in QS BRICS". Deccan Chronicle. 6 November 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Calicut University awarded NAAC A grade". The Hindu. 3 July 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "High yielding cashew varieties released". The Hindu. 15 February 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "State Cashew Development Council". The Hindu. 4 March 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ Salam, M. A. (2005). Cashew Cultivation and Management. Kerala Agricultural University Press.
- ^ "Calicut VC's overseas assignments". The Times of India. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "ITEC Programme: Experts". Ministry of External Affairs. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Former Calicut VC appointed BJP Minority Morcha vice-president". The New Indian Express. 11 September 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "BJP fields former Calicut VC in Tirur". Mathrubhumi. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "BJP announces candidate list for Malappuram". Onmanorama. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "UGC Expert Committees". University Grants Commission. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Calicut University launches Fitness Byte". The Hindu. 15 February 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Commonwealth Fellowships". Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Krishi Vijnan Awardees". The Hindu. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "World Chancellors Congress recognises Indian VCs". The Times of India. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Calicut VC made Honorary Colonel". The Hindu. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "ET Now Academic Leadership Awards". Business Standard. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "TNAU Medal Winners". Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Universities must promote social change: Dr Abdul Salam". The Hindu. 23 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2025.