A House Journal of
IEEE Kerala Section
Volume 9 Number 1
January-March 2000
Contents
Chairman's Message
Diary of Events
Forthcoming
Events
Section
Activities
IEEE
Computer Chapter
Students Corner
Awards-For
Buying
Editorial
Annual Report
1999
Office Bearers
2000
Dear Engineer
A few
days ago, we were interviewing B.Tech graduates. All of them had 70%
marks or above, since a cut-off had been prescribed. As is the common practice,
we asked questions on their final semester projects. To the dismay
of the Selection Board, most of the candidates could not even explain
what exactly their project was. Many were
even worse. They did not know the fundamentals
of the subject they studied.
The notion of our human resources being very
good is already proving wrong. Many software companies have been complaining
the difficulty faced in recruiting good software people,
even fresh ones. This problem hadn’t looked convincing earlier, but now not
any more. I had a personal experience a few months ago, while
recruiting MCA’s. Out of good ones, what is happening to the
higher education? One can’t but shudder.
The quality seems to be eroding every
day.
Companies seem to have found their own
solution, by insisting that graduates take a costly
short-term course before they seek employment with them - an additional
burden on the students and their parents and an avoidable waiting time for
companies and job seekers. Why is it that even after spending four years,
a student has to study another three or four months to get a job? Why is it
that a student has to spend additional
few ten thousands? One can’t but ask. Why not it be included in the four-year
course stream itself?
The answers aren’t obvious as the questions. Perhaps the University system is at fault. Or the students are not particularly keen. Or the right faculty is not available. One or more of these factors is at play to make the present system of education fall short of the expectations of the industry.
It is
heartening, though, that the IEEE student branches are addressing this concern
to a certain extent. The Student Branches need to create an environment of
professional learning in the campus itself. Events like SPAC, Students Congress,
Technical talks and Seminars are contributing to create that environment.
Formal systems appear to be collapsing on their own weight. Where flexibility
and dynamism become key for survival, organizations like IEEE have the right
structures to take up these challenges, placing an additional responsibility
on its members. The role and relevance of our organization is on the rise.
K G satheeshkumar
05- 01-2000 "Quality through Automation in Manufacturing" Dr. B. Anil, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Trivandrum.
12-01-2000 "The price and value of Trees" Er. S.S. Kaimal, former Chief Technical Adviser to U.N. and former Chief Engineer, C.P.W.D.
19-01-2000 "Knowledge Management" Er. N.T. Nair, Vice President, CMS.
29-01-2000 Annual General Meeting (AGM - 99) of IEEE Kerala Section at Hotel Horizon, Trivandrum at 6.30 pm.
02-02-2000 "Metallurgical Marvels of Ancient India" Prof. Tanjore Ramachandra Anantharaman.
09-02-2000 "Cyber Crimes" Er. P.R. Chandran I.P.S., Additional Director General of Police, Kerala.
10 to 13-02-2000 "Maintenance of New Generation Motor Cars" - a Workshop, Exhibition and Seminar, jointly organised by the professional organisations and the Automobile Engg Students Association, S.C.T. College of Engineering, Trivandrum.
16-02-2000 "Professional Ethics" Er. B.S. Warrier, former Joint Director of Technical Education, Kerala.
17-02-2000 Silver Jubilee Lecture at Technopark at 11.00 hrs in connection with the 25th Anniversary of IEEE Kerala Section. Speaker - Dr. F.C. Kohli, Fellow IEEE, Deputy Chairman, Tata Consultancy Services.
19-02-2000 The first meeting of the Executive Committee of IEEE Kerala Section - at 18.30 hrs. at Harmonieee, Ambujavilasom Road, Trivandrum.
01-03-2000 Role of Technology in the Advertising Profession" Er. V.S.S. Nair, Consultant Engineer, Trivandrum.
08-03-2000 "Recent Trends in Networking" Er. V K Bhadran, Deputy Director , ER&DCI, Trivandrum.
10 to 11-03 -2000 "Govern IT 2000" Two days seminar on e-Governance at Amphitheatre, ER&DCI Vellayambalam, Trivandrum jointly organised by CSI, Trivandrum Chapter and Department of Information Technology, Government of Kerala, Co-sponsored by IEEE Kerala Section.
15-03-2000 "Thinking Skills" Dr. Venugopal Reddiar, Consultant Physician, Detroit, USA.
18-03-2000 Second meeting of the Executive Committee of IEEE Kerala Section - at 18.30 hrs at Harmonieee, Ambujavilasom Road, Trivandrum.
22-03-2000
"Designing for Shear Compression Field Theory" Dr. S. Unnikrishna Pillai,
former Principal, Regional Engineering College, Calicut.
Forthcoming
Events
05-04-2000
"Automobile Scenario" Er. N.T. Nair, Vice President, CMS Computers, Trivandrum.
11-04-2000 "Career Opportunities IT Enabled Services" Dr. V. Gopalakrishnan,
GM,
BHEL, Trichy.
12-04-2000 "Rise in Energy Charges and Flow of Fault Current"
Er. K.K Vasu.
19-04-2000 "Engineering and Consultancy in the 21st Century"
Er. P.N. Bhaskaran Nair.
03-05-2000 "Tips on Building Construction" Er. K.G. Chandrasekharan.
Quality Through Automation In Manufacturing
A talk on Quality Through Automation in Manufacturing by Dr. B. Anil was arranged on 05-01-2000. In his presentation, he pointed out the latest developments in manufacturing through automation. Moreover, the automation in manufacturing starting from NC machines to Direct Numerically controlled machines and flexible manufacturing system was discussed. A comparison of dimensional accuracies obtainable with advanced manufacturing systems with that of manual labour was made. The machines only cannot bring in quality to a product. It has to be the aptitude of the management and employees that make quality reliable. The talk was well attended by a good audience.
Value and Price of a Tree
Er. S.S. Kaimal delivered about the Value and Price of a Tree on 12-01-2000. He narrated the importance of trees from the very early civilisation of mankind till date. He opined that a tree should be assessed in terms of the total quantity of oxygen produced by it, its role in soil fertility, recycling of water, control of humidity, air pollution and soil erosion, bird and animal shelter and protein conversion besides a host of other indices. A 50 year old tree is worth of Rs. 15 lakhs if these indices are taken into consideration. No human work can supplant the well balanced beauty of a tree. He concluded that, trees could also provide human beings with a lesson or two in design, process management, packing and even in ethical matters.
Knowledge Management
On 19-01-2000 Er. N.T. Nair rendered a lecture on "Knowledge Management". The speaker remarked that today we are migrating from Information Society to Knowledge Society and providing the right knowledge at right time to right person is essential today. Knowledge sharing is the key enabler of Knowledge Management. Benefits of Knowledge Management system are overall efficiency, new opportunities and market identification, fast response to changes and better utilisation of human capital. The talk was very interesting and interactive. The audience raised various queries for which Mr. Nair has satisfactorily answered.
Metallurgical Marvels of Ancient India
Prof.
T.R. Anantharaman presented a talk on 02-02-2000 on "Metallurgical Marvels
of Ancient India. Referring to the contributions and glorious traditions of
the ancient India, he reminded that India is the cradle of human civilization
and grand mother of tradition. Highlighting the topic, he explained that recent
historical studies and scientific researches have thrown considerable new
lights
on the status of metal extraction and working in the Indian subcontinent during
the Ancient period (1700 BC - 1000 AD). The three outstanding achievements
of Ancient India in the field of Metal Technology are as follows:
400 BC extraction of zinc in the State of Rajastan, North Western India, by reduction of the sulphide ore and condensation of the resulting zinc vapour.
400 BC production of the ultra-high carbon (1.5 - 1.8% carbon) steel known commercially as WOOTZ in South India, particularly in the State of Andhra Pradesh and fabrication therefrom of the famous Damascus Swords.
375 AD
fabrication of the seven-ton heavy and seven - metre tall Iron Pillar at Delhi
known for its amazing corrosion resistance despite exposure to the open for
more than 16 centuries.
In nut shell the lecture was very informative in the contribution made by
the India to the world of metals.
Cyber Crimes
On 09--2-2000
Er. P.R.Nair IPS, rendered a lecture on 'Cyber Crimes'. The present age of
Information Technology is changing every aspect
of human life - communication, trade, manufacturing services,
culture, entertainment, education, research, national defence and global security.
With this introduction he crept into the application of computers in crimes.
Cyber crimes are those, the commission of which involve in the use of one
or more computers. Computers may be the target as in the case of trespassing
or sabotage of computer data. Computer may be used as a tool for committing
crimes such a embezzlement, fraud, gambling, money laundering, etc. The crimes
may be hacking (pranks) or cracking (with malicious intentions). For ensuring
safety against computer crimes, access controls, passwords, firewalls etc
are some methods being adopted. "System Password" is a must for providing
security against cyber crimes. Some changes are to be introduced in the legal
system to deal with cyber crimes. He concluded his speech by stressing the
need of training of law-enforcing agencies and associating technical experts
which will facilitate finding solutions and detection of culprits involved
in cyber crimes.
From AGM on 29 Jan 2000 (L-R) S.Gopakumar, K.G.Satheeshkumar
J.Muraleemohanlal, Dr.P.S.Chandramohan, I.N.Sunilkumar
(Office bearers 1999)
Professional Ethics
A talk on "Professional Ethics" by Er. B.S. Warrier was arranged on 16-02-2000. He explained that Ethics is a system of morals and dependent on time, place and culture. Total quality should be our aim in following ethics. For professionals, the knowledge update is an essential code of ethics. Unethical behaviour by professionals result in loss of life and material. Money should not be allowed to control over integrity and inculcation of values is a must for professionals. Finally he remarked that temptation affects persons in power. The talk was well attended by a good audience.
Silver Jubilee Celebrated
IEEE Kerala Section celebrated its 25th Anniversary on 17th February. The Silver Jubilee Lecture was held at 11.00 am at Technopark, Trivandrum.
Founder of India Council Dr. F.C. Kohli was the chief guest and the speaker of the function. Dr. Rane, the member who is actively behind the launching of IEEE activities in Kerala, was also present on that occasion. In his speech Dr. Rane reminded that the Chief Guest got the rare honour of inaugurating the Kerala Section 25 years back on 17th February 1975 and now his esteemed presence in the Silver Jubilee Celebration as Chief Guest. He also gave an overview of the development of the Kerala Section from its inception to the present stage.
Dr. Kohli in his lecture gave a clear picture of IEEE activities in India since 1949, initially with 250 members in all India basis. He stressed the importance of keeping professionalism by the members and the role of the Section in achieving it.
"We have to keep in mind that the computers and software become obsolete within next 18 months and the internet and network will change the world. What we considered as latest technology, which is appropriate today, will become obsolete tomorrow. Most of you know that there is no way to catch with and now we want to go ahead in the discipline of software keep in mind that this is very complex".
Further, he added that lack of development of hardware in India is the point to note and is a very pitiful condition. Now the hardware is always brought from outside for computerisation. He further stressed that the lead by Keltron towards the activities in this respect is exemplarary. He concluded that today we don't need silicon factories. Instead, at least we could go for basic chips those are required for tele systems. "Go for hardware and don't neglect hardware" he emphasised.
The talk was followed by an interactive session in which M/s. N.T. Nair, Sreenivasan CMD Keltron, K.G. Satheesh Kumar, R. Narayanan etc were actively participated.
Dr. Kulkarni started his lecture with the remark that we could not cope up with technology and economy as far as the hardware industry in India is concerned. Hardware design is complex and special training is needed to Design Engineers. But they are not interested in chips but in embedded software. He stressed the need of experts for the design at software for complicated systems.
Welcome
speech was done by K.G. Satheesh Kumar, Chairman and Vote of thanks
by
K. Narayanan, Vice Chairman.
Hot
News
Monopoly of Microsoft US
Justice Department has opined:
".. Microsoft has illegally protected its Windows monopoly against
competitors and also attempted to monopolise the market for web users..."
"... Microsoft has abused monopoly in personal computer operating
systems in a fashion that harmed customers and other rivals in the business..."
As the result of this ruling and consequent failure of
the position to settle this anti-trust case meant that Microsoft had to
pay a heavy price and also will push back its top position from the list
of most highly valued companies internationally.
From AGM on 29 Jan 2000 (L-R) R.Narayanan, K.G.Satheeshkumar
A.K.Unnikrishnan, I.N.Sunilkumar
(Office bearers 2000)
Technical Talk
A technical
talk is arranged by Computer Society Chapter of IEEE Kerala Section on 11th
April 2000 at 16.00 hrs at the IE(I) hall., Trivandrum.
Topic:
“Career Opportunities – IT Enabled Services”
by
Dr. V. Gopalakrishnan,
General Manager,
BHEL, Trichy.
IT Clubs
IEEE Kerala
Section and IEEE Computer Society
is planning to start IT Clubs all over
of Kerala initially by organising a club in
Trivandrum incorporating
students from Engineering College
and volunteers from Technopark, ER&DCI etc.
The society is also planning to start
Citizen-Interface group, in a near future.
Trends in IT
The IEEE Student Chapter of the College of Engineering, Chengannur organised a technical symposium based on "Trends in IT" on 19th of January 2000. The event was inaugurated by M/s. Aruna Sundararajan IAS, the Secretary, IT Department of Kerala .
On 7th
February 2000, Prof. V.K.Damodaran, India Council Member and the
Editor of IEEE
Bulletin talked to the Student Branch members
on "Electronics and Computers in Energy Management".
The session was attended by more than 150 students and was very informative
to
the students.
Research Papers
Two papers
of Dr. P.S. Chandramohan, Dept of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
College
of Engineering, Trivandrum were presented in the prestigious 2000 Winter
meeting of the Power Engineering Society of IEEE, held at
Singapore during 23-24 January 2000. These papers are:
1. Residential demands for Electrical Energy in the State of Kerala - An economical analysis with medium range projections.
2. Modelling
of Impulse Voltage Generator using SIMULINK. These papers
are respectively co-authored by his part-time
Ph.D Research Scholars Mr. Parameswara Sharma of VSSC, Trivandrum
and Mr. M. Jayaraju of T.K.M. College of Engineering, Quilon. This is a rare
honour
as these were the only papers from Kerala among five papers from India, for
this conference.
We may congratulate the author and co-authors.
Top
Attention IEEE members
IEEE, Kerala section is compiling a list of resource persons among the members for conducting professional activities like delivering talks, presenting technical papers and taking tutorial classes. This data will be useful for planning professional activities which is a major objective of IEEE. I request all respected members to take this opportunity to keep up the tradition of our esteemed society. Interested members are requested to send their details indicating their profile and area of expertise.
A.K. Unnikrishnan,
(Secretary, IEEE Kerala Section)
Joint Director, ER&DCI
Vellayambalam, Trivandrum – 695 033
Email: ieeek@vsnl.com
Phone: 0471- 320116 (Office), 0471-342762 (Res.) Fax: 0471-331654
Awards
- For Buying
Er. N.T. Nair
Congratulations! You have been selected International Man of the year. The letter looked classy and came from an organization in England. Soon after, it was the turn of another UK organization to confer me with “The Golden Scroll of Excellence”. The Americans too, it seemed, didn’t want to lag behind. They followed suit by informing me that I was one of the top ‘500 leaders of influence’ and deserve to be congratulated.
Was I
really so great as to attract distinctions from so many international
institutions purportedly engaged in the service of humanity?
I did a bit of introspection to list the outstanding qualities,
which could have won me these accolades. Honestly, I had to admit
I was rather mediocre with
not earth-shaking achievements to boast of.
True, I had been chosen as the chairman
or secretary of
some professional societies, but my conscience said these positions were not
out of the ordinary. A couple of days later a Delhi based agency
sent me a letter announcing that I was to receive the most prestigious
“Bharat Gaurav Award”. The accompanying glossy
brochure contained photographs of a number
of well-known Indians receiving the award in
previous occasions. They
wanted me to send my photograph and bio-data immediately.
By this time, I had begun to start believing that there must be something in me after all. It could be humility that prompted me to think that I was un-deserving. In the eyes of others, I probably did have exceptional qualities. Fortunately, it didn’t take me long to stumble upon the truth. The occasion was talk organized by a technical society.
Just before
the meeting started, a senior member placed a letter in my hand, suggesting
that make an
announcement. I looked at the paper. Hey! He was also the recipient
of the same award from the
UK organization like me. Our small city,
Trivandrum had produced two internationally
acclaimed persons. Great! I mentioned this to a friend,
who sheepishly fished out another letter for him from the same UK organization.
My
head reeled. That feeling that I was indeed great deserted me.
I felt the matter needed to be probed. All my award
letters were carefully studied to see if there were any ‘strings” attached.
Yes, there were. Along with the acceptance
letter to be returned to the UK group,
I was
requested to enclose a demand draft for 250 pounds sterling, as cost of a
book being brought out in
this connection. The book would contain details of
me too. In the case of the US agency the amount was $450. Both
the agencies also sought assistance in providing the names
of persons
who would qualify to receive such honors.
The Indian counterparts had also devised their scheme smartly.Their next communication, besides reminding me to rush my resume and photo, contained an invitation to the award presentation ceremony being organized in a five star hotel in Delhi, with a minister as chief guest. I was also asked to give the list of a couple of my friends or relatives, who would be allowed as guests. There was innocuous instruction, which said that I should immediately apply for a life membership in that prestigious organization by paying Rs. 10,000/- This was also a pre-requisite for becoming eligible to receive the plaque and citation.
The cat was out of the bag. Each group collected a hefty sum from gullible persons. A small portion of it was spent for arranging the function and printing the book. Obviously some amount was also; apparently paid to the agents who provided them with the name and address of award winners who were willing to play along. These groups were exploiting the desire of most people to receive recognition. And in the absence of any governmental checks, this is sure to continue.
Undoubtedly, one may count the days observed nationally or internationally as the day of importance like Independence Day, Internantional Women's Day, etc... may account for almost equal to the number of days in an year!
Recently, I have witnessed a group discussion on "Interneting', the participants being engineering students, where trespassing / hacking crept in, in its paramount. Many participants interested to launch the observation of "Hacker's Day" in a convenient date of the year, on the other hand, why don't it as we have an "Antihackers day"? in every year to observe / celebrate on dates such as April Ist, May Ist, etc.
Of course we know hacking into other's web properties without consent is a crime. It is considered as heinous / malecious action as breaking into a house of someone and stealing goods.
Many consider this trespassing as a heroic action for which time, efficiency and money have to be spent liberally and skillfully.
On the other hand as cyber society is the future, we should ensure that it should be devoid of such legacy criminal mentality.
Our student fraternity - the educating young generation, may think on this conflicting ideas and to suggest a suitable launching day for celebration in every year as hackers or anti-hackers day! or both !!
NEWSLETTER IN WEB SITE
The Newsletter of IEEE Kerala Section from January 2000 (Vol: 9#1, Jan-March 2000) is included in the IEEE Kerala Section web site. Readers can visit at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/r10/kerala
Mr. Ajayaghosh T.S. is managing the web site and his personal interest in this regard is highly appreciated.
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR IEEE MEMBERSHIP
GOLD HELPS YOU SHINE AT WORK AND HOME!
IEEE MEMBER BENEFITS FOR
UP AND COMING ENGINEERS!
visit: www.ieee.org/gold
The year
2000 has come with many opportunities and many more challenges
especially when a
new revolution is sweeping the globe - Information
Technology (IT). Right now, many feel that
the new century will be the century of knowledge and
information. Also we know that as in the history of civilisation
no work of science has had so far made much comprehensive
impact on
human development as the new revolution. It breaks theold
barriers and builds new network in
the emerging global village. Moreover, it forms a chief determinant of progress
of the entire world.
Perhaps,
the threshold of the next millennium -
a new era of unprecedented change and a remarkable
transformation of the society with its
familiar structures, gives me a privilege to
continue the Editorship of IEEE Newsletter for this year. I am greatly indebted
to the office of the IEEE of the current year
and their whole-hearted support and guidance, that give me immense
joy and pleasure in holding this position and to serve the members of our
institution.
In
this context, the new team of our Section comprised of veterans in the
respective areas could jointly act and make wonders,
rather I mean better performance that the previous years
had achieved in putting the efforts in the right direction. Moreover the new
technological developments will play a major role
in changing the life style of our young professionals
by increasing their knowledge and able them to increase their
informational research and analysing skills - in general their quality,
which is lacking among the passed out
students from our colleges and other technological
institutions. Our chapters on student activities and educational
activities go in hand
with to design and implement different programmes useful to them.
With
regard to the Newsletter, since this being the communication
link among our members, a
better response from members including students and reports on
various activities from different chapters also are expected.
A bound book is prepared for the first time, containing Newsletter
of volume 6,7 &8 from 1997 to 1999, which can be used as a reference /
handbook of activities
of last three years in the office as well as office bearers of
different chapters. An earnest attempt
is also made in the layout and form of the newsletter,
considering the suggestions from various corners to improve
the form and contents by the year 2000.
I firmly believe that we could
materialise the proposed nourishment of contents of the Newsletter only
with the co-operation of the members and therefore invite your attention
to realise your major role in this regard. The first quarter of the
year is about to complete. The reports of the
first two executive meeting of the
current year are comprehensive, showing new activities
by different chapters, that too in a time bound basis, is a sound inception.
Finally, I do hope, that we in hands with go to propagate the waves of the virtual explosion of the ideas and thoughts in the emerging fields of science and technology and to bring them to the professionals and students in addition to our collective action and co-operation with other similar organisations, facing enormous difficulties in our efforts to achieve the goal.
With regards,
K Gopalan Nair
IEEE Kerala Section - Annual report 1999
The activities of the IEEE Kerala Section in the year 1999 commenced with the Annual General Meeting held on 16th January 1999 at Hotel Horizon, Trivandrum. During the meeting the following members were unanimously elected as office bearers for the year 1999.
Mr.
J. Muraleemohan Lal : Chairman
Mr. K.G. Satheesh Kumar : Vice-Chairman
Dr. P.S. Chandramohan : Secretary
Mr. I. N. Sunil Kumar
: Treasurer
The
first meeting of the Executive Committee was held on 12 the February
1999. The Chairmen
and the Secretaries for the Chapters and Chairmen for various
subcommittees were nominated.
The Executive Committee met six times consequently during the
year.
Main highlights of Activities
1. The
Kerala Section hosted the Silver Jubilee Annual Convention and Exhibition
of IEEE India
Council (ACE'99) at Trivandrum during December 1999.
2. IEEE Students Congress – Kaleidoscope – was held at Govt. Engineering College,
Thrissur.
3. Power Engineering Society Chapter was inaugurated.
4. Issac Muckadayil Student Paper Contest was held.
5. Participated in the organization of IT show ’99 held at Trivandrum
6. Two-day National Seminar on Distributed Computing (DISCOM ’99) in association
with CSI
Trivandrum Chapter.
7. Tutorial on “Software Measurement for Process Improvement”
8. Co-sponsored the 15th National Convention
of Electrical Engineers (POWER ’99) of the
Institution of Engineers (India)
9. Student Branch was established at College of Engineering Adoor.
10. 50 Technical talks by eminent persons were held during all
Wednesdays (except holidays or
when coincided by special
events) throughout the year in association
with other sister
professional bodies.
11. Two special lectures by Mr. Sam Pitroda and Dr. Madanmohan Rao were arranged
at
Technopark, Trivandrum.
12. Technical visit to Kayamkulam Thermal Power Station.
In addition to the above activities a number of programmes were held by different Student Branches all over the State.
IEEE Office
The internet connection through VSNL was renewed. Our e-mail address is ieeek@vsnl.com. The web page of IEEE Kerala Section (www.ewh.ieee.org/r10/kerala) launched in 1998 was updated. We have at present 718 members comprising of 2 Senior Life Members, one Life Member, 26 Senior Members and 419 Student Members. The Section has a Computer Society Chapter, A Joint Chapter on Industry Applications and Industrial Electronics, and a Power Engineering Society Chapter. There are 10 Student Branches functioning well in Engineering colleges of Kerala, the latest being at College of Engineering Adoor.
Technical Talks
50 Technical
talks on various topics of current interest were conducted in association
with other Professional bodies at Trivandrum, viz., Institution of Engineers
(India) – Kerala State Centre, Computer Society of India – Trivandrum Chapter
and Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers – Trivandrum
Centre. Some of the very notable lectures among them are listed below.
1. “Electronic Identification Systems – Emerging Trends”, N.T. Nair, Vice-President
C.M.S Computers Ltd., January 13,1999
2. “Costing, Profit and Pricing of Electricity”, M. Ravindran Nair, Executive
Engineer, K.S.E.B, February 03, 1999.
3. “An Approach towards Effective Project Management”, P.A. Prabhakaran Nair,
Chief Engineer (Retd.) VSSC, February 17,1999.
4. “Engineering Education: 3 Tier Scheme, 20 years spread”, Dr. V.M.I. Nambisan,
Technical and Management Consultant, March 03, 1999.
5. “Information Technology for Productivity Enhancement”, N.T. Nair, March
17, 1999.
6. “Strategic Perspectives of Demand Side Management of Electricity”, Dr.
Willy.W.Kotiuga , SNC – Lavalin Inc. Canada, March 24, 1999.
7. “Power Distribution Management – Computer Application”, Sebastian, V. Kurian,
EDC, Cochin, April 14, 1999
8. “Hospital Waste Management”, V.S.S. Nair, S.C.T. Institute of Medical Science
& Technology, April21, 1999.
9. “Noise Pollution”, Dr. V.B. Panicker, Rtd. Principal, N.S.S. Engg. College,
Palghat, May 12, 1999.
10. "Electronic Commerce”, two presentations (i) P.P. Ramachandran (ii) Satheesh
Babu
11. “Application of Internet Technologies for Developing Countries”, G.S.
Anil, Managing Director, Fischer Systems India Pvt. Ltd., June 09,1999.
12. “R&D Culture for Survival in the New Millennium”, N.T. Nair, July
07, 1999.
13. “E-Governance”, Dr. B.N. Nair, Director, Prathiba Soft Pvt. Ltd., July
07, 1999.
14. “Transition to Internet 2-An overview”, Dr.T.R. Gopalakrishnan Nair, August
18, 1999
15. “IT Trends in World Class Manufacturing”, P.G. Muraleedharan, Director,
CARE, Trivandrum, September 01, 1999.
16. “How to Write a Technical Paper”, Dr. P.S. Chandramohan, College of Engineering,
Trivandrum. September 08, 1999.
17. “Variable Speed Control of Wind Electric Generator”, A.K. Unnikrishnan,
Joint Director, ER & DCI, Trivandrum, October 06, 1999.
18. “ISO 9000: Its effectiveness in Indian Industries”, S. Mahadevan, Dy.
General Manager, VSSC, Trivandrum, October 13, 1999.
19. “Electricity Tariff in North America”, M. Ravindran Nair, November 03,
1999.
20. “Elements of Total Quality Management”, Prof. J. Joseph, November 03,
1999.
21. “Electronic Product Development Process”, Dr. Madhu Mangal, December 22,
1999.
22. “Value and Price of a Tree”, S.S. Kaimal, former Chief Tech. Adviser to
U.N. and former Chief Engr., CPWD, January 12, 2000.
23. “Knowledge Management”, N.T. Nair, January 19, 2000.
Other than the above mentioned 50 talks, special lectures were held at Technopark,
Trivandrum in association with the Technopark. The lectures were “Technology
for the next millennium” by Mr. Sam Pitroda on February 10, 1999 and “E-Commerce:
Realities and Oppurtunities for India” by Dr. Madanmohan Rao on April 22,
1999.
We express our gratitude to all the speakers and those who helped in arranging
these talks, organizers, monitors and all the participants.
Inter-Society Relations
The four major professional bodies in Trivandrum, viz., The Institution of Engineers (India) - Kerala State Centre; IEEE Kerala Section; IETE Trivandrum Centre and Computer Society of India Trivandrum Chapter continued their co-operation, which is a much praised and unique feature in the country. With co-ordination and support of all these organisations 50 technical talks were carried out during 1999 in a streamlined manner. In addition to this, the following are some of the major events in which the IEEE Kerala Section actively participated along with the above professional bodies.
1. IT Show '99 : Information Technology Mega Exhibition conducted by Govt. of Kerala and the Corporation of Trivandrum during January 23-31, 1999
2 DISCOM '99 : National Seminar on Distributed Computing: Emerging Technologies andApplications, during February 26-27, 1999.
3 Power '99 : 15th National Convention of Electrical Engineers of the IE (I) during December 14-16, 1999. A technical visit to Kayamkulam Thermal Power Station was conducted on May 22, 1999 in which members of the above professional bodies took part with their family.
Chapter Activities
The Power
Engineering Society Chapter of IEEE Kerala Section was formally inaugurated
on 14th April 1999 by Dr. K. Gomathy, our former Chairperson and the former
Student Activities Chair of Asia Pacific Region. The organisational effort
to start the Chapter was carried out in 1998 by then Chairman of Chapter Development
Activities, Dr. P.S. Chandramohan, the 1999 Secretary of Kerala Section. The
Chapter conducted a few invited lectures and also took part in the organisation
of Er. G. Radhakrishna Pillai Memorial Lecture by Dr. Willy Kotiuga on 6th
July, 1999
Issac Muckadayil Memorial IEEE Student Paper Contest was conducted this year
also by the Joint Chapter on Industrial Applications & Industrial Electronics.
Ms. Rajalekshmi Nambiar, student of Govt. Engg. College, Thrissur won the
Award.
The Computer Society Chapter organised a seminar on "Software Measurement
for Process Improvement" on 22 December, 1999 at ER & DCI, Trivandrum.
The Chapter also conducted a few invited lectures.
Region 10/India Council
Mr. J. Muraleemohan Lal, Chairman of Kerala Section attended the Region 10 meeting held at Bali, Indonesia during April 23-24, 1999. He presented a report of activities of Kerala Section. Our association with sister Professional Societies in organising technical talks and major technical events were very much appreciated. Mr. Lal also participated the 1999 Sections Congress held at Minneapolis, USA during October 7-10, 1999.
Prof.
V.K. Damodaran, former Chairman of Kerala Section, continued as the Editor
of "IEEE India Bulletin", the newsletter of IEEE India Council. The regularity
of the bulletin was appreciated by India Council. August 1999 issue of the
bulletin was sponsored by the Kerala Section.
Mr. S. Gopakumar, immediate past Chairman of Kerala Section received the Outstanding
Volunteer Award of IEEE Region 10. The award was handed over to Mr. Gopakumar
at the Engineers' day Celebrations held at the Institution of Engineers hall
on 15th September 1999.
ACE
'99
25th Annual Convention and Exhibition
of India Council
Kerala Section had the rare privilege of hosting the Silver Jubilee Annual Convention and Exhibition of India Council (ACE '99) at Trivandrum during December 02-04, 1999. This is the third time the ACE is being hosted at Trivandrum. The other ACEs were during 1980 and 1991. Kerala Section was indeed honoured by the presence of Mr. Kenneth R. Laker, 1999 IEEE President to address the valedictory meeting of ACE '99. The India Council appreciated the organisation and conduct of ACE '99. We would like to place on record our appreciation to the sincere effort taken by Mr. N.A.P. Thampy and Mr. Koruthu P. Varghese in organizing the ACE '99.
Student Activities
Most of the Student Branches have been functioning well during this year also. The main highlights of their activities are not included in this report, as individual reports from various students branches have not reached this office so far.
A new Student Branch was established at College of Engineering, Adoor during 1999.
The Student Branch of Govt. Engineering College, Thrissur, hosted the major event of Student Branches, the Annual Student Congress. The event named "Kaleidoscope 1999", was a two day programme conducted in an excellent manner. Mr. Vinod Kartha, the Student Chairman of the host branch and his team deserves the full credit of the well conduct of the programme.
Student
Chairmen's meeting was also held at Trichur during the days of Kaleidoscope
1999. The Secretary and Student Activities Chairman represented
Kerala Section in this meeting. Activities of various Student
Branches were discussed and reviewed. Some of the student representatives
informed about the serious problems faced
by them during campus recruitment. Eventhough potential
students are available, they are not getting
better placement due to relatively weaker reputation of their Institutions.
The Secretary of Kerala Section brought this matter to the attention of
IEEE India Council in its annual meeting held
during ACE '99. The Council was convinced about the matter and had promised
to initiate steps for Campus placements through IEEE Student Branches also.
Arrangement was made with Editors of IEEE India bulletin and IEEE
Kerala Section Newsletter to mail a few copies of each to all Student Branches
in Kerala.
Newsletter
Kerala Section's quarterly Newsletter was published without any break in 1999 under the able editorship of Mr. K. Gopalan Nair.
May I conclude this annual report for 1999 by expressing my sincere thanks to my colleagues in the Executive Committee, all members of the IEEE fraternity and the sister Professional bodies, viz. IE (1), CSI and IETE for their co-operaton, active support, encouragement and valuable criticism
Dr.
P.S. Chandramohan
Secretary
Trivandrum,
31 December 1999.
IEEE
Kerala Section
Office Bearers for the Year 2000
Chairman
K.G. Satheesh Kumar
Ph: 417222 (O), 360017 (R)
(M 01699321)
Fax: 417971
Aiswarya,
E-mail: kgsatheesh @vsnl. com
Nettayam
Trivandrum - 695013
Vice-Chairman
R. Narayanan
Ph: 416691 (O), 361137 (R)
(SM 40298899)
Fax: 416682
Corporate Manager
E-mail: narayanan @ tvm. tcs. co.in
(Education and Training
Tata Consultancy Services
Technopark Campus
Trivandrum - 695581
Secretary
Unnikrishnan A.K
Ph: 320116 (O). 342762 (R)
(SM 02960169)
Fax: 331654
XVII - 1163(3),
E-mail: unnikrishnan @ieee. org
Sastha Nagar
Thirumala
Trivandrum-695006
Treasurer
Sunilkumar I.N.
Ph: 326531 (O), 472663 (R)
(M 0239963)
Fax: 321209
T.C. No. 29/596,
E-mail: sunilkumar @computer. org
Seeveli Nagar
Kaithamukku
Trivandrum - 695024
Membership
Development
S.Gopakumar
Ph: 364790 (O), 341209 (R)
(SM 01758028)
Fax: 340194
Arathy,
E-mail: s.gopakumar @ ieee. org
Chengallur Road
Poojappura
Trivandrum - 695012
Professional
Activities
Prof. V.K. Damodaran
Ph: 345578 (O), 306883 (R)
(SM 04119145)
Fax: 345587
Darshan, XXVII-444/1
E-mail: vkd@ieee.org
Kunnukuzhy
Trivandrum - 695037
Educational
Activities
N.A.P. Thampy
Ph: 321209 (O), 477390 (R)
(SM 0872887)
Fax: 321209
Gowri Vilas,
E-mail: napthampy @ erdct. com
XXVI-1845,
GPO Lane, Statue
Trivandrum - 695001
Newsletter
Editor
K. Gopalan Nair
Ph: 04652-83842 (O), 437449
(R)
(M 01224104)
E-mail: kgnair @ ieee.org
TC 5/1637,
Ambalamukku
Peroorkada
Trivandrum - 695005
Awards
J. Muraleemohan Lal
Ph: 325359
(SM 04134722)
E.mail: j.m.lal @ieee.org
Madhava Mangalam, 14-651,
Observatory Lane
Nandavanam
Trivandrum - 695033
Conference
Activities
Simon Zachariah
Ph: 332951 (O), 318435 (R)
(M 00221408)
Fax: 331654
XI-394-1
E-mail: kariachan @hotmail.com
48, Christ Nagar Colony
Trivandrum - 695003
Student
Activities
K.C. Raveendranathan
Ph: 418379 (O), 3711681 (R)
(M 40083117)
Fax: 418370
Asst. Professor,
E-mail: indran @ ieee.org
Dept.of Electrical and electronics Engg
College of Engineering
Trivandrum - 695016
Web
Support
Ajayaghosh T.S
Ph: 320116 (O), 434259 (R)
(M 02390003) "Anjali"
Fax: 331654
KP 11/13 A
E-mail: t.s.ajayghosh
@ieee.org
NCC Road
Trivandrum - 695005
Inter-(Professional)
society relations
E.E. Rajkumar
Ph: 563506 (O), 448363 (R)
(SM 07321631)
Fax: 478843
Head, Computer Division
E-mail: ee-rajkumar
@ vssc.org
VSSC .
Trivandrum - 695022
IEEE
and Society
Sasi Pilacheri Meethal
Ph: 314307 (O) ,320341(R)
(M 40293392)
Fax: 314284
TC 14/1520
E-mail: sasipm @ieee.org
Near Valsala Nursing Home
P.O. Thycaud
Trivandrum-695014
IEEE
Women in Engg
Syama S.
Ph: 418948 (O), 362334 (R)
(M 0296785)
E-mail: misham@md4.vsnl.net.in
Ushus,
VII-217, Kairali Nagar
Kanjirampara
Trivandrum - 695030
Student
Representative
Amith Raj Nair Ph:
0479 - 454125
Chairman, IEEE Student Branch
College of Engineering, Chengannur
Chengannur - 689121.
Computer
Society Chapter - Chairman
Philip John Ph:
415452 (O), 433594 (R)
(M 04462727) Fax:
417442
Kattoor, V-822 (3), E-mail:
philipkjohn@hotmail.com
GC Nagar
Peroorkada
Trivandrum - 695005
Computer
Society Chapter - Secretary
Dr. K. Kesavasamy
Ph: 416671 (O), 325734(R)
(M 40298904) Fax:
416682
Training-in-Charge
E-mail: kesavasamy
@tvm. tcs. co.in
Tata Consultancy
Services, Technopark Campus
Trivandrum - 695581
Industry
Applications and Industrial Electronics Societies Chapter- Chairman
Dr. Madhu Mangal
Ph: 332087
(SM 0784656), `BHANU'
E-mail:mmangal@vsnl.com
Observatory Lane,
Trivandrum - 695033
Industry
Applications and Industrial Electronics Societies Chapter-Secretary
Sudeep Kumar R Ph:
320116 (O), 331649 (R)
(M 40145467) Fax:
331654
ER&DCI, Vellayambalam E-mail:
rskpeg@hotmail.com
Trivandrum - 695033
Power
Engineering Society Chapter - Chairman
Dr. P.S. Chandramohan Ph:
418310(o), 333490 (R)
(SM 04912085) Fax:
418370
No. 1, Santhi Nagar E-mail:
pscnair @ieee. org
Govt. Press Road
Trivandrum - 695001
Power
Engineering Society Chapter - Secretary
Simon P. Verghese
Ph: 361704(O), 317899 (R)
(M 40066057)
Fax: 362760
TC 11/1698, "Prasanth"
Charachira
Trivandrum- 695003
Members-at-large
1. Dr.D.S. Rane
(LS 01387794) Ph:
360865
8, Anantha Colony E-mail:
dsrane@hotmail.com
Arappura, Vattiyoorkavu
Trivandrum - 695013
2.
Dr. Gomathy K. Muraleedharan
(SM 07352040) Ph:
326039 (O), 326403 (R)
Kaivalya, XV-1533,
Fax: 450541
Womens' College Lane
E-mail tandem@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in
Vazhuthacaud
Trivandrum - 695014
3.
N.T. Nair
Radhesyam, VI-1411,
Ph: 331380 (O), 361316 (R)
PTP Nagar (W)
E-mail: cmst vm@md2. vsnl.net.in
Trivandrum - 695038
4.
Prof. V.K. Damodaran
(SM 04119145)
Ph: 345578 (O), 306883 (R)
Darshan, XXVII-444/1
Fax: 345587
Kunnukuzhy
E-mail:vkd @ ieee.org
Trivandrum - 695037
5.
Dr. V.P. Kulkarni
(SM 01735406)
Ph: 3312269O), 442478(R)
Matruchhaya,
E-mail: vijaykul@md2. vsnl.net.in
Ulloor Akkulam Road
Thuruvikkal
Trivandrum - 695031
6.
Koruthu P. Varughese
(SM 03976115)
Ph: 524411 (O), 531384 (R)
Bio-medical Engineer,
Fax: 550728
SCTIMST E-mail:
koruthu @sctimst. ker.nic.in
Trivandrum - 695011
7.
G. Vijaya Raghavan
Ph: 430959(O), 331959 (R)
(SM 01699214)
E-mail: vma@ vsnl.com
29, Chempaka Nagar
Bakery Junction
Trivandrum - 695001
8.
N.A.P. Thampy
(SM 0872887)
Ph: 321209 (O), 477390 (R)
Gowri Vilas, XXVI-1845,
Fax: 321209
GPO Lane, Statue
E-mail: napthampy @ erdct.com
Trivandrum - 695 001
9.
S. Gopakumar
(SM 01758028) Ph:
364790 (O, 341209, 340194 (R)
Arathy, Chengallur Road Fax:
364790, 361793
Poojappura E-mail:
s. gopakumar @ieee.org
Trivandrum - 695012
10.
J. Muraleemohan Lal
(SM 04134722) Ph:
325359
Madhava Mangalam, E-mail:
j.m.lal @ ieee. org
14-651, Observatory Lane,
Nandavanam
Trivandrum - 695033
Trivandrum - 695005 on behalf of IEEE, Kerala Section. Typesetting: Akshara Offset,
Trivandrum. Phone: 471174, 473470
Editor: K. Gopalan Nair E-mail: kgnairs@md3.vsnl.net.in phone: 437449