With the aim of providing holistic development to the students, the Freshmen Orientation Programme-2021 delivers a blend of Academic, administrative knowledge along with tips and tricks of good Mental Health, in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute. The last session of their 3-day induction programme will be delivered by Mr Rupesh Sharma on August 28, 2021, at 2.30 pm. Mr Sharma will be discussing “Recharge-Art of Positive Thinking”.

Mr Rupesh Sharma is associated with Heartfulness Institute since August 2014. He became a trainer in January 2018. He has done B. Pharma from Medical College, Amritsar and is currently the Vice President for United Biotech, Delhi. Mr Sharma has 25 years of experience in Pharmaceuticals Sales and Marketing. He has spent the last 15 years in top companies such as Apple Therapeutics, USV Ltd., Lark Laboratories India Ltd. etc. Mr Sharma has successfully conducted 50+ workshops so far on Science of Meditation, Compassion and Empathy, Happiness Series, Introduction to HFN Practices. Join the session on August 28, 2021, at 2.30 pm to master positive think with Mr Rupesh Sharma.

The grand virtual inauguration of the Freshmen Orientation Programme-2021 took place on August 25, 2021, at 2.30 pm. Dr P Sathyanarayanan, President; Prof V S Rao, Vice-Chancellor and Prof D Narayana Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the freshers into the university. The Orientation Programme will be continued till September 07, 2021.

In the Presidential address, Dr Sathyanarayanan asserted SRM University’s latest achievements in Placement, Higher Studies and Entrepreneurship. Unlike many other universities, which concentrates on producing job-seeking graduates, SRM University-AP prefers to deliver job providers. Thus, this university gives grave emphasis on Entrepreneurial and Innovative activities. The university is proud of its budding entrepreneurs, founders of OurEye.ai, who secured an angel investment of $120000. SRM University-AP is unique in many ways, and that is one of the reasons that attract meritorious students to the university. SRM University-AP further offers special scholarships for brilliant students. The university gives equal importance to Placement, Higher Studies and Entrepreneurship to support the students in realising their dreams and potential. Dr Sathyanarayanan believes that talent, discipline and opportunity can change a student’s future, provided he/she makes good use of it. “Stress on the hard work, capitalise your talent with SRM University-AP’s experiential programme to find success at your doorstep,” advised Dr Sathyanarayanan.

In his address, Prof V S Rao emphasised on the transition from the School to the University system. The known world is going to change, many of the things students will be experiencing for the first time – be it hostel living or continual internal evaluation instead of annual exams. Prof Rao further explained the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in education and research. Following the recommendation of National Education Policy-2020, SRM University-AP highly stresses on interdisciplinary learning. Time management is another critical factor that is going to affect the students. With the aim to provide holistic education, the university also puts an emphasis on extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. Starting from various clubs and societies to the learning of international languages, SRM University-AP provides many opportunities to the students. One of the distinctive features of the university is that the students can design their future here. From the choice of courses to the choice of careers, SRM University-AP provides support at every level to the students.

In the concluding remarks, Prof D Narayana Rao delved into the importance of innovation and research. Every nation, who aspires to acquire global leadership, has to be very sound in science and technology. India is now one of the top 5 emerging economic powers in the world. The responsibility lies on the shoulders of the next generation of students to take India to the top. With immense passion and willpower, it is possible to witness that achievement.

During the Orientation Programme, eminent personalities from different spheres will be inspiring and motivating students. Prof K N Satyanarayana, Director-Indian Institute of Technology-Tirupati, Dr Jaya Prakash Narayan, Former Secretary to Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Mr VV Lakshmi Narayana, former JD-CBI, Dr Hanuman Chowdary, Director of Centre for Telecom Management and Studies and Chairman of Pragna Bharati, Padma Bhushan Dr K Varaprasad Reddy, Ms Koka Vijayalakshmi, Prof B S Murty, Director-IIT Hyderabad, will be addressing the students in the fortnight-long programme.

Beyond the motivational lectures, SRM University-AP has organised sessions on Yoga and Meditations in collaboration with Heartfulness Institute to provide holistic development to the students.

SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, unifies to welcome Freshmen of the academic year by inviting Ms Koka Vijayalakshmi, Classical Dancer, to deliver an inspiring speech on September 04, 2021, at 10.45 am.

Ms Koka Vijayalakshmi was born into a Telugu family with a passion for fine arts. At the age of 5, she began learning Kuchipudi. Ms Vijayalakshmi holds an MA in Kuchipudi dance from PST University, Hyderabad and an M. Phil in Tourism Management. She is also pursuing her PhD in Dance. She has given more than 1000 performances in India and abroad.

Ms Koka Vijayalakshmi is an Empanelled Artiste of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Koka Vijayalakshmi partook in many Festivals in India and abroad and has over 1000 performances to her credit. She has further choreographed celebrated dance ballets with thematic and innovative presentations.

A Doordarshan Graded Artiste, Koka Vijayalakshmi, is dedicated to promoting dance in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. She set up the Sri Koka Radha Krishna Murthy Academy in memory of her father. This Academy promotes the Rich Indian Culture & Heritage through Indian fine arts in both Telugu-speaking States.

Ms Vijayalakshmi has also released a rare book, “Bhogini Dandakam”, written by Sri Bammera Pothana and five Dance ballets in 2011 titled Telugu Samskruti Sourabhalu. She is also the founder secretary of Bharata Rangasthali Academy of Fine Arts.

Ms Koka Vijayalakshmi has been recognised with many awards and accolades for her contributions to dance. She was awarded two Nandi awards and Ugadi Puraskaram from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, among others. She also holds two Guinness World Records.

SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, has beseeched Padma Shri awardee Dr T H Chowdary to deliver a motivational speech on “What is education for?” during the Freshmen Orientation Programme designed to welcome the Freshmen 2021 on September 02, 2021, at 10.45 am.

Dr Chowdary is the Director of Center for Telecom Management and Studies, Hyderabad, along with being the Chairman of Pragna Bharati, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh. Further, he is the Convener of Bharatiya Dharma Rakshana Samakhya. A fellow of Tata Consultancy Services, Dr Chowdary has founded CMD, VSNL, and was the IT Advisor of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. His gamut of experience makes him the embodiment of knowledge who has been continuously contributing to the development of India. Join the session on September 02, 2021, at 10.45 am to learn from the multifaceted man himself.

Progressing with the Freshmen Orientation Programme-2021, where students learn about the university systems and processes, SRM University-AP has also made arrangements to introduce them to eminent people from various spheres of society. The university is honoured to have Mr Vasagiri Venkata Lakshminarayana, Former Additional Director General of Police in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on August 31, 2021, at 09.30 am for an interesting discussion.

Mr Lakshminarayana, a son of the soil, dedicated his life to the service of the nation. He is well-known for leading some high profile investigations with repute and valour. The Retired-IPS officer had previously held the posts of Joint Commissioner of Police of Thane, Maharashtra and Inspector general of police Rank under Y-category security for dealing with high-profile corruption cases. He has also worked under Anti-Terrorism Squad and CBI. Mr V.V. Lakshmi Narayana has been conferred with the Presidents Police Medal for Distinguished Services on January 26 2017.

He is known for his impactful speeches and interactions with youth that impels them towards maturity and development. He was an active member of the Lead India Foundation, which was started with the blessings of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Mr V.V. Lakshmi Narayana is also an avid blood donor. Moreover, as a part of his social duties towards the nation, he has adopted several villages that voluntarily prohibit alcohol – Chinnamandadi of Mahabubnagar District, Sahalalaputtuga of Srikakulam District and Seetharamapuram of Vizianagaram District are among them. He extensively travels in the villages of Andhra Pradesh to understand prominent issues, especially those of farmers, youth and women. Students are requested to avail the opportunity to welcome Mr Lakshminarayana to share his thoughts with us.

It is gracious moment to have him with us on August 31, 2021, at 09.30 am for an interesting discussion.