26 November 2006
An Institution By Himself
Dr. M. Abel, a well-known figure in educational and intellectual circles, has written a book, “Remade in India Political modernisation in the Indian context”. Current political happenings with respect to governance of the country are widely discussed in this well-planned book.
ICFAI University Press released the book on November 18. Mr. R. Velu, Union Minister of State for Railways, released the book and Mrs. Savithri Devanesan, director, Roof for the Roofless, received the first copy.
Prof. Abel is an educationalist of good standing and public recognition with a Ph.D. Degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr.M.S released his previous book, “Glimpses of the Indian Nationalist Movement,”
Swaminathan and received by the Prince of Arcot in April 2005. Madras Book Club, Center for Contemporary Studies and ICFAI University Press, organized the function.
Dr. Abel hails from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. He completed his graduation in B.A economics in Andhra Christian college, Guntoor in 1948 and M.A. in Madras Christian College. He got a lecturer job in the same college in 1950. He was a Fulbright and Smith-Mundt and Danforth Foundation scholar. He was nominated by the PHI BETA KAPPA (California chapter) as the best foreign student and awarded a scholarship in 1960. On his return from USA, he joined MCC in 1961. He became the principal in 1978. He was invited by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to hold the post of Sri Krishnadevaraya University in Ananthapur in 1981. He continued in the post still 1987. He was a special officer with AP State Council for Higher Education. He was chairman of the moral education committee, All India Association of Christian Education. He guided six research scholars for Ph.D. and 15 for M.Phil. He was Director General of National Institute of Research and Social Education.
As an author, he has published many scholarly books catering to the intellectual appetite of the elite groups. His books “An Analytical Study of Political and Administration Aspects” was published in micro film edition in the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1963. East Asia Christian Conference, Bangkok, published his book “Religion, state and ideologies in East Asia” in 1965.
Dr. Abel has widely traveled in India and abroad. He visited Universities of Cambridge, Birmingham, New Castle, Durham and Christian College London. He addressed the General Synod of the Church of Scotland in the immediate presence of Queen Elizabeth-II. He delivered highly informative and useful endowment lectures for promotion of quality education, academic excellence, human dignity and decorum.
He was educational consultant in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar People’s Educational Trust, Hyderabad in 1994. He was Founder Chairman, Institute of Public Policy and Management Studies in 1991. He has three and half decades of experience as professor of history and political science. His served as member secretary of the ICSSR Review Committee (1972-73) under the chairmanship of Dr. Malcolm Adiseshiah.
The books authored by Prof. Abel include: ‘Glimpse of Indian National Movement,’ ‘Handbook of College Administration’, ‘My country, My people’, ‘An intelligent citizen’s handbook on Government and Politics of India.’
He is leading a peaceful retired life at Tambaram in the company of his daughters.
Dr. Abel is an institution by himself and a legendary personality in the horizon of higher education.