Current Happenings

In an era where fast fashion dominates, students of Paari School of Business, SRM University-AP, took a step towards understanding the roots of sustainable fashion. As part of a community outreach and engagement initiative, the 2nd-year BBA & B.Com students visited the Handloom Weavers’ Sheds in Mangalagiri .

The field visit was enriched with valuable insights from Ms Vanaja, Assistant Director, O/o Commissioner of Handlooms & Textiles, Government of A.P., and guided support from Assistant Development Officers Mr Prithvi and Ms Jayalakshmi, along with Department staff member Ms Padmavathi.

During the visit, the students:

• Explored the operational aspects of the handloom weaving industry
• Understood the working conditions and livelihood challenges of artisans
• Identified gaps in forward and backward linkages within the sector
• Reflected on sustainable practices and solutions that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)

This hands-on engagement offered students more than just academic knowledge – it allowed them to witness resilience, creativity, and heritage in action, while inspiring them to rethink how sustainability can be woven into business and society.

Faculty Mentor:
Dr Nagalakshmi MVN., Assistant Professor, Paari School of Business

Project Team (Students):
Ankitha D, Ramya Sri Appana, Sahithi Dasari, S Bola Sankari, Priya Vellala, Diptimayee Pradhan, Manvitha Reddy G, Anjani Y

A workshop titled “The Role of Intellectual Property in Entrepreneurship” organised by the Department of Management under the Paari School of Business was held at varsity on April 21, 2025. The speaker, Prof. B Koteswararao Naik, a Professor at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai, shared his insights on intellectual property and its importance.

Prof. Naik commenced the workshop by discussing the importance of thinking of novel ideas and their potential to lead to successful start-ups. He guided participants on the steps essential to convert their ideas into patentable innovations, conveying the differences between invention and innovation. Moreover, Prof. Naik defined the different steps that are involved in the process of invention, like Idea, originality, identity, imagination, vision, necessity, and opportunity. This not only provided participants with a road map to invention but also encouraged them to think and create something out of the box.

Intellectual Property Management (IPM) was discussed as an important function for any entrepreneur. Prof. Naik introduced the students to the different aspects of IPM and its three key pillars: Create, Protect, and Leverage. He went on to encourage students by focusing on the benefits of IPM, such as attracting investors, protecting their Idea, and differentiating themselves from the present market.

The workshop acted as guidance for all those who aspire to make their mark with innovative ideas. The session concluded with an interactive discussion among the students and Prof. Naik, whose valuable insights inspired all the participants.