Distinguished academics gathered last Wednesday at New Delhi to felicitate the renowned social scientist and currently the chairman of university grants commission Prof. Sukhdeo Kisanrao Thorat on receiving the coveted Padamshree award for his outstanding contribution in the field of higher education.

Prof. Thorat was until recently engaged in research and teaching which he has combined with his efforts for promotion of human rights of marginalised groups and also the general issue of agricultural development, rural poverty, discrimination, higher education and similar issues through his writings. Prof. Thorat has taught and carried out research work for 35 long years and has so far authored 20 books. His concept of ‘inclusive development policy’ has immensely helped shape the policy of reservation in the private sector. He has been associated with the formulation of policies for scheduled caste and scheduled tribes as well as higher education in the 11th five year plan.

The former vice chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University Prof. G K Chaddha who had been the research guide of Prof. Thorat in the seventies spoke about the qualities of the head and heart of his distinguished student. The renowned scientist and educationist Prof. Yash Pal expressed his concern about the higher education in India. Among others present on this occasion were member planning commission Prof. B L Mungekar, vice chancellor of JNU Prof. B.B. Bhattacharya, vice chancellor of Delhi University Prof. Deepak Paintal, President, Asian Academy of Film & Televison Prof. Sandeep Marwah, former member of UGC Prof. R P Kashyap and Prof. Kishore Gandhi. The director of consortium of educational consultants Dr. T R Kem proposed a vote of thanks to the distinguished speakers

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Asian Academy Of Film And Television is the premier film and Televisionschool in India.It has been ranked as the first ten best film schools of the world.So far 5500 media students have been churned out of this institution hailing from 68 countries of the world.AAFT has designed 30 different media courses to suit to all those who want to get into media and entertainment world.AAFT is the first ISO cetified film school in the world.This is the only film institute which is backed and supported by Indian Film Industry,operating from a professional grade film studios and based in 100 acres 0f film city of Noida.AAFT is affiliated to International Film And Television Research Centre and International Film And Television Club and number Indian and foreign Universities.So far the institution has been bestowed upon more than 100 National and International Awads.