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- Celebrating Women’s Achievements in Pure and Applied Mathematics February 22, 2024
The Department of Mathematics had organised an International Conference on Women in Pure and Applied Mathematics (WPAM). The five-day-long conference featured luminaries in the field of Mathematics and was funded by three prominent Indian government research bodies: SERB, NBHM, and CSIR.
The event saw Prof. Raman Parimala, a renowned Indian Mathematician, acclaimed for her contributions to the field of Algebra. The Conference was held with the purpose of providing an empathetic platform for women mathematicians to present their cutting-edge research work and to share their concerns about the gender gap in mathematical science.
Prof. Sanoli Gun (President of Asian Oceanian Women in Mathematics), Prof. Vijaylaxmi Trivedi (Chairperson, Indian Women in Mathematics), and Prof. Anisa Chorwadwala (Member, Indian Women in Mathematics) motivated the students and provided the students with valuable inputs on how to pursue their career further in Mathematics. The luminaries also discussed activities conducted by their organisations to encourage established women researchers, women PhD scholars and advanced undergraduate-level women students in Mathematics.
During the conference, activities such as poster presentations were held to facilitate mathematical interaction between students. The conference ended with the hope that there will be more opportunities to organise similar events.
Continue reading → - From Vision to Reality: Assessing the Feasibility of One Nation, One Election in India February 22, 2024
In the grand spectacle of democracy, every ballot cast represents a pivotal moment in shaping the collective destiny of a nation. However, what happens when the destiny of 1.4 billion people lacks a solid foundation of values and ethics?
Dr Vineeth Thomas, Assistant Professor at the Department of Liberal Arts, in his research paper titled “Ethical Society: A Premise On Which Successful Democracy Rests”, delves into these complexities of democratic regression that threaten to shake the foundations of our political system.
ABSTRACT:
Samuel Phillips Huntington’s thesis on the ‘Third Wave’ of democratisation, as presented in his seminal work “The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century”, posited democracy as the preeminent and widely accepted form of governance. While democracy may prevail quantitatively in contemporary times, it grapples with numerous challenges in terms of its qualitative aspects. This research article identifies the absence or dearth of ethical values as a significant factor contributing to the erosion of democracies worldwide. Moreover, this erosion has the potential to incite a ‘new wave against democracy’. Consequently, this article aims to explore the potential remedy for this issue by anchoring democracy in an ethically conscious society. We contend that an ethically grounded society serves as a fundamental prerequisite for nurturing a high-quality and prosperous democracy, ultimately acting as a formidable barrier against the imminent and looming threats to democratic systems.
The link to the article
Continue reading → - Shaping an Academic Scholarly Milieu: Grand Launch of Easwari School of Liberal Arts February 20, 2024
SRM University-AP relaunched the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences as the Easwari School of Liberal Arts, establishing a new era of transformative learning and research to address the complexities of human society. The school was inaugurated in the august presence of Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan; Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora; Members of the Governing Body – Prof. Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor, University of California, San Diego, Prof. Nicholas B Dirks, Emeritus Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley, Prof. Prasant Mohapatra, Vice Chancellor for Research and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of South Florida, and Prof. Andrew D Hamilton, President, New York University; Dean – Easwari School of Liberal Arts, Prof. Vishnupad; Deans and Directors of various departments and faculty, staff and students of the university. Prof. Gopal Guru, Former Professor, Center for Political Studies, JNU; Prof. Janaki Bakhle, Associate Professor at the University of California, Berkeley; and Prof. Chandan Gowda, Ramakrishna Hegde Chair Professor, Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru, graced the momentous occasion as Guests of Honour.
The rechristened Easwari School of Liberal Arts aims to propel students’ intellectual, emotional and ethical growth, equipping them to become future knowledge creators. “The launch of Easwari School of Liberal Arts is a testament to the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research. Through a sound liberal arts education, we aim to cultivate diversified skills among our students,” remarked Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora in his address. Prof. Vishnupad, Dean – Easwari School of Liberal Arts, further expounded on the symbolic renaming of the school and its established imperative to foster a three-fold growth in students – emotional, ethical and intellectual.
Pro-Chancellor, Dr P Sathyanarayanan commented that Easwari School of Liberal Arts opens the doorway to a brave new world of learning that will forge visionary thinkers. The School advocates breaking the academic silos of disciplines and offering students a more comprehensive integrated learning experience. In his address, Prof. Nicholas Dirks, Honourary Pro-Chancellor and a Governing Body member of SRM AP, stated, “Liberal Arts is a constitutive element of comprehensive education. SRM University-AP, with the launch of a dedicated School of Liberal Arts, is on its path to develop into an excellent comprehensive institute of higher education.”
The grand launch also witnessed a keynote speech by Guest of Honour, Prof. Gopal Guru, on the significance of liberal arts education in comprehending, analysing and solving the complexities of postmodern society. Insightful and inspiring book discussions on the books “Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva”, authored by Prof. Janaki Bakhle and “Another India: Events, Memories, People”, by Prof. Chandan Gowda, offering critical insights into the raw sentimentality of Indian society were highlights of the event.
The Easwari School of Liberal Arts harbours a robust, socially relevant, innovative curriculum, a distinguished and committed faculty, and imaginative and engaged teaching and learning methods to cultivate a class of motivated student ambassadors of tomorrow. In addition to offering traditional programmes such as B.A/B.Sc.(Hons.) in English, Economics, History, Psychology and B.Com in International Accounting; the School has also launched three pioneering programmes, namely, B.A. (Hons.) in Politics, Media Studies and Sociology and Anthropology, to equip students on how to address the socio-political, cultural and economic outlook of today’s society. With a novel pedagogy, these innovative programmes nurture logical reasoning, dynamic perspectives, rigour in thought and ideas, and critical reflection among students.
Continue reading → - ESE 2024: Promoting Environmental Sustainability Through Innovation February 19, 2024
In a remarkable display of commitment towards environmental sustainability, the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering successfully organised the ESE 2024 event. The primary objective of this event was to create awareness and encourage innovative solutions for addressing environmental challenges.
More than 150 enthusiastic undergraduate students from Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Tamil Nadu participated in the event. Their active involvement exemplified the youth’s growing interest and concern for environmental issues.
After a highly competitive and captivating competition, the winners were finally announced. The first prize was awarded to Andhra Loyola College, the second prize went to Natubhai V. Patel College of Pure Applied Sciences, and the third prize was claimed by Government Autonomous College, Rourkela.
The winners were not only recognised for their outstanding performances but also received substantial cash prizes. The first-place winner was awarded a cash prize of INR 30,000/-, the second-place winner received INR 20,000/-, and the third-place winner was granted INR 10,000/-.
Additionally, consolation prizes of INR 5,000/- each were distributed to students securing positions from 4th to 10th. Recipients included students from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Doon Business School, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Central University of Tamil Nadu, Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala, Nehru Arts and Science College, and SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College.
The ESE 2024 event served as a platform for young minds to showcase their talents and exchange ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. The exhibition featured a diverse range of projects spanning areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation efforts, and sustainable agriculture, among others.
Continue reading → - Revolutionising Sustainable Living: A Discourse on Green Chemistry February 18, 2024
In a world of fast-escalating environmental challenges, the idea of sustainability comes as a ray of hope for a safe and sound future. The present scenario calls for the kind of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future. In this regard, the Department of Chemistry at SRM University-AP organised a colloquium, that aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of Green Chemistry.
Dr Ram Mohan, an expert in the field of Green Chemistry and a renowned academician at the Department of Chemistry, Illinois Wesleyan University, delivered a lecture on the topic “Better Living Through Green Chemistry: An Introduction to Toxic Molecules”. Dr Mohan spoke elaborately on the grave dangers of toxic molecules and their adverse effects on the environment and human health. He raised awareness about the critical role of green chemistry in reducing the usage of such harmful molecules and replacing them with environmentally safe alternatives.
Dr Mohan also conducted workshops on “Better Living Through Green Chemistry”, as a continuation of his lecture. During the workshop, he quoted several case studies that showcased the benefits of using environmentally safe processes and chemicals in industry. These case studies demonstrated how the practice of green chemistry can lead to the development of numerous Eco-friendly processes and chemicals that have greatly improved human life and reduced environmental impact.
Continue reading → - Rethinking Ionic Liquids as an Environment-friendly Solvent February 18, 2024
Dr Debajyoti Kundu and Dr Deblina Dutta, Assistant Professors, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, have conducted seminal research on Ionic Liquids (ILs) in their paper “Advances in ionic liquids: Synthesis, environmental remediation and reusability” published in the Q1 journal, Journal of Molecular Liquids with an impact factor of 6. In the research article, the faculty duo have delved into the unique properties of ionic liquids, focusing on their role in environmental cleanup and showcasing their ability to combat pollutants. Various methods to recycle and reuse ILs, develop eco-friendly ILs, and scale up their application for effective environmental remediation have also been extensively explored.
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are next-generation solvents synthesised by organic salts, possessing negligible vapour pressure and low flammability. They possess high thermal and electrochemical stability, can be reused for multiple cycles, and their properties can be tuned according to the components used in their synthesis. Hence, ILs are considered to be potential alternatives for conventional organic solvents for numerous applications such as environmental remediation, nanoparticle synthesis, catalysts in various chemical reactions, solvents for the extraction of biomolecules from recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass, etc. In this review article, the holistic approach of ILs, starting from various techniques adopted for their synthesis along with its critical review, is discussed, followed by a detailed discussion of the mechanism involved in the remediation of environmental pollutants using ILs. Further, in-depth documentation of various environmental pollutants remediated using ILs has been done to date. One of the major drawbacks of solvent application is the reusability factor, and hence, in this review article, techniques adopted to recycle/reuse ILs have been discussed. Further, the adverse effects of using ILs for environmental remediation have been comprehensively discussed to present a holistic view. Future studies should focus on synthesising environment-friendly ILs and their field-scale applications for environmental remediation.
Practical implementation/social implications of the research
Their research on Ionic Liquids (ILs) presents a transformative approach to environmental challenges. By applying ILs on a larger scale for cleaning polluted air and water, promoting recycling and reusability, and developing eco-friendly ILs, the work has direct implications for industries and communities. The adoption of IL-based technologies contributes to efficient environmental cleanup and aligns with the growing societal demand for sustainable practices. Successful field-scale applications and public awareness initiatives can lead to a cleaner and healthier environment, demonstrating the tangible benefits of incorporating ILs into real-world solutions and fostering a more responsible and eco-conscious society.
Collaborations:-
- National Institute of Technology Rourkela
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi
- National Institute of Technology Durgapur
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
- Nguyen Tat Thanh University
Dr Kundu and Dr Dutta remarks that their future research in the realm of Ionic Liquids (ILs) will prioritise the development of environmentally sustainable synthesis methods, rigorous assessments of biodegradability and toxicity, and integrating ILs into industrial processes. Scaling up studies to evaluate their effectiveness in large-scale environmental remediation, investigating public perceptions, and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations with experts from diverse fields will be crucial for the responsible adoption of IL-based technologies. Additionally, focusing on life cycle assessments, exploration of novel applications, policy recommendations, and educational outreach can collectively contribute to advancing the understanding and practical implementation of ILs, ensuring a holistic and impactful approach to their environmental applications.
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Continue reading → - Success Mantra for Managers Concludes with a Resounding Success February 17, 2024
Paari School of Business, the management precinct of SRM University-AP, hosted a dynamic panel discussion titled “Success Mantras for Managers” with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. The four-member panel consisted of industry stalwarts from various fields of management and the keynote speaker, Mr Mukesh Jain, who is the CTO, VP & Global Head of People Analytics.
During the event, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, the Dean of the Paari School of Business, explained the purpose and significance of the event. He highlighted that the panelists had gained practical experience by failing and bouncing back, as well as observing and learning from people throughout their careers, and could provide insights on what it takes to succeed in the corporate world. Mr Mukesh Jain, the keynote speaker, shared his wisdom and motivation during the event. He stated, “the key skill one needs to possess as an entrepreneur is to have a good understanding of how things work”.
The panel discussion that followed Mr Jain’s speech was moderated by Mr Sidharth Shankar Tripathy, a Harvard alumnus and the present Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SRM University-AP. The discussion was insightful and inspiring as Mr Tripathy posed thought-provoking questions to the panel members.
Mr Tripathy started the discussion with a stimulating idea, stating that a mantra is a successful formula that has the power to transform. He questioned the panel members about the criticality of the idea of corporate athleticism and received an astounding response from Mr Nayanjyoti Goswami, Managing Director, Finance Operations & Strategy, State Street, who stated that it is often less about degrees and more about one’s attitude to work.
Mr Satish Rajarathnam, Head of People & Administration, RCG Global Services emphasised the need for collaboration and networking as a leader. He also highlighted the importance of functional knowledge, communication, networking and marketing skills. Ms Jyothsana Kuchimanchi, Senior Director- United Health Group, explained that change is an integral part of a manager’s life, and a manager should always be ready to adapt and upskill oneself to cope with changes.
Mr Anandan Jayaraman, COO FCC, Society Generale Global Solution Centre discussed the need for a manager to empathise with the customer and team members by putting himself in their shoes. The dynamic members of the panel cited the importance of self-learning and self-training, which can motivate team members, suggesting that a leader is a reader and should always update and upskill himself.
The panel discussion was an absolute game-changer. The insights shared by the speakers were incredibly valuable and contributed to the student’s understanding of what it takes to be a successful manager.
Continue reading → - Dr Dhamodharan Invited for Workshop on Youth Leadership February 16, 2024
Dr M Dhamodharan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, was invited as a resource person to deliver a session on “Relationship and Self Development “from January 26-27, 2024, at the Two Days workshop on “Harvesting Youth Leadership-2024.”The workshop was organised by the Department of Social Work at Pondicherry Central University in collaboration with the Trust for Youth and Child Leadership (TYCL), Pondicherry.
Dr Dhamodharan’s expertise and insights on the topic added value to the workshop, which aimed to empower young individuals and cultivate leadership skills among the youth. The session provided a platform for participants to delve into the dynamics of relationships and personal growth, essential aspects for nurturing effective leadership qualities.
His contribution towards the event underscored the importance of understanding the link between relationships and self-development in the context of youth leadership.
Abstract
Relationship is a continuing and often committed association between two or more people, as in a family, friendship, marriage, partnership, or other interpersonal links in which the participants influence each other’s thoughts, feelings, and actions (APA,2020).
The connections we set up, the several types of love we meet, and the effects these interactions have on our personal development all have a significant impact on how we live as people. Understanding the many kinds of relationships that exist is the first step in any analysis of relationships.Every sort of relationship, whether it be sexual or platonic, professional or familial, has its own dynamics, obstacles, and expectations. In the context of human relationships, love manifests as a complex and profound energy. Love affects the core of who we are and transcends cultural barriers in all its manifestations. Numerous love typologies have been proved by academics and psychologists to classify and understand these types. Love has many sides, ranging from the Greek concepts of Agape, Eros, and Philia to contemporary psychiatric theories. This investigation looks at the subtle differences between various kinds of love, emphasising the behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects of each.
A foundational work in the field of psychology, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love is at the core of understanding love. According to this theory, love can be viewed as a triangle made up of three essential elements: commitment, passion, and intimacy. It explores the significance of each ingredient and how they interact to shape the different manifestations of love through a thorough investigation of Sternberg’s theory. The talk explains the practical applications, providing a window into how the theory may be used to understand and negotiate the intricacies of real-world interactions.
Furthermore, a comprehensive knowledge of the human experience requires the inclusion of self-development in the conversation about love and relationships. In all their manifestations, relationships function as mirrors that reflect our advantages, disadvantages, and potential growth areas. The reciprocal effects of relationships, love kinds, and self-development are particularly important in human life. Also explains. how people change because of their relationships, moulding and honing their identities to fit the demands of romantic relationships and close relationships.
Finally, this session might give light on the complex interactions that exist between self-development, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory, love categories, and relationship types. Participants may understand more about the complex interplay between love and personal development as well as the enormous impact that connections have on forming our identities by exploring these interconnected domains. This talk might give insightful guidance for the participants to navigating the intricate web of interpersonal interactions, supplying a road map for cultivating meaningful connections and promoting comprehensive self-development.
- Exploring Potential Collaboration with SUNY ESF February 2, 2024
Prof. Bandaru Ramarao, who currently serves as the Chair of Chemical Engineering at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, visited SRM University-AP to explore potential collaborations between the two prestigious institutions.
During his visit, Prof. Ramarao conducted an engaging session with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora; Director of International Relations and Higher Studies (IR&HS), Ms Aditi Jain; and senior members of the faculty where they discussed various opportunities for collaboration, including the possibility of establishing an association for Masters and Ph.D. students, faculty and student exchange programmes, and scholarship collaborations for faculty members. Dr Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Associate Dean in-charge of Sciences, proposed that the varsity could opt for a co-guide system between SUNY ESF and SRM AP.
Prof. Ramarao also delivered a seminar focused on “Techniques for Analysis of Transport Processes in Fibrous and Porous Media,” which was attended by enthusiastic masters and research scholars from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering. The session was highly informative and provided valuable insights into the techniques used for analysing transport processes in fibrous and porous media. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session. A token of appreciation was presented to Prof. Ramarao, culminating the visit into a huge success and paving the way for fruitful collaborations between the two institutions in the future.
- A Study on Sustainable Organisational Development in the IoT Era January 30, 2024
Human capital plays a crucial role in shaping an organisation’s growth in today’s digital age. It’s the idea generated by the human capital that leads to innovation. Dr A Lakshmana Rao, Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, along with his research scholars Ms Sreya B and Mr Akhil Pasupuleti, conducted a comprehensive study on human resource management in the information technology sector of Kerala. Their research paper titled “Exploring Human Capital’s Role in Driving Sustainable Organisational Development in the Era of Internet of Things” focuses on 320 participants from Kochi Infopark and investigates the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on their lives.
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT), a network of interconnected devices and sensors linked through the Internet, facilitates the connection between individuals, their devices, and vast amounts of data. Within companies, the human resources department plays a crucial role in managing the pressure generated by various aspects, including marketing, development, and the application of IoT in human resources. This study is motivated by the need to understand the potential of IoT in strategic human resource management practices. To explore the fundamental strategic human resource management practices and assess their mediating effects, this research gathered data from 320 respondents in the Kerala information technology sector, specifically Kochi Infopark, consisting of both lower-level executives and senior managers. The study utilises statistical analysis to examine the relationship between sustainable human resource practices, the Internet of Things, and sustainable human resource growth. Furthermore, the study highlights the IoT’s role as a mediator between strategic human resource management practices and factors contributing to sustainable HR growth, demonstrating a positive impact of independent variables on dependent variables. These findings emphasise the potential for organisations to enhance HR practices, decision-making, and innovation using IoT during crises and uncertainties. Integrating IoT with SHRM empowers organisations to effectively manage challenges and complex environments.
Practical Implementation
a) Employee Monitoring Systems: Implement IoT-enabled employee monitoring systems using sensors and wearable devices. This allows organisations to collect data on employee activities, health, and work environments. Analysing this data helps identify patterns, optimise resource allocation, and enhance overall employee well-being.
b) Talent Management Solutions: Utilise IoT devices to gather data on employee skills, competencies, and training needs. This information is valuable for developing personalised training programs, creating career paths, and strategising succession plans. Integrating IoT into talent management aligns HR practices with evolving workforce needs, leading to improved satisfaction and retention.
c) Remote Work Solutions: In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, leverage IoT-enabled remote work solutions. These solutions facilitate seamless communication, collaboration, and virtual team management. Integrating IoT with HR practices enables organisations to effectively manage remote workforces, maintain employee engagement, and adapt to challenging circumstances.
Social Implications
a) Improved HR Practices: Integrating IoT with HR practices enhances decision-making and fosters innovation. This, in turn, contributes to improved HR practices, ensuring that organisations are equipped to address contemporary challenges and complexities.
b) Employee Well-being: The use of IoT in employee monitoring systems promotes a holistic approach to employee well-being. Organisations can proactively address health and safety concerns, leading to a healthier and more engaged workforce.
c) Skill Development and Career Growth: IoT-driven talent management solutions contribute to individual skill development and career growth. Employees benefit from personalised training programs, creating a positive impact on professional development.
d) Crisis Adaptability: The integration of IoT in remote work solutions demonstrates organisational adaptability during crises. This not only ensures business continuity but also highlights a commitment to employee welfare in challenging situations.
e) Technological Advancement: Embracing IoT showcases an organisation’s commitment to technological advancement. This can enhance the organisation’s image, attracting top talent and positioning it as an industry leader.
Future Research Plans
In their upcoming research endeavours, the trio will focus on unlocking the bottlenecks of IoT-driven remote work dynamics and its influence on collaboration, productivity, and employee well-being in the post-pandemic context. They also plan on exploring the impact of interconnected devices on the moonlighting behaviours of employees and employment trends in IT firms and among professionals.
We wish the trio all success in their future endeavours.
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