The Research Coordination Committee consists of members of the Institution who are research guides from Sciences and Humanities. It is the advisory body to guide and ensure the smooth functioning in guiding research students and for submitting project proposals to funding agencies. They will monitor the research activities of the Institution in a collective manner. The research Coordination Committee will actively engage in the formulation of the research policy encompassing all research related matters which impact on the strategic objectives of the Institution by providing advice and assistance to facilitate development activities on research and provide guidance in conducting programmes related to research methodology and identify potential areas of research.

• To reach out to the society's needs by instilling the research instinct of academicians and young researchers of Guru Nanak College.
• To provide an opportunity to explore new avenues in Methods, Approaches and techniques for the overall development leading to meaningful research
• To serve as a hub for individual projects with an out-of-box thinking
• To transform the findings into applied and advanced Research.
• To promote interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research in order to improve the quality of life.
• To build partnerships with industries, Research agencies and other universities within and outside the country.
• To provide Grant - in - aid or internal seed funding to encourage the deserving young researchers among UG and PG students, Research Scholars and academicians
• To unite the researchers across the continents under one roof - GNCR thereby fulfilling the motto of Guru Nanak College ‘Pro bono publico’ - for the benefit of all.

GNCR motivates and inspires members of the faculty to do research in collaboration with other higher institutions and research institutes in bringing out innovative and socially relevant research. GNCR has recognized the value of research culture among faculty members and recognizes quality research by means of internal seed money grant to both faculty and students in the form of minor/major research projects.

Ideally situated in the sylvan surroundings of the Guindy Reserve Forest, the research Institute provides a quiet and inspiring environment for higher research. Named after Lt. Col. G.S. Gill, Father of the Sikh Community in Chennai, and the Founder of the Guru Nanak College, the Institute is located within the campus of the Guru Nanak College at Velachery, Chennai. The G.S. Gill Research Institute, as it is known now, aims at paving the way in the pursuit of basic and applied research as well as fostering extension activities in various fields.

The G.S. Gill Research Institute was formally inaugurated on the 3rd day of August, 1990 by Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy, Pro-Chancellor of the Annamalai University. The institute commenced functioning with Mr. M. Gopalakrishnan, then Chairman of the Indian Bank, handing over the first set of books symbolically inaugurating the research library and handing over the cheque for a lakh of rupees for establishing the research library. Hence the library has been named after the Indian bank. Prof. T.N. Ananthakrishnan, the doyen of Entomology in India, inaugurated the various research schemes of the Institute. To mark the occasion, a National Seminar on “Grasshoppers, Locusts and agriculture” was held in the Institute, funded by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi and the Tamil Nadu state Council for Science and Technology.

With a clear vision and future development of the Institute in mind, Lt. Gen. I. S. Gill paved the way by making it as an autonomous unit and an MOU was executed by the president of the Guru Nanak Educational Society giving an independent status to the Institute in the College with effort from the year 2005.The Institute was further recognized for Research leading to Master of Philosophy in Zoology in the year 2008.

Re-Inauguration of GRI

GRI received a face lift at the Maharani Devi Vidyavati Block on the 24th of August 2015 with Dr. S. Natarajan, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology taking over as the Director, Dr. J. Jayanthi, Associate Professor, Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology as the Deputy Director. With a modest new beginning the GRI will function as a centralized platform for promoting interdisciplinary research and exchange of ideas with all the research Departments of Guru Nanak College.

• Identify and initiate foundational research on insect-plant interaction.
• To disseminate the up to-date scientific knowledge among the academicians involved in research.
• The Institute aims at paving way for the pursuit of basic and applied research as well as fostering extension activities in various fields of Life Sciences.
• To function as a centralized platform for promoting interdisciplinary research and exchange of ideas with all research Departments of Guru Nanak College.

• To upgrade as a Centre for excellence in Applied Research.
• To promote industrial collaboration involving active R&D Projects.
• To Serve as an exclusive Research centre for Multidisciplinary Research.

Intellectual property is critical in establishing a strategic framework for every institution. Intangible properties such as technologies, licenses, trademarks, prototypes, and other novel and creative concepts are more valuable than tangible assets. Research and Innovation in our Nation emerge both from industry as well as academic institutions and Guru Nanak College recognizes the need for academic contributions and to come up with innovative solutions to age old problems. In today’s era, where intellectual property rights (IPRs) are internationally enforceable, the need to impart knowledge about the different forms of IPRs and their protection to the young generation is very much mandatory in order to develop a conducive environment where they are equipped to create novel and original innovations and protect them simultaneously.

The GNC IPR Cell was inaugurated on 7th March 2020, is devoted to support promote and develop the various Intellectual Properties such as Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks , among other things, which are created by the College as well as to help the general public by imparting awareness, information and knowledge regarding IPR. The cell builds favorable atmosphere in the academia for the creation and improvement of the various Intellectual Properties. Faculty and students of GNC are actively participating in the IPR filing process in different disciplines.

To educate academic and non-academic personnel, researchers, alumni, and outside organizations about the practices of establishing and protecting intellectual property rights and commitments within the framework of the IPR policy of Guru Nanak College

• To foster academic and intellectual independence, as well as to protect inventors' rights in the production and commercialization of intellectual property, by providing legal assistance where possible.
• To develop an atmosphere for gaining novel information gained by invention and new ideas.
• To create an IPR community that is compatible with our institution's educational purpose by extending a realistic IP management strategy.

• Hold conferences, lectures, and training courses on IPR
• Disseminate information on patents, the patent regime in India and abroad, and validation facets
• Include guidance on prospective initiatives about patent registration processes
• Motivate faculty members and academics to pursue patentable works
• To conduct Certificate/ Diploma courses on IPR.
• To conduct outreach programmes in the form of workshops, programmes, and conferences on areas on IPR
• To build IP database for effective networking between all stake holders and build an IPR community with contributions from government agencies and non-government organizations.

Incubation & Startup Centre

Guru Nanak College has launched an Incubation and Start Up Centre to provide first-hand experience in entrepreneurship to its students and promote innovation-driven activities at the Institution. The Incubation and Start Up Centre would provide a comprehensive and integrated range of support, including space, mentoring, training programmes, networking, and a variety of other services. Students obtain hands-on expertise in creativity and entrepreneurship while being nurtured and supported by faculty, management, government bodies and business leaders through the incubation Centre.

The Incubation Centre together with the start-up team, aspires to be a centre for high-impact projects in the social, educational, commercial, and other sectors. It aspires to impart skill-based training and to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship among the students during their years in the College.

Incubation Centre

Guru Nanak Centre for Research is the central hub for research within Guru Nanak College in both Sciences and Humanities, with one of its primary functions is to track research within the Institution and update it for commercialization with social significance. GNCR, as an incubation center, has been connecting diverse fields in order to promote creative science and explore entrepreneurship skills. The primary goal of GNCR as incubation Centre is to educate researchers and students about the value of technology transfer and product growth, as well as to provide a viable ecosystem for them to do so.

Roles of Incubation Centre

• Promotion of new ideas
• Organizing training camps for industry-academia collaboration where students may highlight their study outputs.
• To meet the aspirations of young people in order for them to become active entrepreneurs
• Capital projects will be monitored in terms of funding, consumption and profit/loss.
• To assist researchers in scaling up their inventions for commercialization by acting as service providers.
• To promote start-ups, arrange workshops/seminars/conferences in collaboration with various sectors.
• To provide incubates the interactive framework with government Institutions, corporate sectors, and R&D organizations both in India and abroad.
• Including teachers, research scholars, and professors in the comprehension of ground breaking commercial creative research and entrepreneurship.

GNCR - Startup Centre

The Guru Nanak Centre for Research's Startup Centre is a shining beacon for students who wish to follow a route less explored. The cell is a group dedicated solely to fostering entrepreneurship within the student fraternity. The Startup Centre delivers seed funding, resources, mentorship, legal assistance and technological skills to ambitious entrepreneurs. The startup Centre aims to serve as a stepping stone for its thriving incubatees to help them overcome economic challenges, innovative blocks and business conditions. The Centre with its proper mix between theory and practise and first-rate tools and advice bridges the distance between the industry and aids the students towards entrepreneurial path. With the prior startup experience, product knowledge, and industry skills provided to the students the start-ups incubated under the incubation and start up centre is aimed to convert these incubatees into successful business ventures in future.

ED Cell

Entrepreneurship Development Cell of our college is a key contributor to the startup centre by providing innovativeness and product improvement and plays a pivotal role to employment creation. Our College staff members are qualified professionals in entrepreneurship development programs both by the governmental and non-governmental agencies. ED cell and the start-up center play an integrated part in transforming budding entrepreneurs into job creators directly after graduation, as well as providing a forum to turn the student's creative concepts into a sustainable business, which meets many of the needs of students to become dynamic entrepreneurs.

GNCR startups & GNC NDevour

To build the physical infrastructure and support systems needed for business incubation activities GNC N Devour was formed in the year 2017

OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS

History / Background of the Company

A considerable need for (Entrepreneurship and start-ups by students) has been realized and thus the need for a Mock company GNC NDevour in campus is imperative. GNC NDevour has been proposed to provide students of Guru Nanak College the platform to explore & hone their entrepreneurial skills and leadership skills.

The company has been formed in September 2017 by 120 students of the department of B.Com (Honours) .The company is funded by GNC students and the teachers who made investments in the company portfolio.

The Main Objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation were: -

• To Trade in all Kinds of goods
• To start a food court for supply of quality and quantity food items
• To put up stalls pertaining to Apparels and Accessories and sell at an economical price
• To Collaborate with event management companies and earn income for the company

Organizational Structure of the Company

GNC’s NDevour consists of various key managerial personnel, performing major roles pertaining to finance, marketing, production, purchase, HR & PR

The Key Managerial Personnel are: -

• President
• Vice President
• CEO
• CFO
• Company Secretary
• Manager
1. Purchase Manager
2. Production Manager
3. Finance Manager
4. Marketing Manager
5. HR Manager
6. Public Relation Officer Manager
• Executives

GNC nDevour prides a vast array of operations, which have been carried out by the students of the Department of B.Com (Honours), under the guidance of the staff and management.

These operations include day-to-day operations, occasion-based/month-based stalls and special collaboration projects.

Day-to-day Operations:

The day-to-day operations of GNC nDevour includes the sale of stationeries as well as conduct of Xerox operations within the campus.

Xerox and stationery shops are manned by the students of B.Com (Honours) based on a schedule allotted to the students by the Mock Company Portfolio with the approval of the staff.

It enables the students to develop skills of book-keeping and managing operations/sales in a shop environment.

Occasion/Month – Based Stalls:

Stalls are special events organized and conducted by GNC nDevour to generate revenue on the basis of an upcoming event, or based on a monthly schedule including participating (setting up a stall) in the Hindu Spiritual Fair.

These stalls are pre-planned events held over the course of 1-2 days. Items included for sale are clothing and apparels, accessories and food items from live counters.

The stalls enable students who organize to develop skills of planning and event management and also improve the skills of those involved in operations such as sales, record keeping and other ancillary skills such as cooking and culinary presentation.

Collaboration Projects:

• GNC nDevour has undertaken collaboration with SWABODHINI School & Vocational Centre for Special Children to provide their students unique opportunities to benefit from the operations of the Mock Company.
• Students of Swabodhini participated in the stalls conducted by GNC nDevour to sell hand-made lamps to the students and staff of Guru Nanak College.
• Swabodhini students were also trained to operate the Xerox machine by student volunteers of GNC nDevour.
• Such collaboration activities are carried out to ensure that practical knowledge and experience is instilled upon special children by providing them equal opportunities to learn and grow.

Department of Business Administration

Elixir

In order to promote and foster Entrepreneurial Development among students, BBA department made a maiden attempt to provide a platform to student to express their Entrepreneurial spirit in the start-up ELIXIR. The start-up aims to encourage entrepreneurs to connect with buyers and thus, empower them through financial inclusion. This program will encourage grassroots innovators and creative entrepreneurs.

B.Sc., Biotechnology

Hand Sanitizer and Hand-Made Soaps

Department of Biotechnology has prepared Hand sanitizers as per WHO guidelines, in five different variants. (Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, Tea tree oil, Lemon grass and Peach). The department of biotechnology have also prepared 9 variants of Hand-made soaps from vegetable and fruit base. As a start up the above ventures have been receiving a wide appreciation and support. Due to its ecofriendly approach and customized preparation according to pre request the startup is blooming into as a successful business venture.

Department of Computer Science

Web and App Development

The Department of Computer Science has established an efficient and effective e-governance system by incorporating latest technologies to build an efficient e-governance in the areas of Academic, Administrative, Research and Extension through in-house developed modules. The modules are designed by an in-house team headed in an intricate, dynamic and customizable format and ensures security features. The following are the operational module run successfully in our institutions: Admission, Faculty, Student, Parent, Department, Examination, Research, Placement, Alumni, Event management, Attendance app, Biometric attendance for staff and research scholars, Extension, File management, e-circulars, e-academic calendar, Leave management and feedback system.

Objectives of the startup

• To develop structured data collection method
• To reduce variations and mismatches of data at various levels
• To ensure transparency in the system and to reduce manpower
• To make data highly accessible and retrievable
• To ensure data validation and avoid duplication of data
• To transform manual process into end to end automation in all arenas of the institute
• To implement the project in higher education systems for effective governance (as per the policies)
• To develop comprehensive e-governance framework in the challenging areas of Higher Education System

B.Sc., Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology

Landscape Gardening

Landscape architecture is one of the booming industries. The Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology gives comprehensive training to prepare students to enter the Landscape gardening sector. Through the land scape gardening training program the students will learn the art of beautifying and creating aesthetic exteriors. A student undergoing this training program will get to indulge in landscape planning, flooring, maintenance and designing. Through this experience and support students will be able to own and manage horticulture and landscaping businesses of their own.

Department of Chemistry

Simple Chemicals

The department of Chemistry is training the student on the start up ventures on preparing simple chemicals which are developed into effective commercialized household products such as detergent powder, phenyl, dish wash powder and dish wash liquid. The household cleaning products market has the potential to grow rapidly in the next few years and this start up will provide ample opportunities for young entrepreneurs to capitalize the market growth.

Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology

Ornamental Fishes

‘Ornamental Fish’ is one of the most preferred hobby in India. The increasing demand for ornamental fish is creating job opportunities for supply of these types of fishes. This industry provides great opportunity for entrepreneurship development and income generation for those who produce the ornamental fish as well as provide equipment’s and services in this business segment. The department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology is providing the training to students on identification of ornamental fishes, ornamental fish culture, and maintenance and disease management in these fishes. Ornamental aquaculture is one of many promising job alternatives since it is easy to start and requires less space and has the potential to grow well. The training provides a complete picture on ornamental fish as a startup as well as hand holding to students who are interested in taking up ornamental fish culture as a business venture.

Spirulina Culture

Spirulina is a lesser-known super food with a strong demand and a well-established rising segment. Spirulina culture is especially important to women since it is a low-capital-investment enterprise that can be cultivated close to home. This has a lot of promise in terms of diversifying the artisanal fishing industry and improving regional exchange and food security. Training in spirulina production and value-added goods will open up many possibilities for self-employment

The Guru Nanak Centre for Research has made great strides in instilling research-based practices among students through the Student Research Club. The Students through the Student research club are engaged in accordance with extensive research and Curriculum based learning.

The Student Research Club is responsible for engaging (Undergraduate / Postgraduate, M.Phil) students to take up challenges in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary areas of research and construction activity. Students will use this forum to explore their concepts and perspectives on Research indefinitely.

• To provide the students with a series of opportunities to improve their research skills, ranging from simple to advanced using various approaches.
• Encourage, Guide and Monitor the young researchers to submit scientific articles for publication in journals
• Motivate students to present their research findings at national and international conferences/seminars/symposium/Scientific exhibits
• To educate the students on research funding agencies and to prepare them in writing research proposals
• Meetings are organized by the club members to discuss and understand the research interests and to explore the potential scope in cutting across disciplines for outcome-based research
• The student research club activities are organized and conducted by the students themselves which hones their leadership skills as well as in identifying and understanding their areas of interest in research.

The Students Research Club further supports students in achieving their goal of research findings. The students are exposed to the intricacies of entrepreneurship abilities, as well as the opportunities and obstacles that self-employment presents. The club conducts workshops and other programs to assist students in choosing a career path; the approach is outlined below.

On 16th September 2019, the club organized a Five days’ Workshop on “Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Technology and Product Development” in collaboration with the Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt. of India.

Students Research club of GNCR facilitates and encourages research culture among students. Its prime role is to create contacts among individual and research Institutions to promote research through a range of minor projects leading to publications. It enables a congenial environment for technological development.

Students Research club takes upon the responsibility of creating a work place to attract the best talent and strives continuously in pooling of skills and internal resources, creating strategy, overcoming limitations.

The Students Research Club sensitizes the students on intercollegiate research resources and inspiring them to submit original work. Sensitization programmes are held by the club to help students develop their writing and analytical skills.

To encourage the students to take up research in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas and to inculcate passion driven research among students of Under Graduation and post graduation, the students are given seed grant as short term fellowship to pursue their research. Every year GNCR will call for Research Proposals from the interested students of UG and PG. The best novel proposal is scrutinized from various aspects and will be called for further discussion and presentation. Selected projects are meticulously and regularly mentored and in-house consultancy and facilities are provided to do their research.

Guru Nanak College (Autonomous) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a number of industries to bridge the divide between academic deliveries and business needs and thereby increase the employability of students. Our tie-ups with various National and International Universities offer study programs and internship that would help the students and faculty to gain knowledge in their chosen field of study. These MOU’s are aimed to generate an opportunity of student and faculty exchange amongst Universities and to create cooperation programs in curriculum development and skill-based certification courses. The Collaboration with research Institutions, industries and higher educational Institutions offers students direct experience, allowing them to leverage observational abilities and reflection to adapt fresh insights learned from the experience to their classroom learning.

Guru Nanak Centre for Research in collaboration with Indian Science Congress Association and Natural Spirulina, Chennai conducted a training program on “Value added products from spirulina for livelihood”.

Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology collaborated with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management on Research related to integrated and sustainable management of coastal and marine areas.

Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology in collaboration with Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Centre conducted summer internship programs for students.

Department of MBA in collaboration with REDINGTON conducted internship programs for MBA students.

Department of MCA in collaboration with GS technologies provides internship/ on the job training/ project work

Department of MCA in collaboration with BIZPLUS services provides on the job training/ project works and Internships

Guru Nanak Centre for Research in collaboration with Central Institute for Brackish water Aquaculture, Central Institute for freshwater Aquaculture, National Institute of Agricultural extension management, Marine product export development authority (MPEDA), Aquaculture outlook Chennai conducted an Industry- Academia Conclave, which aim is to put together experts from business and R&D organizations to address key concerns affecting industry and academia focused on current societal demands. The conclave aims to address areas where research and consultancy may be combined, as well as identify practical ways to cross the gap between business expectations and academic preparation.

Guru Nanak Centre for Research in collaboration with Sankara Nethralaya hospital, Dr. Mohan’s MV diabetes, Apollo hospital, Dr. Agarwal’s eye hospital, Prashanth hospital, Penn Nalam Hospital, Chettinad Hospital, Sri Sathya Sai Siddha hospital, Life green hospital, and Udhyayoga conducted a mega medical camp (23rd September 2019 to 27th September 2019) for public outreach and health awareness.

The Guru Nanak Centre for Research in collaboration with Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Organized Five days’ Workshop on “Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Technology and Product Development

G.S. Gill Research Institute in collaboration with Indian Science Congress Association conducted Science Communicators Search Meet series for the year 2015, 2016 and 2017. The meeting's goal is to promote, popularize, and instill a scientific temper among science communicators, as well as to make science communication more straightforward and vernacular, while still offering correct insight without sensationalizing.

G. S. Gill Research Institute in collaboration with Indian Science Congress Association – Chennai Chapter & the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Food & Nutrition Board, Government of India conducted a workshop on Health Hazards due to Calcium Deficiency.

G.S. Gill Research Institute in association with Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, organized a one day seminar on Prevention and management of Hepatitis to commemorate the World Hepatitis Day.