SRM AP Strengthens Ties with Japan University of Economics
In a step towards broadening horizons and enriching academic opportunities, the Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies (IR & HS) at SRM University-AP welcomed delegates from the Japan University of Economics (JUE). This milestone event marked the formalisation of a partnership aimed at fostering meaningful academic collaborations and strengthening ties between the two institutions.
The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed representatives from JUE, including Dr Yuzo Tashiro, Director of the International Department and Head of Marketing Course, and Dr Katsunori Takahashi, Associate Professor of Global Business. Representing SRM University-AP, Dr Premkumar R, Registrar, was joined by Mr C.A. Chander Krishnamoorthy, CFO-SRM Group, and Mr Lakshmi Narasimhan, Director-in-Charge of International Relations and Higher Studies. The gathering also included prominent faculty members like Dr Sudeshna Saha, Prof Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Prof. Vishnupad Mishra, Dr Manish Kumar, and Dr Srujana Boddu, among others.
This collaboration is more than just an agreement—it’s a shared vision for preparing students to thrive in 
a global world. Through this partnership, SRM University-AP and JUE aim to unlock diverse opportunities, including student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, semester-abroad programmes, and joint international conferences.
Japan University of Economics, known for its commitment to industry-focused education, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. This partnership with JUE will open a gateway for SRM AP students to access unparalleled career opportunities in Japan. A standout feature of this collaboration is its alignment with SRM AP’s flagship programme Destination Japan.
The partnership also promises to enhance students’ academic experiences by introducing joint courses focused on Japan’s economy, giving them a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most dynamic economic landscapes. With direct pathways to internships and employment in Japan, this collaboration ensures that SRM AP students are not just academically prepared but also ready to integrate seamlessly into global workplaces.
A Session on Interspecies Living and Bio-acoustics by Rohit Chakravarty
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology under the aegis of Easwari School of Liberal Arts at SRM University-AP hosted a thought-provoking session on November 07, 2024. The session unravelled a fascinating world of interspecies living and highlighted the vital yet often ignored role of bats in our ecosystem. Mr Rohit Chakravarthy, a bat researcher working with Nature Conservation Foundation and Bat Conservation International was the speaker for the session.
The session for the students of Universal Human Values and Ethics focused on inter species living and inclusivity, although misunderstood and feared, bats play a critical role in contributing to the agriculture and beverages industries. The session also revealed that bats are primary pollinators for Durian fruit and tequila, two products that owe their existence to these nocturnal creatures. The session witnessed many such interesting stories that helped to portray bats as less frightening creatures.
However, it wasn’t just science and industry on the agenda. The session brought to life the fascinating social structures within bat colonies and captivating stories of bats sharing food with those in need and even acting as midwives, assisting other bats during childbirth! These behaviours reflect values of care and community that humans can learn from—reminders of how interconnected life on Earth truly is!
The session also acknowledged their association with the deadly viruses such as SARS, COVID-19, and Nipah. As the session drew to a close, students walked away with more than just facts. They left with a renewed appreciation for the world around them.
The second session, directed at Open Elective students studying the Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Sound, dove into the incredible world of bio-acoustics. The lecture explored echolocation used by bats as an important indicator for the military infrastructure for improving sonar technology used in submarines. Students were fascinated by the intricacies of interspecies communication, as bats use sound not only for navigation but also to exchange crucial information about habitat, mating, and potential threats.
The lectures beautifully combined science, ethics, and socio-cultural insights, reflecting the Department’s mission to nurture holistic thinkers and foster interdisciplinary learning. Although unconventional, the talk seemed to open new and diverse avenues for Liberal arts students, inspiring them to walk newer and less trodden paths.
- Published in Departmental News, Liberal Arts News, News
A Strategic Partnership with Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.
SRM University-AP inked an MoU with Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX), the largest commodity exchange in the country, to supply highly skilled professionals to meet the industry’s needs. The commodity market plays a vital role in the country’s economic development. Understanding that the industry is expected to create a significant number of job opportunities in the next decade, the university has taken the initiative to partner with MCX to place highly competent graduates at various levels of the company.
The agreement will explore and conduct various interactive sessions, faculty development programmes, research programmes, seminars, conferences and conclaves that would benefit students, faculty and other working professionals. Joint Management Development Programmes (MDP) on the financial / derivatives market, educational conclaves on commodity derivatives inviting participation from other business schools & universities, and events like CONQUEST are some of the initiatives that the MOU manifests.
On the academic front, the MOU agrees that SRM University-AP may launch full/part-time Postgraduate Executive Diploma courses in the Financial /Commodity Derivatives Market with significant input from MCX on the curriculum. The university might also introduce a chapter on “Commodity Derivatives” in its curriculum for the management and commerce programmes. SRM AP will also offer existing courses of MCX, viz. MCX Commodity Professional (MCCP), MCX Certified Index Professional (MCIP) & MCX Certified Options Professional (MCOP) certification(s) as programmes or certification courses under the Paari School of Business.
The partnership with Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. is of grave importance in providing the students and faculty with exposure to the industry, keeping pace with recent market trends, and acquiring an industry-ready skillset.
- Published in Departmental News, MoU, News, Paari Current Happenings
Challenging Norms and Expanding Perspectives with YSK Prerna
In a world where conversations around gender are evolving rapidly, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology from the Easwari School of Liberal Arts at SRM University-AP hosted a two-part lecture series that sparked introspection, challenged societal norms, and helped foster inclusivity. With honest discussions, cultural references, and meaningful reflections, the sessions resonated deeply with students, encouraging them to rethink what they know about gender.The session saw Artistic Director of Conflictorium – Museum of Conflict, Chattisgarh, and Gujarat, YSK Prerana as its speaker.
The first session for the Universal Human Values and Ethics students opened the door to reimagining gender beyond traditional binaries. The discussions tackled pressing issues such as inequality, the choice of motherhood, and the issue of gender-based violence. The session wove in popular memes that students see every day to explore how gender stereotypes are subtly reinforced. The speaker took things a step further, the short film Juice. Set in a household gathering, the movie painted a raw picture of how caste, class, and gender intersect, powerfully illustrating how invisible power dynamics shape everyday interactions.
The session wasn’t about pointing fingers or placing blame. It was about understanding—about seeing the world through a different lens and recognising how ingrained norms can shape perceptions. Students left the room not just with questions but with a drive to seek answers and advocate for change.
The second session, tailored for students of the Open Elective Law and Society, turned the focus inward. It started with a simple question: When did you first become aware of your gender? What followed was an exploration of how gender is more than an identity—it’s a social construct shaped by power dynamics.
Students examined how societal categories like caste and class blend into gendered expectations and how these norms are portrayed through media. But the session didn’t just focus on challenges. It celebrated progress, stressing upon how new meanings and ways of expressing gender are emerging every day.
The sessions made students pause and think about the roles they play in their communities and the changes they can bring. By addressing deeply ingrained issues with honesty and compassion, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology created a space where students could reflect on their own experiences, listen and most importantly ask questions.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sociology and Anthropology News