Chetna U S, Gender Studies, Best Innovator Award

Miss. Chetna U S: Senior Research Fellow at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India

Chetna U S is a dynamic and ambitious agricultural professional with a diverse set of skills and interests. With a strong foundation in agricultural extension education, she has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the agricultural community. Currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Agricultural Extension Education at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, she balances academic excellence with a passion for community service and extracurricular involvement. As the Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC), she is helping to shape policy and advocate for the needs of agricultural students across India. Alongside her academic and professional pursuits, Chetna is also deeply engaged in cultural activities, sports, and social impact initiatives, making her a well-rounded individual committed to both personal growth and societal betterment.

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Education

Chetna’s educational journey is marked by both academic excellence and a strong commitment to the agricultural sector. She earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in 2022, graduating with an impressive 82.8%. Building on this foundation, she is now pursuing an M.Sc. in Agricultural Extension Education at TNAU, where she maintains a high academic standard with a 92% score. Her educational focus combines agricultural practices with social issues such as rural development, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Chetna’s education is enriched by hands-on experience gained through various projects and internships, enabling her to apply her theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Research Focus

Chetna’s research focus is centered around bridging the gap between agricultural development and social empowerment. One of her primary research areas is the empowerment of women through entrepreneurial training, with a focus on understanding the factors that influence entrepreneurial behavior in rural areas, particularly under the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM). Additionally, she is investigating the role of collectivization in improving the performance of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), exploring how cooperation among farmers can lead to better outcomes in production, marketing, and income generation. Another key area of her research aligns corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on creating sustainable and resilient cities and communities. Through her research, Chetna aims to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both farmers and the wider community.

Experience

Chetna’s professional experience reflects her leadership abilities and passion for agricultural development. As the Sports Secretary of her university, she not only contributed to promoting physical fitness among students but also earned a bronze medal in the All India Inter Agri Sports Meet. Her leadership skills were further showcased in her role as the Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC), where she was instrumental in advocating for student interests and organizing various agricultural events. Chetna has also gained valuable industry experience through her internship at Theneera and Podaran Beverage Industry, where she worked on understanding the post-harvest handling and processing of agricultural products. This hands-on experience has equipped her with the practical knowledge to complement her academic pursuits. Additionally, Chetna has served as the official compère for prestigious events such as the Agricultural Graduate Student Conference (AGSC), showcasing her excellent communication skills and stage presence.

Research Timeline & Activities

Chetna’s research trajectory is built on a structured timeline, with key milestones that reflect her academic and professional aspirations. Her research on women’s empowerment through entrepreneurial training under TNSRLM is ongoing, and she expects to complete this project by 2025. She is also working on assessing the role of collectivization in enhancing the performance of Farmer Producer Organizations, with findings expected to be shared in upcoming academic conferences. In 2024, Chetna began her research on the alignment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices with SDG 11, exploring how businesses can contribute to sustainable cities and communities. As part of her academic journey, she has participated in several conferences, presenting her research findings and contributing to discussions on sustainable agriculture, rural development, and social responsibility.

Awards & Honors

Chetna has received several accolades in recognition of her academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurricular contributions. She was honored with a bronze medal in the All India Inter Agri Sports Meet for her athletic prowess and leadership as the Sports Secretary of her university. Her leadership and initiative were further acknowledged when she was appointed Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC) in 2024. In addition to her achievements in sports and leadership, Chetna has been recognized for her cultural talents, particularly her stage presence and vocal skills, which she has showcased in various performances over the years. These awards and honors reflect her multifaceted abilities and her dedication to excelling in all areas of life.

Top Noted Publication

One of Chetna’s most notable publications is her research on the effectiveness of customized entrepreneurial training for rural women, conducted under the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM). This publication delves into the factors influencing entrepreneurial behavior and the impact of such training on the empowerment of women in rural areas. Her work has been presented at several conferences, including the Sustainability Conclave on Productivity and Green Growth, where it received positive feedback for its practical insights and actionable recommendations. This publication is a testament to her commitment to advancing research in agricultural extension and rural development, and it continues to inform ongoing discussions on social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Chetna’s work is contributing to creating pathways for more inclusive and sustainable growth in rural communities, particularly for women.

  • Prospects and Challenges of Women Entrepreneurship: A Bibliometric and TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methodology) Analysis
    Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research (2025)
    DOI: 10.1007/s40497-025-00462-3
    Contributors: Chetna U. S; M. Shanthasheela; R. Manimekalai; D. Murugananthi; V. Karthick

  • Ethnomedicine and Women Agripreneurs: Exploring the Dynamics of Entry and Growth
    Plant Science Today (2025)
    DOI: 10.14719/pst.7386
    Contributors: U S Chetna; M. Shanthasheela; R. Manimekalai; D. Murugananthi; V. Karthick

Strength for the Best Innovator Award

  1. Leadership in Agricultural Initiatives – Chetna has exhibited exceptional leadership by serving as the Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC), where she has been instrumental in policy advocacy, organizing national conferences, and mentoring student leaders. Her tenure as Sports Secretary further demonstrates her ability to inspire teams, coordinate large-scale events, and achieve tangible results, such as winning a bronze medal at the All India Inter Agri Sports Meet.

  2. Women Empowerment & Social Innovation – Through her research on women entrepreneurship and agripreneurship under the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM), Chetna has created innovative frameworks for rural women’s skill development, enterprise building, and income generation. Her work addresses social challenges while promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment, making a real impact on rural communities.

  3. Research Excellence & Publication Impact – Chetna’s scholarly contributions reflect innovation in both methodology and subject matter. Her publications, such as the bibliometric and TCCM analysis on women entrepreneurship and her study on ethnomedicine and women agripreneurs, offer fresh perspectives and actionable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners in agriculture and social development. These publications also demonstrate her ability to combine theoretical frameworks with real-world applications.

  4. Innovative Extension Practices – She has implemented innovative approaches in agricultural extension by integrating corporate social responsibility initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11) and assessing collectivization models for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These initiatives demonstrate her ability to design and execute solutions that improve productivity, sustainability, and community welfare.

  5. Cultural & Extracurricular Innovation – Beyond academics and research, Chetna leverages her artistic and cultural talents to innovate in outreach and engagement. Her skills in music, dance, painting, and public speaking have enhanced her effectiveness as a compère and presenter in major conferences, while her involvement in sports and stage performances showcases her creativity, discipline, and ability to inspire others in diverse settings.

Ruhina Prasad, Gender Studies, Innovative Researcher Award

Dr. Ruhina Prasad: Teaching cum Research Fellow at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, U.P, India

Ms. Ruhina Prasad is an accomplished Research Scholar and English faculty member with over 20 years of experience in education and research. Currently serving as a Research cum Teaching Fellow at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur, she specializes in Indian Writing in English, focusing on Dalit feminist studies. Her work bridges literature, gender studies, and social justice, advocating for marginalized voices through critical academic inquiry and teaching.

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ORCID Profile

Education

Ruhina Prasad completed her Master of Arts in English from a reputed open university, following her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies with a specialized focus on Indian Writing in English, particularly the intersections of Dalit feminism and literature. Alongside her literary education, she has obtained a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree and completed Montessori Teacher Training, reflecting her commitment to diverse pedagogical methodologies.

Research Focus

Her research interests are deeply embedded in the study of Indian Writing in English, especially narratives related to Dalit feminist discourse. She explores themes of gender equity, social justice, and the representation of marginalized identities, including disability, in literature and society. Ruhina’s work often employs interdisciplinary frameworks, combining literary analysis with feminist theory, postcolonial studies, and digital humanities to address contemporary socio-political issues.

Experience

With over two decades in teaching, Ruhina Prasad has a broad spectrum of experience ranging from foundational education in primary and secondary schools to advanced academic roles in higher education. Currently at MMMUT, she teaches Communication Skills, Professional Writing, and Gender Studies. She is also actively involved in curriculum development, mentoring students, and leading research projects. Previously, she served as an English faculty member at reputable educational institutions, enriching students’ learning through innovative and inclusive pedagogies.

Research Timeline & Activities

Since 2023, Ruhina has demonstrated an active and evolving research trajectory. She has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on gender studies and Indian literature. She frequently presents at national and international conferences, contributing original research on Dalit feminism and feminist technology critiques. Her participation in workshops, seminars, and training sessions on academic writing, digital humanities, and gender-inclusive education highlights her commitment to continuous professional development and knowledge sharing.

Awards & Honors

Ruhina Prasad’s scholarly contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards and certifications. Notably, she won the National Research Paper Writing Competition (VIVIBHA) and received accolades for outstanding presentations at academic conferences. She has also earned certifications from elite platforms like Elsevier Research Academy, NPTEL, and SWAYAM in areas such as research ethics, academic publishing, and gender studies, underscoring her dedication to excellence in both research and pedagogy.

Top Noted Publication

Among her prominent works, the article “Feminised AI as Digital Dolls: cyber-feminist perspectives on technology and gender,” published in the International Cybersecurity Law Review (2025), stands out. This interdisciplinary piece critically examines the gendered dimensions of artificial intelligence through a feminist lens, addressing broader questions about technology, identity, and digital culture. It exemplifies her ability to merge literary critique with cutting-edge digital studies, marking her as a thought leader in emerging feminist scholarship.

  1. Feminised AI as Digital Dolls: Cyber-feminist Perspectives on Technology and Gender, Digitally Smart or Socially Aloof
    Published in International Cybersecurity Law Review on August 28, 2025, this journal article explores the intersection of gender and artificial intelligence through a cyber-feminist lens. It critically analyzes how feminized AI technologies often replicate social biases, raising questions about digital embodiment and social agency. Ruhina Prasad co-authored this work with Dr. Sudhir Narayan Singh.
    DOI: 10.1365/s43439-025-00159-z

  2. Gender Equilibrium for Social Harmony: The Reverberating Composite Synergy of Shiva and Shakti
    This article, published in LangLit: An International Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal on May 5, 2025, investigates the symbolic interplay of masculine and feminine principles in Indian philosophy, proposing a model for social harmony rooted in gender balance. Ruhina collaborated with Dr. Sudhir Narayan Singh to develop this original research.
    ISSN: 2349-5189

  3. Unveiling the Veil: The Past, Present, and Future of Dalit Women’s Struggles within the Caste System – A Disability-Inclusive Perspective on 75 Years of Independent India
    Published on December 5, 2024, in the South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (SEEJPH), this article offers a critical exploration of Dalit women’s experiences in post-independence India, uniquely incorporating disability studies to highlight intersectional marginalization. The article was co-authored by Ruhina Prasad and Dr. Sudhir Narayan Singh.
    ISSN: 2197-5248

Strength for the Innovative Researcher Award

  1. Interdisciplinary Expertise
    Dr. Ruhina Prasad’s research seamlessly integrates literature, gender studies, social justice, and digital humanities, enabling innovative insights that transcend traditional academic boundaries. This interdisciplinary approach fosters fresh perspectives on complex social issues like Dalit feminism and gendered technology, making her work pioneering and impactful.

  2. Dedication to Marginalized Voices
    Her commitment to amplifying marginalized and intersectional identities — especially Dalit women and persons with disabilities — demonstrates both scholarly rigor and social responsibility. Ruhina’s work not only advances academic discourse but also supports social change by advocating inclusivity and equity in education and research.

  3. Strong Pedagogical Leadership
    With over 20 years of teaching experience across diverse educational levels, Dr. Prasad excels at curriculum development, mentorship, and inclusive pedagogy. Her ability to translate complex theoretical frameworks into accessible learning modules prepares students for critical engagement with contemporary societal challenges.

  4. Robust Research Output and Engagement
    Since 2023, Ruhina has maintained a dynamic research trajectory characterized by multiple peer-reviewed publications, international conference presentations, and active participation in academic workshops. Her continuous professional development in research ethics, academic writing, and gender studies further enhances her scholarship’s quality and reach.

  5. Recognition and Collaborative Spirit
    Her numerous awards, including the National Research Paper Writing Competition (VIVIBHA), alongside collaborations with esteemed scholars such as Dr. Sudhir Narayan Singh, underline her status as an innovative and respected researcher. Ruhina’s ability to build academic networks enriches her research and contributes to evolving feminist and literary scholarship.