Eminent Columnist P Sainath addressed the gathering of scientists and researchers from various parts of the country in the Public Lecture Telling the stories of rural Indians in the digital age: The People’s Archive of Rural India. The lecture was organised as a part of the 88th Annual Meeting of the Indian Academy of Sciences at SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh.

P Sainath talked about the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI), which brings together science, technology, culture and literature. PARI is a free digital space wholly dedicated to rural India, publishing in 14 languages in India with a huge volunteer force of translators. Though rural India accounts for 69% of the total population of India, their representation in the frontier of national dailies are limited to a meagre total of 0.67 percent. P Sainath commented on this ostracization by calling out the tainted and prejudiced rationale of media houses on neglecting rural life as they offered no credible revenue for their media coverage.

Mr Sainath also talked about the content of his upcoming book The Last Heroes: Foot Soldiers of Indian Freedom expressing that, “It is a gigantic tragedy that this generation and the coming generation won’t be seeing our freedom fighters”. He further talked about the alarming status of India in the environmental performance index and global hunger index and the need to address the agrarian crisis and the growing digital divide in society. “Equitable distribution of opportunities paramount to the democratisation of digital content “, affirmed P Sainath as a concern about online education. IASc President Prof. Umesh Waghmare thanked Mr P Sainath for sensitising the scientific community about the pertinent issues around them.

SRM University-AP celebrates the 74th Republic Day of our glorious nation with immense pride and zeal in commemorating the genesis of India’s constitution. Honourable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora initiated the auspicious event by unfurling the flag, proceeding with the National Anthem and March Past. He explicated the significance of paying homage to our great nation and our brave leaders whose vigilance and valour contributed to forming a secular and republic country.

“India, since its inception as an independent, democratic nation, has advanced to the forefront of the global community as a rising influential power in the domains of science and technology, economics, democratic polity and the thriving Research and Development sector. Our constitution gives us the responsibility, rights, and resources to work towards the growth of our nation. SRM University-AP aligns itself with India’s vision, providing an innovative research-oriented ecosystem for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial learning that works in tandem with the holistic growth of the country.” said Prof Arora in his commemorative speech.

On this proud occasion, SRM AP honoured its dedicated staff and faculty who have rendered their faithful service to the university’s cause and holistic development for the past five years. Honourable Vice Chancellor felicitated the programme and awarded mementoes and certificates to the recipients for their dedicated commitment to the institute. Laurels were also presented to the winners and champions for their remarkable achievements in their respective fields at the event. Cultural programmes by the students contributed to the joyous Republic Day celebration of our rich and valiant nation.

The year’s harvest festival was celebrated with great exuberance and ecstasy by the faculty, staff and students of SRM AP. All festivities were up in the air when all in the academic and non-academic community were adorned in their ethnic wear and came together to represent and celebrate the traditions and honour our heritage.

The Makar Sankranti/Pongal celebrations comprise various games and activities that best showcase the creative skills of the participants. The Rangoli Making contest was one of the highlights of the celebration. Rangoli, being an essential mark of celebrating festivities, is drawn in different states with different names and on different themes. Muggu in Andhra Pradesh, Kolam in Tamil Nadu, Sathiya in Gujarat, Alpana in Bengal, Mandana in Rajasthan, Osa in Odisha, Aipan in Uttarakhand, or simply the Rangoli from Maharashtra – every region has its unique way of representing their traditions, folklore and practices.

A thrilling pot-breaking contest, cup stacking contest and an adrenaline-driven tug-of-war saw active participation from our Indian and international students who were fascinated by our cultural representations and immersed themselves in various competitions. To create awareness about the nutritional value of food cooked without flame, the necessity and advantages of healthy eating and to encourage people to stay away from junk food, a Cooking without Fire/Induction contest was held.