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Draft:Pushpendra K. Jain

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Pushpendra Kumar (PK) Jain at his Professorial Inaugural lecture, March 2010

Pushpendra Kumar Jain (born 1946) is a Physics professor, educator and researcher.[1] He has published and presented over 150 papers [2], is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Physics, founded the Energy Society of Botswana, founding member of the Botswana National Committee of the World Energy Council[1] and appeared in the Marquis Who’s Who in the World and Who's Who in Science and Engineering[3] editions for over 15 years.

Pushpendra founded the Vegetarian Society of Botswana.[4] [5]He has served in key positions in the international Vegetarian Union, including secretary of the African region for 8 years[5] and is currently one of 12 global honorary fellows due to his exceptional contribution to the industry. [6]

Background and education

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Pushpendra was born in 1946 in a Jain family in Saharanpur (Western UP), India. He has been a lifelong vegetarian because of his religious beliefs.[7] Now he practices it because of health, environmental and compassionate reasons.

After completing his High School (1961) and Intermediate-College (1963) education from J V Jain College, Saharanpur, he obtained a BSc degree (1965) from Agra University, India and MSc (Physics) degree (1967) from Meerut University, India.[1]. He obtained a PhD (Physics) degree (1975) from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA. He also holds a Certificate of proficiency in the Russian language (distinction) (1977) from the Delhi University, Delhi, India and French from the Alliance Francais[3]

Work history and career

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Pushpendra is a Physicist, educator, researcher, author and mentor[1]. In January 2020 he retired as a Professor of Physics (2004 to 2020) after 33 years (1987 to 2020) of service to the University of Botswana, Gaborone where he taught BSc and MSc degrees Physics courses, undertook research and publications, mentored MSc and PhD degree students, and contributed to the development of the University from an undergraduate teaching institution to a leading postgraduate education and research institution in Africa and the world. [8]

Pushpendra also served at the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India, and the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India.[1][3]

Pushpendra has been a Chartered Physicist (CPhys) and a member of the Institute of Physics (IoP), UK (MInstP) since 1989, and was elected to the Fellowship of the Institute (FInstP) in 2010[3][9]. He has also been a member/life member of the American Physical Society, South African Institute of Physics, Indian Physics Association, Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, Solar Energy Society of India, and American Society of Materials International.

Academic and Professional awards and recognition

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Pushpendra was awarded Panna Lal Jain Gold Medal, Kapuri Devi Gold Medal, Murari Lal Jain Gold Medal and Murti Devi Gold medal for academic excellence in the BSc degree program, and Panna Lal Jain Gold Medal for academic excellence in the MSc degree program. He was a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa American National Honour Societies[1]. Recipient of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India Research Fellowship (1968-1970).[10]

Listed in the Marquis “Who’s Who in the World”, 17th (Millenium-2000) and subsequent editions under the professional category (Physics educator and researcher)[1]. Listed in the Marquis “Who’s Who in Science and Engineering” 6th (2002-2003)[3] and subsequent editions.

Work on a Clock-work driven solar tracker selected for publication in the “1981 Rolex Awards Book” under the Applied Science and Innovation category through an International competition: “Rolex Awards: Spirit of Enterprise – 1981”, Geneva, Switzerland.[11]

Recipient of UNESCO grant (1985, 1991), British Council Fellowship (1992, 1994), and Commonwealth Science Council Fellowship/ Travel grant (1992, 1998).[1]

Research

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Pushpendra authored and published over 150 research papers[2] in Solid state Physics, Pedagogical Physics, Semiconductor materials and devices, Solar and renewable energy, entrepreneurship education and Materials Science in pear reviewed scientific journals, and International conferences. Pushpendra mentored/ supervised PhD, and MSc degree students from the Universities of Botswana, Nairobi (Kenya), Ghana, and Wits University (RSA), and undergraduate research projects.

Selected Books, Book chapters authored, and edited work:

•    Introduction to Optics: Geometrical, Physical and Quantum. Authors: John S Nkoma and Pushpendra K Jain. 1st edition (2003), pp 195, ISBN: 99912-511-6-2. Bay Publishing (Pty) Ltd., Gaborone Botswana. 2nd revised and updated edition (2019), pp 248, ISBN: 978-9987-08-371-8. Mkuki na Nyota Publisher, Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania.[12]

•    Introduction to Mechanics: Kinematics, Newtonian and Lagrangian. Authors: Pushpendra K Jain and John S Nkoma. 1st edition (2004), pp 308, ISBN: 99912-561-4-8. Bay Publishing (Pty) Ltd., Gaborone Botswana. 2nd revised and updated edition (2019), pp 344, ISBN: 978-9987-08-370-1. Mkuki na Nyota Publisher, Dar-e.-Salam, Tanzania.[13]

•    A simple, cost-efficient solar tracker. Author: Pushpendra K Jain in Spirit of Enterprise – The 1981 Rolex Awards, pg. 106-107, (1981). ISBN: 0-245-53797-X. Editor: Gregory B Stone. Publisher: Harrap Limited, London, UK.[11]

•    Chapter 11 – Energy. Authors: Pushpendra K Jain, A. Leipego, K. Kerekang, F. Mathangwane and K. Molosiwa in Botswana National Atlas, 1st edition, pg 149-156, (2001). Atlas E86/ 926153, EVIS/ Product Number: 2009232. Publisher: Department of Surveys and Mapping, Ministry of Local Government, Lands and Housing, Government of Botswana.[14]

•    Pour une diffusion durable des technologies solaires en Afrique: comment sensibiliser, eduquer et former? Etude de cas du Botswana. Author: Pushpendra K Jain in La formation au cœur du developpement, pg 141-149, (2011). ISBN: 978-2-296-56101-4. Book Author: Christine Heuraux, Publisher: L’Harmattan, Paris.[15]

•    Physics in the Service of Africa: Proceedings of the 3rd Regional ANSTI Seminar in Physics. Editors: D P Winkoun, K R S Devan, J S Nkoma, P K Jain and R Bhattacharya, pp 302, (1991). ISBN: 99912-2-038-0. Publisher: Department of Physics, University of Botswana and UNESCO-ROSTA, Nairobi, Kenya.[16]

Research funding and collaboration

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The Carnegie Corporation of New York[17] funded the African Materials Science and Engineering Network (AMSEN) (2009 – 2016) of the Universities of Botswana, Nairobi (Kenya), Namibia, Ghana, Wits University (South Africa), and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (Nigeria). Pushpendra led the University of Botswana node of AMSEN[18] and collaborated with the Network Universities to develop human resource in materials science and engineering by training MSc and PhD degree students, build supervisory capacity, and to upgrade and share research facilities.[19]

Consultancy

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Pushpendra Jain and Edward Lungu undertook a Study to assess new and renewable sources of energy training in technical schools[20] in Botswana commissioned by the Energy Affairs Division, Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Affairs, Government of Botswana (1997). Consultants’ recommendations for new training programs, and upgrade of facilities to fill the training gap[21] were accepted by the client.

Pushpendra worked on Government of Botswana committees by invitation for the formulation of the National policies on Energy, Science, Technology and Research.[22]

Energy Society of Botswana and BONWEC

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Pushpendra was the Founder (1989), and Chairman of the Energy Society of Botswana.[23] [24] He organized monthly lectures on energy topics, field trips to energy installations in Botswana, student-competitions, edited and contributed to a quarterly newsletter “Energy” of the Society. [23] [24] [25] [26] The Society also advised on the National Development Plan in his term. [22] [27]

Founding member of the Botswana National Committee of the World Energy Council (BONWEC) established by the Act of Botswana Parliament (1994). He acted as Interim Chairman of BONWEC (2000 – 2002) [28] and represented BONWEC at the WEC Executive Assembly (2000) in Delhi, India.

Vegetarian Society of Botswana and IVU, UK:

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Pushpendra was the Founder (1995), and Chairman of the Vegetarian Society of Botswana. [4][29] He edited and contributed to the VSB Newsletter, organized vegetarian events for awareness and fund raising. [30] [31] [32] [33]

Pushpendra held the following positions and honours at the International Vegetarian Union (IVU), UK: Regional Secretary (Africa) (1997-2005), [5] Council Member (2008 – 2010), Patron and Life Member (2008), [5] and Honorary Fellow (2008). [6] He contributed to IVU International Vegetarian Congresses (1999 and 2000). [34] [7]

He is currently one of 12 global honorary fellows due to his exceptional contribution to the industry. [6]

Other Considerations

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External examiner for MSc and PhD degree theses and taught courses for the Universities of Namibia, Swaziland, Nairobi (Kenya), and Dar-es-Salam (Tanzania). External assessor for Promotions applications to Professorship from Regional Universities. Referee for peer reviewed scholarly research journals in Physics, materials science, and energy.[2]

Authored and published articles of general interest on vegetarianism, Jainism and energy. [35][7][34]

Made contributory and invited presentations (resource person) at Conferences and Workshops in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, India, Singapore, Thailand and a number of African countries. [2]

Member of the University of Botswana Senate, Senate Executive, University Research Committee and the Faculty of Science Executive. Organised International research Conferences/ Workshops. [36] [22] [2][16]

He is a member of the Lions Club and the Mensa International (UK); collects coins, stamps and phone cards.[34][1][3][37]

Family

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Pushpendra is married (1978) to Priti Jain[38][1], BA, LLB, MLIS, DLitt et Phil, Professor of Library and Information Science, University of Botswana. They are parents to three children[7]. Daughter, Gauri Jain[39] Miszka, BPharm, MPharm, and Accredited Pharmacist is a Clinical Pharmacist with the NSW Health, Hospital in the Home, Sydney, Australia. Daughter, Shilpi Jain[40], BSc (Eng), PrEng, MSAICE (RSA), MIEAust, CPEng, APEC Eng Int PE (Aus) works as an engineer. Son, Shitesh Arihunta, BSc (Eng) (Elec. and Computer) is a Software Engineer with the Amazon Web Services.

Further Reading

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  • ResearchGate profile with many publications uploaded[2]
  • PK Jain Curriculum Vitae (CV)[41]
  • Work on Clock driven solar tracker[42]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Who's Who in the World (17th ed.). Marquis. 2000. ISBN 0-8379-1123-0.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "ResearchGate profile: Pushpendra K. Jain". ResearchGate. 1 December 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Who's Who in in Science and Engineering. Marquis. 2002. ISBN 0-8379-5760-5.
  4. ^ a b "Vegetarians form own Society". The Botswana Gazette. 10 May 1995. p. 8.
  5. ^ a b c d "Prof. P. K. Jain". International Vegetarian Union. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  6. ^ a b c "New IVU Fellows". International Vegetarian Union. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d "DIETARY CODE OF PRACTICE AMONGST JAINS". International Vegetarian Union. 16 July 2000. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  8. ^ "UB Recognised as Centre for Physics". Daily News. 15 August 1997. p. 5.
  9. ^ "Certificate - FEllow: Institute of Physics (UK)". May 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  10. ^ "Prof. Pushpendra K. Jain - PK Jain IIT Researcher". sites.google.com. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  11. ^ a b Stone, Gregory B., ed. (1981). The spirit of enterprise: the 1981 Rolex Awards. London: Harrad. ISBN 978-0-245-53797-4.
  12. ^ Introduction to Optics: Geometrical, Physical and Quantum. 22 May 2019. ASIN 9987083714.
  13. ^ Introduction to Classical Mechanics: Kinematics, Newtonian and Lagrangian. 22 May 2019. ASIN 9987083706.
  14. ^ Pushpendra K Jain, A. Leipego, K. Kerekang, F. Mathangwane and K. Molosiwa (2001). Botswana National Atlas (1st ed.). Gaborone, Botswana: Department of Surveys and Mapping, Botswana. pp. 149 -156 (Chapter 11).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Heuraux, Christine (January 2011). La formation au Coeur du developpement. Paris: L'Harmattan. pp. 141–149. ISBN 978-2-296-56101-4.
  16. ^ a b Winkoun, D & Devan, K & Nkoma, John & Jain, Pushpendra & Bhattacharya, Rupayan (1991). Physics in the Service of Africa: Proceedings of the Third Regional Seminar in Physics, August 5-7. Nairobi, Kenya: Department of Physics, University of Botswana and UNESCO-ROSTA. p. 302. ISBN 99912-2-038-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ "Effort to Strengthen Africa's University-based Science, Engineering Instruction Adds Two Networks". Carnegie Corporation of New York. 19 September 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  18. ^ "Rise Delegation visits the University of Botswana" (PDF). UB Newsletter. June 2011. pp. 2–3. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  19. ^ "African lags behind in research". Daily News. p. 6. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  20. ^ "Study to assess new and renewable sources of energy (NRSE) training in technical schools in Botswana". Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Affairs Report. 10/1/2/96-97.
  21. ^ "Discussion Paper on NRSE Training in Botswana". Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  22. ^ a b c "Energy Issues for NDP 8". The Botswana Guardian. 17 May 1996. p. 17. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Energy Society Formed". Daily News. 7 May 1990. p. 4. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  24. ^ a b "Energy Society Formed". The Botswana Gazette. 16 May 1990. p. 4. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  25. ^ "The BPC/Energy Society Essay competition and Math Olympiad winners pose for pictures with teachers and BPC". The Southern Post. 9 November 1995. p. 4. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  26. ^ "Energy Society to hold seminar". Daily News. 28 May 1996. p. 3. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  27. ^ "Energy producers, consumers to help formulate policy for NDP 8". The Botswana Gazette. 22 May 1996. p. 6. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  28. ^ "Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Affairs, Boometwse Mokgothu, shows the report at the launching of the World Energy Council (WEC) report energy for tomorrow's world". Mmegi. 21 April 2000. pp. B7. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  29. ^ "HEALTH MINISTER GUEST AT BOTSWANA VEGETARIAN DINNER". International Vegetarian Union (IVU News). 2002. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  30. ^ "Masire attends Vegetarian Dinner". The Botswana Guardian. 18 October 1996. p. 9. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  31. ^ "Masire attends Vegetarians' Dinner". Mmegi. 11 October 1996. p. 17. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  32. ^ "Vegetarians host dinner". Daily News. 7 October 1996. p. 2.
  33. ^ "VSB celebrates World Vegetarian Day". Mmegi. 29 October 2003. p. 19. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  34. ^ a b c "Promoting Vegetarianism in Botswana". International Vegetarian Union. 10 January 1999. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  35. ^ "Prof stresses need to find, develop new energy sources". Daily News. 7 April 2010. p. 4. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  36. ^ "Renewable energy seminar starts next week". The Botswana Guardian. 20 August 1993. p. 19. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  37. ^ "Prof. Pushpendra K. Jain - Mensa membership". sites.google.com. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  38. ^ "Priti Jain | IGI Global Scientific Publishing". www.igi-global.com. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  39. ^ "Medication without harm: why this is a topic everyone in western Sydney needs to be across - thepulse.org.au". 2022-09-28. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  40. ^ "Inspiration from SAICE's Young Engineer of the Year". South African Institution of Civil Engineering. 31 (1). 1 Jan 2023. hdl:10520/ejc-civeng_v31_n1_a20 – via Sabinet.
  41. ^ "Prof. Pushpendra K. Jain - PK Jain CVs". sites.google.com. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  42. ^ Jain, Pushpendra Kumar (December 1982). "A clock driven, cost-effecient solar tracker". International Solar Energy Society: Sunworld. 6 (6): 176–180.
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