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Raj Bhavan, Andhra Pradesh, witnessed celebrations of the 48th Sikkim State Formation Day on May 16, 2023. As per the invitation from the Raj Bhavan officials, Dr Ugen Bhutia, Assistant Professor of the Department of Liberal Arts ; Mr Pankaj Belwariar, Director-Communications; and Mr G Venugopal, Deputy Manager-Communications, met the Honourable Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Sri S Abdul Nazeer. The formation days of different States are being celebrated across the Raj Bhavans in the country to foster the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and a greater cultural association between various States and Union Territories.

‘‘The Government of India, through Article 371(f), provides special protection and conservation to local communities and cultures in Sikkim. People of Sikkim are also going out of the state to pursue education and careers, and this is where the role of other States like Andhra Pradesh and higher education institutes like SRM University-AP becomes relevant”, said Dr Ugen Bhutia as he expressed his gratitude to the respected governor for providing the opportunity to speak about Sikkim on the auspicious occasion. He also commented on how SRM University-AP intends to bring in students and employees from Sikkim and other Northeastern States through various scholarship programmes. This contributes towards the national principle of unity in diversity and national integration.

Sikkim State Formation Day is celebrated on May 16 to commemorate the formation of Sikkim as the 22nd state of the Indian Union in 1975. The state is known for its rich ancient architectural marvels and is one of the essential and integral parts of India. Since merging with the Indian Union, Sikkim has witnessed growth both in terms of social and economic development. Sikkim delivered an exemplary performance in tourism and has established itself as one of the preferred tourist destinations attracting lakhs of tourists each year. In 2016, Sikkim achieved the status of an organic farming state in India. Sikkimese such as Bhaichung Bhutia, a former national football captain and Tarundeep Rai, an Olympian, have established themselves as national pride at the national and international levels. People from different walks of Sikkim participated in the State Formation Day celebrations and shared their views on Sikkim, one of the fastest-growing states in India.

The faculty of SRM University-AP have been awarded 10 projects worth 2.50 crores from the Science and Engineering Research Board  (SERB-SURE). Department of Science and Technology (DST) received a total of 2000 proposals, of which 466 were sanctioned. Among the 466 projects, 151 projects were awarded to Private Universities. Of the 151 projects approved to state private universities and colleges throughout India, the five-and-a-half-year young varsity was awarded 10 projects. 10 professors from various Science and Engineering Departments brought this incredible achievement to the university.

SERB-SURE is a research grant scheme initiated by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in India to provide financial support to young researchers in the early stages of their careers. The grants are intended to support research in basic and applied sciences, engineering, and technology and is typically granted for a period of three years.The SERB-SURE scheme is one of several initiatives by SERB to promote scientific research in India and support the development of a strong research community in the country.

“It is a milestone achievement that resonates with the University’s unparalleled commitment for excellence. We are striving towards research-intensive learning to build cutting-edge innovation for a transformative tomorrow”, commented Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora. The Executive Director-Research of SRM Group, Prof. Narayana Rao said that, “SRM University-AP has travailed hard to achieve the world-class scientific temperament that we now advocate, and this achievement is a testimonial recognition of all our efforts.” The prestigious grants were sanctioned to the faculty in the on-going domains of Quantum Kinetic Approach, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Profiling and Changing of Hydroclimatic conditions in Bay of Bengal among 7 others.

Dean-SEAS, Prof. Ranjith Thapa said, “These research could be path-breaking and could offer a solution to many of the societal difficulties.” Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Dr Sandeep Singh and Dr Pitchaiah Cherukuri of the Department of Biological Sciences; Dr Sabyasachi Chakrabortty, Dr V S Baswanth Oruganti of the Department of Chemistry; Dr Debabrata Pramanik, Dr Ravi Kumar and Dr Pankaj Bhalla  of the Department of Physics ; Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma of the Department of Mathematics; Dr Uma Maheswar Arepalli of the Department of Civil Engineering; and Dr Kousik Das of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering were awarded the grants.

The Department of Physics, SRM University–AP organised the 8th lecture of the “Eminent Guest Lecture Series: An Odyssey of Physics” on May 10, 2023. Prof. Prabal K Maiti from the Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore visited the university campus and delivered a talk on “Multiscale Modelling of Complex Systems”. The seminar was held at colloquium level to motivate and encourage young undergraduates and graduates.

More than 60 participants attended the seminar across the disciplines and interacted with the eminent speaker. During his visit, Prof. Maiti also had one-to-one interaction sessions with the faculty members and research scholars. The speaker also enthusiastically interacted with many students informally over breakfast at the university mess hall. Dr Debabrata Pramanik from the Department of Physics coordinated the event with Dr Amit Chakraborty and with active participation from the research scholars, faculty members and supporting staff. Department of Physics plans to conduct more such events where eminent and distinguished scientists will visit the campus and encourage young talents.

Researchers at the Department of Physics have successfully developed large-area ultra-thin 2D transition metal oxide (TMO) layers using a cost-effective and straightforward method through proximity evaporation under ambient conditions. Associate Professor Dr Jatis Kumar Dash and his students Shaik Md. Abzal, Kurapati Kalyan, and Sai Lakshmi Janga have secured a patent for their research in Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Oxide Layers and A method for their Synthesis (application no: 202241005220). They have integrated the 2D TMO layers with various other 2D materials to create nano-electronic devices. Their work demonstrates the immense potential of ultra-thin TMOs in 2D-material-based flexible electronics.

Patent Background

The two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin hetero-stacked layers show unusual physiochemical properties when reduced to a few atoms in thickness. These 2D heterostructures offer significant benefits for next-generation devices. Firstly, their atomically thin 2D nanosheets provide a larger surface area due to the complete exposure of surface atoms. Secondly, edge sites in 2D nanosheets are chemically more reactive than their basal planes, and open gaps allow for the intercalation of electrolyte ions. In addition, the high mechanical strength and flexibility at atomic dimensions make them suitable for use in next-generation wearable electronics. However, growing and stacking 2D materials is challenging, and existing growth tools are complex and costly.

Future Prospects

2D materials are critical for making flexible, wearable, foldable and transparent self-powered smart electronic devices. The next generation smart electronic devices will be
made of 2D materials heterostructures which will need less operating power, fewer materials consumption and will have ultimate scalability.

Saurvi and Indigo, Student-led communities of Directorate of Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship had conducted a visit on April 19, 2023 to Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM) Vijayawada. Vasavya Mahila Mandali(VMM) is a non-profitable and renowned women organization working to transform the lives of women and children since its inception.The NGO has taken part in various activities and is known for its passion and commitment in building a society with happy families and human values.

Students of SRM University-AP visited the NGO as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The student-led communities are well-known for promoting leadership and entrepreneurial skills amongst the members and so, the visit proved to be highly motivating. The visit was an initiative by the Directorate to inculcate a sense of awareness and accountability amongst the students. 35 students along with faculty visited the NGO, and interacted with women entrepreneurs. They witnessed the tireless efforts that the social entrepreneurs make to better the lives of others. Interaction with the lesser privileged inhabitants at VMM was an eye-opening experience. Not only did the students learn of societal iniquity, but they also learnt of innovative solutions to these evils.

Students also got to learn about the workings of the startup ecosystem. The students also took a tour of the various centers inside the NGO. The visit to the center provided the students a better understanding of societal problems and helped them expand their horizons.