Film Gala 2025: Exploring Novel Media of Storytelling
The Film Gala 2025, organised by the CineMates Club of SRM AP, was inaugurated with a formal ceremony that marked a prestigious two-day celebration dedicated to the art of cinema, narrative excellence, and creative expression. This distinguished event established a professional forum for filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from across the nation to participate in intellectual discourse, competitive showcases, and cultural exhibitions.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Mrs Tejaswi Podapati Macharapu, Chairperson of the AP State Creativity and Culture Commission, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who served as the Chief Guest. She was accompanied by Mr Sujith Kalluri, Chief Club Advisors, distinguished faculty members, Founders and Alumni of CineMates, and official representatives from the organising committee.
The keynote address by Chief Guest Mrs Tejaswi Podapati Macharapu constituted the ceremony’s centrepiece. She delivered a comprehensive discourse on cinema’s transformative role in contemporary society. Drawing from her academic experiences, she emphasised the importance of integrating creative pursuits with scholastic endeavours. Mrs Tejaswi noted that India maintains its position as the world’s foremost film-producing nation, with an annual output exceeding 2,000 cinematic productions, thereby presenting substantial opportunities for aspiring filmmakers. She further emphasised that students from diverse academic disciplines, including engineering, possess the analytical acumen and creative capabilities necessary for success in the film industry.
To reinforce her message, Mrs Tejaswi referenced distinguished individuals from various professional domains, including politics, athletics, and the arts, underscoring how perseverance and passion are fundamental elements of professional achievement. She concluded her address by expressing admiration for the Film Gala’s established legacy and commended SRM AP for its institutional commitment to advancing artistic initiatives.
The ceremony featured classical dance performances by Ms. Preeti and Ms. Deepthi, who demonstrated the artistic interpretation of narrative through choreographed movement, exemplifying the intersection of traditional cultural expression and contemporary storytelling techniques.
A significant component of the inauguration was the formal announcement of the 24-Hour Filmmaking and Editing Challenges. The Visual Chase competition specified that participants create a two-minute video exploring the theme “Nature Speaks to Me,” while the Classic Cut competition challenged contestants to produce a trailer for the film ‘Kalki 2898 A.D.,’ with a maximum duration of 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a comprehensive presentation of the day’s scheduled activities, including curated short film screenings, a poetry recitation session, and an evening film presentation. The enthusiastic participation from attendees signified the successful launch of Film Gala 2025, establishing an auspicious foundation for what promised to be an intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching festival.
The event received generous sponsorship from esteemed organisations including Sastri Balm, AWEC Consultancy, IVY Overseas, ATHER, Vastrakala Shopping Mall, Picxy, Harivillu Promoters and Developers Pvt. Ltd., V1 Overseas Careers Pvt. Ltd., and GTR Solar Power. Their valued support facilitated the creation of a platform where emerging talents could demonstrate their artistic vision and technical expertise.
- Published in Departmental News, News, student affairs news, Students Affairs Events
Celebrating Women: SRM AP Observes International Women’s Day
Smt. Madhuri Nallapaneni, Group Director, Cadence-Invecas India graced the International Women’s Day celebration held at SRM University-AP. The celebration was organised by the Directorate of Student Affairs and featured esteemed dignitaries including SRM Group Advisor Prof. V S Rao alongside Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora; Registrar Dr R Premkumar; Associate Directors Ms Revathi Balakrishnan and Dr Ramesh Vaddi; Deans of the 3 schools, Directors, Faculty, Staff and students.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora in his address stated, “A woman in her lifetime assumes many roles, the role of a mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend, a daughter-in-law, a mother-in-law and more. She is the ‘Janani’ (nurturer) and deserves utmost respect.”
He also referenced the recent conference on Population Dynamics, wherein the concept of population management emphasised the welfare of women to effectively manage population. Prof. Arora also stressed on the theme of this year’s women’s day celebration – “Accelerate Action”.
During her address, Ms Nalapaneni remarked that, “Women’s day celebration should not be just that, beyond mere celebration it should be a checkpoint for us to analyse the challenges women face and to overcome them.” She also added, our precursors have paved the way for us to be here today. She encouraged everyone present to be a lifetime learner, because life never stops teaching.
Ms Nalapaneni empahsised the need to continue advocating for women’s empowerment and support other women because when a woman is empowered the entire society is empowered. The celebration featured several engaging games including tug of war, push-up challenge, debate competition, cooking without fire and arm wrestling. The winners of the competition were felicitated.
The competition winners were presented with certificates. The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Uttama Mahila Prathibha Award, an initiative of Advisor Prof. V S Rao Foundation. The awards were presented across various categories such as landscaping, security, mess and so on. The event also featured a heart touching video featuring the women of SRM AP and honouring their achievements and contributions.
SRM University-AP remains committed to empowering women and looks forward to organising more events that celebrate and support women’s contributions within the community.
- Published in Departmental News, News, student affairs news
Techno-Cultural Fest INFINITUS’25 Wrap up with a Bang
The four-day Techno-Cultural Fest, INFINITUS’25, from February 05-08, 2025, has come to a showstopping end at SRM University-AP. An incredible lineup of artists featured on the final two days of INFINITUS’25, including renowned music composer-performer duo Salim-Sulaiman Merchant. The duo and their team enthralled the audience with their popular hits and electrifying performances, transforming the campus into a captivating concert where they showcased an unforgettable stage.
The cultural performances also included a stand-up comedy act by Hoody, mesmerizing songs by Ram Miryala and a final showdown by DJ Akram. The performing artists set the stage ablaze with their incredible zeal and talent, and the grounds of SRM University-AP became a platform for fun, creativity and enjoyment.
The techno fest, a central highlight of INFINITUS 2025, commenced with great enthusiasm and an immense exhibition of talent. The inaugural function witnessed Vice President of PowerTrain at Volvo Group, Mr Kishan Sreenath, as the Chief Guest along with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora; Registrar, Dr R Premkumar; Director of Student Affairs, Mr Anil Kumar Nigam; Chief Club Advisor, Dr Sujith Kalluri; and Student Council President, Mr B V S Laksman.
Chief Guest Mr Kishan Sreenath commended the ethos behind INFINITUS ‘25. He also highlighted the importance of problem statements in hackathons and their crucial role in advancing technology. Mr Kishan stressed how platforms such as INFINITUS ‘25 foster collaboration among individuals with varying backgrounds, benefiting society.
The HACK SRM Challenge was the standout event among the technical events, with 22 hours of nonstop hacking, six tracks, a grand prize pool of ₹ 1 Lakh, and ₹75k worth of sidetracks. Some of the other technical competitions of the fest included FIFA, Valorant, BGMI, Bullet Echo, and Rapid UI, to name a few. Navacharak bagged the 1st prize, followed by Pinterest Gillies in the Hack SRM Challenge, winning prize money of 50k and 30k, respectively. The winners of the techno expo- Mahammad Hassain, Yella Reddy, Sai Kumar, and Charmi bagged the prize money of 10k.
The final day of the Techno-Cultural Fest also hosted the much-awaited Mr and Ms Fresher competition, where the brightest, most talented, and deserving candidates were chosen as the title winners. Mr Aashir, a first-year B.Tech. student, and Ms Pratyusha, a first-year M.Sc. student, were selected as Mr and Ms Fresher, respectively. Other cultural programmes included Tech Tales, Cyber Vogue, Cyber Sway, Cyber Tunes and Glitch Stage where participants put on exemplary performances and won spectacular prizes. INFINITUS’25, organised under the aegis of the Directorate of Student Affairs and the Student Council of the university, was a resounding success, a memorable experience celebrating innovation, talent and creativity./p>
- Published in News, student affairs news, Students Affairs Events
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.
- Published in News, student affairs news
Bhartiya Bhasha Divas Observed
Languages have evolved well beyond their original purpose of simple message transmission; they now serve as vibrant reflections of cultural identity, culinary traditions, and the unique characteristics of various communities.
On the occasion of “Bhartiya Bhasha Divas,” the Directorate of Student Affairs at SRM University-AP organised an engaging exhibition aimed at promoting regional languages and highlighting their significance in individuals’ lives. This day is commemorated in honour of the esteemed Tamil poet, Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati.
The exhibition featured informative posters showcasing 22 languages spoken across India. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora, inaugurated the event and actively engaged with students by quizzing them on the diverse languages of the country. During his address, he cited the National Education Policy, which advocates for education in regional languages as a key component of fostering linguistic diversity.
Ms Revathi Balakrishnan, Associate Director of Student Affairs, highlighted the importance of the day, further enriching the audience’s understanding of linguistic heritage. The event was attended by faculty, staff, and students, including Registrar, Dr R Premkumar ; Dean-Easwari School of Liberal Arts, Prof. Vishnupad, and Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Dean – Academic Affairs and Controller of Examinations.
In addition to the exhibition, the Directorate of Student Affairs organised a thought-provoking faculty talk featuring Dr Manaswini Sen, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History. In her talk, Dr Sen quoted Dr Jayashree Subramanian’s research paper, in which she emphasised the need to teach students concepts in mathematics in their regional language rather than a foreign language to help them understand the concepts better.
The session sparked engaging discussions led by Dr Johannes Kirscher, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, who stressed the necessity of teaching students in their native languages. Acknowledging that some students struggle with English as the medium of instruction, faculty members proposed a collective effort to learn Telugu, thereby enhancing their ability to support students more effectively.
The suggestions put forth emphasised the importance of personalised support, such as one-on-one tutoring for students encountering challenges with English. Additionally, there was a call to action for proactive measures to enhance English literacy among these learners. This event served as a significant reminder of the critical role that language plays in both education and community development.Through such initiatives, SRM University-AP reinforces its commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and empowering students to flourish in a multilingual environment.
- Published in News, student affairs news
CINEMATES Team Clinches 2nd Prize in National Documentary Competition on Disaster Management
SRM University-AP is thrilled to announce that its talented CINEMATES team has secured the 2nd prize at the national level in the Documentary Competition on Disaster Management. This prestigious event was organised by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024.
The competition centred on the theme “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,” encouraging participants to explore innovative approaches to disaster management through their creative works. The CINEMATES team’s entry, a short film titled “After Shock,” stands out for its poignant narrative and compelling visuals that underscore the critical importance of disaster management education.
Written and directed by the brilliant student Shanmuka Shiva Durgesh Durvasula, “After Shock” delves into the harrowing experience of an earthquake through the contrasting perspectives of two individuals. The film masterfully portrays their survival instincts, shedding light on the emotional and psychological impact of such disasters. Noteworthy contributions in editing were made by Shaik Thaheer, Durgesh, and stunning cinematography by Siva Avula, all of which elevate the film’s powerful message.
In addition to the recognition, the team was awarded a cash prize of ₹1,50,000, a testament to their hard work and dedication. This achievement not only highlights the creative talents of SRM University-AP’s students but also reinforces the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of awareness and resilience in disaster management.
As the university celebrates this remarkable accomplishment, it encourages all students to continue their journey toward making a meaningful difference in society through innovative thinking and responsible filmmaking.
- Published in Departmental News, News, student affairs news, Students Achievements
Department of Psychology and the Wellness Centre Partner for Mental Health Awareness Programme
The Wellness Club under the Department of Psychology, in collaboration with the Wellness Center at SRM University-AP, hosted a mental health awareness programme aimed at undergraduate students on September 14, 2024. The initiative focused on raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention while promoting a supportive campus environment for the students.
University counsellors Ms Mohua Das, Ms Alekhya Sankara, and Mr Joel Kristof Gibbs played a pivotal role in the programme, leading discussions and workshops on the emotional and psychological challenges students may face. They addressed critical issues like stress management, anxiety, and crisis intervention, highlighting their extensive experience in supporting students’ mental wellness.
The programme’s objectives included reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging open conversations, and equipping students with tools to recognise warning signs of suicide. Interactive activities, such as the Wall of Hope and Emotional Wheel, engaged participants in expressing hope and reflecting on their emotions.
In addition to discussions, an Art Therapy Workshop provided a creative outlet for attendees, teaching grounding techniques for emotional healing. Students also showcased their creativity through poetry and digital art competitions, with themes centred on hope, resilience, and suicide prevention.
An information booth offered attendees resources on mental health support systems and coping strategies. The event concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony, where reflections on the day were shared, and prizes were awarded to competition winners.
Participants left feeling empowered and equipped with valuable tools to support their mental well-being and that of their peers. This initiative marks a significant step in SRM University-AP‘s commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment for student mental health. As mental wellness continues to be a priority, the varsity encourages ongoing participation in mental health initiatives to further enhance awareness and support across the campus.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Psychology News, student affairs news
1st Private University in India to Send a Student Expedition to Mt. Everest Base Camp
SRM University-AP flagged off the much-awaited Everest Base Camp Expedition that will take place from October 12 – 27, 2024. This is India’s first initiative by any private university in India to send a team of 18 students and faculty under the leadership of Mr Sidharth Tripathy, Director-Entrepreneurship and Innovation, to conquer Mt. Everest Base Camp. The audacious adventure was flagged off by Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, and Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of Paari School of Business, in the presence of Mr Anil Kumar Nigam, Director-Student Affairs, Mr Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director-Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Prof. C V Tomy, Dean-SEAS and the cheering students of the university.
“To enhance the quality of entrepreneurship, it is pivotal to foster a mindset that can take risks, tackle huge challenges and overcome tribulations from a broader perspective. Our motive as a 21st-century university is to cultivate this mindset through this thrilling adventure and to become the harbingers of transformation among students,” remarked the expedition leader, Mr Sidharth Tripathy. The 15-day exhilarating expedition jointly organised by the Directorate of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Directorate of Student Affairs will begin from Kathmandu and will reach Everest Base Camp, covering a distance of about 134 km and scaling a height of 17,598 ft.
In his address to the voyagers, Dr R Premkumar wished the group a safe and successful journey and opined, “This is an adventure of a lifetime that will teach you to live as a group, to grow as a team and contribute to each other for a common goal”. In addition to providing students with exemplary academic, research and entrepreneurial resources, SRM University-AP also emphasises the significance of nurturing 21st-century skills through experiential projects and initiatives. The Everest Base Camp expedition is a one-of-a-kind adventure that will ensure that students imbibe the value of belief, the significance of planning, training and camaraderie to develop essential leadership skills.
- Published in Departmental Events, IDEA NEWS, News, student affairs news
ALOHA 2024: SRM University AP Freshers’ Extravaganza
SRM University-AP celebrated Aloha 2024, a welcome to the freshers on this erudite journey. The freshers Party 2024 was an exhilarating two-day celebration filled with entertainment, talent, and camaraderie. The event welcomed freshers with a wide range of activities, competitions, celebrity appearances, and delicious food, ensuring a grand introduction to university life.
The festival began with an Inauguration Ceremony, during which dignitaries and guests lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolising new beginnings. Their words of encouragement and advice set the tone for the exciting events to follow. The festival came alive with a variety of Club Competitions, where students showcased their talents in dance, theatre, music, and other creative arts. These competitions not only brought out the freshers’ hidden talents but also fostered a sense of teamwork and fun.
The highlight of the evening was the Neon Arcade, a unique gaming zone set up with vibrant neon lights that gave a nightclub-like atmosphere. Freshers enjoyed arcade games, including bowling, under glowing lights, making it an unforgettable experience. This creative setup became one of the festival’s most talked-about features.
Meanwhile, food stalls lined the venue, offering a wide range of mouth-watering options. From street food to global cuisines, these stalls kept everyone refreshed and energised throughout the day.
Simultaneously, esports enthusiasts engaged in Esports Competitions featuring popular games like FIFA, Valorant, Free Fire, and BGMI. The fierce yet friendly competition made this segment a crowd favourite, drawing both players and fans to experience the excitement.
As with Day 1, the food stalls continued to offer a delightful culinary experience, ensuring that students had plenty of delicious options to enjoy between activities.
In the evening, the excitement reached its peak with the arrival of Nara Rohit, a famous Telugu actor, who visited the campus along with his co-stars to promote his upcoming film. The audience was thrilled as Nara Rohit interacted with fans, shared insights about his movie, and posed for photos. His presence added a touch of glamour to the festival, making Day 2 even more special.
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AARAVAM 2024 Concludes with a Bang!
Unity in diversity is more than just a saying at SRM University-AP; it’s the heart and soul of our campus. With over 6000+ students from various states and union territories and an international diversity representing 24 countries each festival serves as a bridge, drawing a closer bond amongst all. The Onam celebration, Aaravam 2024, on campus was no different, the varsity celebrated Onam on September 17, 2024.
The celebration orchestrated by the Directorate of Student Affairs oversaw the decoration and resplendent showcase of the Kerala culture through dance and music. The festivities commenced with the traditional Thiruvathirakali, a dance that saw students gracefully attired in the Kerala Kasavu saree, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the day, followed by an array of cultural performances that captivated the audience. The highlight of the celebration was the appetising Onam payasam, which brought in the sweetness of the festival itself.
The appearance of King Mahabali brought a wave of joy among us all. In a heartwarming gesture, our Kerala community shared a captivating video that told the story of Onam, welcoming everyone to partake in the tradition, truly reflecting SRM AP‘s embrace of diverse cultures.
The event was graced by the presence of Registrar Dr R Premkumar, the Deans of the three schools, and King Mahabali himself, along with our faculty, staff and students. It was a day that drew us all closer, celebrating Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry. More than just a celebration, it was a reminder of the beauty in our diversity and the strength in our unity.
- Published in Departmental News, News, student affairs news