SRM AP Vice Chancellor Nominated to Prestigious AIU Governing Council
A proud moment for SRM University-AP as it announces the nomination of its esteemed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora, to the Governing Council of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) serves as a paramount inter-university organisation actively involved in the advancement and nurturing of higher education.
On accepting this nomination, Prof. Arora remarked, “I am deeply humbled to have been nominated as a member of AIU and look forward to it. This nomination reflects our collective efforts towards advancing higher education and fostering collaboration, thereby working towards changing the face of higher education in India.”
This notable appointment not only recognises Prof. Arora’s outstanding contributions to the academic fraternity but also underscores SRM University-AP‘s commitment to excellence in higher education. The AIU plays a pivotal role in elevating the quality and accessibility of higher education across the nation. The AIU, with its broad membership including international institutions from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Thailand, the UAE, and the UK, serves as a platform for global educational exchange and development. Its endeavours are directed toward creating a collaborative and innovative educational landscape, making this nomination significant for SRM University-AP and the broader academic community.
Prof. Arora’s nomination is a moment of pride not only for him but for the entire SRM AP fraternity. The university community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Arora on this noteworthy achievement and eagerly anticipates his ongoing guidance and foresight in steering the course of education in India.
SRM University, AP welcomes Prof V.S. Rao, as Vice-Chancellor
SRM University- AP, Andhra Pradesh is happy to welcome our new Vice-Chancellor Prof Vajja Sambasiva Rao. Prof V.S. Rao has joined the University, today, July 1st 2020
Prof V. S. Rao is an eminent academician who has been the vanguard of leading excellence in higher technical education in India. An alumnus of BITS, Pilani and the University of Bielefeld, Germany, Prof V. S. Rao previously served as the President of NIIT University and Acting Vice-Chancellor and Director at BITS, Pilani.
Dr P. Satyanarayanan, the President of the SRM University-AP, shares in his welcome note, “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor V. S. Rao as the new Vice-Chancellor of SRM University-AP. Dr VS Rao is a renowned academician with over four decades of experience in Academics and Administration. I am optimistic that his strategic and operational skills combined with his deep knowledge in academic research, will help SRM AP scale greater heights in its pursuit to be a truly global research-intensive educational institution.”
Prof D. Narayana Rao, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University, cordially welcomed him on campus saying, “Prof VS Rao, an institution builder, has developed BITS, Hyderabad as a highly reputed institution in a short time. With his rich and vast experience at BITS – Pilani and also as the Director, BITS Hyderabad, I am sure that he will take SRM University – AP to greater heights.”
Dr D. Gunasekaran, the Registrar of SRMAP, opined, “Prof V S Rao’s joining the SRM University AP is wonderful news for us. We are certain that his values and collaborative leadership approach will help the University to make a visible difference to the world. The faculty members, students and staff of SRM University AP welcomes the Vice-Chancellor, Prof V S Rao.”
As the University embarks on an exciting period of development in an immensely challenging and competitive environment with an ambitious strategy that builds on the well-established reputation for ground-breaking research, innovation and cross-disciplinary academic activity, it is the high time to demonstrate the capability to make a difference to the lives of individuals, communities and societies in the region and around the world.
Prof V. S. Rao, the man of the hour himself supported the notion asserting, “I am looking forward to contributing to the internationally acclaimed SRM Group, through my best efforts. We at SRMAP would like to see that every student graduating from here would be industry-ready, and get numerous opportunities during their career. I consider myself fortunate to have this opportunity to be part of such an excellent institution in the sphere of higher education, that has been delivering quality teaching and learning, and research relevant to the society.”
During his career spanning over forty-two years, Prof V. S. Rao has made significant contributions in the arena of education. As the President of NIIT University (NU), Neemrana, Rajasthan, he has led many initiatives at NU starting from curriculum innovations, faculty expansion and development to the introduction of new Programmes and digital learning. He apprehended the importance of Industry linkage with academia and committed to upholding it. Prior to joining NU, Prof V. S. Rao had a vigorous association with BITS, Pilani for over 44 years including six years of his Graduation.
He played a crucial role in the establishment of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus in terms of strategy and conception. He worked very closely with Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, the then Chief Minister, in realising his vision of establishing BITS Pilani campus in Hyderabad, a state-of-the-art campus with innovative ideas.
His research interest included synthetic organic chemistry, natural product research, green chemistry etc. He has guided four PhD students and published several research papers in reputed journals. His passion for teaching has earned accolades from several batches of BITS students.
Prof. V. S. Rao obtained his M. Sc and PhD degrees from BITS Pilani. In 1998, at the invitation of the German Foundation for International Development, he attended a four-month training programme on Educational Economics & Educational Research at the University of Bielefeld, Germany. His philosophy and utilitarian standpoint as an educator have been moulded by his pragmatic ideology and productive wisdom as an administrator.
Prof V.S. Rao is on the advisory board for various colleges, institutions and universities across the country. He is also an avid explorer who has extensively travelled across the globe to visit international universities of repute.
- Published in Announcements, News, VC News
A humble celebration at SRM AP on ‘Founder’s Day’
Distributing fruits and jute bags on the auspicious occasion of Founder Chancellor and MP, Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar’s birthday
Founder’s Day Celebration at SRMAPSRM University AP, Andhra Pradesh celebrated ‘Founder’s Day’ on the propitious occasion of the birthday of Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor of SRM Group and Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Perambalur Constituency, Tamil Nadu. Soon after, as part of the occasion, jute bags were distributed among the dwellers of Neerukonda and Kuragallu, encouraging them to quit using plastic products. Further contributing to the environment, Prof Vajja Sambasiva Rao, Vice-Chancellor, planted saplings around SRM AP campus.
The celebration continued with SRM AP staff visiting the elderly at the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Old Age Home, Mangalagiri. Chief Guest of the event, Ram Prasad himself rendered a hand in the noble gesture of distributing fruits to the elderly. Prof Vajja Sambasiva Rao lauded the gesture of the university to extend services to the society. SRM University-AP Seva Programmes were also appreciated and attended by Dr. B. Sivakumar, Deputy Registrar, Wg Cmdr Venkataachalam Sekkappan, Director-CLM, and Ramesh Babu, Chief Liaison Officer, among others.
Prof VS Rao, VC, planting trees
National Youth Day: Commemorating Swami Vivekananda and contributing towards the Making of a Nation
Since 1984, India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12. This date was chosen to honour the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s greatest spiritual and social leaders and to encourage the youth in the country. He saw promise for the future in every child and believed that with “muscles of iron” and “nerves of steel” they could bring about the social change required for the sustainable growth of this great country. Swami Vivekananda himself personified the eternal energy of the youth and a restless quest for truth. In a country like India, where almost 50 per cent of its population is under the age of 25, making celebrations that empower young people is essential because the country’s future rides on their shoulders.
Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk from India, who shook the world with his knowledge, wisdom, positivity and affection. He played a significant role in the development of Indian nationalism during the 19th and 20th century. His teachings and philosophy made the people rethink various aspects of education, faith, character building, as well as social issues pertaining to India.
According to Swami Vivekananda, a country’s future depends on its people.” Vivekananda believed education is the manifestation of perfection already in men. He thought it a pity that the existing education system did not enable a person to stand on his own feet, nor did it teach him self-confidence and self-respect. To Vivekananda, education was not only a collection of information but something more meaningful; he felt education should be man-making, life-giving and character-building. To him, education was an assimilation of noble ideas. He also told the youth- Set yourselves to the task of spreading education among the masses.
SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, a multi-stream research-intensive university, came into being with a vision of making nation builders. SRMAP has always put its students first. That is the reason the students have come up with transformative ideas and challenging developments. The students of SRMAP is globally recognised for their intellect and brilliance. During the COVID-19 wars, our student developed cost-effective face-shield to support his nation. The applications developed by our students for various societal well-being are recognised worldwide and celebrated with prizes and accolades. The budding entrepreneurs of SRMAP have founded a start-up- OurEye.ai, which enhances surveillance by enabling CCTV cameras to produce actionable insights using AI-ML technology. The nascent university also has a student who holds a Guinness World Record for art and creativity.
Furthermore, not only students but also the young faculty members of SRMAP are very enthusiastic about making a change for good for their nation. Our faculty and students have published 350+ papers in reputed journals in two years along with 27 funded projects and 16 patents. Our young faculty is recognised among the world’s top 2% biotechnologists. The tool developed by our faculty engineer is being used and applauded by senior NASA scientists.
Following the path as shown by Swami Vivekananda, SRM University-AP sets on a voyage to Channelising Youth Power for Nation Building. The university focuses on the overall growth of the students as advocated by Swamiji. SRMAP inspires students to follow their dreams and prepares them to be able enough to live their dream. The passion and dedication of its faculty members are touching the lives of the students. The nascent university has just begun its journey and will not stop until we meet our goal to make India greatest of all. We are confident that with the right mindset and guidance, India will again retrieve its former glory and SRM University-AP aims to be a proud contributor in the process.
- Published in VC News
Welcoming 2022 with joy, hope, and fun
On Saturday morning, students, faculty and administrative staff members at SRM University-AP welcomed the new year with colourful celebrations on campus. Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao cut the New year special cake and addressed the gathering. “We shall enter the new year with the hope that pandemic will be endemic in 2022”, he said. He also suggested that everyone take steps in a planned manner to receive the success they hope for in the new year.
Dr R Premkumar, the Registrar, expressed hope that the university would move towards higher standards under the supervision of Professor B V Babu, Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences. The organisers and participants of the event and various game activities adhered strictly to the Covid-19 protocol. Prizes were given away to the winners of various competitions.
The event was attended by Registrar-Dr R Premkumar, Dean-Prof B V Babu, Controller of Examinations- Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Directors-Mrs Suma N, Dr K Mohan, Wg Cmdr Venkataachalam Sekkappan, Prof Y Siva Sankar and others.
Forging ahead with the light of 44 years: India’s most impactful VC, Prof V S Rao
SRM University- AP is proud to announce that our Vice-Chancellor, Prof V S Rao, has been conferred with EduStar India’s Most Impactful Vice-Chancellor award. The prestigious award ceremony was held on April 9, 2022, in Delhi, hosted by Daily Indian Media and Star Brands. The event was organised to felicitate the “Most Impactful and Most promising Awards specifically for Vice Chancellors & Chancellors”, who have contributed to higher education in India. Prominent leaders of premiere institutions across India were recognised in the ceremony for their outstanding involvement in the field of education.
The prestigious gathering witnessed the participation of about 8% of the Vice-Chancellors of Indian private universities. The noteworthy guidance of these veteran leaders had an enormous impact in the domain of higher education.
Receiving the title award, Prof V S Rao thanked EduStar for recognising his contribution to the higher education industry. He expressed, “The education and training given at BITS Pilani made me what I am today. Receiving this award on the eve of 44 years of service in academics makes it more special. I feel proud to be associated with SRM University-AP, a university focused on research, innovation and entrepreneurship.”Prof V S Rao was one of the significant awardees among the Vice-Chancellors of various universities such as Lovely Professional University, Dy Patil University and many other elite institutions in the country.
“It is a moment of pride for the university to have our Vice-Chancellor awarded with EduStar India’s Most Impactful Vice Chancellor title. On behalf of SRM Group of Institutions, I congratulate Prof V S Rao for this achievement”, said Dr P Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM Group of Institutions.Dr Arindam Chaudhuri, the organiser of the award ceremony, shared his views and thoughts on the need for application-oriented education and emphasised the role of leaders of such universities who could make it happen.
A felicitation ceremony was organised in the university in honour of the respected Vice-Chancellor. Honourable Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof D Narayana Rao and Registrar, Dr R Premkumar, were also present at this illustrious occasion.
ROM 2022: Relay run of 487 km for child safety flagged off
SRM University-AP flagged off a 487 km relay run with a flaming torch that will be concluded at SRM KTR campus on September 8, World Physiotherapy Day. “This group of 90 runners will set a record and inspire the people they meet on their way”, said Prof. K Hemachandra Reddy, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education, igniting the torch that mirrors the Olympic torch.
SRM AP Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao expressed his delight to host the starting point of ROM (Resounding Overnight Momentous) 2022: THE PHYSIO RUN. “We are fortunate to be a part of making history by raising awareness for child safety and environment protection”, he added, flagging off the run. “The team spirit of these young runners is strong enough to bring out social changes”, said Professor Lt Col Arunachalam Ravikumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Medical & Health Sciences, appreciating the event. Dr T.S Veeragoudhaman, Dean, School of Physiotherapy, highlighted the functional independency that physiotherapy provides. Official Records Officer- World Records Union, Ms Shareefa, said that it is the responsibility of civilised citizens to promote national and community-level child protection systems.
Last year, the “Longest relay run with a flaming torch”, covering 280 km from the SRM Trichy campus to the SRM Kattankulathur campus, found a place in the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records. This year, the torch that is lighted from the SRM AP campus will be passed on for 487 km until it is brought into the SRM Kattankulathur campus. The ignited torch carried onwards during the run will use the mother flame throughout the entire course until it reaches its destination and would not be extinguished at any given time or situation. The torch would only be kept alive with natural ingredients.
World Physiotherapy Day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community. SRM College of Physiotherapy and SRM Institute of Science and Technology Kattankulathur jointly organised this event to raise awareness on relevant issues like child safety, child disability and conservation of the environment. SRM AP Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Dean-School of Engineering and Sciences Prof B V Babu, Assistant Director- Student Affairs Ms Revathi Balakrishnan and many other dignitaries from SRM group institutions were present at the occasion.
- Published in News, student affairs news, VC News
The 5 ‘I’s of UG and PG Education: Prof. Manoj K Arora at the Industry 4.0 India Conference
Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora participated in Industry 4.0 India Conference organised by Employability.life in Delhi from April 25 to 26, 2023. At the Vice Chancellors Workshop on April 25, 2023, he emphasised the need to integrate education with skills and certification. He shared his experiences on how SRM University-AP is revamping the curriculum for all UG and PG programmes from 2023 to 24. The 21st-century skills, co-curricular activities, value education, community services, projects, internships, and field studies will be integral to the curricula, delivered through project-based learning and active learning.
Extending on this concept, during the panel discussion on Transforming Higher Education for India 2030 on April 26, 2023, he spoke about how SRM University-AP focuses on the 5 ‘I’s of UG and PG education. He proceeded to mention the 5 ‘I’s, such as Integrative Curricula where integration of research with teaching, integration of live problems from society and community in courses, integration of industry and international experts with faculty and integration of technology with teaching-learning processes; Interdisciplinarity where research is at the core as many discoveries happen at the border between disciplines, and therefore being borderless will be crucial for meeting the national challenges; Innovation that goes hand in hand with research leading to an entrepreneurial buzz on the campus; International Cooperation that becomes a necessity not only for high-quality research and innovation but for teaching and learning as well; and Inclusivity by involving global partners, the higher education community, industry partners, civil society, government departments and communities in the learning processes thereby promoting rightful intellect distribution.
