Mangaluru: Dr. Shivakumar Magada received the Best Extension Scientist Award from the Society of Fisheries and Life Sciences at the College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, for his contribution to the field of Fisheries and Life Sciences. He is the Professor and Head of Fisheries Research and Information Centre (Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University), Bengaluru.
Speaking to News Karnataka Dr. Shivakumar Magada said, “I have been in the field of Extension Education for approximately 18 years and have been in the academic field for the past 20 years. Education means Teaching, Research and Extension Education (TREE). However, most people would prefer to work in the fields of teaching or research because their academic growth will be rapid. People who work in the field of Extension Education interact with farmers, visit them in the field, travel a lot, convince people, and so on. This is why the majority of people do not work in this field.”
He further mentioned that since he belongs to a farmer’s family, he always wanted to work with farmers. “In that context my attitude, my language, and connectivity with the rural background aided me in the Extension Education field efficiently,” he added.
Magada has organised over 52 training sessions for 4200 people, 327 guest talks for 50000+ youths and farmers, handled 26 projects, and developed a package of best practises for aquaculture on saline alkaline soils. In all 16 books, 12 handbooks, and over 100 popular articles have been written by him.
He also received National Chanakya Award in 2015 given by Public Relation Council of India (PRCI), New Delhi on for his contribution towards profession, industry and society, Dr. Abdul Kalam Life Time Achievement Award in 2017 awarded by Krist Foundation, Bengaluru for the contribution in the field of science and Environmentalist of the Year in 2017 by International Foundation for Ecology and Environment.
He is also a playwright who has written 12 plays. “I am also a motivational speaker who encourages youth to be optimistic and patriotic,” said Magada.
