KU researchers publish compilation of works

Greater reach for scholarly papers

In a first for the University of Kerala, research scholars have published a compilation of their works. The initiative, which they intend to carry forward, is expected to foster a culture that enables a wider audience and possibly a greater impact for research works.

Published by the Kerala University Research Union, The Scholar , a compilation of scholarly papers that were presented at a national seminar, consists of 12 multidisciplinary articles that were shortlisted from over 40 works by the faculty of the respective study departments. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the book late last year.

Wide range of topics

The book, edited by K.P. Vishnu, chairman of the union, features papers in English, Malayalam and Hindi that touch upon a wide array of research topics. They include the historicity of migration in Kerala, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) tourism, a study on the life of Marxist scholar P. Govinda Pillai, current trends in the education system of Kerala, and the politics behind trolling.

Union general secretary P. Manesh, associate editor of the book, says the decision to publish the research papers was prompted by the limited opportunities that were at the disposal of researchers in getting their works published. “Scholars are either forced to pay large sums and wait for several months for their papers to be included in journals. The compilation, which has been assigned a unique International Standard Book Number (ISBN), will ensure greater reach for research works without any technical hurdles,” he said.

Three more volumes

The union is set to bring out three more volumes of The Scholar later this month. They will comprise around 40 research works pertaining to various disciplines. Mr. Manesh pointed out that the hike in the union’s budget from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh in 2017 and ₹2 lakh the next year proved crucial in enabling the organisation to focus on the endeavour which, they hope, will become a permanent venture in the future.

Doctoral theses

University Pro Vice Chancellor P.P. Ajayakumar viewed the initiative as a step in the right direction, considering the long-term interests of the institution. “Very often, society remains in the dark about the research work that goes on in our universities. Doctoral theses, which are seldom published, were confined to the libraries.”