By the Department of Languages and Literature, SSSIHL in collaboration with UNESCO CHAIR in Vulnerability Studies, University of Hyderabad
FDP on Literary-Cultural Theory and Vulnerability Studies
Duration: 10 Days (6th to 18th March 2026) | Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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The Department of Languages and Literature – English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in Vulnerability Studies, University of Hyderabad, offers a Ten-Day Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from 6th to 18th March 2026 on “Literary-Cultural Theory and Vulnerability Studies”.
This FDP features experts who discuss topics such as Thing Theory, Famine Comics, Plastic Studies, Plant Humanities, Partition Literature, Trauma in South Asian Comics, Marginal Literatures, Critical Body Studies, Memory in Feminist Historiography, Urban Studies, Ecocritical Entanglements, Animal Studies, Ageist Discourses, Posthuman Vulnerabilities, War in Comics, the Vulnerable Child in Literature, Storytelling as Healing, and Language and Vulnerability.
The FDP, designed for academics, researchers, and postgraduate students, foregrounds how acts of reading are practices demanding theoretical knowledge and practical involvement from readers who must position themselves at interdisciplinary intersections that demonstrate the imbrication of discourses in colluding with or struggling against hegemonies and marginalities.
Secure your spot: Register here before 28th February 2026
SSSIHL Partners with Global FTI for ACCA-Integrated B.Com Programme
In a landmark collaboration, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Global FTI on 24 January 2026 to align its B.Com. (Hons.) and B.Com. (Hons. with Research) programmes with the prestigious ACCA (UK) qualification. ACCA is globally recognised across 181+ countries for excellence in accounting, auditing, taxation, ethics, and digital finance.
The MoU was exchanged between Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, and Ms. Soumya Nambiar, Managing Director, Global FTI, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
This partnership enables students to receive exemptions for some ACCA papers, significantly streamlining the pathway to global professional certification. With curriculum alignment to IFRS and Ind-AS, internships, and structured ethics training, the programme offers a rigorous, and values-driven route to ACCA membership.
Designed to empower graduates for high-impact careers in globally reputed audit firms and financial services in India and abroad, the programme blends SSSIHL’s values-based education with Global FTI’s professional expertise, ushering in a new era of academic and professional excellence.
BIRAC Shortlists SSSIHL for Prestigious BioNEST Bioincubator Program
We are proud to announce that Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) has been shortlisted by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) for the prestigious BioNEST Bioincubator Program — a significant milestone in our journey toward advancing biotech innovation and entrepreneurship.
Building India’s Biotech Future from Andhra Pradesh
The BioNEST incubator will be established and operated by Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF), our Section 8 not-for-profit entity. This initiative positions us to:
- Bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world healthcare solutions
- Nurture promising biotech startups and innovators
- Catalyze translational research aligned with national priorities
- Demonstrate that world-class biotech innovation can thrive in Tier-2 locations
A Vision for Inclusive Innovation
This recognition reinforces our commitment to fostering inclusive biotech entrepreneurship that contributes to Atmanirbhar Bharat and aligns with the transformative BioE3 policy framework. We envision a future where groundbreaking discoveries in life sciences translate into tangible solutions for healthcare challenges.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our advisors and mentors whose invaluable guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Their belief in our vision continues to inspire us.
Who can Participate? Aspiring entrepreneur in biotech, medtech, biopharma, or life sciences are invited to leverage this world-class incubation facility to transform your innovative ideas into impactful ventures. Whether you’re a researcher, startup founder, or innovator, the BioNEST incubator will offer:
- State-of-the-art infrastructure and laboratory facilities
- Mentorship from industry experts and academic leaders
- Access to funding opportunities and regulatory guidance
- A collaborative ecosystem to accelerate your journey from concept to commercialization
Your breakthrough idea deserves the right support. If you are keen to join us in shaping the future of healthcare and life sciences innovation, write to us at [email protected]
As we embark on this exciting journey, we remain committed to empowering innovators, advancing translational research, and contributing meaningfully to India’s biotech ecosystem.
Read MoreSSSIHL Partners with AQMATiCS for Quantum–AI Research and Innovation
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, has entered into a five-year Collaboration Agreement with AQMATiCS Inc. on 27 December 2025, to jointly advance research, innovation, and capacity building at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.
The agreement was formally exchanged between Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, and Mr. Venkat Muramalla, Director, Partner Enablement, AQMATiCS.
Those present at the event included – Dr. Srikanth Khanna (Registrar, SSSIHL), Prof. Pallav Baruah (Dean, Innovation & Entrepreneurship), Dr. R Raghunatha Sarma, Director, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Dr. K Vijay Sai, Head, Dept. of Physics, Dr. N Uday Kiran, Head, Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, Dr. Kurmarao Tyada, Asst. Professor, and Dr. V N Ravi Kishore Vutukuri, Asst. Professor, from the Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science and Mr Azhar Hussain, Lead Innovation and Delivery, AQMATiCS.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
- Strategic Research Collaboration:
The partnership focuses on joint research in Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, advanced algorithms, and emerging technologies, aimed at strengthening the Quantum-AI ecosystem and addressing real-world challenges across domains such as healthcare, cybersecurity, sustainability, logistics, and digital assets. - Joint Development of Platforms & Solutions:
Both institutions will collaborate on the development of advanced platforms, software applications, and demonstrable solutions. AQMATiCS will contribute industry expertise and resources, while SSSIHL will engage its faculty, researchers, and students through structured research, advisory roles, and internship programmes. - Creation of Joint Intellectual Property:
The collaboration enables the creation of jointly owned patents and intellectual property, with equal ownership. SSSIHL retains unrestricted rights to use such IP for its academic, teaching, training, and research purposes. - Structured Engagement through Statements of Work (SOWs):
All activities will be executed through mutually agreed Statements of Work, categorised as:- Product Research-Based SOWs (Quantum-AI research, algorithms, simulators, security and safety frameworks), and
- Application Development-Based SOWs (AI-driven applications, analytics solutions, chatbots, and use-case-specific systems).
Each SOW will define objectives, timelines, budgets, governance, and responsibilities.
- Establishment of Advanced Labs at SSSIHL: Subject to approval, AQMATiCS will support the establishment of specialised labs at SSSIHL, including:
- AQMATiCS QuantumRAiSE Labs (Quantum AI and Decentralised AI),
- AQMATiCS Talent Labs (student clubs and startup initiatives), and
- AQMATiCS iCollab (industry and international university collaborations).
All labs will remain under SSSIHL’s ownership and academic oversight.
- Curriculum, Internship & Training Support:
AQMATiCS will support curriculum enrichment through elective courses in emerging technologies and provide internship and training opportunities for SSSIHL students at SSSIHL and AQMATiCS facilities.
This collaboration reinforces SSSIHL’s commitment to values-based education combined with cutting-edge research, fostering innovation that is ethical, impactful, and aligned with societal needs.
SPARKLAB 2.0 – Immersion Program & Valedictory Ceremony – A Report
SPARKLAB 2.0 successfully concluded at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, as a two-day (13-14 Dec), high-impact immersion program with a meaningful Valedictory Ceremony, marking the culmination of a journey that began on 18 August 2025.
Day 1 Highlights | 13 December 2025
The program commenced with invocatory Vedam chanting, setting a spiritual and purposeful tone. This was followed by a Welcome Address by Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, President, IIC-SSSIHL, who also introduced “Megathon: Sri Sathya Sai Innovation for Bharat”, a nationwide hackathon scheduled for February–April 2026. He highlighted Megathon’s vision of fostering grassroots innovation across India, with focus areas in Healthcare, Environment, and Energy.
The formal launch of Megathon was led by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, who underscored the expanding role of the SSSIHL alumni network in nurturing innovation-driven initiatives. He highlighted the collective support of alumni, industry experts, investors, and mentors in providing time, expertise, and resources, and reaffirmed SSSIHL’s commitment—through SPARKLAB and SSSRIF—to guide innovators from ideation to execution and beyond.
The afternoon session featured intensive one-to-one mentor–mentee sessions, offering targeted guidance on business models, market readiness, impact alignment, and pitch refinement.
Day 2 Highlights | 14 December 2025
The second day began with the Final Pitching Session for Investment and Evaluation, where 16 selected teams from SPARKLAB 2.0, SPARKLAB 1.0, and SSSRIF incubates presented their ideas before an expert evaluation panel. The session encouraged cross-cohort learning and exposed participants to diverse innovation approaches across sectors.
The Valedictory Ceremony, held in the afternoon, included:
- Invocation and Welcome
- Program highlights showcasing outcomes and impact
- Reflections shared by participants, mentors, and trainers
- Distribution of certificates to successful participants
- Expression of gratitude to mentors and trainers
- Valedictory Address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Murali Narasimhan
- Announcements on Megathon 2026 and upcoming Startup Day celebrations
- Divine Discourse
In his Valedictory Address, Chief Guest Mr. Murali Narasimhan stressed the importance of purpose-driven and service-oriented entrepreneurship, emphasizing that innovation must be rooted in ethics and societal needs, with financial success following naturally. He encouraged participants to remain passion-led, value-driven, and socially responsible as they build their ventures.
Dr. Swetha, Innovation Coordinator, IIC-SSSIHL, presented the highlights and statistics of SPARKLAB 2.0, noting that this year’s cohort comprised 45 participants selected from over 75 applicants, and emphasizing the program’s dual focus on tangible outcomes and holistic participant transformation through structured training and sustained mentorship.
An announcement on the upcoming Startup Day Celebrations (15–16 January 2026) was made by Dr. Sai Vinod, Assistant Professor, SSSIHL, inviting innovative poster submissions in the themes of Environment, Health, and Energy to showcase ethical, impactful, and scalable ideas.
During the feedback and reflection sessions, mentors and trainers appreciated the enthusiasm, discipline, and openness of participants, while students shared how SPARKLAB 2.0 significantly enhanced their clarity, confidence, and readiness to pursue real-world innovation challenges. The program was widely acknowledged as a holistic learning experience blending mentorship, ethics, and execution.
The program concluded with the Vote of Thanks and Mangala Aarthi.
SPARKLAB 2.0 emerged as a transformative immersion program bridging ideation and execution with purpose and values at its core.
SSSIHL Signs MoU with BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. to Strengthen Academic–Industry Collaboration
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. (BRPL) on 13 December 2025, marking the beginning of a long-term academic–industry collaboration aimed at enhancing student learning, industry exposure, and professional development.
The MoU was formally exchanged between Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, and Mr. Prasad Patki, Group CHRO – BSES Delhi. The event was attended by Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL; Dr. Sayee Manohar K, Associate Professor, Department of Management & Commerce and Director, Brindavan Campus, Dr. G. Padmavathy, Head, Department of Management & Commerce; Prof. N. Sivakumar, Dean, Department of Management & Commerce; Dr. U Suma Rao, Associate Professor, Department of Management & Commerce and Chairperson, Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies; Sri S. R. Sai Praveen Manchiraju, Assistant Training and Placement Officer, SSSIHL; Ms. Anagha Manoj, Management Trainee, Learning and Development, HR Department, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited; and Ms. Noopur Gaur, Management Trainee, Talent Acquisition, HR Department, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited.
Key areas of cooperation include – student internships, campus placements, guest lectures by industry professionals, integration of real-world case studies into the curriculum, technical training, leadership and management skill development, executive education, and joint initiatives in corporate social responsibility.
The partnership also envisions collaboration in emerging areas of the energy sector, including smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), digital automation, renewable energy integration, and cybersecurity, providing students with exposure to future-ready technologies and industry practices. Opportunities for industry and factory visits, as well as shared use of infrastructure and facilities, will further strengthen experiential learning and knowledge exchange.
This collaboration, among the first industry MoUs of the Department of Management and Commerce, reflects SSSIHL’s continued commitment to fostering meaningful industry partnerships that bridge academic learning with real-world application, while supporting holistic education grounded in professional excellence and societal responsibility.
SSSIHL Signs MoU with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research – Hyderabad (TIFRH) to Strengthen Research, Joint Academic Initiatives & Student Exchange
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research – Hyderabad (TIFRH) on 21 November 2025, marking the beginning of a robust collaboration aimed at advancing research excellence, academic innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.
The MoU was formally signed and exchanged by Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL, and Prof. M. Krishnamurthy, Centre Director, TIFRH. The ceremony held at the SSSIHL Administrative office, was attended by Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, and Prof. R. Gowrishankar, Dean of Academic Affairs, SSSIHL.
Key Areas of Collaboration
- Student Exchange: Short-term research projects for SSSIHL UG/PG students at TIFRH (1–12 months) and for TIFRH Ph.D. scholars at SSSIHL (1–6 months).
- Joint Research: Collaborative research initiatives between faculty of both institutes, supported through internal or external funding.
- Joint Ph.D. Pathways: Opportunities for co-supervised Ph.D. students, including TIFRH-trained JRFs registering for doctoral studies at SSSIHL.
- Joint Master’s Programmes: Exploration of specialised M.Sc. or M.Tech. programmes in areas such as photonics, optics, lasers, and spectroscopy.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing high-quality research and nurturing the next generation of scientists.
Together, SSSIHL and TIFRH aim to build a long-term partnership that enriches learning, innovation, and societal impact.
SSSIHL Partners with Motherson Techno Tools Ltd to Strengthen Research and Industry-Academia Engagement
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), signed a Collaboration Agreement with Motherson Techno Tools Ltd (MTTL), India, on 09 December 2025, in Prasanthi Nilayam, marking the beginning of a structured long-term partnership focused on advancing academic excellence, applied research, and meaningful industry-academia engagement.
The agreement was formally exchanged between Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, and Mr. Rajiv Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, MTTL.
Those present during the signing included – Dr. Srikanth Khanna (Registrar, SSSIHL), Prof. Pallav Baruah (Dean, Innovation & Entrepreneurship), Dr. Sripada Lakshminath (Head, Dept. of Chemistry), Dr. Naga Sai Visweswar K (Assistant Professor, Chemistry), Mr. Chintha Jagadeesh (Research Scholar), Dr. Vishal Khetan (Project Head & SPOC, General Manager – Development, Motherson DeltaCarb Hardmetal, SA) and Mr. Deshraj Singh (Production division, Motherson).
Overview:
The partnership aims to create a dynamic framework for joint research, industrial training, technology development, and student-faculty development initiatives.
The collaboration seeks to:
- Foster joint research in chemistry, materials science, coatings for cutting tools, and related disciplines
- Enhance student exposure to real-world industrial environments
- Support industry-relevant PhD research
- Facilitate access to advanced research infrastructure such as the Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF)
- Promote technology development, innovation, and potential commercialization
- Strengthen recruitment pathways for graduates
Key Areas of Collaboration
The collaboration will enable students to gain hands-on industrial exposure through internships, industry-guided research projects, and mentorship from MTTL experts, while receiving academic supervision from SSSIHL faculty. Both institutions will jointly undertake research in chemistry, materials science, and advanced coatings, leveraging shared expertise and infrastructure, including access to SSSIHL’s Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF). The partnership also supports industry-sponsored PhD fellowships, facilitates access to select research facilities and biorepositories, and encourages technology development and potential commercialization. Additionally, MTTL will actively consider SSSIHL graduates for suitable career opportunities.
Towards Innovation and National Impact
This collaboration between SSSIHL and MTTL underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening industry-relevant research, and preparing students for impactful scientific careers. It reflects SSSIHL’s vision of integrating values-based education with cutting-edge research, and MTTL’s focus on nurturing skilled talent and advancing technology-driven growth.
Visit of Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo, Vice President, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, hosted Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo, Vice President, JICA, on 9 December 2025. He was accompanied by:
- Mr. Vipul Mishra, Senior Development Specialist, JICA
- Mr. Shogo Suzuki, JICA Representative
The visit sought to familiarise the delegation with the Sri Sathya Sai Values-based Integral Education Model and provide them with an opportunity to experience the campus environment and interact with members of the academic community. It also served as a valuable occasion for the SSSIHL fraternity to gain a deeper understanding of the mandate of JICA and the significance of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) initiatives in India, thereby broadening their exposure to global development frameworks.
The event was attended by Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar; Dr. R. Raghunatha Sarma, Director, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Mr. Pavan Kumar, CEO-SSSRIF, Deans, and senior faculty members, along with the student and research scholar community.
Hostel Visit & Student Interaction
The delegation began their visit with a tour of the student hostels, where they interacted with students and experienced the unique blend of discipline, academics, spirituality, and service that defines the SSSIHL hostel system. The interaction offered valuable insights into the practical implementation of Sri Sathya Sai’s values-based model of integral education.
Academic Session at the Campus Auditorium
The formal academic engagement took place at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Auditorium, attended by all students, research scholars, and faculty members.
Integral Education at SSSIHL
Dr. Suma Rao, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management & Commerce, and Chairperson, Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies, presented the vision and framework of Sri Sathya Sai Values-based Integral Education. She emphasised character development, value-based learning, and the harmonious integration of the head, heart, and hands, highlighting SSSIHL’s commitment to offering completely free education to all students as a core expression of its mission of selfless service.
Research & Innovation at SSSIHL
Prof. Pallav Baruah, Dean, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the university’s research ecosystem, state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary research culture, and meaningful societal impact.
Keynote Address by Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo
Mr. Matsumoto delivered a thought-provoking address on “Introduction to Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to India by Japan International Cooperation Agency”, covering:
- Japan’s global development philosophy
- JICA’s long-standing partnership with India
- Key ODA-supported sectors such as sustainability, infrastructure, education, and health
The session concluded with an engaging interaction between the speaker and the audience, followed by a vote of thanks acknowledging the delegation’s valuable insights and contributions.
Visit to the Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF)
The delegation visited CRIF for an overview of:
- Advanced instrumentation and analytical capabilities
- Ongoing research activities across sciences and engineering
- SSSIHL’s commitment to high-impact, socially relevant research
The guests expressed appreciation for the cutting-edge infrastructure and the institute’s emphasis on integrating values with scientific excellence.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
- Strengthened understanding of JICA’s developmental priorities
- Valuable exposure for students and faculty to global development frameworks
- Reinforcement of SSSIHL’s commitment to values-driven education and research for social good
The visit of Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo and the JICA delegation was a significant and enriching engagement for the SSSIHL community. Their interactions with students, faculty, and researchers, along with their insights into Japan’s developmental initiatives, added great value to the day’s proceedings. The institute deeply appreciates their time, perspectives, and interest in understanding the unique values-based educational model of SSSIHL.
SSSIHL Team AvinyaVed Recognised for Best Innovation Stall at IIC Regional Meet 2025
Team AvinyaVed from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), represented by Ms. Mounika Pandey and Prof. N. Srividya, has been honoured with the Certificate of Appreciation for Best Innovation Stall Exhibitor at the IIC Regional Meet 2025. The team showcased an innovative tomato–aloe-based spiced wellness beverage designed to support gut health.
The regional meet, held on 25 November 2025 at the Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, was organised by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell and AICTE. The event brought together some of the brightest young innovators from across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
As part of the Yukti Innovation Challenge, 340 teams participated, of which only 40 teams were shortlisted for prototype demonstrations. Team AvinyaVed emerged among the standout innovators, receiving appreciation for their originality, excellence in innovation, and impactful contribution.
SSSIHL congratulates the team on this remarkable achievement and applauds their dedication to values-based innovation that benefits society.
