Test On behalf of the Chancellor, the Board of Management, faculty, staff, and students, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the exemplary service and profound contributions of Dr. E. J. James to the growth and mission of the University.
Invited by the Chancellor to lead academic and research initiatives in the domain of Water, he embraced the University's renewed Vision—centered on Water, Food, Healthcare, and Sustainable Energy—with clarity, conviction, and a deep sense of purpose.
His pioneering efforts has led to the establishment of the Water Institute with related programs and research work, which continues to leave an indelible mark on the institution. Under his visionary leadership, the Institute secured several prestigious research and consultancy projects, funded both nationally and internationally, from agencies such as DST, MoEFCC, CWRDM, Ramsar Bureau, Wetlands International, Planning Commission, JICA, GIZ–Germany, and the Governments of India and Tamil Nadu.
His initiatives also culminated in a significant academic collaboration with SUEZ, the renowned French water solutions provider, bringing global expertise to our academic ecosystem.
Throughout his distinguished tenure, he has served the University in key leadership roles including Director of the Water Institute, Dean of Research, Director of Interdisciplinary Research, Director of the School of Civil Engineering, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and twice as Officiating Vice-Chancellor—with unwavering dedication and distinction. His stewardship during the realization of the Israel Mission and the establishment of MoUs with premier Israeli institutions like Ben Gurion University, Hebrew University, Tel Aviv university, Technion, Bar-Ilan university and Agricultural research organisation have been truly commendable.
As Dean of Research, his strategic vision transformed Karunya's research landscape—raising our indexed publications to over 1,400 annually and driving the filing of more than 160 patents, with nearly 90 granted. He has been instrumental in securing over ₹40 crores in research funding and in the copyrighting of more than 100 doctoral theses.
His foresight also led to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurs hip in the campus and to a thriving student start-up ecosystem. The creation of UNBOX – Karunya's Product Museum stands as a testament to his commitment to institutional innovation.
His efforts have significantly enhanced Karunya's global presence through meaningful international collaborations with institutions in Germany, Lithuania, Canada, and the United States.
Even while shouldering extensive administrative responsibilities, his commitment to academic excellence remained steadfast—as reflected in his research contributions, teaching, and active engagement with esteemed bodies such as the Wetland Authorities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Central Water Commission, ICID, and GIZ.
His leadership, vision, and tireless service have profoundly enriched Karunya's mission and legacy. We are deeply grateful for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of education, research, and innovation, and for his enduring impact on nation-building. We will continue to build on the platform he has laid for us to a bright future. He will forever remain in the hearts of Karunyans as one of us. Thank you Dr. E. J. James.