Stanford University Professor Highlights Liberal Arts Education in India
SRM University-AP convened the 18th chapter of its esteemed University Distinguished Lecture (UDL) series under the auspices of the Easwari School of Liberal Arts. This enlightening session showcased the expertise of Prof. Thomas Blom Hansen, the Reliance-Dhirubhai Ambani Professor & Department Chair, Department of Anthropology School of Humanities and Sciences Stanford University, USA. The lecture delved into the topic of “Interiority Design: Liberal Arts Education in India,” providing insights into the evolving landscape of liberal arts education within the Indian context.
Manoj K Arora stated, “We are a university that provides unique learning experiences; this UDL is part of that learning.” His insightful address underscored the significance of liberal arts and interdisciplinary learning.
During the lecture, Prof. Thomas Blom Hansen remarked on the need for liberal arts education in India to shape well-rounded individuals capable of addressing multifaceted challenges and embracing diverse perspectives. Prof. Hansen’s remarks emphasised the relevance and transformative potential of liberal arts education, enabling students to introspect and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The 18th chapter of the University Distinguished Lecture (UDL) concluded with an interactive Q&A session. A token of appreciation was presented to Thomas Blom Hansen by Prof. Vishnupad, Dean-Easwari School of Liberal Arts, along with Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research; Prof. G S Vinod Kumar, Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr Ayesha Parveen Haroon, Head and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology; Dr J P Raja Pandiyan, Assistant Professor-Department of Chemistry. The event also saw the presence of Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan and Prof. Vandana Swami, among others.
- Published in Departmental News, News, University Distinguished Lecture
Fishing Community Perspectives: NAOP Convention Insights
The Department of Psychology at SRM University-AP is pleased to announce Dr Dhamodharan’s pivotal insights, which surfaced at the culmination of the 33rd Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP), orchestrated by the Department of Applied Psychology at GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Vishakhapatnam. Dr Dhamodhran, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology published his paper, titled “A Study of Fishing Community Parents’ Perspectives on Children’s Education, Health, and Discipline,” which has received profound attention for its insightful analysis.
Abstract:
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritise addressing poverty, promoting good health, and ensuring quality education, among other objectives. However, coastal villages often experience profound socio-economic, financial, and educational disadvantages, leading to recurring financial hardships. The literacy levels within fishing communities are notably deficient, exacerbating challenges in accessing fundamental amenities such as clean drinking water, adequate shelter, educational opportunities, and general well-being. The pervasive poverty and vulnerability prevalent in these areas significantly impede children from fishing villages from regularly attending school, thereby impacting their overall health, educational attainment, and mental well-being. The present study explains the fisher community’s parental perceptions about children’s education, health, and corporal punishment. A cross-section design was used. Samples were selected from four clusters (N = 100, each cluster = 25) from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. A semi-structured interview method was used. The data were analysed with SPSS and thematic analysis. The result of the study indicates that most of the fisher parents are uneducated, and parents give importance to their children’s education, health, and career choices. Lack of proper income, lack of awareness about academic guidance, corporal punishment, and child rights in the community. The study suggests developing more intervention programmes at the family, school, and community levels to improve the fishing community families and the well-being of the children.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Psychology News
Igniting Entrepreneurial Sparks: Varsity Hosts Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 1.0 for Young Innovators
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 1.0 Demo Day, hosted by the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SRM University-AP on March 31, 2024, marked a fitting culmination of rigorous entrepreneurship training for aspiring student and faculty entrepreneurs. Dynamic pitches were presented by participants through the demonstration of their innovative ideas, astute business models and go-to-market strategies, complemented by sharp & insightful feedback from global investors and world-class mentors. The elite panel of industry mentors included Srikanth Talluri, Founder and CMD of 6D.Works, Rathnakar Samavedam, Investment Director & CEO Hyderabad Angels, Deb Mukherji, Chief Advisor-Anglian Omega Group – India, Siddharth Dangi, Founder & CEO at Mentogram, Singapore, Ravi Eswarapu, President of TIE, CXO turned Entrepreneur and Dr Dhiraj K Mahajan, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Ropar along with Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor of SRM AP.
The Entrepreneurship Boot Camp 1.0 at SRM AP was a comprehensive 6-week cohort featuring 8 interactive sessions carefully curated for a dedicated pool of 60+ selected participants, who immersed themselves in an intensive boot camp guided by Prof. Sidharth Tripathy, a Harvard Alumnus and a Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SRM AP.
Participants navigated the intricacies of ideation, business development, and strategic planning as the curriculum featured world-class case studies, practical implementation roadmaps, and real-time engagements with industry and business mentors of international calibre. From a competitive pool of 180 applicants, a rigorous selection process resulted in the acceptance of only 60 candidates. Further refinement led to the identification of 16 standout ventures. Ultimately, a select group of 10 ventures was chosen to receive a grant of Rs 50,000 each, thereby empowering them to incubate, accelerate, and build their ventures in Hatch Lab Research Centre, the incubator of SRM AP.
- Published in Departmental News, IDEA Events, IDEA NEWS, IDEA Workshop, News
Accelerated Academic Leadership Workshop
The Directorate of Human Resources organised a 2-day Accelerated Academic Leadership Programme 2024, on March 27 and 28, 2024, bringing together the academic community to align with the institute’s mission and strategic goals. This landmark event, organised in collaboration with People Business Consulting, has brought together Mr Kadapa Hanumantha Rao Muralidhar and Vinish Soman from People Business Consulting, Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora, Registrar Dr R Premkumar R, Deans and Associate Deans of all schools and HoDs and faculty from all departments.
“Building on the foundation set by last year’s Alignment 360 Workshop, we are focused on achieving our strategic objectives for 2023-28. Our aim is not only to enhance operational excellence but also to foster individual and collective growth within our community of over 7,000 students and 300 faculty members. Our ambitious targets are to position SRM University-AP among the Top 30 universities in India by 2027-28. We are setting benchmarks that reflect our commitment to excellence and the development of our academic team,” said Prof. Manoj Arora.
Prof. Arora also commented on how the university is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant team of young professors, with an average age of 34, signifying the university’s belief in youthful innovation and dynamic leadership. He also spoke exclusively on SRM AP’s culture of continuous learning and growth, guided by 6 core values integral to our institutional ethos.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Workshop