In a world where the potential of GenZs is often questioned, two of our students, Md. Hadi Mahmood and Md Ahmed Raza Khan have proven their engagement can deliver meaningful change. These III-year BTech CSE students have showcased an inspiring display of their intellect and innovative prowess at the Nation Building Case Study Competition, an annual event that aligns with the “Viksit Bharat” initiative led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, inviting college teams from across the nation to develop creative strategies aimed at transforming India into a developed country by 20247.

Here’s an excerpt of their interview:

1. What was the competition/event about?

The NationBuilding Case Study Competition is an annual event organised to inspire young college students to contribute to India’s development by addressing critical national issues. Participants engage in a 2-month-long journey involving multiple rounds, including an online quiz, presentation submissions, zonal finals, and the national finals in New Delhi. The competition is judged by a distinguished panel of experts in the given domain.

This year’s competition, NationBuilding Case Study Competition 2025, focused on the problem statement of identifying the gaps in India’s sports environment. Participants were tasked with studying the sports systems of other countries, analysing their strengths, and drafting a model to achieve India’s vision of hosting and winning 100 medals in the Olympics by 2036. This theme aimed to encourage innovative solutions to elevate India’s standing in global sports and align with the broader goal of nation-building.

2. What place did you secure?

We secured the 1st rank in the South Zone during the third round of the competition, competing against teams from multiple prestigious institutions. This achievement has advanced us to the national finals, where we will compete against the top 2 teams from each of the six zones: North, South, East, North East, West, and Central.

3. How did you find out about the competition?

We discovered this opportunity on the Unstop platform. The NationBuilding Case Study Competition is widely recognised and attracts thousands of teams annually, making it a highly sought-after event for students across India.

4. Who were your competitors

In the South Zone, we competed against 10 teams from premier institutions. The competition was intense, as participants brought innovative solutions to the table, reflecting the high level of talent and dedication among the youth.

5. Your feelings on advancing this far and future aspirations.

We are excited to have advanced to the national finals. Competing against the best teams from across the country is both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase our strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. This competition has allowed us to apply our skills & knowledge to real-world issues, which has been incredibly rewarding. We look forward to the final round and hope to contribute meaningfully to the vision of a developed India.

In an effort towards enhancing academic and research capabilities, SRM University-AP and Samishta Hospital and Research Institute (SHRI) formalised an understanding on scientific cooperation in biological sciences and other areas of mutual interest. The MoU signing ceremony that took place at SRM University-AP and was signed by Dr R Premkumar, Registrar- SRM University-AP and Dr Kalyan Chakravarthy, Managing Director-Samistha Hospital and Research Institute, Guntur in the presence of Dr Sandeep and Dr Ravi Teja, Dr Varun, Dr Ramakrishna, Dr Gnana Prakash Doctors from SHRI and Prof. C V Tomy, Dean-School of Engineering and Sciences; Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research; Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Associate Dean-Sciences (Admission Outreach and Research Collaborations); Assistant Professors at the Department of Biological Sciences-Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan, Dr Anil K Suresh, Dr Prateek Gupta among others.

The MoU will open pathways for collaborative opportunities in research and academics, fostering joint research projects and funding possibilities while also emphasising the importance of skill development through seminars organised by both the institutions.

Registrar Dr R Premkumar highlighted the significance of this partnership and the potential outcomes of the joint venture. Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan thanked the team from Samistha Hospitals and Research Centre for joining hands and taking the phase therapy from bench to bedside. This MoU between the two institutes of eminence aims to create a dynamic environment for innovative research that will benefit not just our institutions but also the society in general.

Dr Surinder Kaur, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mathematics is making significant contributions to the mathematical community and SRMAP’s research wing, her research on understanding the group rings and addressing challenges such as the isomorphism problem for group algebra through her project has earned her a funding of ₹ 4.28 lakh from the prestigious National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). Dr Kaur’s impressive research work has become a source of inspiration to many. Given below are some details on her project titled, “On the group rings, their unit groups and some related questions”

A Brief Description of the Project

In this project, we aim at obtaining the structure and generators of the unit group of some group rings with a focus on answering the normal complement problem for them. Our further goal is to solve the celebrated isomorphism problem for group algebras of certain classes of groups, especially the twisted version of this problem for group algebras of nilpotency class at least 3. We also plan to look into certain questions in the representation theory of association schemes that are driven by what happens for group algebras.

Explanation of Research Objectives in layperson’s terms

In the last century, the work of E. Noether, F.G. Frobenius and R. Brauer have established that group rings play a central role in the development of representation theory. Further investigations indicated that these objects also have a great influence on the study of other areas of Mathematics like algebraic number theory, algebraic K-theory and algebraic topology. Moreover, the vital role it has played in the recent development of homological algebra and algebraic coding theory is worth acknowledgement.

Research is essential for academics in today’s dynamic environment and SRMAP sincerely believes in the idea that research is the foundation to innovation and progress. The Department of Management at Paari School of Business  organised a 5-day International Faculty Development Programme (FDP) in hybrid mode, focusing on the “Art of Writing High-Quality Research Articles in Management.” Resource persons, Prof. Piyush Sharma, Prof. Tak Yan Leung, Dr Kishore Gopalakrishna Pillai, and Dr Vimal Babu, provided participants with valuable insights into advanced research methodologies and effective academic writing strategies.

The FDP aimed to deliver a comprehensive understanding of the essential components of academic research and publication, equipping attendees with the skills required to craft well-structured, high-impact research articles. The topics discussed during the five-day programme were particularly relevant and contemporary. Moreover, the resource persons encouraged the participants to enhance their research output, improve the likelihood of the participant’s publication in reputable journals, and contribute meaningfully to the academic community. The FDP sought to bridge the gap between research conceptualisation and publication, enabling faculty members to become more proficient and impactful researchers.

Participants greatly benefitted from the combined expertise and experience of these distinguished scholars, fostering a deeper understanding of high-quality research practices.

INFINITUS’25 Flagged-off

SRM University-AP is set to host the most anticipated event of the year, INFINITUS’25, from February 05 to 08. The annual-fest, a celebration of innovation, art, and talent, will transform the campus into a vibrant hub of exhilarating activities and competitions and an entertainment haven.

The annual-fest was flagged-off by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora in the presence of Registrar, Dr R Premkumar; Deans of the three schools, Director-Student Affairs, Mr Anil Kumar Nigam; Director- Communications, Mr Pankaj Belwariar; Associate Director- Student Affairs, Ms Revathi Balakrishnan and Student Council President, Mr BVS Lakshman among others. The flag-off was followed by an exciting car rally that saw a fleet of cars, offering a glimpse of the festivities that will follow.

INFINITUS ’25 will commence with HACKSRM, a 22-hour non-stop hackathon followed by an array of technical, non-technical and cultural competitions. Some of the events to look forward to are FIFA Face-off, Road to Valor, BGMI Squad Tournament (Technical Competitions) Chronicles of Crime, Anime Jeopardy, IPL auction (Non-Technical Competitions) The Glitch Stage , Tech Tales, Cyber Vogue (Cultural Competitions) to name a few.

Apart from a multitude of competitions and gaming tournaments participants will also enjoy a platform to demonstrate their skills and creativity allowing a diverse array of talents to shine. INFINITUS ‘25 will showcase a variety of performances and cultural extravaganzas. Attendees can look forward to captivating musical acts from bollywood music-composer duo Salim and Sulaiman. The fest will feature talented individuals and groups displaying their artistic flair, culminating in a series of high-energy pro shows guaranteed to leave audiences in awe.

 

 

 

The patent titled “A System to Control Dc-Dc Buck Power Converter And A Method Thereof” by research scholar K Mounika Nagabushanam, and Assistant Professors, Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari, and Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto with application no: 202441098288 presents an innovative approach to managing power conversion in renewable energy systems extending its applications in electric vehicles and microgrids, highlighting the importance of robust power control in advancing sustainable energy technologies.

Abstract

The work disclosed a system to control DC-DC buck power converter and a method thereof. The system comprises a photovoltaic (PV) panel, a first DC-DC buck converter for voltage step-down, and a battery for energy storage. A bidirectional DC-DC converter manages power flow between the battery and the source bus, while a second bidirectional converter exchanges power with the AC grid. The load bus integrates a second DC-DC buck converter to regulate power for constant power loads and resistive loads. Switching components like IGBTs controlled through PWM signals, ensure precise power control. Inductive and capacitive elements stabilize voltage, filter ripples, and reduce noise. The system supports adaptive power distribution and robust load handling, ensuring efficient energy management.

Explanation in layperson’s terms

Passivity-based control (PBC) is a control technique applied to buck converters within renewable energy systems to maintain stability and efficiency despite varying input conditions. Buck converters are essential for stepping down fluctuating voltage outputs from renewable sources, such as solar panels, to a consistent level suitable for storage or direct use. In solar power systems, PBC is used to manage the voltage conversion from solar panels to batteries or the grid. It stabilizes the voltage output, ensuring efficient battery charging and smooth integration with the electrical grid. PBC’s application in renewable energy systems demonstrates its critical role in advancing sustainable energy technologies, providing a reliable and efficient power supply.

Practical and Social Implications

The proposed control can be used in Electric Vehicle, Microgrid applications to stabilize voltage under load variations.

Future research plans

Future research plan is to work on the testing of proposed control with high level DC-DC converters

In an era where sustainable energy and environmental conservation are paramount, integration of Microalgae with Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment and Energy Generation emerges as a groundbreaking contribution to biotechnology. The book chapter, “Application of Microalgae-MFC to Mitigate Water Pollution and Resource Recovery” authored by Post-doctoral Research Scholar, Dr Ricky Rajamanickam under the guidance of Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian explores the revolutionary potential of microalgae-driven microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in tackling wastewater pollution while generating renewable energy. This work—featured in the book titled, Emerging Trends in Microbial Electrochemical Technologies for Sustainable Mitigation of Water Resources Contamination brings together leading experts offering invaluable insights for scientists, engineers, and policymakers striving for a cleaner and greener future.

Brief Introduction to the Book Chapter

The chapter explores the integration of microalgae with microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy generation. It delves into the mechanisms of microalgae-based MFCs, focusing on electricity generation, carbon capture, and the production of value-added bioproducts. The work highlights this technology’s potential for addressing water pollution and resource depletion while advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Significance of the Book Chapter

This chapter is significant as it addresses pressing global challenges such as water pollution, resource depletion, and the need for sustainable energy solutions. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to advancing integrated biotechnological solutions for environmental and energy challenges.

Target Audience

The book chapter targets environmental scientists, engineers, policy makers, and researchers working in biotechnology, wastewater management, and renewable energy. It is also resourceful for students and professionals interested in sustainable development and innovative biotechnologies.

Co-Authors or Major Contributors

Dr Ricky – (First author) (Postdoc)

Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian (Corresponding author) (Associate Professor)

 

 

 

Assistant Professors – Dr Kousik Das, Dr Harish Puppala, Associate Professor- Dr Pankaj Pathak, Uttiya Dey, along with Research Scholars – Mr Mijanur Mondal, Ms Sudeshna Chell, Ms Sumana Dutta, and Ms Pankaj Kumar come up with an interdisciplinary research breakthrough in their paper, “Community-Level Vulnerability of Groundwater Fluoride Contamination and Exposure by the Application of Multi-Criteria Model.” The authors examine fluoride exposure in villages like Chintal Cheruvu, Rompicherla, Shantamangalur, Thimmapur, and Nadendla.

Abstract

Elevated fluoride (F⁻) levels in groundwater, primarily due to geogenic processes, pose significant health risks, including dental and skeletal fluorosis and neurological disorders. This study aimed to quantify source-dependent F⁻ exposure at the community level in selected tropical dry regions of Andhra Pradesh, India. These locations include Chintal Cheruvu, Rompicharala, Shantamangalur, Thimmapur, and Nadendla. Community surveys and drinking water sample analyses were conducted in these regions. Dental Fluorosis Index (DFI) used to estimate exposure levels across age and sex groups. Findings of surveys indicate that groundwater consumption with high F⁻ (4.3 mg/L) results in the highest exposure dose (0.62 mg/kg/day), with Chintal Cheruvu identified as the most affected. A strong positive correlation was observed between exposure dose, water F⁻ content, and the Community Fluorosis Index (CFI). Dental fluorosis prevalence exceeded 80% across all age groups, and household surveys revealed 100% unawareness of F⁻ exposure risks. The magnitude of FII for Chintal Cheruvu is 0.563 which is highest among the considered regions indicating that it is most impacted region that needs remedial measures first in the hierarchy. Rompicharala with FII as 0.252, Nadendla (0.223), Shantamangalur (0.214), and Thimmapur (0.188) follows the hierarchy.

Explanation in layperson’s terms.

The outcome of the study concludes that regionally most of the places of Andhra Pradesh is affected the by the groundwater fluoride contamination. People are getting affected by the consumption of high fluoridated water which is visible from the dental fluorosis. The area is having high groundwater fluoride is having highest severe dental fluorosis cases. Among the villages, Chintal Cheruvu had the highest fluoride level while Thimmapur had the lowest. Signs of dental fluorosis were most noticeable among younger individuals who are still developing. The exposure dose varied across villages, with Chintal Cheruvu having the highest exposure dose followed by Rompicharala. Other symptoms of fluorosis, such as skin allergies and body pain are also predominant. Most villages had alternative sources of drinking water, except for Chintal Cheruvu, where residents continued to use contaminated water due to a lack of alternatives. There is a clear link between lack of awareness about fluoride toxicity and higher exposure levels as apparent from the questionnaire survey.

Practical /Social Implications

The immediate action is necessary to reduce fluoride exposure, provide safe drinking water, and raise awareness about fluoride toxicity to meet sustainable development goals by 2030. The findings highlight the need for integrated approaches combining mitigation, education, and sustainable practices to tackle fluoride contamination and improve the overall well-being of affected communities.

The link to the article

 

Sushmita Kumar Book publicationDr Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director of Sports, has authored a book titled “Media, Marketing, and Management in Sports: A Unified Approach.” Her publication presents a thorough examination of the pivotal roles that media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations play within the sports industry. Aimed at both students and professionals, the book delivers valuable perspectives on fan engagement, sponsorship dynamics, and effective crisis management. Through the use of real-world examples, Dr Sushmita highlights the transformative influence of digital media and the necessity for global adaptability in sports communication, making it an indispensable resource for anyone aspiring to succeed in the field of Sports.

Abstract:

The book, provides a comprehensive exploration of sports communication and management. It highlights the significance of media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations in shaping the success and image of sports entities. By integrating real-world examples, it delves into the interplay of traditional and digital platforms, showcasing their role in fan engagement, sponsorships, and crisis management. The content equips readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of sports media and branding.

Target Audience:

The book is designed for students and professionals in sports management, communication, and media industries. It caters to academics, sports enthusiasts, PR practitioners, and industry leaders who seek to enhance their expertise in sports branding, marketing, and public relations.

Collaboration Details:

Acknowledgments highlight the contributions of mentors, colleagues, students, and industry experts, emphasizing the book’s foundation in academic and practical insights. It also includes case studies and experiences from media professionals, enhancing its relevance and applicability.

Social or Practical Implications:

  • Digital Transformation: The book addresses the transformative power of social and digital media in fan interaction and brand promotion.
  • Crisis Management: It provides strategies for managing crises in sports, ensuring sustained reputation and stakeholder trust.
  • Global Engagement: It emphasizes the importance of adapting to globalization and cultural sensitivities in sports communication.
  • Sponsorship Dynamics: Insights into sponsorship management underline its role in generating revenue and aligning brand values.

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, innovative solutions are key to enhancing learning experiences. Ms Naga Sravanti’s patent on A System for Implementing a Peer Tutoring Platform, introduces a blockchain-based peer tutoring platform designed to tackle challenges in traditional education.

As we explore the implementation and societal implications of this platform, its potential to democratise education and create valuable connections among learners worldwide becomes evident. Join us in examining this innovative approach and its promising future research directions.

Abstract

This research presents a blockchain-based peer tutoring platform designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of education. By utilising blockchain’s decentralized and transparent features, the system ensures secure transactions, reliable certification, and the equitable management of peer tutoring activities. The platform aims to foster trust among users by recording all interactions and achievements on an immutable ledger, addressing critical challenges like data manipulation, lack of accountability, and accessibility issues in traditional education systems.

Explanation in Layperson’s Terms

Imagine a platform where students can teach and learn from each other without worrying about unfair practices or lack of credibility. This system uses blockchain, a technology that keeps records safe and transparent so that everyone can trust it. For instance, when a student tutors someone else, the system records this in a way that no one can alter. Certificates issued for achievements are also tamper-proof, making them reliable for future use. It’s like having a digital notebook that no one can tear a page from or erase anything written in it. This platform creates a fair and secure space where students and educators can collaborate effectively.

Practical Implementation and Social Implications

The peer tutoring platform has immense potential to revolutionise education:

Equity in Education: Students from diverse backgrounds can access quality tutoring at affordable costs or through a mutual exchange of knowledge.

Trust and Credibility: Blockchain’s secure system ensures that all records of learning and certifications are genuine and cannot be tampered with.

Recognition of Effort: Tutors can build verified portfolios showcasing their expertise and contributions, which can be used for job opportunities or further education.

Global Collaboration: Learners and educators worldwide can connect, exchange knowledge, and grow together, breaking geographical barriers.

Collaborations

This research has benefited from partnerships with educational institutions, blockchain developers, and organizations promoting innovative learning methodologies. Collaborators include academic peers at SRM University-AP and technical support from blockchain technology firms specializing in educational applications.

Future Research Plans

Building on this work, the following directions will be explored:

  • Gamified Learning: Introducing game-like features to make learning more engaging and interactive.
  • AI-Driven Personalization: Integrating AI to recommend the best tutors and resources for individual learners based on their unique needs.
  • Scalability: Expanding the platform to accommodate millions of users globally without compromising speed or security.
  • Real-World Deployments: Partnering with schools, universities, and governments to implement the system on a larger scale, bringing tangible benefits to communities.

The link to the article