Academic

The 39th MBA Day was celebrated enthusiastically on 21st August 2024 at the Brindavan Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL). This event marked a significant occasion as we welcomed back our esteemed alumni from the batch of 1992-1994. The day was filled with nostalgia, insightful discussions, and heartfelt interactions between our alumni and current students, particularly the freshers, who gained invaluable perspectives on navigating the competitive business world.

The event commenced with a welcome address from the head of the Department of Management and Commerce, Dr. Sayee Manohar Krishnamurthy. This was followed by an inspiring inaugural address by Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor of SSSIHL.

We were honored to have our distinguished Guests of Honour, Sri Alok Ohrie, President & MD, Dell Technologies, India, and Sri R. J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, who shared their profound insights on leadership and values in the corporate world.

Our alumni, Sri Pushkaraj Gumaste, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Barclays Bank PLC, and Sri V. V. Eashwar Prasad, Head of Solutioning and Service Readiness, Ericsson India Global Services Pvt. Ltd., captivated the audience with their reflections on how the teachings of SSSIHL have shaped their professional journeys and contributed to their success.

The event was a resounding success, reinforcing the significance of SSSIHL’s values-based education in fostering ethical and capable leaders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our speakers and participants for making the 39th MBA Day a memorable occasion.

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The Department of Management and Commerce at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan Campus, successfully hosted a comprehensive session titled “C-Suite Insights on Enterprise Risk Management” on August 9, 2024. This day-long event was meticulously designed to provide MBA and final-year B. Com (Hons.) students with an in-depth understanding of the complex domain of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).

The event commenced with an inaugural session led by Shri Rajeev Rajan, Associate Professor at the Department of Management and Commerce, who extended a warm welcome to all participants. This was followed by the inaugural address delivered by Shri Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, setting a reflective tone for the day’s proceedings.

The first expert session featured insightful presentations by Mr. Satya Pramod, CEO of KayEss Square Consulting, and Mr. Sunil Shenoy, Director at KayEss Square Consulting. They offered valuable perspectives on the practical aspects of ERM in the consulting industry.

Following this, Ms. Hema Nevatia, CFO and Global Shared Services Leader at Allstate India, and Mr. Nagaraj, Finance Controller at Allstate India, shared their extensive experiences in managing financial risks within a global corporation. The next expert session was led by Mr. Shrivathsa, Global Head of Internal Audit at Wipro Enterprises [P] Ltd., who shed light on the critical role of internal audits in risk management.

The final expert session was conducted by Ms. Sandhya Sriram, Group CFO of Narayana Healthcare, who provided a unique perspective on managing risks in the healthcare industry, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning.

The morning session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by CA V Srinavasa Raghavan, bringing together all the distinguished speakers for a dynamic and engaging dialogue on various facets of risk management.

The afternoon session was dedicated to a series of case study discussions, moderated by CA V Srinavasa Raghavan, allowing students to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practical scenarios.

The event was a resounding success, significantly enriching the academic environment and equipping students with valuable insights into Enterprise Risk Management.

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“Swaraj Ki Oar” is a powerful narrative that delves into the deeper meaning of India’s freedom struggle by focusing on the contributions of key figures who epitomized unity, courage, and sacrifice. The story begins with a writer on a quest to capture the true essence of the freedom movement, realizing that his previous accounts lack the emotional depth and connection necessary to convey the full significance of the struggle.

The narrative unfolds through the stories of three pivotal historical figures:

Pingali Venkayya, the visionary who designed the Indian flag, is portrayed as someone who understood the need for a unifying symbol to rally the nation. His creation of the tricolor, with the spinning wheel at its center, symbolizes unity and self-reliance, embodying the spirit of the freedom movement.

Baba Ramchandra is depicted as leading the farmers of Awadh in their resistance against oppressive landlords. His leadership, fueled by the chant of “Sitaram,” ignites a movement that empowers the oppressed to rise for their rights, showcasing the strength and resolve of the common people.

Subhash Chandra Bose emerges as a leader who inspires the Indian National Army to fight for India’s independence. His story emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the cause, highlighting the lengths to which individuals were willing to go to achieve freedom.

The drama ultimately conveys that true freedom, or “Swaraj,” extends beyond political independence—it is about mastering oneself and aligning one’s thoughts, words, and actions. Through these historical examples, “Swaraj Ki Oar” underscores that the real heroes of the freedom struggle were not just the leaders, but the ordinary people whose unity and sacrifices brought about India’s independence.

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Four students from the Actuarial stream (UG and PG) at SSSIHL participated in the 2024 CAS Student Central Mentor-led Summer Program. They were part of the 10-member team representing Panel 1: Cohort 5, which emerged victorious in this year’s international Case Competition, which was conducted as part of the program. Their team was one of the five winning teams globally.

Congratulations to all participants of the winning teams for their outstanding achievements. A special mention goes to our SSSIHL team for making us proud:

• Arunachala Mudigonda – BS ADS – I UG
• Manan Luthra – MSc Mathematics (Actuarial Stream) – II PG
• Pranavchandra Vivekananda – BSc MES (Actuarial Stream) – III UG
• Sai Kartheek Cherukuri – MSc Mathematics (Actuarial Stream) – II PG

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These students excelled in analyzing a complex real-world business problem and presented their findings to senior actuaries in the USA, who judged their team as one of the top five winners internationally. Each team will receive a $500 gift card as a winning prize from the CAS.

The CAS Student Central Summer Program is an eight-week interactive professional and educational experience offered by the Casualty Actuarial Society. During these 8 weeks, participants will complete modules on Property and Casualty Basics, Excel, Data Visualization, Ratemaking, Reserving, Predictive Modeling, Soft Skills, and a Property and Casualty Case Competition. The program is designed and taught by practicing actuaries who are experts in the field of property and casualty insurance.

Once again, congratulations to our students for their exemplary performance and for bringing pride to SSSIHL.

Our original short video entry by the Wastewater Analysis Treatment and Energy Recovery (WATER) Lab, Department of Biosciences, has been featured in the Science in Shorts video library on the Nature Portfolio YouTube channel. This entry, part of the ‘Science in Shorts 2024 competition’ organized by Springer Nature, highlights the innovative research conducted by our team.

The video, titled ‘Our DREAM – Measuring Bacterial Electron Transfer,’ showcases the indigenously developed Dye Reduction-based Electron-transfer Activity Monitoring (DREAM) assay. It stands out among the 82 entries shortlisted from a total of 250 submissions worldwide. The video was created by Ph.D. students Mr. Shakthi Thangavel and Mr. Sahashransu Satyajeet Mahapatra, under the supervision of Dr. A. S. Vishwanathan, Assistant Professor, Department of Biosciences. The team dedicated their work to our Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The Science in Shorts competition, organized by Springer Nature in partnership with Merck, invited active researchers to submit one-minute videos that presented their research in an informative, engaging, and entertaining manner.

SSSIHL congratulates the team from WATER Lab for their outstanding achievement and for showcasing their excellent work on a global stage.

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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