A prestigious Indo-Bangla International Friendship Award – 2021 is declared to young researcher of Central University of Jammu, Shashank Kulkarni for his important contribution in research of agricultural and farmer’s policies. This important award is given annually by the World Book of Star Record, a world-renowned organization working in the field of social and cultural sector. This organization works to make education and research more readily available and more integrated at global level. It is headquartered in Chicago, USA and Indore, India. The organizing committee of the award included renowned personalities from both India and Bangladesh.
The information about the selection for the award was given by the director of the organization Dr. Rajib Pal by letter. He said that research contribution of Shashank Kulkarni is equally important to India as well as Bangladesh. The award is given annually to a young researcher who contributes in the friendship of India and Bangladesh. The award is given to Shashank Kulkarni for his outstanding contribution in agricultural and farmer policy through his book ‘Swaminathan Commission: A Foundation of Farmer Policies in India’ based on his research. This book was forwarded by the Father of the Indian Green Revolution, Prof. M. S. Swaminathan. The book is published by the reputed publishing house Academic Foundation, New Delhi. Shashank Kulkarni is an Agricultural Engineer. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri. Originally from Sakharale in Sangli district, he is currently working as a Senior Research Fellow of the University Grants Commission in the Department of Public Policy and Public Administration, Central University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir and conducting research in India’s agricultural and farmer policies for the last four years. The issues related to Indian agriculture and farmers such as the National Farmers’ Policy, the Swaminathan Commission, the suicide of farmers in Vidarbha and sustainable policy measures are some important areas of his research. He has so far written a total of ten books in Marathi, Hindi and English on various subjects. He has also published his research papers in various prestigious world journals and has participated in several international conferences. Shashank Kulkarni is being congratulated for this award from various sections of the society.