Srinagar, Aug 31: Head, Department of Mathematics, Central University of Kashmir, Dr. Haribhau R. Bhapkar, has been conferred with the National HIFFA Award for excellence in performance for social transformation through the amalgamation of Mathematics and design thinking. The award was presented by Shri Gulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament, and Raja Nighat Aman, SSP Srinagar, at SKICC here Sunday during the 3rd Edition of HIFAA. Shri Jagdambika Pal, Member of Parliament (MP) and the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh., inaugurated the award ceremony.

Prof. Bhapkar’s recognition comes in appreciation of his multidisciplinary academic contributions and his philosophy of “Mathematics for Social Transformation”, through which he seeks to take mathematics beyond textbooks and apply it to real-world societal challenges. During COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Bhapkar applied mathematical and design-thinking approaches to conventional methods of measuring pandemic severity. He proposed Progressive Recovery Rate (PRR) and Progressive Mortality Rate (PMR) by incorporating the average recovery time period into pandemic measurement. His research was published in the Journal of Medical Systems, and the work received three copyrights from the Government of India, according to Prof. Bhapkar. During the pandemic, he also provided mathematical analyses through television media and supported the Maharashtra Health Minister. He subsequently presented his work before the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and scientists associated with ICMR.
Prof. Bhapkar has contributed 100 research articles, 100 IPRs and 100 books authored or co-authored, reflecting the breadth of his academic and research engagement. Prof. Bhapkar is currently working on a ₹1 crore ICSSR project titled “AI and Future of Work”, aimed at preparing marginalised communities for emerging employment opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, congratulated Dr. Bhapkar on receiving the award and said the recognition was a testament to his exceptional academic and research contributions. “Using mathematics as an instrument for social transformation is both innovative and inspiring, and his recognition at the national level brings distinction to CUKashmir,” he said.
Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, described the award as a well-deserved recognition of Prof. Bhapkar’s multidisciplinary academic vision and research excellence.
Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, lauded Prof. Bhapkar for his research accomplishments and his sustained efforts to translate mathematical knowledge into solutions for real-world challenges.
Dean, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Dr. Chandrikalayam Naseema, said that Dr. Bhapkar’s achievement was a matter of pride for the School and the University.