“India is the One land that all men desire to see and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined” – Mark Twain

His words express the wonder of experiencing the myriad shades of culture thriving on the Indian landscape. Celebrations marking the beauty of our enriching tradition are indeed reminders of the boundless diversity of this country. An ethnic day is an occasion to look back and marvel at the greatness of Indian civilization. It endows us with an opportunity to embrace and rejoice in the shimmering diversity of our motherland. Such good times are meant to be cherished forever as it ties together the manifold differences our people foster.

The Department of Student Affairs proudly organised ‘Paridhaan’, an Ethnic-Cultural event for celebrating the rich Indian heritage. Students came decked up parading the exquisite fashion culture existing across different parts of the nation. The day was brimming with high-sprits and festivity as students from different parts of the country came attired in their traditional outfits flaunting their cultural legacy. An array of dance and musical performances was organised for students to put their talent and vigour on display.

There were programmes ranging from solo musical performances to dance medleys and fashion shows. The stage was set on fire with a live opera performance of Sanjana, who mesmerised the crowd with her mellifluous voice. Equally stunning was the musical entertainment of Amrit who weaved magic with his Santoor, playing the Hamsadhwani raga. Each performer enthralled the audience with different musical stylings, such as mashups, raps and so on. The crowd was also clamouring with joy at the rocking dance performances by the students of the dance club.

The major highlight of the day was the fashion show. The participants adorned the stage with ravishing ethnic outfits representing their cultural distinctiveness. There were portrayals of different dressing styles of India as well as countries like China and Africa. Donning the garbs of different regions from Assam to Gujarat and Kerala, even dating back to the times of the Mughal Era, the show dazzled the crowd with enchanting hues. The celebrations came to a closure with a few more delightful performances. All the SRM dignitaries including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof V S Rao, took part in the celebrations and congratulated the students for making the event a huge success.

Organised in association with the Indian Red Cross Society and STEP Swasakthi Guntur

Around 140 students, faculty, non-teaching staff, and administrative members of SRM University-AP participated in the blood donation camp organised as a part of World Blood Donor Day. “You are really fortunate to be a part of this world-class university”, said Chief Guest Ms Rajini Vidadala, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare-Government of Andhra Pradesh. She also acknowledged the CSR initiatives and commitment toward social causes by SRM Medical College and Research and the SRM group of institutions.

In his presidential address, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof D Narayana Rao talked about the virtue of regular, voluntary, and unpaid blood donations. He further highlighted SRM University-AP’s achievements in building next-generation world-class scientists and innovators. He narrated the university’s commitment to creating a conducive research ecosystem.

World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14 every year around the world to promote awareness about the need for safe transfusion and honour blood donors for their selfless act of saving lives. This year WHO observes the day on the theme “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”.

“This is the fourth time I am donating blood from SRM AP. I feel so proud and happy to be a part of this noble deed,”- says Ms Shalini Jayakumar, Assistant manager- Office of Examinations. She also encouraged women to come forward and donate blood without the fear of after-effects.

Certificates were distributed to the benevolent blood donors of SRM University-AP. Prof D Narayana Rao felicitated the Hon’ble Minister with a memento for her prolific contributions to society. The blood donation camp was organised in association with the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) and STEP Swasakthi Guntur. Addressing the gathering, Ramachandra Raju- Vice Chairman, IRCS Guntur, appreciated the non-teaching staff for being the leading light to students. NSS Coordinator of the university, Dr Lakshman Rao and Programme Officer Dr Pardha Saradhi Maram highlighted the role of blood donation in saving lives.

Dr R Premkumar-Registrar, Ms Suma N- Chief Finance and Accounts Officer (CFAO), Ms Revathi Balakrishnan- Student Affairs Assistant Director, Deans and Associate Deans of various schools, and Directors and Associate Directors of different departments were present at the meeting held at the university auditorium.

SRM University-AP celebrated International Yoga Day 2022 illuminating the vitality of practising yoga in the backdrop of the chaotic and disruptive scenario of the present times. Accomplished heartfulness practitioners Mr Venkata Krishna Kumar S and Mr Ram Pavan were the guests of honour of the day. Registrar Dr Prem Kumar, and Dean-SEAS Prof B V Babu, welcomed and felicitated the invitees.

Prof B V Babu addressed the gathering and expounded on the significance of Yoga. He highlighted the power of yoga in activating the connection between body, mind, and soul. Essentially, it is the lack of unison between these elements, which leads to a confused and disorganised self. He exhorted the students to make yoga an indispensable part of their lives to discover their higher selves.

Mr Venkata Krishna Kumar interacted with the students and rendered an edifying lecture on the true meaning and benefits of yoga. Emphasising the theme of this year’s yoga day, ‘Yoga for Humanity’, he spelt out how the word ‘unity’ is already embedded in humanity. The unrest and anarchy broken out across different parts of the world is undeniably a consequence of the absence of this unity. He expressed how yoga would help one to rise to a higher level of consciousness and unite with the world around.

He also focused on yoga’s power in liberating the mind from all meaningless entanglements and thoughts. Students were also made to meditate and reflect on all random thoughts that cropped up in their minds. Yoga is not just about physical exertion and regulating bodily functions. It fundamentally aims at bringing the mind under control and emancipating it from all worldly distress.

The session was presided over by Mr Ram Pavan. He shed light on different aspects of yoga and explained how it helps in exploring and purifying our consciousness. He also demystified the essence of heartfulness meditation and implored the students to practise meditation. Ms Revathi Balakrishnan, Assistant Director, Student Affairs, proposed the vote of thanks. The guests of honour were presented with mementoes as a token of gratitude for gracing the celebrations with their invaluable presence.