Dr. N. Felix, the Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, boasts an illustrious career spanning more than three decades in the realms of teaching, research and extension. His administrative service has been demonstrated through his capacities as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Director and Dean over an impressive eight-year tenure. He has contributed significantly to academic works, having authored over 150 scientific and semi-scientific papers, 70 conference abstracts, 5 ISBN textbooks and an additional 80 publications. His leadership has steered the successful execution of 38 R&D, institutional entrepreneurship and industry linkage projects, collectively valued at Rs. 35 crores from various funding agencies.
Guiding the academic journeys of 14 Ph.D., and 28 M.F.Sc., students, both as Chairman and member, he has facilitated the publication of research papers in high-impact journals. His innovative ability is evident in the development of 15 technologies, of which 5 have garnered approval from the ICAR, New Delhi and are featured in their Technology Compendium. He has been duly recognized with 19 honours, encompassing accolades such as the Best Scientist Award, Best Researcher Award, Best Teacher Award, Best Paper Awards, fellowships, travel grants and certificates of appreciation. His international footprint includes visits to five countries for conferences and capacity-building endeavours.
His visionary leadership extends beyond academia to the creation of major infrastructure facilities in 10 locations spanning seven districts in Tamil Nadu. Notably, he has overseen the establishment of four incubation facilities in aquaculture and fish processing across four districts. His commitment to vocational training is evidenced by the establishment of a Directorate of Incubation and Vocational Training and a Paraprofessional Institute of Aquaculture Technology and introduction of a vocational course in Aquaculture designed to benefit Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDG) and promote entrepreneurial start-ups.
He has organised 19 national and 2 international events, where he served as organizing secretary and convener. Under his guidance, approximately 100 training
programmes in aquaculture have been conducted. His impact on local communities is profound, with the development of 30 location-specific indigenous feed formulations utilizing region-specific, cost-effective ingredients benefiting around 100 fish farmers under the NADP project. Additionally, the colour-enhancing technology developed for fish has been adopted around 25 ornamental fish breeders and culturists in Thoothukudi and Chennai.
His dedication to fostering economic empowerment is evident in the success stories of around 100 youth who have witnessed increased production in ornamental fish breeding, composite fish culture units and other aquaculture ventures in Tamil Nadu during his tenure at KVK. The implementation of composite fish culture in farmers’ ponds and community ponds has positively impacted around 25 farmers through two IAMWARM projects.