Celebrating Talent: Third-year Physics Hons. Student Authors Book
In a world of specialisations, it’s truly rare to come across individuals who manage to excel across multiple domains. One such shining star in our midst is Simran Kaushik, a third-year student from the Department of Physics, whose passion for space, physics, painting, and writing has not only set her apart but has also served as a beacon of inspiration for us all.
As we celebrate the release of her second book, we take a closer look at the remarkable achievements of this young all-rounder. Ms Kaushik is a third-year BSc Physics Hons. student at SRM University-AP’s School of Engineering and Sciences (SEAS). She also holds the post of the President of the Space Club at the varsity.
Titled, ‘Astroverse: Sci-fi Poems,’ is her second literary creation after ‘Petrichor’. The book is a collection that enlists 30 poems composed against a backdrop of space travel and exploration, astronomical phenomena, futurism, dystopia, droids, A I sentience and much more. Under these themes are encrypted stories, messages, events, original characters, their thoughts, lives and activities. Laid out in verses and rhymes, each poem is supported by drawings and illustrations by Ms Kaushik, making use of her unique and unconventional art style, as the drawings inspired ideas for certain poems and sometimes, vice versa.
In a world that often encourages us to choose a single path, Simran stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when one dares to explore multiple avenues. We congratulate her on the publication of her second book and wish for many more to come.
- Published in News, Students Achievements
Dr Aswini Presents a Poster on the International Stage
In a proud moment that highlights our institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation, we are thrilled to share the success of a recent poster presentation that graced the global stage.Dr Aswini S, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology at SRM University-AP recently represented the varsity at the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention in Washington, DC from August 3 – 5, 2023. The occasion was a prestigious Poster Presentation, titled, “The Other Side of Support: Toxic Social Reactions Experienced by Individuals with Mental Illness”
Abstract
Social support is undeniably an important aspect of everyday life, and it is particularly
important in the context of challenges. The role of social support as a protective factor is well established (Wright et al., 2013) in research, especially in the context of mental illness (Frame, 1981; Teo et al., 2020). While acknowledging the overwhelming evidence on the importance of social support, there is scant literature on the negative experiences of seeking and receiving support. The qualitative investigation revealed the toxic social reactions under the disguise of social support as reported by participants with mental illness (N=17). Participants experienced interactions which sometimes resembled social support but were either harmful or not beneficial to them. The frequently reported reactions of participants are trivialising of symptoms, toxic positivity, and fake sympathy. In comparison to physical illness, the indicators of mental illness are less objectively perceptible to others. Hence, the practice of dismissing symptoms and attributing disorders as momentary feelings, or imaginary experiences are found to be common. Moreover, the suggestion to be positive and reject anything that may trigger negative emotions along with the display of fake sympathy by people around is also found in participant narratives. This signifies the importance of studying social support through different dimensions rather than just focusing only on support that is helpful and beneficial. Future explorations can focus on understanding specific sources of support, kinds of support and the impact that such challenges have on the quality of relationships with significant others.
Keywords: Toxic positivity, mental illness, social support
The remarkable achievement underscores not only the quality of education we provide but also the dedication of our faculty in making impactful contributions to their fields.
- Published in Assistant Professor, News, Psychology, Psychology Faculty, Psychology News
UDAAN Offers Fresh Perspectives to its New Cohort of Students
SRM University-AP warmly welcomes its latest cohort of students. The university’s freshers’ orientation, named UDAAN, is currently underway, featuring a comprehensive series of sessions scheduled from August 16 to August 24. These sessions have been meticulously designed to introduce and integrate the students into campus life and academic
The array of multiple sessions includes an introductory segment that attunes the students to the university’s various directorates, departments, campus layout, and the academic ecosystem it offers. Moreover, the sessions encompass expert-led talks from diverse domains, featuring luminaries from the industry.
On August 19th, a pivotal declaration was made, designating the year 2023-2024 as “The Year of Entrepreneurship” on campus. This decision was met with fervour as industry experts encouraged the cultivation of an entrepreneurial mindset among the students.
In a joint session with Prof. Vinay Nangia, Dr Dinesh Dua, Executive Director Nectar Life Sciences Limited; Mr Sanjiv Bhavnani, Founder CEO & Chief Mentor, Entrepreneur Advisors; the guests spoke of the need to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
Prof. Nangia emphasised that today the world is moving very fast, and technology, machines and now AI have been taking over the tasks that previously were manual. He recounted that when he was a student, land, labour and capital were the factors of production and this was the time when industries were coming to India and getting a job was a lucrative option. But today in the service sector, ideas, innovation, entrepreneurship and money have taken the foreground and in this context, entrepreneurship is the only solution to the growing problems of the economy. He also said that, in the coming future jobs are going to disappear and entrepreneurship will replace them.
Dr Dinesh Dua as he addressed the students recounted motivating stories of entrepreneurs who didn’t give up and ultimately succeeded. Dr Dua tried to instil the concept in the minds of all that the spirit of entrepreneurship is in never giving up no matter how many times you fail.
Mr Bhavnani in his talk urged the students to step out of their comfort zones, he stressed upon the point that unless one ventures out of their comfort zones one is not progressing at all. The confidence that one develops from stepping out of the comfort zone will enable one to do well in life, build fortunes and a name for oneself.
An especially notable session took place on August 21st, where the resource person, Mr Vivek Atray, an esteemed ex-IAS officer, expounded on the significance of the “3 I’s”: Inspiration, Integrity, and Innovation. This enlightening discourse also emphasised the importance of subtracting the self, symbolising humility and selflessness.
Mr Atray’s session was followed by Mr Shiven Tandon, a chartered account and motivational speaker who further discoursed how to “Master the Mind” where he emphasised the need to reject the unworthy, to focus on nothing but the best for oneself. Dr Nived Chebrolu, a post doctoral scholar from the Oxford Robotics Institute in the United Kingdom took a session on ” Mapping with Field Robots in Tough Environments” on August 25, 2023.
Every session offered an ideal blend of motivation and enlightenment. The experts drew from their personal journeys, imparting insights into the dynamic path that lies ahead for the students.
- Published in News, University Event
Follow your Passion or Profession: Ms Ramya Proves Why Not Both!
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort” said Franklin D Roosevelt. The Directorate of Alumni Relations proudly announce that our dear alumna, Ms Ramya Gumadavelly (Class of 2021 BTech CSE) has manifested the saying with her remarkable achievement of publishing two captivating books “An Arcane Amigo – A Sci-Fi Story” and “Echoes of My Heart”. Her third book “Who in the World Am I?”, awaiting release, undoubtedly promises to be another milestone in her literary journey!
Her works, including a short fan anthem for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and several poems dedicated to her favourite cricketer Virat Kohli, have been showcased on Star Sports India for the last IPL season!
Congratulations to Ms Ramya for her remarkable achievement! Being a Computer Engineer by profession did not stop our talented alumna from pursuing her passion for literature and poetry!
Click to check out her published works:-
An Arcane Amigo – https://amzn.eu/d/d0nSO3F
Echoes of My Heart – https://amzn.eu/d/ds9UXVe
- Published in Alumni, Alumni Relations News, Departmental News, News