Interview with Dr N Sundarajan, Vice-Chancellor of Jain University, Bangalore

In this issue, we are extremely happy to publish interview of Dr N Sundararajan, Vice-Chancellor of Jain University, Bangalore

Dr. N. Sundararajan, the First and Founding Vice–Chancellor of the Jain University, Bangalore, bears a testimony to the society as an Academician and mantles the academic battle as a successful educational administrator, as excellent teacher and a thoughtful writer. Formerly the Principal of Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore, he is lauded in the academic circles as well as  his peer group as the harbinger of many useful and effective academic, administrative and co-curricular reforms in the field of education.

Prior to his appointment as the Principal, School of Graduate Studies, Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore, he was a professor of Physics at Christ College, Bangalore for  3 decade and more, teaching, mentoring, students from Pre-University Education to Research Scholars under the aegis of Bangalore University, to which the college was affiliated. Dr. Sundararajan is a prolific writer who has authored about 30 books in physics to the undergraduate and Pre-University students.

Dr Sundararajan is associated with Indian Physics Association, Bangalore Chapter being its Vice–Chairman between 2003 – 2006.

Dr. N. Sundararajan has received many prestigious awards like Outstanding Aluminus Award by National College, Trichy and the Rank of Honorary Colonel by Government of India through NCC Directorate, Karnataka and Goa.

Below are his expert opinions in IP and importance of IP education in educational institutions.

Origiin: Hello Sir. It is a great pleasure and honour for us to interact with you and publish your thoughts in this interview.

Dr. N Sundararajan: Thank you. I feel privileged to share my views and thoughts with your esteemed organization.

Origiin: Jain University has a special cell, which is dedicated towards Intellectual Property and Innovation. Would you like to throw some light how it has come up and how has the response been from the students?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Yes, Jain University encourages students to think innovatively. The creativity has no limits and students come out with many innovative ideas. In fact, we conduct Idea contests every year, for thestudents and faculty members as well. The prizes are distributed on World IP day, i.e., April 26th.  We have a dedicated person Dr.S. Rama Murthy, Professor from Centre for Emerging Technologies, who has given IPR sensitization lectures to all the departments. He takes care of converting innovative ideas into products or processes, which leads to patents. The response from the students is encouraging and now students and teachers are coming up with new innovations.

Origiin: How important is IPR education and knowledge about protecting one’s idea & product among students?

Dr. N Sundararajan: We have introduced IPR as one of the electives to under-graduate students of Aerospace, Mechanical and Electronic and communication departments. An IPR course for M. Tech. students has also been introduced.Centre of Emerging technologies, a research wing of Jain University is providing opportunities to conduct innovative projects.

Origiin: Jain University has filed many patents so far. Is Jain University also working in the direction of IP commercialization?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Yes, it is our main interest to commercialize most of the technologies for which we have filed for patents. Jain University is in the process of commercializing one of the technologies to companies in Sri Lanka on non-exclusive basis.

Origiin: What are the hurdles academic institution faces while patenting the inventions?

Dr. N Sundararajan: In academic institutions, students are busy with tests, assignments and examinations and teachers are busy with Lab work, teaching and examination works. The time for taking up innovative research projects is limited. But still, Jain University has filed 14 patent applications and 7 more Patent applications are in the pipe line under processing at NRDC.

Origiin: Unlike other western Universities like Harvard or Stanford, that are not just patenting but also commercializing patents successfully, we hardly see such scenario in Indian Universities. In your opinion what are the reasons for this gap?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Yes, you are right. There are several reasons. Firstly, I would say it is mind -set and IP culture has not reached to that level of Universities like Harvard or Stanford.  Secondly, filing patents is expensive, which most of academic institutions may find it difficult to spend. Thirdly, return on investments of patents takes several years. In India, IP culture is slowly picking up and I hope to see more funds from the government for R &D and for filing patents.

Origiin: What is your view regarding IP as career? Does your University provide any assistance in terms of course or PhD to those who would like to carve a niche in IP as a career?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Future of India is based on the Knowledge economy. Our Chairman encourages all innovative projects. Jain University has plans to start degree courses in interdisciplinary areas like LLB and Engineering combined. This course will help in acquiring both legal and technical knowledge. The students of this course will have openings in progressive Law firms like yours! If there is an interesting problem, we are encouraging PhD students also.

Origiin: What are the initiatives taken by Jain University to create awareness in the field of Intellectual Property?

Dr. N Sundararajan:  Dr Rama Murthy, who is instrumental in spearheading IPR at Jain University, has delivered several lectures to all the departments. In addition, VTPC, Govt. of Karnataka has organized seminars on the role of IPR to academics and Business.

Origiin: What would be your message to IP innovators of India?

Dr. N Sundararajan: IP innovators are the future Technology creators and they should continue generating more and more innovative ideas. IP innovators should be encouraged and should be rewarded for their work. IP innovators should take up task of “Training of Trainers” and IP knowledge should spread like atomic fission.

Origiin: Thank you so much Sir for your valuable inputs.

Dr. N Sundararajan: Thank you