After the grand opening of the Freshmen Orientation Programme-2021, it is now time to move forward. SRM University believes in holistic education that is not confined inside the classrooms. The university believes that it is equally important to take care of one’s mental and emotional health along with academic activities. Therefore, beyond the motivational lectures, SRM University-AP has organized “Reset, Refresh and Recharge” in collaboration with Heartfulness Institute to help students understand the importance of internal health. The first session will be conducted on August 26, 2021, at 2.30 pm with Ms Rikita Swaroop, explaining the importance of “Reset (Relaxation & Meditation)”.

Ms Rikita Swaroop currently works in Amity University, Jharkhand, as an Assistant Professor responsible for taking sessions in Business Communications and Soft skills. She is also the Joint secretary for IYA- Jharkhand chapter and State coordinator, Heartful Campus. She is an able Trainer, Speaker, Anchor/Host, Moderator for various programs, esp. online sessions and webinars for teachers, students, faculties across the country on topics like – Heartful Living; Becoming your own Masterpiece; Unleashing Potential – Peak Performance; Heartful Communicator.

Ms Swaroop has an M.Tech in Hospitality Management from LAD College, Nagpur, Maharashtra. She is a Certified Master Trainer – National Skill Qualification Framework Level – 6, Certified Hospitality Educator from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (2003-08) and Certified Career Development Facilitator, Dheya Career Mentors (I) Pvt. Ltd.

She has worked on consulting, delivering and facilitating training in the Corporate, Government and Education sectors for the last 20 years as independent assignments as well as a part of her association with 45 reputed organizations such as Infosys- Pune, IIHM TAJ Aurangabad, DOMINO’S Pizza, Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, IL&FS ETS, Pune, Vinsys IT Services India Pvt. Ltd, Pune, Air Hostess Academy, PUNE etc.

She is an active member of Heartfulness Institute, a non-profit organization that promotes balanced living through the practice of Meditation. She is a practitioner and Trainer for Heartfulness Meditation for the last 4 years. She believes in the integration of Education and Meditation for the holistic development of the Youth.

The well-designed Freshmen Orientation Programme-2021 not only gives an overview of the university systems and process but also provides a gateway to holistic development for the students. Progressing with the orientation programmes, the second session on the mindfulness of the students has been planned in collaboration with Heartfulness Institute for August 27, 2021, at 2.30 pm. Ms Ragini Mathur, one of the dedicated trainers of Heartfulness Institute, will enlighten the students on “Refresh (Organizing the Mind)”.

Ms Ragini Mathur started her career as a Government teacher. She later got selected in Central Railways in RE Project. She secured promotion and became Divisional Railway Manager for the Bhopal Region. After taking voluntary retirement from Railway Services, she worked as an Administrative Office Superintendent. She joined Heartfulness Institute more the two and half decades ago and became a trainer in 2011. The versatile Ms Mathur has also worked as a radio jockey and a casual announcer for Yuvvani Programme in Akashvani. At present, she is working as a Campus Connect Coordinator for the Heartfulness Institute.

Join the session on August 27, 2021, at 2.30 pm to learn the tricks to calm and organise your mind from the expert herself.

To grace the Freshmen Orientation Programme-2021 even further, Prof B S Murty, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, will be delivering an inspiring talk to the freshers of this academic season on September 06, 2021, at 9.30 am.

Prof B S Murthy is an Indian metallurgist who has been recognised with the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for Science and Technology in 2007, the highest science award in India. Formerly, he was the Head of the Department at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, after being the Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The celebrated scientist will explain the future of research in science and technology and how students should prepare themselves from their undergraduate days.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On the occasion of National Sports Day, the Department of Student Affairs has organised a webinar on the importance of Games and Sports in a Student’s life. Celebrated IPL and Ranji Trophy player, Mr Kalyana Krishna Doddapaneni, will deliver a special talk to inspire and motivate students on August 29, 2021, at 05.00 pm.

Mr Doddapaneni played in the Indian Premier League during the years of 2008-09 for the Deccan Chargers team. Prior to that, he played in the Andhra Ranji Cricket Team for 10 years and bagged 200+ first-class wickets. He has also played in vital tournaments such a Duleep and Deodhar Trophies. Mr Doddapaneni is currently working as a leading commentator for Start Sports. He is also the chairman of the Cricket Advisory Committee, Andhra Cricket Association. He has further established KK Global Cricket Academy in Andhra Pradesh with state-of-the-art facilities to promote cricket.

Sports are a crucial part of a student’s holistic growth and development. Games and sports provide great help in the development of mental health and physical fitness of the body. In addition, through participation in sports and games, a student attains various skills and confidence helpful for developing their personality.

Sports and games have several benefits for the students, such as it improves physical and mental health, empowers students with life skills, teaches time management and discipline, improves leadership and team-building qualities, teaches important life lessons such as Winning and losing and boosts self-confidence.

The Freshmen Orientation Programme-2021 is thoughtfully designed to provide students with a holistic induction in academics and beyond academic matters. With the pandemic and other stressful things surrounding us, it has become crucial to take care of our mental health. Surprisingly, even today, many people do not understand the importance of mental health and the need to visit a specialist to keep it sound. Today, this critical issue will be discussed by Ms Shipra Dhingra, Psychologist and Art Therapist. On Thursday, September 02, 2021, she will deliver an address at 2.30 pm on “How to know if you need help”.

Shipra Dhingra is an expressive art-based therapist licensed by UNESCO-CID and Fortis Healthcare, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. She has completed her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Amity University, Noida. She is also working as a Counselling Psychologist cum journalist cum mental health advocate. Shipra Dhingra, a versatile woman, has also founded Happyness Peddler, an initiative to fight the stigma attached to mental health and spread awareness. Ms Shipra has been associated with the COVID-19 helpline for helping people go through these difficult times.