Whither Otherwhere?

Dr. Jaya Prakash Pradhan is Professor and Chairperson, Centre for Studies in Economics & Planning, Central University of Gujarat. He holds an MA degree from University of Hyderabad and both M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Previously, he has served on faculties of leading academic institutions in India including Central University of Karnataka, Sardar Patel Institute of Economic & Social Research, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, Gujarat Institute of Development Research, and worked as a consultant to Research and Information System for Developing Countries. His academic contributions include 4 books [i.e. Manufacturing Exports from Indian States: Determinants and Policy Imperatives (co-authour; New Delhi & New York: Springer, 2016), The Rise of Indian Multinationals: Perspectives on Indian Outward Foreign Direct Investment (co-editor; New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), Indian Multinationals in the World Economy: Implications for Development (New Delhi: Bookwell Publisher, 2008); Transnationalization of Indian Pharmaceutical SMEs (co-authour; New Delhi: Bookwell Publisher, 2008); Growth and Development in India: Regional Dimensions (co-editor; New Delhi: Segmant Books, 2018) and Industrialization, Economic Reforms and Regional Development: Essays in Honour of Professor Ashok Mathur (co-editor; New Delhi: Shipra Publication, 2005)], 4 guest edited special issues of 4 international journals [Transnational Corporations’ special issue on ‘Indian Outward FDI and MNEs’ (2017), Transnational Corporations Review’s special issue on ‘FDI and Development in India’ (2011), Economics, Management, & Financial Markets’ special issue on ‘Rise of Emerging Economies’ (Guest co-edited; 2011), and International Journal of Emerging Markets’ special issue on ‘Emerging Multinationals: Home and Host Country Determinants and Outcomes’ (Guest co-edited; 2010)], 43 journal articles, and 12 chapters in edited volumes. His current research focuses on issues concerning social economics and regional developments in India. His teaching interests include mathematical economics, statistics, econometrics, industrial economics, microeconomics, and international economics.

Shri Ajit Samal is a celebrated fine art painter from Gujarat and a noted documentary and film maker on wildlife conservation. He has prepared more than 100 logo symbols and corporate designs for different government agencies, NGO and corporate bodies. His multimedia documentry and films of wildlife has been recognized at national and international levels. He has contributed many documentaries on conservation of white-backed vulture and other vulture crisis, sarus crane conservation film, films on Nalsarovar bird sanctuary - a Ramsar site, olive ridly turtle conservation film on Orissa, whale shark conservation film for Gujarat Forest Department. His work further includes films on migratory cranes of Gujarat, many films on Asiatic lion habitat and conservation success stories, film on Asiatic wild ass of Little Rann of Kutch, migration freeway film for Gujarat Forest Department, film on biodiversity of Gujarat, and film on status of medicinal plants of Gujarat. In the year 2020 for United Nations migratory conservation programme his films had represented India on COP. Presently he is working on different films and corporate communication and digital display centre projects for Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat. He also prepared field guides on Birds of Gujarat, pocketbook on reptiles of Gujarat, mammals of Gujarat, and book on common medicinal plants around us for common use.