Mandakini Mishra/Raipur

Professor Dr Shams Parvez has been mentoring students and guiding the public with a vision that blends scientific rigour with social responsibility. Specialising in air pollution, environmental health, and chemistry, Dr Parvez is among the few scientists in Chhattisgarh who have successfully linked academic research with societal needs.

His extensive studies on the changing air quality in Raipur and surrounding regions have provided policymakers with a scientific basis for intervention.

Dr Parvez’s simplicity, scientific rigour, and dedication to students define his persona. He is not just a capable teacher and scientist but a pivotal figure in Chhattisgarh’s academic landscape for environmental protection.

His research has been published in numerous national and international journals, with a focus on the changing air quality in Chhattisgarh, providing scientific guidance for state environmental policies and public health programs.

Dr Parvez’s collaborations with prestigious global institutions, including NASA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reflect the high quality of his research, through which he has led multi-million-dollar projects.

After completing his education, Dr Parvez began his academic career at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, where he has over 25 years of teaching experience and 27 years of research expertise.

Over this time, he has authored numerous research papers and guided PhD and M.Phil. students, fostering the next generation of scientists. His research primarily focuses on air pollution and its impact on public health, industrial air quality, and environmental chemistry.

The air we breathe contains stories of quality and hazards, and scientists like Dr Shams Parvez are essential for narrating them. As a Professor at the School of Studies in Chemistry at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, he conducts studies at every scale—from microscopic airborne particles to pollution generated by cultural activities.

With an expertise in chemistry, Dr Parvez is not only an educator but also a dedicated researcher working to preserve environmental balance and assess air pollution.

He earned his B.Sc., M.Sc. (Physical Chemistry), and PhD (Chemical Sciences) from the same university, and since 1992 has been actively involved in teaching and research, mentoring countless students over nearly three decades.

Dr Parvez believes that research remains incomplete until it benefits society. Following this principle, he has consistently translated laboratory findings into actionable insights for the general public.

His studies on the dangers of air pollution have enhanced public awareness and influenced policy discussions. Dr Parvez’s academic journey began with a passion for chemistry, which led him from postgraduate and doctoral studies to selection by the Public Service Commission, teaching in colleges, and eventually joining the university as a professor.

Gradually, his focus shifted to Physical Chemistry and, more specifically, Atmospheric Chemistry. Over thirty years of teaching, he has become a source of inspiration for students, encouraging them to adopt scientific perspectives not just through textbooks but through hands-on laboratory and research experiences.

For Dr Parvez, the goal of education and research extends beyond knowledge acquisition—it is about creating a healthy, aware, and responsible society. He prioritises local relevance in his research, focusing on issues such as pollution levels in Raipur, the presence of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and the health impacts of toxic gases.

According to him, one of the root causes of environmental degradation is a rise in mental pollution among individuals, which limits scientific awareness and responsible action. He regularly advises the media and public to adopt a scientific approach in daily life, whether in cultural or religious practices, suggesting safer alternatives such as avoiding burning materials that release toxic gases and checking air quality in vehicle cabins.

He emphasises maintaining clean neighbourhoods, proper drainage to prevent the spread of harmful organic compounds during rains, and discouraging open waste burning. Even household practices like avoiding incense sticks contribute to healthier air.

He works on Air Quality Measurement and Source Apportionment: Identifying contributions of industrial, domestic, and religious activities to pollution levels. Impact of Cultural and Religious Activities: Assessing emissions of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and smoke from cremations, rituals, and other practices on health and the environment.

He has received a U.S. Fulbright Research Fellowship, Environmental Leadership (2010) at Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV. CSIR Research Associateship / Senior Research Fellowship (1992–1994). He has been an advisory member in the State Planning Commission, Chhattisgarh, and an expert member in state initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Member of the Technical Program Committee under India’s DST Ministry’s ANR&F program.

Dr Parvez urges students to focus on both education and research, encouraging them to develop a scientific mindset while prioritising the needs of their country. He stresses that research funding comes from public contributions and must be used responsibly.

In addition to his academic duties, he serves as the President of the Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University Teachers’ Association leads the front of state-level university faculty associations in Chhattisgarh.

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Through a life dedicated to scientific inquiry, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, Dr Shams Parvez exemplifies how research and education can be harmonised to benefit society, making him a true sentinel of air quality and public health in Chhattisgarh.