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.

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.

SRM University-AP extends a warm welcome to its newest cohort of students as it kicks off the much-anticipated “UDAAN 2024” orientation programme. This 10-day event, running from August 12 to August 23, is meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate more than 3000 freshers from more than 20 states of India into the vibrant campus life and academic environment.

The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and an invocation ceremony, setting a tone of reverence and inspiration. During the inaugural session, students were given an overview of the university’s various directorates, schools, and the academic ecosystem, providing them with essential knowledge about their new environment. Deans and directors from all departments were present, underscoring the importance of this milestone in the student’s academic journey.

Pro-Chancellor, SRM University-AP Dr P Sathyanarayanan, extended his warmest wishes to the students, stating “At SRM AP, we are dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. With UDAAN 2024, we are excited to empower our students as they embark on this transformative educational journey. It is our hope that this experience inspires each of you to achieve excellence and make a meaningful impact on the world. Welcome to a vibrant community where your future truly begins.”

Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, addressed the new students, encouraging them to embrace self-reliance and to make the most of every opportunity during their time at the university. He motivated the students and said that they have an opportunity to learn new things, acquire new knowledge, grow new competencies, develop new skills and enhance their personal attributes in profound ways that will shape their character for the rest of their lives. Prof. Arora further added that the students have an opportunity to weave new friendships that will impact their lives in incredible ways and that education is not only about acquiring knowledge and skills, but it also prepares us for life.

The programme was honoured by the presence of Indian Ambassador Deepak Vohra ji, Special Advisor to Prime Minister in Africa and Ladakh, who was the chief guest for the event. His address to the students motivated them on how to attain great heights in their careers even in adverse situations through relentless goal setting, hard work, dedication and determination. He further told the students that if we are divided, we can go fast, but if we are united, we can go far. Deepak Vohra concluded his speech with this line, “The future of India is the future of the world. The whole world trusts India because we are intrinsically good people. You are the hope for the future of a safe and secure world.”

Throughout this 10-day programme, students will participate in a series of sessions designed to familiarise them with the university’s offerings. These include introductions to the academic departments, faculty, and administrative staff, as well as insights into the various clubs and associations that contribute to a holistic educational experience at SRM University-AP.