Academic

In pursuit of sustainability, the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at SSSIHL organized a two-day national symposium titled “A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Food Systems: Integrating Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Safety” on 1st and 2nd March 2024.

The event brought together experts in agriculture, nutrition, and food processing to discuss and examine the essential components of sustainable food systems. The symposium provided a platform for addressing and exploring the key challenges in this vital area.

We extend our gratitude to our esteemed speakers who contributed to the symposium:Scientists: Dr. A. Ashok Kumar, ICRISAT-Asia; Dr. B.V.S.K. Rao, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad; Dr. P. Raghavendra, ICMR-NIN, Hyderabad; Dr. Jeevan Prasad Reddy D, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore; and Dr. K.B.R.S. Visarada, CSIR-IIMR, Hyderabad

Academia: Prof. R. Jagan Mohan, NIFTEM, Thanjavur; Prof. D. Vijayalakshmi, ICAR., UAS, GKVK, Bangalore; and Prof. P. Sarala Kumari, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore.

Industry: Mr. Kalluri Suresh, Pranav Food Processor India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, and Mr. Shyam Mohan, Tier 1 Network Pvt Ltd., Bengaluru

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Watch Recording:

1 March (Session-1)  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB-lIKX8_38

1 March (Session-2) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKW6n36fr-Y

2 March (Session-1) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aopn0HkF2JQ

2 March (Session-2) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcEkPH7r5J8

In commemoration of the 4^th Anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a special lecture was organised on 29 July 2024 by the SSSIHL NEP2020 Cell, in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council and the Department of Physics at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL).

Dr. S. Sathyeshwar, Principal, of Jyothy Institute of Commerce and Management, Bengaluru was the guest speaker at the event and addressed the students on the topic “Innovation and Creativity in Education – The NEP2020 Way”

Over 120 students got an insightful overview of the NEP2020 vision and its alignment with SSSIHL’s ongoing role in advancing holistic education.

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Speaker Profile

The Department of Languages and Literature held LitOrient ’24, an orientation programme for first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students of Literature, Anantapur campus on July 3, 2024, and the BA (English) students at the Muddenahalli Campus on July 8, 2024.

The objective was to formally induct the freshers into the English Literature and Language Programme and provide an overview of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the BA (Hons) programme in English, providing the students with details of the courses offered, available electives, research prospects, and opportunities for undertaking projects and internships.

Summary of the Proceedings at Anantapur Campus

The event commenced with traditional Vedam chanting and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Nelli Vani Sri, Assistant Professor of English, delivered the welcome address, followed by Prof. Rani P. L., Dean of Humanities & Social Sciences and Languages & Literature, who set the stage for the rest of the programme. Prof. Rani’s talk emphasized the role of humanities in academia and instilled confidence in the freshers for their choice of stream for their respective degrees.

Dr. (Ms.) Vijaya Lekshmi R., Assistant Professor of English, discussed the genesis of the Department and its journey to date. Dr. (Mrs.) Maitali Khanna, Associate Professor of English & Head of the Department, explained the degree requirements and goals for undergraduate freshers as prescribed by NEP 2020. Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of English, then outlined the various career prospects in English Language and Literature available to students after their degree at SSSIHL.

Next, Miss Sai Archana M., Teaching Assistant, highlighted the department’s achievements over recent years, including events, academic excursions, presentations, and publications by students and faculty members. This was followed by an informative and engaging panel discussion by the research scholars, who discussed the research process in English Language and Literature, drawing examples from their respective research areas. An entertaining games session, led by senior students, served as the penultimate point of the event.

Additionally, three senior students from the sub-departments of humanities—Shambhavi (Philosophy), Aastha (Political Science), and Sharanya (Economics)—provided a brief introduction to their respective subjects while sharing personal experiences from their classrooms to give the freshers a glimpse of what they could expect in the coming years.

The event coordinated by Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of English, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Miss Sreenidhi S., a research scholar at the department, followed by Mangala Aarti.

Summary of the Proceedings at Muddenahalli Campus

The event commenced with traditional Vedam chanting and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Director of the MDH campus, Sri B. Venkatramana, welcomed the freshers to the campus and key members of the faculty including Prof. P.L. Rani, Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and Literature; Dr. Maitali Khanna, Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Dr. B. Venkataramana, Assistant Professor of English; Dr. M.G. Mahabala Rao, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit; and Sri Sai Govardhan J., Assistant Professor of English.

Prof. P.L. Rani delivered an insightful talk on the genesis and achievements of the English Department over the years, setting an inspiring tone for the programme. Dr. Maitali Khanna welcomed the students by pinning badges onto them and presented an overview of the BA English programme, providing a comprehensive perspective on the 4-year curriculum. Dr. B. Venkataramana then delved into the essence of literature, quoting various excerpts and enriching the student’s understanding of the field. An interactive session followed, where students engaged with faculty members on topics such as career paths, programme structure, and course specifics. Dr. Maitali Khanna also assured the students of regular engagement with faculty from other campuses.

In the afternoon session, Sri Sai Govardhan J. provided an in-depth discussion on the minor subjects in the programme, career paths, and the credit framework.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Pragyan Rai, a student at the department, followed by a prayer.

LitOrient ’24 was indeed an enlightening experience for the students, giving them valuable insights into the programme and highlighting the numerous career opportunities ahead. The event aimed to facilitate academic interaction among teachers, scholars, seniors, and juniors, fostering a collaborative and enriching academic environment.

The Department of Management & Commerce at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning conducted ‘Launchpad-to-Success’, a four-day induction program from July 3-6, 2024, for first-year MBA students at the Brindavan Campus. The orientation included talks by seven eminent industry speakers and a bridge course on financial accountancy for non-commerce students held in the afternoons.

Summary of Talks:

3 July 2024

Mr. Srinivasa Raghavan, a retired CFO with over 35 years of experience, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Raise Your Hands.” Key takeaways included the importance of simple and effective communication, challenging oneself, embracing constant change, doing what is right, being receptive to ideas, moving beyond one’s function, continuous learning, seeking regular feedback, planning for the future, and managing key stakeholders.

4 July 2024

Mr. Vaidyanathan R (Vaidy) Iyer, Training & Placement Officer, SSSIHL, emphasized that an MBA is not just about subject knowledge but also about acquiring essential corporate skills. He highlighted integrity, effective communication, respectful disagreement, professionalism, continuous learning, attention to detail, and developing leadership rather than authoritative skills. These are the qualities that organizations expect from MBA graduates to thrive in a corporate environment.

Mr. Viswas Polepalli, Vice-President, Account Management Services, Teikametrics India Solutions Pvt. Ltd., shared his insights on digital trends, highlighting the evolution from commerce to e-commerce to quick-commerce, driven by pervasive technology and innovation. His perspectives on the rapid advancements in digital commerce provided the students with a deeper understanding of the current and future landscape.

5 July 2024

Mr. Sai Kiran K, Head – Executive Search, C2X, delivered an insightful session emphasizing the importance of staying informed about current events to maintain human relations, the necessity of lifelong learning, shifting focus from degrees to skills, and the evolving philosophy of equal pay for equal work. He also highlighted the future of AI and humans working together to create autonomous businesses, referring students to the World Economic Forum Flagship Report, June 2024.

Mr. Prasad Katta, Co-founder & COO of Cogos Technologies Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the holistic approach to management as envisioned by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Founder Chancellor of SSSIHL. He articulated that an MBA is about mastering the art of Man Management, understanding and nurturing unique skills and talents. Fostering a collaborative environment where individuals grow together, the focus is on synchronizing efforts to maximize contributions. Mr. Katta highlighted how Swami’s teachings continue to inspire and guide MBA students, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and the harmonious blending of diverse capabilities.

6 July 2024

Mr. Arunkumar N T Member, Board of Director & Strategic Advisor in several companies, addressed the topic “The Future of Work,” discussing how managers today grow ideas, businesses, teams, and profits non-linearly by distinguishing between data, facts, and truth. This critical skill helps in making informed decisions and driving innovation.

Mr. Anand Nergunam S, Vice-President – Revenue Management & Growth, Zoho Corporation, enlightened students on the importance of identifying and developing their core competencies as they prepare to transition from campus to corporate life. He emphasized self-assessment and seeking feedback to uncover unique skills, talents, and strengths. By focusing on these areas, students can enhance their performance, achieve personal and professional growth, and create a competitive advantage in their careers.

The event was a comprehensive introduction to the MBA journey, preparing students to navigate their academic and professional paths with confidence.

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The Centre for Excellence in Mathematical Biology (CEMB) at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) successfully concluded its 8-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on “Dynamical Systems & Optimal Control Theory, AI/ML, and Bioinformatics with Applications to Healthcare.” This program was held online from July 8 to July 15, 2024.

This FDP featured lectures by domain experts from renowned institutions on topics such as Dynamical Systems & Optimal Control Theory, AI/ML, and Bioinformatics, with a specific focus on healthcare applications. In addition to theoretical insights, the program included hands-on sessions to enhance practical understanding.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the experts for their participation and for sharing their invaluable expertise:

• Dr. Prof. Mukesh Doble, IIT Madras
• Dr. P. Muthu, NIT Warangal
• Dr. B. S. R. V. Prasad, VIT Vellore
• Dr. D. K. K. Vamsi, SSSIHL
• Dr. Darshan Gera, SSSIHL
• Dr. M. S. Srinath, SSSIHL
• Dr. K. N. Naresh, SSSIHL
• Dr. N. B. Gayatri, SSSIHL
• Dr. Bharat Parthasarathy, SSSIHL
• Mr. D. Bhanu Prakash, SSSIHL
• Mr. Rithwik Chandra Pandey, SSSIHL

For more details, please view the detailed report.

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences hosted the inaugural session of the ‘Students’ Success School’ on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Anantapur Campus. This session marked the beginning of a series aimed at assisting students in preparing for competitive examinations.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Sri Megha Swaroop, IAS, Municipal Commissioner of Anantapur, along with the Campus Director, Prof. Rani P L, the Dean of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages and Literature departments, and faculty members Dr. M R Geetha Bala, Dr. M Venkatalakshmi, and Ms. Arunima Pant from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Following the lamp lighting, students performed an invocatory Vedam. Dr. M R Geetha Bala, Associate Professor of Economics and former Dean, delivered the welcome address, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest and highlighting the importance of the session series in guiding students toward successful careers. Prof. Rani P L, Campus Director, emphasized the foundational educational values championed by our Founder Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Baba, particularly the idea that “The End of Education is Character,” and thanked the Chief Guest for their participation and the department for organizing the initiative.

Sri Megha Swaroop, IAS, then delivered the inaugural address, focusing on essential values for UPSC aspirants, systematic study techniques, and insights into the exam’s stages, drawing from personal experience. A question-answer session followed, where he provided valuable tips and addressed students’ queries. Dr. Arun Kumar from the History Department elaborated on UPSC subjects and necessary subject knowledge, concluding the enriching session.

The event wrapped up with a vote of thanks and Mangala Arathi. This initiative by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences proved to be both informative and inspiring providing valuable guidance and motivation for the students in attendance.

The 7th International Conference on Food and Nutrition, organized by the Universal Society of Food and Nutrition (USFN) in collaboration with UCSI University, Malaysia, was held in hybrid mode on June 29-30, 2024. The conference, themed “Culinary Diversity and Health: A Global Perspective,” attracted a diverse group of professionals, including nutritionists, dieticians, professors, scientists, research scholars, health experts, industrialists, and students, who gathered to discuss the latest advancements and research in food science and nutrition. Over 100 presenters from around the world showcased their work during the two-day event.

Faculty members and students from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences (DFNS) at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) participated in the conference in the following capacities:

Keynote Address

• Prof. B. Andallu, Honorary faculty and former Head of the Department, delivered the keynote address on “Herbs and Spices in the Prevention and Treatment of Stress-Induced Diseases.” Her presentation emphasized the role of phytochemicals in herbs and spices in enhancing health and slowing degenerative processes associated with aging. Prof. Andallu highlighted the potential of common kitchen herbs and spices in preventing serious chronic diseases and managing stress-related health issues. Her talk was well-received, sparking an engaging discussion session.

Organizing Committee Member and Session Chair

• Dr. Jhinuk Gupta, Assistant Professor, served as an organizing committee member and session chair, and evaluator for one of the virtual presentation sessions on June 30, 2024. Dr. Gupta, an active researcher in food safety and quality monitoring, facilitated discussions on advanced research in food safety and its critical role in nutrition.

Research Presentations

• Ms. Amrita Shaw, a Doctoral Research Scholar, presented her research on “Detection of Re-used Cooking Oil through Micro-Raman Spectroscopy.” This research, guided by Dr. Jhinuk Gupta and Dr. Sai Muthukumar V (Associate Professor, Dept. of Physics), addressed a crucial issue in the food industry and was commended by the session chairs for its significance. Dr. Muthukumar, a meticulous researcher in the field of Applied Spectroscopy, played a pivotal role in the presented work.
• Ms. Shreya P Sarathy, who completed her M.Sc. dissertation under Dr. Jhinuk Gupta during the academic year 2023-2024, presented her project on “Mislabeling in the Indian Health Food Market: Market Survey and Analytical Testing,” co-authored by Ms. Tharani Lakshmi Tharuni and Ms. Amrita Shaw. Her presentation illuminated the widespread issue of mislabeling in the health food sector and the importance of detecting such practices. The panelists praised her work and the relevance of the research.

The active participation and contributions from the DFNS team at SSSIHL were highly appreciated and added significant value to the conference.

Sri Undavalli Venkata Gopi, a Research Scholar from the Department of Chemistry, under the supervision of Dr. Kumar Sai Smaran, delivered an oral presentation titled “Defect Engineering Pathways Towards Unlocking the Potential of Perovskites in Supercapatteries” at the 18th International Symposium of Polymer Electrolytes (ISPE-18). The event took place from 23-28 June 2024, in Langkawi, Malaysia, and was organized by the ACS Malaysia Chapter.

Sri Gopi’s oral presentation explored how the inherent options to manipulate the stoichiometries (defects) in perovskite derivatives and their higher-order analogues can be utilized. Specifically, their oxygen deficiency attributes can be employed in anionic intercalated mechanism-based supercapatteries, which was the core of his presentation at the conference.

Sri Gopi was also the recipient of the ISPE 18 Young Researcher Travel Award, which acknowledges young talents for their contributions to the field of energy storage. To encourage participation from young researchers worldwide, the ISPE 18 Young Researcher Travel Award is awarded to eligible and deserving scholars who demonstrated academic excellence through the quality of their research. The travel award (100,000 INR approx.) was awarded to only four participants worldwide, including Sri Gopi.

The International Symposium on Polymer Electrolytes (ISPE) is a premier conference in the field of energy storage. The 18th session held in Langkawi, Malaysia, focused on the theme “Zero Carbon Emission by Revolutionizing Energy with Polymer Electrolytes.” The conference encouraged scientific presentations on a variety of topics, including Lithium-ion batteries and related technologies, Supercapacitors and allied technologies, Solar cells, Fuel cells, Sensors,
Actuators, and emerging energy-related themes

The conference featured esteemed pioneers in the energy storage field, such as Prof. Michel Armand, Prof. Stefano Passerini, Prof. Maria Forsyth, Prof. Masayoshi Watanabe, and Prof. Vito di Noto.

Watch: Sri Gopi Receiving the Young Researcher Travel Award

Raj Kumar Thakur, a student of II M.Sc. Physics, Prasanthi Nilayam campus was awarded the second-best poster presenter at this year’s Summer School Program 2024 at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Dept. of Atomic Energy, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The project for his summer internship was titled “Axial Plasma Diagnostics of Fireball Plasma Using Langmuir Probe” under the supervision of Dr. Mukesh Ranjan (Scientific Officer-G). During this project, Raj Kumar gained hands-on experience in experimental plasma physics, including managing a vacuum system, generating fireball plasma inside the vacuum chamber, diagnosing the plasma using a Langmuir probe, and estimating plasma parameters.

The two-month Summer School Program, held annually for M.Sc. Physics and 3rd-year B.Tech. students also featured a week-long lecture series on plasma research. This series was conducted by IPR scientists, professors, the dean, and the director, covering fundamental plasma physics and its industrial applications. It included discussions on the “International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor” (ITER), a global mega project for developing a fusion reactor, in which India is a participant member.

Internships are a great way for students to gain practical exposure and learn from a real environment, and students at SSSIHL are encouraged to actively participate in internship programs as part of their curriculum.

The Centre for Excellence in Mathematical Biology (CEMB) at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) is pleased to announce its Faculty Development Program (FDP) on “Dynamical Systems & Optimal Control Theory, AI/ML, and Bioinformatics with Applications to Healthcare.” This program will be held online from July 8 to July 15, 2024.

This FDP will feature domain experts from renowned institutions, who will delve into topics such as Dynamical Systems & Optimal Control Theory, AI/ML, and Bioinformatics, with a specific focus on healthcare applications. The program will include both theoretical lectures and hands-on sessions.

In line with CEMB’s mission to enhance national capacity in Infectious Disease Modelling and Mathematical Biology, this FDP is part of a larger initiative that also encompasses conferences, workshops, and training programs. SSSIHL CEMB is dedicated to leveraging mathematical innovation for societal benefit, particularly in developing advanced solutions for public health. By applying mathematical modeling and analysis, the centre aims to create practical solutions that have a significant positive impact on society, translating scientific research into real-world applications for the betterment of humanity.

The FDP will be coordinated by Dr. D. K. K. Vamsi and Dr. M. S. Srinath from the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, and Dr. K. N. Naresh from the Department of Biosciences at SSSIHL.

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Last date for Registrations: 6 July 2024

Register Here: https://forms.gle/dMrxgnJogYve4wVJ7