President
Mr Swapan Kr Guha

Mr Swapan Kr Guha (b. 1957) is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Ceramics. He started his career with Kerala Ceramics Ltd, a unit of Kerala Government undertaking, as Research and Development Officer. Ceramic bodies and coloured glazes developed by him gave encouraging results. Implemented on shop floor, these were appreciated by many star hotels in India . After serving a couple of years there, he joined Bharat Potteries Ltd, Jaipur as Technical Advisor in 1988 and was soon elevated to the position of Chief Executive (Works). He later joined the Board of Directors as Director (Works). Mr Guha visited Italy and France and attended RIMINI Ceramic Trade Fair. Subsequently, he joined NCL Industries Ltd, as General Manager (Ceramics) which is a part of Nagarjuna Group.

Mr Guha was instrumental in establishing Jaipur Ceramics Pvt Ltd (in 1996) which is the largest Bone China Unit, under one roof, in India . During this period, he visited many advanced Tableware units in Korea , China , England and many other European countries several times. For the last one decade, he is a regular participant in the Ambiente Trade Fair in Frankfurt .

The Founder Chairman of the Rajasthan Chapter, Indian Ceramic Society, Mr Guha is the Managing Director of Hopewell Ceramics (P) Ltd, established by him in 2002. The company is engaged in producing ceramic colour and frits. His diversified interest in the field of ceramics and related areas has always been appreciated by (Dr) Prof R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister of India. He is an Advisor to TIFAC, Govt of India; Chairman, Apex Committee Technology Vision, 2002 Mission Projects in Pottery Sector, Dept of Science and Technology, Govt of India; Director, Nagarjuna Cerchem (P) Ltd, Hyderabad .

Mr Guha is the recipient of “M. G. Bhagat Memorial Award” (1998) of All India Pottery Manufacturers' Association for outstanding contribution in pottery and allied industries and “Prof Sasadhar Ray Memorial Award” of the Indian Ceramic Society for Industrial Excellence in 1999. A past President of the All India Pottery Manufacturers' Association, Mr Guha was also the Hony Jt Secretary of the Indian Ceramic Society.

Vice President
Dr A. L. Shashi Mohan

Dr A. L. Shashi Mohan (b. 1950) obtained his M.Sc. in Chemistry from Bangalore University and Ph.D. in Solid State Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. He started his career as CSIR Scientist at IIT-Bombay and worked there (1974-77) in the areas of electronic and thermal ceramics.

In 1977, Dr Shashi Mohan joined Grindwell Norton Ltd as a founder member of their R&D Centre at Bangalore . During his 22 years (1977-1999) of employment at Grindwell, he had held various managerial positions in the R&D Centre and, Technical Ceramics Division. He made significant contributions in the development & commercial exploitation of several newer abrasives & ceramic products.

In 1999, after leaving Grindwell, Dr Shashi Mohan founded “VIPRA” – a Materials Technology firm offering Technical Consultancy as also dealing with Development and Manufacture of specialty abrasive & ceramic products for customised applications.

A Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, Materials Research Society of India and, Aluminium Association of India and, a Fellow of Indian Institute of Ceramics, Dr Shashi Mohan was a member of DST-PAC on Materials, Mining and Mineral Engineering for 12 years. He has published more than 25 research papers, made15 conference presentations and, has 4 patents to his credit.

Dr Shashi Mohan has been an active member of the Bangalore Chapter. During his tenure as Hony Secretary (2000-02) and Chairman (2004-06), the Bangalore Chapter received the Best Chapter Award (2001, 2002 and 2005). He was also the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 71st Annual Session of InCerS held on Jan 9-11, 2008 that was a highly successful one.

Now, Dr Shashi Mohan has been unanimously elected as Vice President / President-elect of InCerS.

Hony Secretary
S. Chakrabarti
Mr Sachchidananda Chakrabarti obtained his M.Sc. (Chemistry) degree from Jadavpur University in the year 1966. He was the recipient of Post Graduate Atomic Energy Commission's (BARC) Scholarship. He joined the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Kolkata in April 1970 and retired from the same organization in November 2004 as its Deputy Director and Head, Clay and Ceramics Section as well as Scientist-in-Charge, CGCRI, Khurja Centre.

Mr Chakrabarti has specialization in the field of glass, furnace, traditional ceramics and R & D management. He did pioneering work for taking common clay based technology in rural sector in different parts of India . He had rendered assistance to many renowned organizations like Bharat Electrics, Taloja, Gujarat Guardian, Gujarat , Owens Corning ( India ) Ltd, Bharat Ophthalmic Glass, etc. He has published 32 papers in National and International journals. He has 15 patents to his credit and developed six technologies. He has jointly edited the Proceedings of Energy efficient Environment friendly Rural Technology Development (EERTD-2002) and a technical book on Ceramics in Hindi entitled, “Pottery Parichay”.

Mr Chakrabarti has served as a Member of many Committees constituted by the State and Central Government as well as by the Director, CGCRI. He visited Japan , Nrepal , Czechoslovakia and Taskent on different assignments. His contribution in the applied research programme of CGCRI, R & D management, Societal mission programme and his leadership quality were highly appreciated. A Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, Mr Chakrabarti is also a Life Member of the Indian Science Congress Association and Materials Research Society of India. He is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Ceramics. He received two best paper awards (Ganpule and Malaviya awards) of the Indian Ceramic Society.

Hony Joint Secretary
Dr K. G. K. Warrier
Dr K. G. K. Warrier obtained his Ph. D. in Chemistry from the University of Kerala in 1978 and joined the Regional Research Laboratory (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Trivandrum ( India ) as a scientist in the same year. He is currently the Deputy Director and Head of the Materials and Minerals (Ceramics) of the Laboratory. He had also worked as DAAD Fellow at the Max Planck Institute, Stuttgart and Visiting Scholar in Argonne National Laboratory, USA . Dr Warrier has contributed in the areas of chemistry of colloids, sol-gel and solid state synthesis of a variety of ceramic materials such as alumina abrasives, alumina and mullite matrix silicon carbide nano composites, mixed oxide nano catalysts, aerogels, nano rare earth phosphates, titania coatings and ultra and nano ceramic membranes. He has developed processes in clay based ceramics jointly with industry. He has tried to introduce the concept of up gradation of traditional ceramics using advanced materials technology.

He is a referee for many International Journals and on the Editorial Board of Transactions of Indian Ceramic Society. He is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Ceramics, member of many scientific societies and Council member of the Indian Ceramic Society. Dr. Warrier is the Project leader for many research Projects financed by International Agencies, Government of India and Industrial Sector. He has more than150 publications in the areas of chemistry and materials science and edited Proceedings of two International Conferences. He is a recognized research guide for PhD to many Indian Universities. He has advised 9 Ph.D theses and has currently 9 PhD projects.

Mr Amal Kr Guha (b. 1954), FIICeram, a Life Member and present Council Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, obtained his certificate in Ceramic Technician Course from the Govt College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology (formerly, College of Ceramic Technology), Kolkata in the year 1976 with a stipend on merit basis from the Directorate of Industries, Govt of West Bengal. He also obtained training in modern ceramic tableware manufacturing process from the Nalanda Ceramic Industries Ltd, Ranchi (technically collaborated with Japan ) under the guidance of his elder brother and noted ceramist Mr Nirmal K. Guha and some Japanese experts. As a Chief Technologist in Palam Potteries, New Delhi he developed low cost hotelware, dinnerware and matt finish ceramicware, which have been introduced commercially for the first time in India in the year 1978. Till date these are the most popular hotelwares, being employed by the Indian hotel industry. Mr Guha worked with Jaipur Glass & Potteries Ltd, Jaipur as a Works Manager; Punjab Potteries, New Delhi as an Executive Director, Osho Ceramics Ltd, Haryana as a Technical Director (1980-1998) and Bharat Potteries Ltd, Jaipur as a Technical Consultant. During this period (1977-1998) he introduced open fired tunnel kiln using LSD/HSD as fuel for glost-firing, long lasting & thin-sectioned sagger, kiln-furniture, different types of bodies and glazes for different temperatures, colour stain for body & glaze, etc to minimize cost, reduce rejection and improve the quality. He was elected as a Council Member of the Indian Ceramic Society from North Zone for the terms 1991 & 1992 and 1994 & 1995. During this period he also served the Society as the Joint Secretary of its Delhi Chapter. He was a Committee Member of the Crockery sub-committee and Raw Materials sub-committee of D.G.T.D., Ministry of Industries, Govt of India and also a member of the Whiteware sub-committee (CHD 9:2), Bureau of Indian Standards, Govt of India. On behalf of BIS, he formulated the draft specification for ceramic tableware and dinnerware, such as porcelainware, stoneware, Bone China, earthenware, etc. He was also involved with National Backward Class' Finance & Development Corporation under the Ministry of Welfare, Govt of India, as a Consultant and Resource Person in 1996-98. Mr Guha is one of the founder members of the Institute of Refractory Engineers , New Delhi . Mr Guha's brain child is “Shilpa-Banijya Mela South 24 Parganas”, which is organized every year at Baruipur, South 24 Parganas (WB), India . This trade and industry fair is acclaimed by the Govt of India, the Govt of West Bengal as well as a number of eminent personnel of the country. He is the Senior Vice President of Cottage & Small Scale Industries, South 24 Parganas (WB), India . He is also the Senior Vice President of All India Pottery Manufacturers' Association. Mr Guha is the recipient of “Karmayogi Award” (1992) conferred by the PCB Award Committee, Kolkata. He was honoured by the Bengal Foundation, Thane for his outstanding contribution in the field of rural entrepreneurship in the year 2004. He visited many hollow block bricks, klinker, pavers, tableware, dinnerware and oven proof kitchenware units in England, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bangladesh, Holland and Italy for studying the manufacturing process and technology of the same.

Dr Bhadra obtained his B.Sc. (Physics Hons) degree in 1974 and M.Sc. (Physics) in 1977, both from the University of North Bengal , Darjeeling . He participated in an international course on vacuum science and technology, jointly organized by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and University of Bombay , under the sponsorship from UNESCO in 1979. After serving for a brief period in analytical and planetary optics division of Carl Zeiss Instruments, Dr Bhadra joined CGCRI in 1984 in the fibre optics programme of the Institute. In 1998, he obtained his Ph.D. degree in science from Jadavpur University .

Dr Bhadra has published a number of papers in national and international journals and has got four national and international patents in the last couple of years. He had been invited by international forums abroad for delivering lectures in several occasions. He is the recipient of Deokaran award in glass given by the Indian Ceramic Society. Dr Bhadra is a Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society.

Prof F. D. Gnanam (b. 1944) graduated from the University of Madras in Physics and obtained his Ph.D. degree from the same University in 1981. After serving in Government Colleges for 10 years, he joined Anna University in 1980 and retired from service on superannuation in May 2004 and presently he is a ceramic consultant.
Prof Gnanam initiated research activities in the area of ceramics at Anna University, developed it into a centre of excellence and became the founder Director of the Centre for Ceramic Technology, Anna University. To his credit Prof Gnanam was the recipient of “Life Time Achievement Award 2004” for his contribution to ceramic education in India and to ceramic R & D by the Indian Refractory Makers’ Association, Kolkata; President, Indian Ceramic Society (2007-2008); President, Indian Institute of Ceramics, Kolkata (2003-2004); Vice-President, Indian Institute of Ceramics, Kolkata (2001-2002); Member, Editorial Advisory Board, “Transactions of the Indian Ceramic Society”; Head of Indian delegation of Indo-Japan Seminar on Advanced Ceramics held at Nagoya, Japan in July 2000; JSPA Fellow, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya (September-November 2002); Visiting Professor, Osaka University, Japan (May-August 2001); Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellow, Germany three times (1984-85, 1987-88 and 1999).
Prof Gnanam has guided 20 scholars leading to Ph.D. degree, edited one book on “Sol-Gel Processing of Advanced Ceramics”, published 141 research papers in the international journals, handled more than 16 research projects and has organized 12 international/national conferences. His research areas of interest are : sol-gel processing of oxide ceramics, bioceramics, ceramic membranes and utilization of Tamil Nadu clays for value added products.

Dr V. N. Vaidya obtained his M.Sc. (Chemistry) degree from Kanpur University in 1968 and Ph.D. degree from Bombay University, in 1987, for his work on “Sol-Gel Process for Ceramic Nuclear Fuels”. He was awarded post graduate DAE fellowship in 1966-67. As a chemistry trainee, Dr Vaidya graduated in the 12th batch of BARC Training School and joined Radiochemistry Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1969. A Fellow of Maharashtra Academy of Sciences, Dr Vaidya is a Life Member of several scientific Societies and Associations. He served as an IAEA expert in Brazil and has been a member of a scientific delegation to Israel.

Dr Vaidya has worked in the area of high temperature chemistry of actinides with special reference to chemistry of molten salts and actively worked in the field of fluoride chemistry. For the last 28 years, he has been working on the development of sol-gel process for nuclear fuels and advanced ceramic materials; his work on sol-gel processing of ceramic nuclear fuels has resulted into a new technology in the area of nuclear fuel fabrication. He has more than 150 publications in National / International journals and conference proceedings, delivered invited talks and edited two books. He has been awarded the “P. R. Roy

Prof P. K. Das Poddar

Prof P. K. Das Poddar (b. 1946) obtained his M. Tech. degree in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology with specialization in Ceramic Technology from the University of Calcutta in 1969. He received Ph. D. degree from the same University in 1975. After serving the industries, he joined Calcutta University as a Lecturer in 1976, became Reader in 1982 and became Professor in the year 1993. He is a recognized Ph. D. supervisor and the convenor of Ph. D. committee on Ceramic Engineering of Calcutta University. He is the author of 48 scientific papers. Ten (10) research scholars have received Ph. D. degree under his guidance. He was a member of Senate and Syndicate of Calcutta University. He was the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology of Calcutta University. His research topics are : effective utilization of fly ash, studies on low cement castables, synthetic high alumina/mullite aggregates, spinel bonded basic castables, role of nano-zirconia in low cement castables, etc. he is the recipient of Deokaran Award in 1997 and 2006. He is a Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society and also a Life Member of the Indian Institute of Ceramics. Now he is the President of the Indian Institute of Ceramics. At present, he is the Sir Rashbehari Ghosh Chair Professor of Calcutta University.

Dr Ghosh's areas of interest include sintering and microstructural analysis of refractory materials derived from natural and synthetic raw materials. He had worked on sintering and microstructure development of different oxide systems like dolomite, lime, magnesium aluminate spinel, magnesia-chrome spinel, mullite and zirconia-mullite from beach sand minerals etc. He has to his credit more than 60 papers published in different national and international jounals and 15 patents. At present he is engaged in the development of value added refractory products from Indian Bauxite, Al 2 O 3 -Spinel Carbon based Refractories and Lime based refractories.

Mr Atanu Ranjan Pal

(bio-data not received)

Prof P. G. Pal

Dr P. G. Pal obtained both his post graduation and doctorate qualifications from the University of Calcutta . During his doctoral work under Dr B. N. Samaddar, he did extensive work on Alumina Ceramics starting from its characterization and processing to finished products of having almost theoretical density at 1500º to 1600ºC with purity more than 99.6% alumina. The work is of immense importance for the development and commercial production of reactive alumina, tabular alumina and different grades of synthetic mag-alumina spinels for refractory applications. During his stay for six years as Assistant Professor of Ceramic engineering at PDA College of Engineering, Gulbarga , he contributed significantly to develop the Department and now the Department is providing a number of trained Ceramic Graduates to the ceramic industries. After spending fifteen years in basic research and ceramic teaching, he joined Tata Refractories Ltd in the year 1992 as Senior Manager.

Dr Himansu Sekhar Tripathi

Dr H. S. Tripathi graduated from the University of Calcutta in Ceramic Engineering and obtained his Ph.D.(Tech) degree in Ceramic Engineering from the same University. He joined Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata as Scientist in the year 1997. He worked two years as post-doctoral fellow at Boston University , Massachusetts , USA . He has more than 15 years' research experience in different fields of refractories. His research areas of interest include synthesis and processing of high performance synthetic refractory raw materials, refractory processing, characterization in particular Magnesia-Alumina-Carbon, Mullite, Al 2 O 3 -MgO-MgAl 2 O 4 , Mag-Chrome system and value addition to natural raw materials. He has published 18 research papers in SCI journal and presented many papers at National and International Seminar. He has 5 Indian patents to his credit. He received many fellowship and award like CSIR-SRF, Post-doctoral fellowship from Boston University , USA , Malaviya Award from Indian Ceramic Society etc. He is a Life Member of Indian Institute of Ceramics, Millennium Institute of Energy and Environment Management and Indian Ceramic Society. At present Dr Tripathi is the Associate Editor of the “Transactions of the Indian Ceramic Society”.

Mr A. K. Kaviraj

Mr A. K. Kaviraj, a Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, Materials Research Society of India, Fellow of Indian Institute of Ceramics and also a Founder Member of Institute of Refractory Engineers, obtained his M. Tech. degree in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology with specialization in Ceramic Technology from Calcutta University in 1969. Out of his total professional career of more than 35 years in the field of ceramics, he spent the initial 15 years in refractory manufacturing activities. During this period, he served various refractory manufacturing units in  India in various capacities, lastly as Works Manager of Bihar Firebricks and Potteries Ltd. In his career as refractory specialist, he served almost all the integrated Steel Plants in the country as a potential manufacturer and supplier.

For more than last 20 years, Mr. Kaviraj is engaged in ceramic tile manufacturing activities. He served SPL Ltd from 1984 to 1996 as Works Manager and later as General Manager (Production). In 1996, he joined H & R Johnson ( India ) Ltd, the largest Ceramic Tiles manufacturing company in India , as General Manager (Operation) at Thane plant. Subsequently, he took over the charge of Pen Plant as General Manager (Operation). His greatest achievement lies in the installation and commissioning of India 's single largest and most modern tile unit at Pen, Maharashtra . He went abroad several times in connection with his professional activities and visited a number of ceramic manufacturing units in Europe . At present, he is working as President (R & D and Industrial Products) at H & R Johnson ( India ) Ltd.

He is the recipient of “Prof. Sasadhar Ray Memorial Award” (2001) conferred by the Indian Ceramic Society for Industrial Excellence in the field of Ceramics.  

Mr B. C. Kothari

Mr B. C. Kothari, a Science Graduate, also holds P.G. Diploma in Business Management. He started manufacturing high alumina and other special refractories, specially feeder expandable and glass contect refractories as per drawing, design and specifications at Thangadh, Gujarat in the year 1970. At that time it was considered as the import substitute. In 1971, he started calcinations of raw bauxite in rotary kiln and also exported the same. He possesses technical expertise in rotary kiln for bauxite calcinations. He is the pioneer in development of a number of ceramic products, thus promoting indigenous production of international quality.

Mr Kothari embarked into the field of Ceramic Technology as a founder partner of Kothari Ceramic & Chemical Industries, Raipur (CG). In the year 1972, he started his own unit, “Sheetal Ceramics”, at Raipur (CG) to manufacture refractories for glass plant and steel plant. He has contributed many designs, shapes and better quality for the first time in India . He also served the Royal Refractories, Wankaner ( Gujarat ) as Project in-charge since 1973 to 1977, Kothari Ceramic and Chemical Industries, Unit-II, Raipur (CG) as Project and Production in-charge in since 1983 to 1990. He has been managing a premier Ceramic factory as proprietor in Kothari Ceramic & Chemical Industries, Unit No. II (now known as SHEETAL CERAMICS) since 1990.

Mr Kothari has been associated with the Indian Ceramic Society since 1970 and has become a Life Member of the Society in 1994. He is also a Life Member of the Indian Institute of Ceramics. He has been nominated as an expert member of ‘Modernization Programme of Small Scale Ceramic Industries in India ', formed by the Ministry of Industries, Govt of India in the year 1982.

Mr Sachi Dulal Majumdar

Mr Sachi Dulal Majumdar obtained his M.Tech. degree in Ceramic Technology from the University Colleges of Science and Technology, Kolkata and has about 37 years’ experience in the field of refractories, ceramic tiles, construction chemicals and other ceramic products. Development of BF through castable, pitch bonded dolomite bricks in the field of refractories, soluble salts, stains in tile field, cement admixture for RMC and ceramic filters for automotive industries are of special mention to his credit.
Mr Majumdar worked in various organizations, namely RDCIS, SAIL, Ranchi and ACC Refractories Ltd, Chirkunda. At present he is the Vice President (R &D) in H & R Johnson (India) Ltd, Mumbai.
He is the recipient of National Award from Steel and Mines Ministry, Life Time Achievement Award from Materials Research Society of India, Jawahar Award from SAIL etc. He has about 70 publications and 6 patents, mainly in the field of refractories to his credit. He is a Faculty of the Institute of Energy Mnagement, Mumbai Chapter. Mr Majumdar is a Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society.

Mr Satish Rathore

Mr Satish Rathore obtained diploma in Ceramic Technology from LE College, Morbi, Gujarat in the year 1984. He started his career with Somay Pilkingtons Ltd, Kadi as a Supervisor Slip House in April 1984 and worked there till September 1985. Then he moved to Modern Insulators Ltd, Abu Road, where he worked as a Production Engineer till December 1989. There he was associated with manufacturing high tension insulators in collaboration with Siemens AG (West Germany) in Slip House and Glaze Preparation department. In December 1989 he joined Somany Ceramic Ltd, Kadi as its Manager (design & development), and was engaged in manufacturing wall tiles as well as floor tiles. After serving the Somany Ceramic Ltd for more than 12 years, Mr Rathore shifted to Akash Ceramics Pvt Ltd, Mansa in July 2002. At present he is the General Manager (production) of Akash Ceramics Pvt Ltd, manufacturing wall tiles, floor tiles as well as vitrified tiles.
Mr Satish Rathore is a Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society.

Mr B. R. Suryanarayana

(bio-data not received)

Mr R. A. Thakkar

Mr R. A. Thakkar has been managing mining activities of “Amrapali Group of Industries” spreading over 5 districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Under his expert management “Amrapali Group” has been producing superior quality ceramic raw materials, viz. Amrapali levigated ‘Excellent' white China clay, Amrapali ‘Supra' levigated white China clay, Orient ‘Gold Brand' levigated white China clay, Amrapali ‘Prima Kutch' washed white China clay, Amrapali ‘Jet Black' Than washed clay, etc. He is the promoter of a number of companies in India . To name a few are Amrapali Capital and Finance Services Ltd, Amrapali Industries Ltd, Korwet Capital Investment Pvt Ltd, Amraworld Agrico Ltd, Amrapali and Company, Oriental Prospecting Company, Haldighat Minerals and Traders, and many more.

In recognition of his contributions in the field of mining industry, Mr Thakkar has been honoured with four prestigious National Awards, namely, “Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award 1995”, “National Corporate Excellence Award” by Indian Economic Development and Research Association (IEDRA), New Delhi, “Udyog Pragati Award” by Global Economic Council (GEC) and “Rajiv Gandhi National Unity Award 1995”. He is also the recipient of a ‘Trophy' for Mines Environment and Conservation Week Celebration for 1993-94 by the Indian Bureau of Mines, Udaipur region.

A Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, Mr Thakkar is also a Member of the All India Pottery Manufacturers' Association (AIPMA), Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, Gujarat Mineral Industry Association, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Advisory Committee of the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute.

Mr Kamal Narain Agarwal

Known widely as the person who has been associated with bone china and stoneware tableware in this country, Mr Kamal Narain Agarwal has been in pottery trade from 1969 and started manufacturing of ceramic tableware in 1979 and bone china tableware in 1992. He has established Bharat Potteries Ltd, Jaipur, an ISO 9001, 2000 certified company, where he holds the position of the Managing Director. With the ambition to excel in the pottery trade and to bring advancement in manufacturing and marketing field, the company is the largest manufacturer of potteries in India . He implemented the automatic machinery and firing equipment for large scale production; now he is working to upgrade the status of this trade to an organized sector. During this period, he visited many advanced bone china and stoneware tableware units all over the world several times for gathering knowledge of the trade.

Mr Agarwal represented India in delegation to Australia and Bangladesh . He has developed vision for quality products all over India . His major achievements include development of parameters and reporting system for quality, development of system for reports of production, sorting and grading of finished products, development of norms and cost control system and adaptation of best in technology, machines and raw materials.

Mr Agarwal is associated with the Indian Ceramic Society for the last 16 years and presently, he is the Chairman, Indian Ceramic Society, Rajasthan Chapter.

Dr G. N. Agrawal

Dr G. N. Agrawal (b. 1947) is currently professor of Ceramic Engineering in the Department of Ceramic Engineering, Institute of Technology , Banaras Hindu University , Varanasi . He obtained his B.Sc.(Tech.) (1968), M.Sc.(Tech.) (1970) and Ph.D. degrees in Ceramic Engineering (1977), all from BHU, Varanasi . He was awarded BHU Gold Medal for standing first in order of merit in the Post graduated Ceramic Engineering examination 1970. During his doctoral work under Prof M. D. Narasimhan, he did extensive work on Alumina and magnesia ceramics starting from its characterization and processing of finished products of having near to its theoretical density at 1500º to 1600ºC. He joined the department as a faculty member in January 1971 and has been associated with the teaching of ceramic since then. He was Head of the Department of Ceramic Engineering (2003-06), Vice-President of Indian Institute of Ceramics , India (2007-2008) and Member of Editorial Advisory Board of the “Transactions of the Indian Ceramic Society” (2007-08).

A life member of the Indian Ceramic Society and a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Ceramics, Dr Agrawal has contributed more than 40 research papers in a wide field, such as eutectic liquid phase sintering, sintering and microstructural characterization of refractory oxides, kinetics of solid state reactions, oxide refractories for ferrous and non-ferrous industry etc. Prof Agrawal has numerous awards to his credit such as Rashtriya Gaurav Award from Ex-Governor of Assam Shri Bhishma Narayan Singh, T. N. Sharma Memorial Award, etc. Dr. Agrwal has been rendering valuable services as a member of various bodies such as Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Board of Studies, PDA College of Engg., Gulbarga, Karnatka, Board of Studies of Dept of Ceramic Engineering, Anna University, Chennai and expert member of various organizations like AICTE, New Delhi, PDA College of Engg, Gulbarga, DST, New Delhi, GICT, Gudur, Anna University, Chennai and Centre for continuing Education Services of National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Ballabgarh (Haryana).

Mr Om Prakash Bhandari

(bio-data not received)

Mr Vidur Bhaskar

Mr Vidur Bhaskar (b. 1941) obtained his MS degree in Engineering from Alfred University, New York, USA. After returning to India he devoted himself wholeheartedly in business ventures in the fields of ceramics, refractories and cements. He is the Managing Director of Bhaskas Refractories and SW Pipes (P) Ltd and of the BNBS Cements & Products Pvt Ltd.

A past Chairman of the Delhi Chapter of the Indian Ceramic Society, Mr Bhaskar is the Chairman of the Indian Institute of Refractories Engineers (DC). He is also the President of Haryana State Laghu Udyog Bharti, Secretary of Haryana Environmental Management Society and Member of various committees and panel of Bureau of Indian Standards on ceramics, refractories and concrete products.

Dr C. S. Prasad

Dr C. S. Prasad (b. 1958) did his graduation in Ceramics from the Indian Institute of Ceramics, Kolkata in 1983. He worked as a trainee at High Tension Insulator factory, Ranchi in 1980 and as a Research Assistant at the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad during 1981-82. In May 1982, he joined the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Khurja Centre, where he has been involved in research and development of traditional ceramics till date.

Dr Prasad obtained his M.Tech. and Ph.D. degrees in Mineral Engineering in the year 1990 and 2005 respectively from the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. His main research interest includes development of whiteware bodies and glaze, low cost ceramic products, bone china porcelain, high alumina porcelain for technical application, HT and LT insulator, etc. He has about 30 publications in different national and international journals. He is also an author of a Hindi book entitled, “Pottery Vigyan Parichay”. He is the recipient of Ganpule Award twice conferred by the Indian Ceramic Society for publication of best paper in an Indian journal in the field of whiteware ceramics.

Dr Prasad has been associated with the Indian Ceramic Society for the last 23 years and has become a Life Member of the Society in 2003. At present, he is the Secretary, Indian Ceramic Society, Khurja Chapter.

Dr L. K. Sharma

Dr L. K. Sharma obtained his Ph.D. degree in Ceramic Engineering from the Institute of Technology , Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi in 1989. After serving several national and multinational companies, he joined the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Khurja, UP, in August 2004. At present, he is the Scientist-in Charge of CGCRI, Khurja Centre. He has developed nitride bonded silicon carbide refractory products for non-ferrous metal industry and insulator industry, honeycomb cordierite batts for tableware industry, alumina porous tiles for chemical and dyestuff industry, ceramic coatings for kiln furniture, and monolithics for super alloys industry. During his tenure, Khurja Ceramic Industry is progressing with a competitive speed.

Dr Sharma has delivered lectures as invited speakers in various industries, (like Tata Chemicals, TISCO, DCM, etc), universities (like Vishwesaria Technological University , Gulbarga University of Karnataka, BHU, etc) and institutes (like Government Ceramic Institutes of Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana). He has a number of published research papers and articles to his credit.

A Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, Dr Sharma is also the Chairman of the Western Uttar Pradesh (Khurja) Chapter of the Society. Under his dynamic leadership chapter was awarded Best Chapter of the Year-2008. He is a Member of the American Ceramic Society and Fellow of Indian Institute of Ceramics, Kolkata. He is the Senior Vice President and Founder Member of the BHU alumni association – NCR.

Dr M. Balasubramanian

Dr M. Balasubramanian obtained his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Chemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University in 1985 and 1987 respectively. He received his M.E. degree in Materials Science from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli in 1991. He obtained his Ph.D. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in the year 1996 for his work on, “Processing and Characterisation of Alumina-Zirconia Powders and Composites”.

Dr Balasubramanian started his career at the Centre for Ceramic Technology, Anna University as a Lecturer in 1995. He moved to the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras as an Assistant Professor in the year 2000 and currently he is an Associate Professor in the metallurgical and materials engineering department of the Institute. He is actively involved in teaching and research of ceramics and composites. He has guided two Ph.D. students and five M.S. (research) students in receiving their degrees. Four more research scholars are still working under his supervision. He has published more than 75 research papers.

A Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, FRP Institute and Indian Institute of Metals, Dr Balasubramanian is an elected member of the Indian Institute of Ceramics.

Dr Rathindranath Das

(Bio-data not received)

Dr S. K. Ghosh

Dr S. K. Ghosh (b. 1958) is currently working as a Senior Scientist in National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology, (formerly RRL), CSIR, Trivandrum since 1986. He received his Ph.D. in Nano magnetic materials from Dublin City University , Ireland , M.Tech. in Ceramic Engineering (1986), B.Tech. in Chem. Tech. (1984) and B.Sc.(Hons.) in Chemistry (1980) from University of Calcutta . He was recipient of “Enterprise Ireland Research Innovation Fund” Fellowship for his doctoral research and HONORARY DOCTORATE from The Yorker International University, Florence , Italy in 2006. Dr Ghosh was the only one to score GATE exam (Oct 1984) in Ceramic Engg from Calcutta and among three in India .

Dr Ghosh has also contributed in areas of cement hydration and gelation kinetics, pigments, fast fired porcelain, porous intercalated and activated materials for catalytic and petroleum cracking reactions, Impedance spectroscopy of ceramic materials, dielectric and ferro-electric oxide ceramics etc. He is a life member of many Professional and Scientific Societies including Indian Ceramic Society and Indian Institute of Ceramics.

Dr Ghosh has worked in many projects financed by International agencies and Government of India. He has published over 30 peer reviewed papers in International Science Journals and is a named inventor in a European Patent.

He is a recognised Ph.D. guide in Chemistry with University of Kerala . He is currently heading two major Externally Funded Research Projects from IRE Ltd, DAE, Govt of India on Nanosized cerium oxide materials and high-field composite varistors based on Rare Earth Oxides. His current research interest, publications and other details are available at URL ( http://w3rrlt.csir.res.in/ceramic/skghosh.html )  

Prof P. Manohar

Dr P. Manohar is a Professor of Physics, MIT campus, Anna University , Chennai. He obtained his under graduate and post graduate degrees respectively from Madurai-Kamaraj University (Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai ) and University of Madras ( Regional Engineering College , Tiruchy). He received his Ph. D. degree from Anna University , Chennai. In 1978 he joined Anna University , where he has been involved in teaching the students (both UG and PG) of Engineering and Technology. He served the Centre for Ceramic Technology, Anna University , Chennai since its inception and initiated the research.

Dr Manohar is the principal investigator of four major research projects funded by MHRD, AICTE and UGC and a co-investigator for one ongoing project funded by ICMR. He was a Visiting Professor of Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya , Japan .

Dr Manohar has published 25 research papers in national and international journals and presented many papers in national and international Conferences. His research interest includes electronic ceramic materials, ferrites, structural materials, fuel cells and bioceramic materials. Under his able guidance 7 students have already received their Ph. D. degrees in the field of Ceramic Technology and Materials Science and many more are presently working. He has also guided more than 25 M. Tech. and MS students of Ceramic Technology.

A Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, Dr Manohar is also the Treasurer of the Indian Ceramic Society, Chennai Chapter. He is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Ceramics, Kolkata. 

Dr V. Viswabaskaran

(Bio-data not received)

Representatives of BHU

Vice Chancellor

Prof D. P. Singh is the 24th Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi . Earlier Prof Singh was the Vice-Chancellor of Dr Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar (MP), the oldest University of Madhya Pradesh . During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Dr H. S. Gour University, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) re-accredited the University with "A" Grade in 2007 and the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India has declared to accord Central University Status to Dr. Hari Singh Gour University.

Prior to his joining Dr Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar (MP), Prof Singh has served PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education – an apex institution of MHRD at Bhopal as Professor in Environmental Science and Head HSE Division and has also served in Universities and colleges as well as in environmental organizations. He has 26 years of professional experience in different aspects of Management and Administration, Teaching and Training, Research and Development, project formulation and execution (both international and national), Educational Journalism including editing, Extension and Evaluation in various capacities.

Prof Singh is contributing in the management of different National and State level bodies as member of their Executive Councils, Board of Governors/Society such as, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bangalore, Pt. Dwarka Prasad Mishra Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, MP, Council of Science & Technology and MP Hindi Granth Academy.

Prof Singh has 111 publications to this credit in the form of books, research papers, articles etc. He has also acted as Executive Editor of Indian Journal of Vocational Education. He has exposure to International programmes and experience of handling International projects. He is a widely travelled person and has visited United Kingdom (4 times), Germany , France , Norway , China , Australia , Hongkong , Thailand and Malaysia for academic pursuits. He has participated in several International programmes / seminars / conferences as Chairperson of technical sessions, group leader, invited speaker and delegate.

Prof D. P. Singh possesses managerial and leadership capabilities and has wide experience pertaining to teaching, extension, research and educational planning and administration.

Prof Devendra Kumar

Prof Devendra Kumar did his M.Tech. and Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur . He served as a Research Engineer in Advanced Centre for Materials Science, IIT, Kanpur during 1981 to 1984. In 1984, he joined the Department of Ceramic Engineering, Institute of Technology , Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi . Presently he is a Professor of Glass Technology and the Head, Department of Ceramic Engineering of the University. For the last 22 years he has been deeply involved in teaching both the postgraduate and undergraduate students of Ceramic Engineering and Technology.

Prof Kumar has more than 100 research publications to his credit. He has participated in several international and national conferences. His areas of research include electronic ceramics and glass ceramics. A large number of M.Tech. and Ph.D. scholars have completed their dissertations under his supervision. These scholars are now highly placed in industries, educational institutions and research and development laboratories in India and abroad.

Prof Devendra Kumar is a Member of different academic and administrative committees of the Institute (IT, BHU). He was also associated with the Joint Entrance Examination as the Chairman-JEE, IT, BHU during 2003 to 2005. He is instrumental in initiating Integrated dual degree B.Tech.-M.Tech. and Integrated M.Tech. programmes in many Departments of the Institute of Technology , BHU, Varanasi .  

Representative of CGCRI, Kolkata

Dr H. S. Maiti

Dr Himadri Sekhar Maiti (b. 1947), Director, Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Metallurgy in the year 1969 from Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur, West Bengal. Later, he received his M.Tech. and Ph.D. degrees from IIT, Kanpur in the years 1971 and 1975 respectively with specialization in ceramics. Dr Maiti carried out research work on solid electrolytes, particularly zirconia and thoria based systems during his Kanpur days.
He joined the Materials Science Centre of IIT, Kharagpur as a Lecturer in 1974 and became an Assistant Professor in the same Institute in 1979. During his tenure of 13 years at IIT, Kharagpur he played a very important role in the introduction and development of the post-graduate curriculum in Ceramics as a part of Materials Science Programme of the Institute. During this peroiod, he was engaged in basic as well as applied research in advanced ceramics particularly related to the electrical properties of glass and ceramic materials.
During 1977-78 he spent one year as a post doctoral fellow under the Commonwealth Fellowship programme at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, UK. In 1987, Dr Maiti moved to Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata as a Senior Scientist (Sct. E II) and Head of the Electro-ceramics Group. He was promoted to Sct. F in 1991, Sct. G in 1996 and became the Director of the Institute in January 1999.
Dr Maiti has made significant R&D contributions in the area of electroceramics in general and ceramic capacitors, gas sensors, high TC superconductors and solid oxide fuel cells in particular. He has also made significant contributions in developing the area of ceramic membranes as a major programme of the Institute.
He has supervised 15 Ph.D. theses, published more than 150 research and review papers in national and international journals of repute and filed more than 60 patents in India and abroad. Dr Maiti is a recipient of Deokaran and Ganpule awards given by the Indian Ceramic Society and also of the MRSI Medal given by the Materials Research Society of India. He is also a recipient of Scroll of Merit awarded by the Indian Cryogenic Council, Kolkata.
A Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society, Dr Maiti is a past President of the Society. He also served the Society as its Hony Editor for four consecutive years. He was the Hony Secretary of the Indian Institute of Ceramics.
Dr Maiti has delivered a large number of invited lectures at different forums including the “Platinum Jubilee” lecture of Materials Science Section of Indian Science Congress Association in 2001. He was the President of the Materials Science Section of Indian Science Congress–2002, held at Lucknow.
A Fellow of the (1) Indian Institute of Ceramics, Kolkata, (2) West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology, Kolkata, (3) The Indian National Academy of Science, Allahabad and (4) Indian Academy of Engineers, New Delhi, Dr Maiti is also the President of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology, Kolkata and the Jt Secretary of the Materials Research Society of India.