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The four-day Techno-Cultural Fest, INFINITUS’25, from February 05-08, 2025,  has come to a showstopping end at SRM University-AP. An incredible lineup of artists featured on the final two days of INFINITUS’25, including renowned music composer-performer duo Salim-Sulaiman Merchant. The duo and their team enthralled the audience with their popular hits and electrifying performances, transforming the campus into a captivating concert where they showcased an unforgettable stage.

The cultural performances also included a stand-up comedy act by Hoody, mesmerizing songs by Ram Miryala and a final showdown by DJ Akram. The performing artists set the stage ablaze with their incredible zeal and talent, and the grounds of SRM University-AP became a platform for fun, creativity and enjoyment.

The techno fest, a central highlight of INFINITUS 2025, commenced with great enthusiasm and an immense exhibition of talent. The inaugural function witnessed Vice President of PowerTrain at Volvo Group, Mr Kishan Sreenath, as the Chief Guest along with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora; Registrar, Dr R Premkumar; Director of Student Affairs, Mr Anil Kumar Nigam; Chief Club Advisor, Dr Sujith Kalluri; and Student Council President, Mr B V S Laksman.

Chief Guest Mr Kishan Sreenath commended the ethos behind INFINITUS ‘25. He also highlighted the importance of problem statements in hackathons and their crucial role in advancing technology. Mr Kishan stressed how platforms such as INFINITUS ‘25 foster collaboration among individuals with varying backgrounds, benefiting society.

The HACK SRM Challenge was the standout event among the technical events, with 22 hours of nonstop hacking, six tracks, a grand prize pool of ₹ 1 Lakh, and ₹75k worth of sidetracks. Some of the other technical competitions of the fest included FIFA, Valorant, BGMI, Bullet Echo, and Rapid UI, to name a few. Navacharak bagged the 1st prize, followed by Pinterest Gillies in the Hack SRM Challenge, winning prize money of 50k and 30k, respectively. The winners of the techno expo- Mahammad Hassain, Yella Reddy, Sai Kumar, and Charmi bagged the prize money of 10k.

The final day of the Techno-Cultural Fest also hosted the much-awaited Mr and Ms Fresher competition, where the brightest, most talented, and deserving candidates were chosen as the title winners. Mr Aashir, a first-year B.Tech. student, and Ms Pratyusha, a first-year M.Sc. student, were selected as Mr and Ms Fresher, respectively. Other cultural programmes included Tech Tales, Cyber Vogue, Cyber Sway, Cyber Tunes and Glitch Stage where participants put on exemplary performances and won spectacular prizes. INFINITUS’25, organised under the aegis of the Directorate of Student Affairs and the Student Council of the university, was a resounding success, a memorable experience celebrating innovation, talent and creativity./p>

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The Department of Mathematics successfully hosted a 6-day Workshop cum Mini-Symposium on Partial Differential Equations (PDE) from December 23 to 28, 2024, with generous financial support from the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). The event aimed to bridge theoretical foundations and cutting-edge applications of PDEs, fostering academic dialogue among researchers, scholars, and students.

The Workshop held on the theme “Basics of regularity theory of elliptic partial differential equations” featured sessions by subject experts including Prof. A. Adimurthi, Visiting Faculty, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, IIT Kanpur; Dr Karthik Adimurthi, Reader, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Centre for Applicable Mathematics, Bangalore and Prof. Prosenjit Roy, Professor, Department of Mathematics, IIT Kanpur.

Themed “Applied Mathematics Symposium on Differential Equations: Theory, Computation, and Beyond”, the mini-symposium featured insightful talks by Prof. Mohit Dalwadi, Associate Professor in Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford; Dr Satyajit Pramanik, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, IIT Guwahati and Dr Moitri Sen, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, NIT Patna. These experts delivered lectures on advanced topics, including elliptic PDE theory, computational methods, and interdisciplinary applications.

The primary aim was to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the abstract theory of elliptic partial differential equations, emphasising both foundational principles and modern computational techniques. Interactive sessions, problem-solving workshops, and collaborative discussions enriched the learning experience.

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The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 23 outstation researchers (from reputed institutions across India) and PhD scholars from the Department of Mathematics, SRM AP. The diverse cohort facilitated vibrant academic exchanges and networking opportunities.

A special felicitation ceremony was also held on December 24, 2025, to honour Vigyan Shri Prof. Adimurthi for his monumental contributions to mathematics. This segment underscored SRM AP’s commitment to celebrating excellence in scientific research. The Workshop cum Mini-Symposium served as a dynamic platform for disseminating knowledge, fostering collaborations, and inspiring future research in PDEs.

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SRM University-AP honoured the 76th Year of India as a Republic with regal celebrations at the campus. Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora hoisted the flag in the presence of Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Deans and Directors, faculty, staff and students, followed by a parade by the security staff of the university. Ms Jyotika Sri Dandi, student of Easwari School of Liberal Arts who represented the Indian team at the Women’s 4x400m Relay for the Paris Olympics 2024, was also present for the occasion.

In his address, Prof. Manoj K Arora spoke about the country’s golden heritage and the battle for freedom led by our freedom fighters and visionary leaders, which led to the momentous victory of Purna Swaraj. He underscored the significance of our Constitution representing the values that unite the diverse nation. “Our country has developed in leaps and bounds with our pivotal position on the global economic front, achievements in education and sports, and our advanced space programme. India is on its way to becoming a developed nation by 2047, and we must strive together as citizens to achieve this inclusive vision,” stated Prof. Arora in his address. He also briefed on the university’s stellar growth in academics, research and innovation, entrepreneurial startups, infrastructure and the plan for the upcoming year.

The celebration also witnessed the felicitation of the student-athlete and Olympian, Ms Jyotika Sri Dandi, who participated in the Paris Olympics 2024. The university awarded her a reward cheque of Rs 20 Lakhs for her remarkable contribution to Indian sports and her alma mater. In her address of gratitude, she stated, “SRM University-AP provided me with immense support for my academics with scholarships and the best resources for training. With two Olympians already in its fold, I am sure that in 10 years we will harbour the best contingent of athletes and academicians among all Indian universities.”

Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan sanctioned Rs 70 lakh to be awarded to students who have won various national and inter-university sports championships. Cash prizes ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 1,00,000 were awarded to student-athletes for their exemplary sports performances during the event. Faculty and staff who have rendered five years of service to the university were also honoured with a memento and certificate in recognition of their contribution to the university’s development. The Republic Day celebrations concluded with various cultural programmes by students celebrating the diversity of the great nation.

The future is going to be a system of systems,” – Mr Dasari Ramakrishna, CEO & MD of Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd. at the Systems Engineering Summit 2025 hosted by SRM University-AP.

SRM University-AP kicked off the prestigious Systems Engineering Summit 2025 (SES 2025) on January 23, 2025, partnering with Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd., INCOSE India, IEEE Systems Council, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Information Technology Association of Andhra Pradesh (iTAAP). This two-day summit, to empower the next generation of system engineers, is designed as an outreach initiative to introduce students, faculty, and industry professionals to fundamental concepts, techniques, and exciting career thoughts in systems engineering.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora remarked, “Systems Engineering is a highly interdisciplinary field that overarches all branches of engineering and management disciplines. The SES 2025 is an informative platform for young engineers to understand how systems engineering drives innovation in today’s complex world.”

This summit brought together thought leaders and industry practitioners from different sectors, such as aerospace, automotive healthcare, defence, and industry manufacturers, for an array of keynote sessions and panel discussions on systems engineering as a key to navigating the transforming world. Mr Dasari Ramakrishna of Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd opined that Systems Engineering provides exceptional aspirational directions and career thoughts. He said that in this rapidly evolving world, automation with a system of systems integration is the future, and it is time to introduce the concept into the curriculum of higher educational institutions.

An MoU was signed between SRM University-AP and Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd. to ensure active industry participation in academia, bridging the gap between the classroom and the workforce. SRM University-AP and the other participating universities, VIT-AP University, Vignan University, Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, and Acharya Nagarjuna University, also signed an MoU with INCOSE India, exploring various opportunities to ensure the academic curriculum of the universities are made industry-ready.

Dr Yogananda Jeppu, Executive Committee Member – Academia, INCOSE India, Technical Fellow and Systems Architect – Boeing, stated, “The collaboration between industries and educational universities is the driving force of innovation. In a world of interconnectedness and complexity, systems engineering is the interdisciplinary field that will break the silos and bring innovation through its methodology.”

Notable dignitaries from industry, academia and the government including Smt. Lakshmi Mukkavilli, President, IT Association of Andhra Pradesh, MD – Patra India BPO Services; Dr S V Kota Reddy, Vice Chancellor, VIT-AP University; Prof. Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao, Vice Chancellor, Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education; Prof. K Gangadhara Rao, Vice Chancellor, Acharya Nagarjuna University; Cmde. Dr M S Raghunathan, Registrar, Vignan University; Dr Maheswar Dwivedy, Associate Dean – Academia-Industry Relations and Professional Internships, SRM AP also shared their insights on the significance of this prestigious summit.

The Systems Engineering Summit 2025 organised as a joint initiative by SRM AP and various organisations, proved to be not just a summit but a call for action. The summit inspired a meaningful dialogue to create a roadmap for technological advancements in systems engineering for a more equitable and more sustainable society.

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“Engineering very small things, structures less than 10nm, is challenging – and this is my biggest interest.” – Prof. Pulickel M Ajayan.

The university hosted its nineteenth edition of the University Distinguished Lecture, featuring a celebrated talk on “Nano-Engineered Materials” by eminent scientist Prof. Pulickel M Ajayan, Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor of Engineering and Founding Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering at Rice University, Texas, USA on January 07, 2025. A pioneer in nanotechnology with a noteworthy career extended to three decades, Prof. Ajayan’s session elucidated the recent developments in nanotechnology, particularly in relation to the challenges in designing and controllably synthesising functional nano-engineered materials.

Prof. Ajayan spoke extensively on the three major key points – Atomically Thin Layers (2D) Vertical and Lateral Heterostructures, Defects & Single Atoms and Printed 3D Nano-architectures & Nanocomposites. “Three decades ago, nanotechnology or nanomaterial science was just emerging. Today, it has become an enabling technology with fundamental developments in controlled manufacturing of nanomaterials,” remarked Prof. Ajayan in his lecture. He proceeded to elucidate the various phases of nanotechnology – the first phase, where scientists worked on the fundamental understanding of material synthesis, controlled fabrication, etc.; the second phase of integrating nanotechnology into potential devices; and the current phase of high-tier development through commercialisation.

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“A prominent figure in nanotechnology, Prof. Ajayan’s work in carbon nanotubes is exemplary in understanding the building of nano heterostructures. It is a privilege to have him share his wealth of knowledge on this remarkable occasion,” said Prof. CV Tomy, Dean – SEAS, in his welcome address. Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean – Research, also praised Prof. Ajayan for his contributions to nanoengineering and material science. Prof. Ajayan also had a brief interaction with the faculty regarding potential academic and research collaborations.

The 19th University’s distinguished lecture on nano-engineered materials ignited genuine curiosity about the field among the participating students. The profile of Prof. Pulickel M Ajayan and his astounding research portfolio motivated both faculty and students to explore nanoengineering and material sciences. The 19th UDL was graced by the presence of Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Deans of various schools, faculty from various streams and students of the varsity. The UDL series is a testament to the university’s passion for research and commitment to place SRM AP in the frontiers of academic and research excellence.

The 22nd OITS International Conference on Information Technology (OCIT-2024) was hosted at SRM University-AP from December 12 to 14, 2024. The conference, which served as a premier platform to discuss advancements in information technology, brought together distinguished academics, researchers, industry professionals, and students from across the globe. OCIT-2024 witnessed a submission of 600 research papers, out of which 136 papers were accepted and registered for presentation after rigorous review.

OCIT 2024 had seven keynote speakers who delivered insightful presentations, offering deep expertise and futuristic perspectives on emerging trends: Prof. Arun Kumar Pujari, HOD of AI & CSE, Adviser & Professor Emeritus Mahindra University, Prof. Banshidhar Majhi, Professor (HAG), Comp Sc.& Engg. NIT Rourkela, Former Director, IIITDM KP, Former VC, VSSUT Burla, Prof. Prabir Kumar Biswas, IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Sharad Sharma (University of North Texas UNT), Dr Kannan Srinathan (IIIT Hyderabad), Prof. Siba Kumar Udgata (University of Hyderabad), Dr Kumar Goutam (Founder & President of QRACE).

Esteemed session chairs guided thought-provoking discussions, elevating the intellectual rigour of the conference. Presenters also shared cutting-edge research, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and innovation. The topics explored ranged from artificial intelligence and machine learning to advanced networking and quantum computing. The conference emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in addressing global challenges and shaping the future.

The conference concluded on a high note, inspiring participants to continue their pursuit of excellence in research and innovation. 12 papers were recognised as the best papers for their exceptional quality and contribution. All 136 accepted papers will be published in IEEE Xplore (Scopus Indexed). Additionally, approximately 15% of the papers will receive extended invitations for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

OCIT-2024 was a remarkable event, leaving a lasting impact on its participants and setting the stage for future technological advancements. The event celebrated the spirit of innovation and research through well-curated presentations.

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The 7th National Conference on Electronic Structure successfully concluded at SRM University-AP on November 21 – 23, 2024, under the aegis of the Department of Physics and the Centre for Computational and Integrative Sciences. The conference provided a dynamic platform for discussions and interactions on the recent advances in electron spectroscopy, microscopy, and related theoretical approaches to understanding the electronic structure of materials.

NCES was also aimed at capacity building in the field of electronic structure. Scientists, researchers, and scholars from universities and research institutes assembled to delve deep into research on electronic structure-related projects and works. Scientific discussions and invited lectures showcased insightful sessions by domain experts from India.

Out of forty poster participants, four poster winners were awarded a certificate of appreciation and Rs.3000/—each in recognition of their effort and dedication, contributing to their success.

Prof. Ranjit Thapa (Convenor), Prof. Kalobaran Maiti (National Convenor), and Prof. B R Sekhar (National Convenor) spoke about the significance of the event, which helped scholars know the importance of the NCES event in terms of fruitful scientific interactions and collaborations with each other.

The participants were also on a short tour around Undavalli caves and Kanak Durga Temple. The tour plan facilitated an informal platform for participants to communicate freely and network with others for long-term collaborations.

The 7th National Conference on Electronic Structure was an inspiring experience for all participants, encouraging research scholars to work in the field of electronic structure. The conference also facilitated a conducive environment for problem-solving and innovation.

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The Central Library hosted a highly successful Book Exhibition from November 21 – 23, 2024 in collaboration with Shah Books House (Hyderabad), Shanthi Book House (Chennai), and ISKCON Society (Vijayawada). The exhibition offered a wide range of books covering academic references, research materials, and general interest genres, catering to students, faculty, and staff. Special discounts were available to attendees, making this event an enriching experience for everyone involved.

Our exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Dean – Academic Affairs and Prof. C V Tomy, Dean – SEAS in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora, who praised the exhibition’s ability to promote reading habits and encourage academic curiosity among students and faculty alike. Over 500 attendees, including students, faculty members, and visiting scholars, enthusiastically participated, all of whom explored the rich collection of books on display.

The collaboration with the partnering organisations ensured that the needs of the academic community were met, with resources spanning across disciplines, research interests, and general reading preferences. Many students highlighted the wide variety of books available, extending beyond the core curriculum and including topics catering to their interests and career goals. Faculty members appreciated the opportunity to recommend books for future acquisitions, ensuring the library remains up-to-date with the latest academic trends and resources.

The 2024 Book Exhibition was a resounding success, fostering a deeper connection to reading within the SRM University-AP community. The collaborative efforts of the vendors and ISKCON Society, along with the enthusiastic participation of students and faculty, made this a memorable event. Moving forward, the university plans to expand future exhibitions by incorporating more digital reading resources and hosting guest speakers to enhance the experience further.

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.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has announced its partnership with SRM University-AP as its technology partner for the Amaravati Drone Summit 2024. The Summit will feature Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri. Chandra Babu Naidu. Their presence will underscore the importance of the Summit and signal the government’s commitment to embracing new technologies that have the potential to revolutionise various sectors.

The summit will feature thought-provoking sessions by Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora, along with other industry and academic leaders. Additionally, a dedicated exhibition aimed at showcasing solutions and addressing challenges encountered in technology operations will be featured. The Summit will also host Hackathons for students, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their skills and technological expertise. The university’s Centre for Drone Technology will take active part in mutliple sessions at the summit.

By nominating SRM University-AP as its technological partner, the Government of Andhra Pradesh is leveraging the university’s state-of-the-art research facilities and its pool of talented Faculty, researchers and students. This partnership is expected to not only provide a platform for showcasing cutting-edge drone technology but also to spur research and development in this rapidly evolving field.

The event is poised to become a landmark occasion, paving the way for new collaborations and innovations that could redefine the boundaries in the world of technology.