About the Book : Be the change you want to see in the World'' is an inspiring statement, if it is internalised and practiced. Systems and environments are the products of the man's internal environment. In any circumstance, if anyone wishes to work passionately with the sense of commitment, achievements and adventures are obvious results. In Indian Higher Learning Institutions, opportunities are sky high for the teachers provided he or she has obsession and commitment. This small book is the record of the academic activities of an academician. It is an interesting and enjoyable academic journey in all the three dimensions namely teaching, research and outreach activities. It is full of challenges and responses. Finally, in the journey the whole life becomes more meaningful and excitement. The three dimensional activities brought the teacher name in the academic world, policy-making groups and in the community. Finally, the teacher emerges an academic activist. It demonstrates the potentials and the opportunities in the academic world.

About the Author : G. Palanithurai is an academic activist served in Annamalai University and the Gandhigram Rural Institute for about 34 years in teaching, research and outreach activities integrally. He held several managerial positions form the Head of the Department to in-charge Vice-Chancellor. He has to his credit 73 books, 22 edited volumes, 95 monographs, 42 chapters in edited volumes, 136 research articles in refereed journals and 394 popular articles in newspapers and magazines in English and Tamil in his area of specialization local democracy and development. He has prepared 42 research reports for international and national research agencies and both the governments. He has evolved innovative training modules to build the capacity of the elected representatives of the people in rural local bodies. He has trained 8000 gram panchayat presidents and of them 5000 are women and dalits. He was the Professor in Rajiv Gandhi chair for Panchayati Raj studies in the Gandhigram Rural Institute. He closely worked with state and centre planning commissions for preparation of research reports. He was a visiting professor in cologne university Germany for a semester. He introduced two innovative master programme M.A development administration and M.A. governance and development. He was awarded fellowships by Shastri Indo Canadian Institute, World Academy of Art and Science USA, the Toolkit Foundation, Netherland to visit abroad to conduct studies and to write books. He organized and participated innumerable workshops, seminars, conference at regional, national and głobal level. He received awards including Ram Reddy Award, V.R. Krishna Aiyar Award and Seven Generation Award for the outstanding activities done in the field of Panchayati Raj. Currently he is the Director of Rural Development Division (SARVAM) of Sri Aurobuido Society, Puducherry. Email: [email protected], Mobile: 9159099809