Abhijit Ambekar | Archaeological Studies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abhijit Ambekar, Archaeological Studies, Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Archaeological Survey of India, Excavation Branch -V, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Summary:

Dr. Abhijit Ambekar is a distinguished archaeologist with extensive experience in archaeological excavation, conservation, and research. Currently serving as the Superintending Archaeologist at the Archaeological Survey of India, Excavation Branch V, Vadodara, he has led significant excavation projects across India. Dr. Ambekar holds a PhD from RTM Nagpur University and has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships for his contributions to archaeology, including research grants and prestigious medals. His work encompasses the scientific and public-facing aspects of archaeology, emphasizing the preservation and interpretation of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Professional Profile:

šŸ‘©ā€šŸŽ“Education:

Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD): “Role of Artillery: A Case Study of Portuguese Rule in India,” 2013, RTM Nagpur University

PG Diploma in Archaeology: 2000, Institute of Archaeology, New Delhi

PG Diploma in Museology: 1998, Prachya Niketan, BarkatulSlah University, Bhopal, M.P.

M.A. (Ancient Indian History Culture & Archaeology): 1997, Nagpur University

B.A. (Ancient Indian History, Sociology & Political Science): 1995, Nagpur University

šŸ¢ Professional Experience:

Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Excavation Branch V, Vadodara

  • Sep 2021 – Present: Current role overseeing significant archaeological projects.
  • Dec 2016 – Sep 2021: Acting Superintending Archaeologist.
  • Oct 2015 – Dec 2016: Deputy Superintending Archaeologist.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leading excavations at Vadnagar (2016-present), Taranga (2017-19), Gunja (2018-19), and Vihar (2020-21).
  • Managing excavation projects, ensuring accurate documentation, and preserving historical sites.

Assistant Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Goa Circle

  • Jun 2003 – Oct 2015: Contributed to various archaeological and conservation projects.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assisted in scientific clearance at St. Augustine Complex, Old Goa.
  • In-situ conservation of collapsed structures and re-fixing Azulejos.
  • Developed documentaries on museums, excavations, and salvage operations.
  • Participated in salvaging the gunpowder factory site in Goa.
  • Designed exhibitions, showcases, and interpretative materials for museums.
  • Organized educational workshops and preventive conservation programs.

Research Interest:

Dr. Ambekarā€™s research focuses on the archaeology and history of ancient India, with particular expertise in the role of artillery during Portuguese rule in India. His interests include excavation methodologies, conservation techniques, and the interpretation and presentation of archaeological findings.

Awards šŸ†

  • Research grant from Fundacao Oriente, Mala, Panaji, Goa, 2013
  • Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from ICHR, New Delhi, 2002
  • Dr. V.V. Mirashi Prize, 1997
  • Motilal Nehru Centenary Prize, 1997
  • Topperā€™s Gold Medals & Prizes in Post-Graduation, Nagpur University, 1997
  • Late Shri Chintaman Madhav Kinkhede Memorial Gold Medal
  • Dr. Raibahadur Hiralal Gold Medal

Author Metrics šŸ“ˆ

Dr. Ambekar’s contributions to archaeology are well-recognized in the academic community, with numerous publications in reputed journals and active involvement in research projects that enhance the understanding and preservation of India’s historical sites.

Top Noted Publication:

Ancient Mitogenomes Suggest Complex Maternal History of One of the Oldest Settlements of Western India

  • Publication: Mitochondrion
  • Volume: 76, Article 101871
  • Year: 2024
  • Authors: Ahlawat, B., Kumar, L., Ambekar, A., Rawat, Y.S., Rai, N.

Climate, Human Settlement, and Migration in South Asia from Early Historic to Medieval Period: Evidence from New Archaeological Excavation at Vadnagar, Western India

  • Publication: Quaternary Science Reviews
  • Volume: 324, Article 108470
  • Year: 2024
  • Authors: Sarkar, A., Sengupta, T., Ambekar, A., Dabhi, A., Juyal, N.
  • Citations: 1

Agricultural Adaptation and Resilience Through Climatic Shifts in Semi-arid India: 2000 Years of Archaeobotanical Evidence from Vadnagar, Gujarat

  • Publication: Quaternary Science Advances
  • Volume: 13, Article 100155
  • Year: 2024
  • Authors: Pokharia, A.K., Patel, H., Ambekar, A.S., Dabhi, A.J., Singh, K.P.

Assessment of Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of the Geoarchaeosites from the Mainland Gujarat, Western India

  • Publication: Geoheritage
  • Volume: 14(4), Article 133
  • Year: 2022
  • Authors: Das, A., Sodhi, A., Vedpathak, C., Ambekar, A., Prizomwala, S.P.
  • Citations: 4

A New Chronology Based on OSL and Radiocarbon Dating for the Archaeological Settlements of Vadnagar (Western India) Along with Magnetic and Isotopic Imprints of Cultural Sediments

  • Publication: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
  • Volume: 38, Article 103045
  • Year: 2021
  • Authors: Agnihotri, R., Patel, N., Srivastava, P., Phartiyal, B., Kumar, A.
  • Citations: 5

 

Sulaiman Haqpana | Social Sciences | Most Reader’s Article Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Mr. Sulaiman Haqpana, Social Sciences, Most Reader’s Article Award

Sulaiman Haqpana at Brunel University of London, United Kingdom

Summary:

Sulaiman Haqpana is a researcher and educator with a focus on gender issues, particularly in the context of educational interventions by international non-governmental organizations (I-NGOs) in Afghanistan. He has contributed to scholarly discourse through his research on the reproduction of colonial discourses of gender and Muslim women in educational settings. Haqpana’s work sheds light on power dynamics, poverty, and the needs of marginalized communities, challenging conventional narratives and advocating for gender equality and social justice.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

šŸ‘©ā€šŸŽ“Education & Qualification:

Master of Science, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK

Bachelor of Arts, Birkbeck University of London, UK

  • BA (Hons) in Global Politics and International Relations (2011-2015)

Professional Experience:

Mr. Sulaiman Haqpana possesses a wealth of professional experience across various roles, with a strong focus on project coordination, program management, and administrative support, primarily within the realm of international organizations and NGOs operating in Afghanistan. Here’s a breakdown of his notable professional journey:

Sep 2016 – Present: Private Tutoring A-Level’s Social Science Subjects

  • Demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit as a self-employed private tutor, specializing in A-Level social science subjects.

July 2004 – July 2008: UNIFEM Project Coordinator

  • Spearheaded the development and implementation of provincial action plans aimed at promoting gender mainstreaming and equality.
  • Conducted rigorous monitoring, supervision, and evaluation of UNIFEM-funded projects to ensure their effectiveness.
  • Produced comprehensive reports on project progress and collaborated with governmental bodies to align strategies with national objectives.

Aug 2003 – July 2004: Provincial Field Coordinator’s Assistant

  • Played a pivotal role in overseeing provincial elections registration centers, ensuring their smooth operation and compliance with administrative protocols.
  • Facilitated communication and coordination between different stakeholders, maintaining meticulous records and reports.

May 2002 – Aug 2003: National Programme Manager

  • Led strategic financial planning initiatives and managed budget allocations for various programs.
  • Fostered partnerships with donors and government agencies, enhancing funding opportunities for projects.
  • Implemented robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track project performance and ensure accountability.

May 2001 – May 2002: General Programmes Assistant

  • Provided crucial administrative support to program staff, contributing to the efficient execution of projects.
  • Managed data systems and documentation, facilitating seamless information flow and organizational efficiency.
  • Delivered training sessions to enhance the capacity of implementing partners and foster collaboration.

This summary underscores Mr. Sulaiman Haqpana’s extensive expertise in navigating complex project environments, driving programmatic success, and fostering collaboration to advance humanitarian and development objectives in Afghanistan.

Research Interest:

Project Management and Implementation: Investigating best practices in project management within humanitarian and development contexts, including strategies for effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Gender Mainstreaming and Equality: Researching approaches to promote gender mainstreaming and equality in project interventions, particularly in areas affected by conflict and instability.

Capacity Building and Training: Exploring methodologies for capacity building and training initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of local partners and community members.

Humanitarian Aid and Development: Studying the impact and effectiveness of humanitarian aid and development projects in conflict-affected regions, with a focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Community Engagement and Participation: Examining strategies to foster community engagement and participation in development initiatives, ensuring that projects are responsive to local needs and priorities.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: ‘Powerless, poor and needy?’: Reproducing colonial discourses of gender and Muslim women through educational interventions by I-NGOs in Afghanistan

  • Authors: S. Haqpana, M. Tsouroufli
  • Journal: Women’s Studies International Forum
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 98
  • Pages: 102714

Abstract: This study examines the impact of educational interventions by International Non-Governmental Organizations (I-NGOs) on gender discourse and the portrayal of Muslim women in Afghanistan. It argues that despite well-intentioned efforts, these interventions often inadvertently reproduce colonial discourses that depict Afghan women as powerless, poor, and needy. The article critically analyzes the implications of such representations for the empowerment and agency of Afghan women within their own socio-cultural context.