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- Challenging Norms and Expanding Perspectives with YSK Prerna November 18, 2024
In a world where conversations around gender are evolving rapidly, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology from the Easwari School of Liberal Arts at SRM University-AP hosted a two-part lecture series that sparked introspection, challenged societal norms, and helped foster inclusivity. With honest discussions, cultural references, and meaningful reflections, the sessions resonated deeply with students, encouraging them to rethink what they know about gender.The session saw Artistic Director of Conflictorium – Museum of Conflict, Chattisgarh, and Gujarat, YSK Prerana as its speaker.The first session for the Universal Human Values and Ethics students opened the door to reimagining gender beyond traditional binaries. The discussions tackled pressing issues such as inequality, the choice of motherhood, and the issue of gender-based violence. The session wove in popular memes that students see every day to explore how gender stereotypes are subtly reinforced. The speaker took things a step further, the short film Juice. Set in a household gathering, the movie painted a raw picture of how caste, class, and gender intersect, powerfully illustrating how invisible power dynamics shape everyday interactions.
The session wasn’t about pointing fingers or placing blame. It was about understanding—about seeing the world through a different lens and recognising how ingrained norms can shape perceptions. Students left the room not just with questions but with a drive to seek answers and advocate for change.
The second session, tailored for students of the Open Elective Law and Society, turned the focus inward. It started with a simple question: When did you first become aware of your gender? What followed was an exploration of how gender is more than an identity—it’s a social construct shaped by power dynamics.
Students examined how societal categories like caste and class blend into gendered expectations and how these norms are portrayed through media. But the session didn’t just focus on challenges. It celebrated progress, stressing upon how new meanings and ways of expressing gender are emerging every day.
The sessions made students pause and think about the roles they play in their communities and the changes they can bring. By addressing deeply ingrained issues with honesty and compassion, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology created a space where students could reflect on their own experiences, listen and most importantly ask questions.
Continue reading → - SRM University-AP Forges Partnership with TAR UMT, Malaysia November 14, 2024
The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies at SRM University-AP signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s globally renowned institution—Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management And Technology, TAR UMT, Malaysia.These partnerships are aimed at fostering collaborative research, expanding publication opportunities, offering co-teaching and course supervision, and hosting joint conferences.The Malaysian delegation, represented by Prof. Say Sok Kwan, Vice President for Administration and Internationalisation at TAR UMT, expressed a shared vision. “At TAR UMT, our primary focus is to ensure that we uphold the highest standards in education and prioritise affordable education to all. We are not commercially driven.” She asserted that this partnership will generate research that not only benefits our local community but also has a positive impact on society at large.
Adding to this sentiment, Prof. Ranjit Thapa, stated that the varsity being a research-intrinsic university wherein the varsity dedicates 15-20% of its budget for research. He stated that collaborating with TAR UMT would be a step towards co-creating knowledge that addresses global challenges. Dr Sudeshna and Prof. Ranjit Thapa brainstormed with the Malaysian delegation on areas that they can begin collaborating, they agreed that Industry Internships, enrollment in upcoming international conferences and co- supervising research would be a great start.
Prof. C V Tomy, Dean School of Engineering and Sciences, presented the Malaysian Delegation with a gist of the university’s research, academic and Entrepreneurial environment. He stressed on the fact that as an institution of higher education SRM AP focuses on research and that here at the varsity, research is encouraged across all programmes, including the faculty and the undergraduate students.
Dr Sudeshna Saha, Associate Director of the Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies at SRM University-AP, as well as other esteemed deans and faculty members, attended the event. Alongside the Malaysian representatives, including Dr Loke Chui Fung, Vice President for Research & Development and Commercialisation, and Dr Karthiyani Shanmugam, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mr Marcus Ooi Hwee Jin– Director, Department of International Student Office, and Mr Danny Chng Loi Peng– Director, Centre for Continuing and Professional Education .This partnership is poised to enhance academic synergies and contribute significantly to addressing both local and global challenges through collaborative research and education.
Continue reading → - Innovating the Art of Teaching Through Gamification & Game-Based Learning (GBL) November 14, 2024
In alignment with the university’s goal to enhance academic excellence, innovation in teaching-learning methods that transgress from non-traditional approaches has taken pivotal importance in academia. To facilitate enhanced and experiential learning experiences for students, the Teaching Learning Centre organised a workshop on “Gamification and Game-based Learning (GBL) in University Education” on November 13, 2024, led by Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. The workshop explored the benefits, challenges, and practical strategies for incorporating Gamification and GBL methods in university-level courses.
The session opened with a discussion on the difference between gamification and game-based learning, two concepts that share similar principles but serve different functions. Gamification, Dr Chinnadurai explained, involves including game-like elements, such as points, badges, and reward systems, in traditional classroom activities. Using these, instructors can transform routine tasks into interactive, motivational experiences for students. Game-based learning, however, takes the concept further by using games as teaching tools. Through this method, students learn by actively engaging in activities that relate to the course matter.
Throughout the workshop, instructors explored how these methods could significantly benefit students. Gamification and GBL have been shown to increase student engagement and actively involve them in learning. This method promotes knowledge skills, boosts creativity, strengthens problem-solving skills, and encourages active participation in the classroom.
The workshop also discussed the practical challenges instructors might face when incorporating GBL and gamification into their courses. Technical issues, student resistance to non-traditional learning methods, and the additional time required for planning were highlighted as common problems. Dr Chinnadurai emphasised the importance of aligning game-based activities with course objectives. Clear rules, along with timely feedback, are essential for creating effective and engaging learning experiences that also meet academic standards.
To provide participants with hands-on experience, the workshop introduced interactive tools such as Kahoot! and Mentimeter, which act as platforms for creating quizzes, polls, and other gamified content. These tools also introduced us to the potential of scenario-based learning.
The workshop highlighted the value of adopting new teaching methodologies in academic pedagogies. As instructors look to enhance their students’ learning experiences, gamification and game-based learning provide promising avenues for making education both rigorous and enjoyable.
Continue reading → - Navigating the Startup Landscape November 12, 2024
A Tech Talk was jointly organised by the Paari School of Business and the Directorate of CR & CS. It gave budding entrepreneurs of SRM AP a comprehensive view of building and scaling startups, with practical guidance on MVP development, funding paths, and team expansion through structured hiring practices.
The Talk featuring Aravind Subash, Lead – Talent Acquisition at Increff, as the guest speaker, included engaging exercises such as conducting Extensive Research on Bootstrap Companies in India and Designing a Recruitment Flowchart, which helped students understand the various nuances of being an entrepreneur.
Mr Aravind also shared inputs on investment strategies, highlighting contributions from notable investors such as Kunal Shah (founder of CRED) and Binny Bansal (co-founder of Flipkart).
The insights shared were valuable for young students looking to start, scale, or fund a business in the dynamic startup ecosystem.
Continue reading → - SRM AP Joins OPPO India in its Clarion Call against E-Waste November 9, 2024
SRM University-AP, in collaboration with OPPO India and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), is partnering to support “Generation Green”—a national-level initiative aimed at empowering youth to become advocates of sustainability through green skills and actionable commitments. The first phase of the campaign saw AICTE and OPPO India partner with 1M1B to promote sustainable practices among youth by offering green internships to students across India. Launched on July 08, 2024, by AICTE Chairman Prof. T G Sitharam, in the presence of Dr Buddha Chandrasekhar, CCO, AICTE, over 9,000 students from more than 1,400 institutions applied to join the noble venture.The second phase of the ‘Generation Green’ campaign witnessed SRM AP’s partnership with OPPO and AICTE for educating youngsters about the need for responsible electronic waste management. In alignment with this initiative, the varsity conducted E-Waste Quest 2024, wherein it enlightened students on the issue of waste management of discarded electronic items such as mobile phones, chargers, batteries, and wires. With over 400,000 pledges to date, the campaign now targets one million youth engagements by the end of 2024 to create a lasting impact on e-waste management and environmental preservation. On the occasion OPPO India awarded the SRM University with the title of Eco-Conscious Institution, reflecting the varsity’s commitment to sustainability.
Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan and Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora congratulated the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering for their dedication and commitment to this cause, while Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean-Paari School of Business and the officiating Vice Chancellor, emphasised, “Initiatives like the Generation Green Campaign illustrate how small, purposeful actions can catalyse significant change toward a sustainable future.”
Prof. C V Tomy, Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, addressed the gathering with an inspiring call to action, stating that every school must have an e-waste collection centre. He stated, “This effort not only promotes responsible disposal but also opens doors to entrepreneurial opportunities, instilling a mindset of sustainability and innovation among students.”
During the launch of the E-Waste Quest 2024, Mr Rakesh Bhardwaj from OPPO India stated, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective commitment to a sustainable future. This initiative encourages our youth to take ownership of their role in environmental stewardship.” Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian, Associate Professor and Head-Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, stated, “A motivated and informed generation has the power to reshape our planet. If we do not take responsibility for its protection, no one else will.”
Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Dean-Academic Affairs, implored the youth to fight together in this crusade to save Mother Nature from the horrors of e-waste, noting, “The transition for a sustainable future arises from engaging in small acts of sustainability that result in big transformations.” Additionally, Collector and District Magistrate, Ms Nagalakshmi Selvarajan shared a meaningful message on the importance of community involvement. The E-Waste Quest 2024 served as a powerful reminder that collective efforts help shape a greener future where progress and sustainability go hand in hand.
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- Understanding the Impact of Sundarbans Mangroves on Global Oceanic Carbon Budgets November 9, 2024
The Sundarbans represent the largest mangrove system on Earth, covering >10,000 km2. These mangroves can export a vast amount of aquatic carbon that can be potentially sequestered for millennia. Dr Kousik Das, Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, collaborates with Southern Cross University, Australia and IIT Kharagpur to conduct breakthrough research to analyse and estimate the carbon flux between the Sunderbans and the Bay of Bengal. He has published a research paper titled “Groundwater discharge and bank overtopping drive large carbon exports from Indian Sundarban mangroves” in the Q1 journal Science of The Total Environment, having an impact factor of 8.2.
Abstract
We estimate porewater-driven carbon exchange between the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal using high-resolution time series and a radon groundwater mass balance approach spanning a neap-spring tidal cycle. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) increased from neap to spring tides by 352 % up to a maximum of 65.6 cm d−1 largely driven by creek bank overtopping after the mid-tide. Exports of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon and alkalinity doubled between neap and spring, likely due to the ‘first flush’ of older porewater in the mangrove flats. Groundwater discharge was a significant driver of the net carbon export, contributing up to 86.7 % of DIC and 74.0 % of alkalinity during the spring tide while contributing a lower proportion of DOC (4 %–23 %). If these results are representative of the Sundarbans more broadly, carbon fluxes from the Sundarbans would be more than an order of magnitude higher than some of the world’s largest rivers on an areal basis, highlighting the importance of Sundarbans mangroves to global oceanic carbon budgets.
Practical Implementation/Social Implications of the Research
This study shows the global importance of the Sundarbans mangrove system, with significant dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity fluxes to the Bay of Bengal. It also shows that mangrove SGD is an important driver of dissolved inorganic carbon, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TAlk) exports and that bank overtopping during mid and spring tides drives a ‘first flush’ of carbon from groundwater. When carbon fluxes from the study site were upscaled to the entire inundated area of the Sundarbans, DIC and TAlk exports were smaller than some of the world’s largest rivers, however when adjusted to the catchment size (assuming the Sundarbans mangrove catchment area is the extent of the mangroves; 10,200 km2), the areal carbon fluxes from the mangroves are more than an order of magnitude higher than these river systems
Dr Das aims to continue his research and further explore the large flux of carbon export due to tropical cyclones from the Indian Sundarbans to the Bay of Bengal.
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- Industry Experts Inspire Future Leaders at the 2nd Success Mantra for Managers November 9, 2024
The Department of Management at the Paari School of Business conducted the second edition of its flagship event, “Success Mantra for Managers” (SMM), on November 08, 2024, uniting industry leaders to provide valuable insights, experiences, and professional guidance to students and faculty.
The event, moderated by Prof. Bharadwaj Sivakumar, Dean – Paari School of Business and Officiating Vice Chancellor, featured a distinguished panel that addressed the evolving landscape of management. Panellists shared their unique perspectives on effective leadership, motivation, and the importance of new-age skills in today’s corporate environment.
Ms Srimathi Sridharan, Director-BNY Mellon, remarked,” a manager’s role extends beyond mere target achievement; it fundamentally involves inspiring a team”. She highlighted the significance of kindness in leadership, drawing inspiration from her personal experience as well as the late industrialist and philanthropist, Mr Ratan Tata.
Mr Varun Gupta, Associate Director at PepsiCo, spoke passionately on the idea of Success. He stated, “Define Your Success, Yourself,” and stressed on the necessity for managers and leaders to possess a clear vision. He articulated how a well-defined personal and professional vision can guide managers in reaching their goals while empowering their teams.
Dr Bhujanga Rao, Chairman-KIMS Foundation & Research Centre and the key-note speaker for the discussion shared insightful reflections on his experience with Dr Abdul Kalam. He noted that compassion was a standout quality of Dr Kalam’s leadership, underlining that effective leadership encompasses understanding and supporting team members on both professional and personal levels.
Mr Suresh Ponnuru, Director-Analytics & Strategy Leader at Tiger Analytics, articulated the critical role of a leader in effectively communicating their team’s work to both superiors and clients. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and the ability to seize opportunities as they arise, which are essential traits for successful management.
Additionally, Mr Vinay Mantha, MD, Corporate & Investment Bank at J P Morgan Chase, conveyed that a manager should not only celebrate successes but also embrace failures as learning opportunities. This duality, he suggested, is fundamental to continuous growth and resilience in leadership.
In response to a question about handling success and failures at work, the panellists endorsed the significance of having an alternate plan—plan B if plan A fails. They collectively asserted that leaders must take responsibility for setbacks and implement corrective actions promptly.
The discussion further emphasised the need for managers to constantly evolve and acquire new skills, aligning with the event’s core theme that today’s managerial role must balance high performance with adaptability and empathy. Panellists shared personal anecdotes that underscored the joys and challenges of the profession.
The conversation delved into the relevance of emerging skills, such as artificial intelligence and the necessity for continuous learning, all deemed critical for future managers. Despite the focus on new-age competencies, the panellists unanimously vouched for the enduring value of traditional age-old skills like networking and ability to spot opportunities.
The event aimed at presenting the students with actionable insights and reinforced the vital importance of developing a versatile skill set in preparation for their careers, equipping them to thrive in a dynamic professional landscape.
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- Student Innovators Soar to New Heights at Drone Summit 2024 October 28, 2024
The Amravathi Drone Summit 2024 emerged as a landmark event, uniting industry leaders, trailblazers, and visionaries committed to revolutionising the future of drone technology. This varsity proudly showcased its expertise as the esteemed technology partner for this high-profile summit. The summit was charged with excitement as participants explored an array of drones through impressive exhibitions, engaging hackathons, and thought-provoking panel discussions.The Hackathon tested the skills and creativity of the brightest minds. Our very own team of second-year Civil Engineering students made waves by clinching the runner-up prize. The winning trio, Ms Nithya, Ms Sumaya, and Mr Hitesh, received a cash prize of ₹50,000. This achievement not only reflected their hard work and dedication but also showcased the exceptional talent nurtured at the university. Under the guidance of faculty members Dr Harish Puppala and Dr Pranav Peddintti, Assistant Professors in the Department of Civil Engineering, these students are poised to become future leaders in drone technology.
The summit also featured notable panel discussions that provided deeper insights into the evolving landscape of drone technology. Among the distinguished speakers was Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K. Arora, who served as a prominent panellist in the discussions. He was joined by other faculty members, including Dr Raviteja, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Dr Pranav Peddinti, and Dr Harish Puppala, Coordinators of the Centre for Drone Technology and the Centre for Geospatial Technology, respectively, who contributed their expertise on the latest developments in the industry.
With the remarkable performances of our students and the strategic discussions by our faculty, the Amravathi Drone Summit 2024 marks a bold step forward for drone technology.
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- CINEMATES Team Clinches 2nd Prize in National Documentary Competition on Disaster Management October 28, 2024
SRM University-AP is thrilled to announce that its talented CINEMATES team has secured the 2nd prize at the national level in the Documentary Competition on Disaster Management. This prestigious event was organised by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024.The competition centred on the theme “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,” encouraging participants to explore innovative approaches to disaster management through their creative works. The CINEMATES team’s entry, a short film titled “After Shock,” stands out for its poignant narrative and compelling visuals that underscore the critical importance of disaster management education.
Written and directed by the brilliant student Shanmuka Shiva Durgesh Durvasula, “After Shock” delves into the harrowing experience of an earthquake through the contrasting perspectives of two individuals. The film masterfully portrays their survival instincts, shedding light on the emotional and psychological impact of such disasters. Noteworthy contributions in editing were made by Shaik Thaheer, Durgesh, and stunning cinematography by Siva Avula, all of which elevate the film’s powerful message.
In addition to the recognition, the team was awarded a cash prize of ₹1,50,000, a testament to their hard work and dedication. This achievement not only highlights the creative talents of SRM University-AP’s students but also reinforces the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of awareness and resilience in disaster management.
As the university celebrates this remarkable accomplishment, it encourages all students to continue their journey toward making a meaningful difference in society through innovative thinking and responsible filmmaking.
Continue reading → - Bridging Minds and Machines: A Guest Lecture on Language Processing October 24, 2024
The Department of Literature & Languages hosted a guest lecture for students enrolled in the open elective course “Decoding Language,” which is based on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). The lecture took place on October 14 and 15, 2024 and featured Dr Debdarsan Niyogi, an authority in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI.Dr Niyogi’s lecture, titled “Mind & Machine: How Language is Processed,” focused on the intersection of human cognition and artificial intelligence in language processing. He provided in-depth insights into how natural language processing (NLP) algorithms enable machines to interpret and generate human language. The sessions bridged the gap between human linguistic abilities and machine learning models.
Students gained valuable knowledge about the parallels between human and machine language processing. They learned about the complexities of NLP and its real-world applications in AI, data science, and machine learning. This understanding will not only enhance their grasp of neuro-linguistic programming but also prepare them for future endeavours in the growing field of AI-driven language technologies.
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