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Building the IIA Archives Online Finding Aids Portal: From Research to Implementation
Some professional projects become more than assignments; they become journeys of learning, experimentation, collaboration and reflection. The development of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Archives Online Finding Aids Portal has been one such journey for me. I am pleased to share that the portal was officially launched by Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder, Infosys, as part of the centenary celebrations of the birth of Dr. M. K. Vainu Bappu, one of the pioneering figures in Indian astronomy. This was a…
Coordinating the ONOS User Awareness Programme at IIA: From Planning to Participation
On 5 August 2026, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, organised a User Awareness Programme on One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) and INFLIBNET Services in collaboration with the INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar. As the Programme Coordinator, I had the opportunity to plan and coordinate the programme with the aim of creating greater awareness about ONOS and helping researchers, faculty members, scientists, research scholars, librarians and information professionals understand and effectively utilise the growing range of digital scholarly resources and research…
Chaired an Online Technical Session at an International Conference on Building the Digital Divide for Sustainable Development
I was pleased to serve as the Chair of an Online Technical Session at the International Conference on “Building the Digital Divide for Sustainable Development: A Multidisciplinary Approach,” organised by the School of Mathematical, Computational and Information Sciences, PG Department of Library and Information Science & Library, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, in collaboration with the Academic Library Association Tamil Nadu (ALAT). Held on 26–27 June 2026, the conference brought together academicians, researchers, library and information science professionals, scholars and…
International Conference on the Transformative Role of Libraries in Education, Innovation and Research
I had the opportunity to participate in the International Conference on “Transformative Role of Libraries in Education, Innovation and Research: Marching towards a Developed Nation,” held from 7–9 May 2026 at Bharathidasan University in collaboration with Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science. The conference brought together librarians, academicians, researchers, information professionals, and students from across India and abroad to discuss emerging trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of libraries and information services. The event served as…
AI as Your Learning Partner: My Session at NPR College
On 13th April 2026, I had the opportunity to serve as a resource person for a seminar titled “AI as Your Learning Partner: From Engineering Studies to Career Success” at NPR College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul. The session, organized by the Library Advisory Committee and Central Library, aimed to introduce students to the practical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in their academic and professional journeys. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, AI is becoming an essential learning companion….
Honoured to Receive the SATKAL National Librarian Award 2025
I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the SATKAL National Librarian Award for the year 2025. I sincerely thank the Satinder Kaur Ramdev Memorial Trust for Advancement of Librarianship (SATKAL) for recognizing the contributions of library professionals and for their continued efforts in supporting the growth of librarianship in India. The award was presented during the READ India Summit 2026, held in Gurugram on 18 March 2026. I am grateful to the organizers for providing such a meaningful platform…
Open Day 2026 – Exploring the Astronomical Heritage: IIA Library & Archives Exhibition
On 21 February 2026, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics marked National Science Day with its annual Open Day at the Koramangala campus in Bengaluru. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, welcoming over 8,000 visitors—including students, teachers, families, and science enthusiasts—who came together to explore the fascinating world of astronomy and the institute’s research activities. As part of this celebration, the IIA Library & Archives curated a special exhibition titled “Exploring the Astronomical Heritage,” showcasing the rich legacy preserved within its…
Emerging Technologies: AI in Libraries – Reflections from a National Conference
On February 13–14, 2026, I had the privilege of delivering an invited talk on “Emerging Technologies: AI in Libraries” at the National Conference on Information Landscape: Trends and Innovations in Public and Academic Libraries, hosted by Vellalar College for Women. The conference brought together academicians, librarians, and information professionals from across India to reflect on the evolving landscape of public and academic libraries. The energy throughout the two days was inspiring—there was a shared recognition that libraries are entering a…
Beyond Telescopes: Libraries, Archives, and the Invisible Backbone of Astronomy
I was truly honoured to participate as a Resource Person for Technical Session IV, titled “Beyond Telescopes: Libraries and Archives in Advancing Astronomical Research,” at the International Symposium on Space Science and Technology, held on 30 January 2026 at Holy Cross College (Autonomous). Looking Beyond the Instrument When we think of astronomy, we often imagine powerful telescopes, observatories perched on mountaintops, and cutting-edge instruments scanning the skies. But behind every major discovery lies an invisible yet powerful foundation — libraries…

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I am delighted to have you here. This website shares my professional work, projects, and academic contributions, offering reliable information and useful resources. Thank you for visiting. I look forward to connecting with you.
— Dr. Arumugam Pitchai

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