The Scholar's Lens: A Blog by Dr. M A Mujeeb

  Dr. M A Mujeeb mujeeb21speaks@gmail.com On the eve of Teachers’ Day, I had a spark of inspiration, why not ask students directly what they expect from a teacher? After running the idea by one of my students, and receiving enthusiastic encouragement, I created a Google Form to gather their thoughts. Within a couple of hours, the responses poured in. Here’s what the students told me about their ideal teacher Key Findings The student responses reveal a comprehensive and deeply personal understanding of what makes an exceptional teacher. Students consistently emphasize that great teachers go far beyond academic instruction to become mentors, role models, and sources of emotional support who fundamentally shape their personal and intellectual development. Fig. Most valued teacher qualities based on student responses Based on the analysis of all responses, students most frequently emphasized these core qualities, Understanding and Supportive Nature emerged as the top priori...

Dr. M A Mujeeb mujeeb21speaks@gmail.com  📚  One Nation One Subscription (ONOS):  A New Chapter in Academic Access In my recent blog, I explored the implications of the ban on Sci-Hub and LibGen, highlighting the serious challenges it poses to academic access in India. These platforms, while controversial, had become lifelines for students and researchers in under-resourced institutions. Their absence has left a significant void—one that demands a sustainable, legal alternative. In light of this, I believe it’s essential to introduce my readers to a promising initiative by the Government of India: One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) . This national program aims to redefine how research is accessed across the country and could be a game-changer for equitable education and research empowerment. 🔍 What Is ONOS? ONOS is a landmark initiative launched in January 2025 to revolutionize access to academic research. Instead of individual institutions negotiating costly subs...

  T he Sci-Hub Ban in India: A Setback for Academic Access? India’s recent ban on Sci-Hub and LibGen has triggered a major academic access crisis, especially for researchers in state universities. This article explores the impact on research, equity, and the future of open knowledge. 🚫 What Is Sci-Hub—and Why It Matters? Sci-Hub is one of the most widely used online platform that provides free access and download of research articles/publications. It was founded by Alexandra Elbakyan in the year 2011 and soon became a lifeline or moreover a weapon for researchers lacking institutional subscriptions or financial support. Alongside LibGen, it helped democratize access to global research—especially in developing countries like India. However, a recent Delhi High Court order—following a copyright dispute initiated by major publishers—has led to the blocking of these platforms by Indian internet providers. The consequences are already being felt across campuses and research cente...

(AI generated, futuristic vision of algae transforming cities and nature)   As we strive for cleaner energy, healthier food systems, and a more resilient planet, one humble contender is gaining unexpected momentum: algae. Often dismissed as pond scum or an aquarium nuisance, these microscopic organisms are poised to transform everything from how we fuel our cars to how we nourish our bodies and heal our communities. Algae as a Next-Gen Biofuel Algae’s most compelling promise lies in energy. Unlike corn or soy, which compete with food crops for arable land, many algae strains flourish in non-potable or saline water, unlocking vast swaths of underused space. Pilot facilities in Europe and Asia are already operating demonstration ponds and photobioreactors, edging closer to commercial viability. As technology matures, production costs are expected to decline, bringing algal biofuels into direct competition with fossil fuels. Oil Yield: Certain microalgae can produce upwards of 5,...