The 165th convocation of the University of Madras witnessed an esteemed moment as Mr. K. Shanmugam, the former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, was awarded a well-deserved doctorate degree for his outstanding thesis titled “Effects of Transfers on Growth, Public Expenditure, and Revenue of Indian States.”
The prestigious event, graced by the presence of President of India Droupadi Murmu, Governor R.N. Ravi, and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, saw the recognition of several eminent scholars for their remarkable research contributions.
A Journey of Excellence:
Mr. Shanmugam’s academic journey has been nothing short of exceptional. He began his pursuit of knowledge by completing his post-graduation in Agriculture Economics from the renowned Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Later, in 2019, he registered for his doctorate at the esteemed Madras School of Economics, where he devoted himself to his research under the guidance of K.R. Shanmugam, the esteemed Director and Professor of the institution.
Belonging to the illustrious 1985 batch of IAS officers, Mr. Shanmugam rose through the ranks and ultimately held the esteemed position of Chief Secretary in 2019. After a successful and impactful career, he retired in July 2020, only to embark on an enriching journey of academic pursuit.
“I decided to pursue my doctorate after retirement, and with utmost dedication and support from K.R. Shanmugam, I completed it,” Mr. Shanmugam stated with pride.
Delving into Crucial Aspects:
The research work that earned Mr. Shanmugam the coveted doctorate degree delved into the intricate web of “Effects of Transfers on Growth, Public Expenditure, and Revenue of Indian States.” Through extensive analysis and meticulous study, his thesis shed light on the significant impact of financial transfers on the economic growth of different states in India. Furthermore, it also explored how these transfers influenced public expenditure patterns and revenue generation in the respective states.
Distinguished Awardees:
Apart from Mr. Shanmugam, the convocation celebrated the achievements of other outstanding scholars as well. G.V. Selvam, the vice-president of the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), was also conferred with a doctorate for his remarkable thesis on “Appraisal of Higher Education in India with Special Reference to UK and USA.” Mr. Selvam’s study delved into the reasons why students opt for these countries for higher education, addressing aspects such as placement opportunities, safety concerns, academic quality, and financial considerations.
Another distinguished awardee was Sankarganesh Karuppaiah, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, who received a doctorate for his research on “Effects and Incidents of Corporate Income Tax in India.” Currently serving as the Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax in Mangalore, Mr. Karuppaiah’s study critically examined the impact of corporate income tax on businesses and the economy.
Honoring Brilliance:
The convocation ceremony served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a total of 348 women and 216 men who were conferred with doctorate degrees. Each of these scholars displayed unwavering dedication and passion for their respective research areas, contributing valuable insights to their fields of expertise.
Conclusion:
The 165th convocation of the University of Madras was a celebration of intellectual prowess, where the brilliance of Mr. K. Shanmugam’s research and dedication stood out among the numerous distinguished scholars. His thesis on “Effects of Transfers on Growth, Public Expenditure, and Revenue of Indian States” not only adds valuable knowledge to the realm of economics but also serves as an inspiration for future researchers. The event honored the pursuit of knowledge and the commitment to excellence, setting a precedent for aspiring scholars to make a meaningful impact on society through their academic endeavors.