Anantapur Campus Tag

Ms. Sake Archana, a student of I B.Sc. Biosciences and Biotechnology at SSSIHL, Anantapur campus, had the honor of speaking on the topic “Indian Culture or Western Glamour – Dilemma of Indian Youth” at the 14th Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad (Indian Student Parliament) held by MIT-WPU, Pune from February 08-10, 2025.

In the initial screening, three students from the SSSIHL Anantapur Campus, Ms. Sake Archana (I B.Sc Biosciences and Biotechnology), Ms. Sanya Ahuja (II MA in English Language and Literature), and Ms. Saipriya Babu (I MA in English Language and Literature)—were selected to participate in the event, from thousands of applicants from higher education institutions across India, through a stringent screening process. Ms. Sake Archana was chosen as one of the top 6 student speakers to speak on the “Indian Culture or Western Glamour – Dilemma of Indian Youth” on Day 2 of the event.

The Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad (BCS), an annual apolitical event, aims to inspire India’s educated youth to participate in public life and contribute to nation-building. The 14th edition of BCS also explored several pressing issues relevant to the nation, including “Left, Right or Out of Sight? Ideologies in Indian Politics,” “Revadi Culture: Fiscal Burden or Necessary Support,” and “AI and Social Media – Power or Pitfall?”

The forenoon sessions featured student speakers from across the country alongside political figures, actors, youth icons, and industry leaders who shared their perspectives. The afternoon sessions, titled “Youth to Youth Connect,” focused on leadership skill development through interactive activities, discussions on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and dialogues between political leaders and students. The evening segment, “Loktantra Ka Rangmanch,” presented various dimensions of democracy and political engagement through artistic and theatrical expressions.

Ms. Sake Archana’s exceptional performance at the event stands as a testament to the high caliber of students nurtured at SSSIHL and their commitment to contributing meaningfully to society.

Watch Ms. Sake Archana Speak at the 14^th BCS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2pLEjcFEro

(Video credits: Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad)

The Department of Languages and Literature – English, Anantapur Campus conducted an online workshop titled “Research Writing” on February 8, 2025. The session was conducted by Dr. K.C. Bindu, Assistant Professor, Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi.

Dr. Bindu provided a comprehensive overview of the active research process and its progression for individual students and scholars. She emphasized essential questions that researchers should consider at the onset of their projects, specifically focusing on the what, why, and how of their research journey, which helps in gaining a better understanding of their work.

Additionally, Dr. Bindu shared her insights on enhancing literature review presentations by using connecting threads to make the content engaging and comprehensible for readers. She offered practical tips on effective reading and note-taking strategies, ensuring that key details are not overlooked. She demonstrated various note-taking systems, including the Cornell method, to aid in drafting summaries.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Bindu debunked several myths surrounding the writing process that can make research feel overwhelming. She encouraged students and scholars to recognize the importance of their work while acknowledging its challenges, urging them to engage with the perspectives of critics in their field while maintaining their voices and opinions.

The session was highly informative and interactive, equipping attendees with practical strategies to enhance their research writing skills. The Department of Languages and Literature – English expressed its gratitude to Dr. Bindu for her insightful session and acknowledged Ms. Aarthi R.M. for successfully coordinating the event.

The Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, achieved a remarkable milestone at the National Botany Fest 2025, proudly representing Andhra Pradesh.

Led by Assistant Professor Ms. B. Anusha, a team of six outstanding bioscience students—Apoorva Gurung, Gouri Nandana S, Krishtina Thapa Mangar, Thudumula Jayalakshmi, Taradutta Thatoi, and Yerram Srinidhi—emerged as the overall champions of the prestigious national competition, showcasing exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication.

About the Event

The National Botany Fest 2025 was organized by the Valley of Flowers Society, Souadtga, Ekta Nagar, in collaboration with the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, from January 19–22, 2025. Themed “Love, Live, Learn from Nature to Conserve Nature,” the fest brought together participants from 31 states and 30 esteemed institutions, celebrating India’s rich biodiversity and emphasizing environmental sustainability.

Competitions and Achievements

With over 15 innovative competitions designed to foster creativity, ecological awareness, and teamwork, the SSSIHL team emerged victorious against participants from across India. Their stellar performance reflected their academic rigor, environmental consciousness, and commitment to sustainability.

Key Competitions

1. Flora Fauna Fusion: A treasure hunt combining puzzles, riddles, and an educational jungle safari.
2. Tent Making: Eco-friendly crafting using sustainable materials collected from the jungle by non-destructive methods.
3. Cactus Trivia: Exploring the world of cacti and succulents.
4. Natural Painting: Crafting artworks using biodegradable materials and natural colors from plants.
5. Jungle Ka Khana Khazana: Cooking challenge using edible wild plants from the jungle.
6. Plant-Animal Interaction: Observing butterfly-plant interactions to understand ecological relationships.
7. Parliament of the Jungle: Debates on environmental issues and conservation.
8. Vanaspatishodh (Phytohunt): Discovering plant diversity along specific routes.
9. Test the Senses: A multi-sensory botanical experience engaging all five senses.
10. Bird Niche and Tree Habitat: Observing bird-plant relationships in natural habitats.
11. Audio Visual: Identifying plants from songs and videos.
12. Cultural Program: Celebrating India’s cultural heritage through performances inspired by nature.
13. Innovation and Nature: Designing solutions inspired by nature without harming natural resources.
14. Arts, Crafts, and Fashion Design: Crafting outfits using natural materials from the forest.
15. Shri Yantra Nakshatra Krida: Knowledge-testing program on plants related to Shri Yantra and Nakshatra.

The event was inaugurated by eminent personalities, including Dr. Ashiho A. Mao, Director of the Botanical Survey of India, and Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor, who highlighted the importance of biodiversity and experiential learning.

At the valedictory ceremony, Dr. A.P. Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, commended the efforts of Dr. Padmanabhi S. Nagar, the organizing secretary, for fostering environmental awareness among the youth.

SSSIHL’s triumph at the National Botany Fest 2025 reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence, ecological innovation, and environmental responsibility. As a center of integral education, the institute continues to inspire students to blend learning with service, shaping a sustainable and harmonious future.

As part of the Nayi Chetna 3.0 initiative, launched under the aegis of the Ministry of Rural Development and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), the Department of Education and Gender Sensitization Cell of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) jointly organized a comprehensive Gender Awareness Programme at the Anantapur Campus. Spanning two impactful days, the events aimed to transition participants from mere awareness to actionable advocacy against gender-based violence.

Programme Overview

The initiative was designed to sensitize teaching staff, non-teaching staff, contingent staff, research scholars, and students to gender-related issues while inspiring proactive change. The programme included a poster presentation on December 19 and a Gender Awareness and Sensitization session focusing on Gender-Based Violence in the college auditorium on December 20. The event concluded with a powerful “Call to Action Against Gender-Based Violence.”

Highlights of the Programme

Day 1: Poster Presentation (December 19, 2024)

The event began with a poster presentation at the Department of Education. The posters creatively addressed critical issues related to gender-based violence, including dowry, sexual harassment, rape, trafficking, divorce, and sexual abuse. This activity fostered awareness and set the stage for deeper discussions on these poignant issues.

Day 2: Gender Awareness and Sensitization Session (December 20, 2024)

The second day of the programme featured a series of structured presentations and discussions in the college auditorium, focusing on the following themes:

• Introduction to Gender-Related Issues: The session opened with an overview of societal challenges related to gender, particularly those faced by women. Emphasis was placed on the need to address these issues to create an equitable environment for all.
• Violence Against Women: A detailed presentation on alarming statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) highlighted the urgency of combating violence against women. Participants were informed about existing societal and legal frameworks designed to protect women and the need to strengthen these mechanisms.

Contributions of Notable Women: Students shared inspiring stories of remarkable women who have significantly contributed to women’s empowerment, including – Dr. Rukmini Rao, a trailblazer in social work and women’s rights, Sonali Kapoor, an advocate for women’s health and rights, Tria Sheety, a proponent of women’s education and equal opportunities, Tarana Burke and others. These stories served to motivate participants by showcasing tangible examples of impactful advocacy.

Government Schemes for Women Empowerment: Key government initiatives aimed at empowering women were highlighted, including:

• One Stop Centre Scheme: Offering integrated support for women affected by violence
• Namo Drone: A technology-driven initiative to enhance women’s safety
• Swadhar Greh: Providing support and rehabilitation for women in distress. These schemes were presented as valuable resources for addressing women’s safety, economic independence, and social inclusion.

Call to Action: The program concluded with a resounding call to action, urging participants to raise their voices against gender-based violence. Students were encouraged to challenge traditional gender norms, advocate for women’s rights, and contribute to a society free from violence and discrimination.

Impact and Conclusion

The poster presentation and sensitization sessions provided a platform for participants to creatively and critically engage with gender-related issues. By fostering discussions on challenges and solutions, the program reinforced the importance of informed action and collective responsibility.

The “Awareness to Action” program successfully inspired participants to take concrete steps toward eradicating gender-based violence and promoting women’s empowerment. It highlighted the role of future educators and changemakers in advocating for equality and instilling societal change. The event concluded with a vote of thanks to the Ministry of Rural Development, NCTE, and institutional administrators for facilitating such meaningful initiatives.

The program’s success lies in its ability to instill a sense of urgency for action and inspire the participants to envision and contribute to a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.

Team SAI (Smart Alternative Innovators) from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Anantapur campus, under the esteemed guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. M. Meera won the First prize at the AICTE Millet Recipe Unleashing Talent (AMRUT) competition finals held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024.

Organized by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in collaboration with various partners AMRUT is a prestigious national initiative aimed at promoting millet-based culinary innovation across India with a focus on:

• Millet Promotion: Raising awareness of the health benefits and environmental sustainability of millet.
• Recipe Innovation: Fostering creative, nutritious millet-based recipes.
• Talent Discovery: Identifying and nurturing culinary talent nationwide.

The team, consisting of research scholars Sai Dharshini S, Alisha Pradhan, Sparsh Sumnirom Subba, and Beesetti Lohita from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, competed in two rigorous stages. In Stage 1, participants were required to propose a concept, develop a prototype, create a demonstration video on YouTube, and submit a brief report. Shortlisted teams progressed to Stage 2, which involved live cooking and a presentation at the grand finale in New Delhi.

Team SAI’s Winning Concept: Multi-Millet Muesli
Team SAI’s exceptional entry, Multi-Millet Muesli, under the Breakfast and Starters category with > 70% millet content earned widespread acclaim for its innovation, nutritional density, and appealing flavor profile. Blending millets with nuts and honey, this recipe was celebrated for its health benefits and unique taste, securing Team SAI a first-place win and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. They stood out among the 88 finalists, who were selected from an initial pool of nearly 1,298 participants in the “Millet-based Breakfast and Starters” category.

Recipe Highlights:

• Key Ingredients: Millets, nuts, honey
• Nutritional Benefits: High in dietary fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and nutty with an attractive presentation

This multi-millet muesli recipe demonstrates the potential of millets in functional foods, addressing diverse dietary needs due to their low glycemic index and rich nutrient profile. By incorporating nuts and honey, the recipe offers enhanced protein and natural sweetness, making it a nutritious and appealing choice.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AICTE for this wonderful platform to showcase our innovation. We also appreciate the support of the Institute Innovation Cell, our mentors, colleagues, and all those who contributed to our success.

The AMRUT competition not only highlights the nutritional and environmental value of millets but also encourages culinary innovation and creativity. As Team SAI continues to advocate for millet-based food science, they aim to inspire others in the field and advance the discourse on sustainable, healthful eating.

View Recording (Courtesy Media AICTE)

As part of the ‘Special Campaign 4.0’ initiative, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, organized the following events.

Tree Plantation Activity

As part of the 78th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2024, the Campus Green Cell conducted a plantation drive titled “Anantha Prema Tharu,” during which 100 saplings were planted in and around the college. The saplings consisted of a diverse range of native species selected for their adaptability and positive impact on the local ecosystem. The drive not only aimed to enhance the greenery of the campus but also sought to engage students in meaningful activities that foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Peepal Tree Transplantation

On September 13, 2024, a significant environmental initiative was undertaken with the transplantation of a Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) that was over 30 years old. The event was organized by the Green Cell, Anantapur Campus, in collaboration with the Green Army, an NGO based in Anantapur, and founded by Mr. A. G. Anil Kumar. To safeguard, the infrastructure and the tree, it was carefully uprooted and relocated to a more suitable location, allowing it to thrive without impacting nearby structures. This relocation ensured a healthier environment for the tree and enhanced the safety of the campus facilities.

Awareness Program on Waste Management and Waste Segregation 

On September 29, 2024, an Awareness Program on Waste Management and Segregation was held with the primary goal to educate students on effective waste management practices. The program highlighted the significance of waste segregation and aimed to promote sustainable behaviors among attendees. Around 530 students participated in this informative session, where key strategies for efficient waste management were discussed, focusing specifically on the 3R’s framework: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Cleanliness drive

As part of the nationwide initiative “Swachhata Hi Seva 2024,” a campus cleaning drive was organized on October 2, 2024. This event aimed to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability within the campus community while fostering a sense of responsibility among students and faculty members. Participants collected waste, including plastic bottles, paper, and other materials. The collected waste was meticulously sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable categories, emphasizing the importance of effective waste management practices.

Compost generation

Organizing compost generation activities is an excellent way to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. As part of this initiative, students collected fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, garden waste, and other organic materials, which were later used to prepare compost. A biowaste shredder was also employed to chop or crush the organic waste into smaller pieces, facilitating quicker decomposition during this composting process. This activity enables students to convert waste into compost, producing organic manure for plants.

In September 2024, the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, hosted two pivotal events designed to enhance athletes’ understanding of nutrition and fitness strategies. The first, a pre-workshop session titled “Nutritional Assessment of Young Women Athletes: The ABCD Approach,” was held on September 25. This session addressed the specific dietary and health challenges faced by young female athletes from local institutions. Two days later, on September 27, a one-day National Workshop titled “Achieving Peak Performance: Evidence-Based Strategies in Sports Nutrition & Fitness” brought together experts and students to discuss advanced strategies for improving athletic performance through individualized nutrition plans. Both events underscored the critical role of nutrition in optimizing performance and ensuring long-term health.

The Pre-Workshop, organized in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Physical Education, saw participation from over 100 female athletes. Of these, 30 were from SSSIHL, while the others represented institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and KSN Government College for Women. The athletes were accompanied by their coaches and physical directors. Alongside expert presentations, participants engaged in hands-on nutritional assessments, and fitness tests, and explored educational posters on topics such as carbohydrate loading, continuous glucose monitoring, and the role of proteins in athletic performance.

The National Workshop, held on September 27, featured several distinguished speakers. Keynote speaker Dr. Geetanjali Bhide delivered an insightful presentation on assessing athletes’ nutritional status, with a focus on dietary intake and biochemical evaluations. Dr. Abhirami Sivaprasad discussed the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S), while Ms. Aswiny Mohandas highlighted the vital connection between gut health and athletic performance. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Bhide, addressed the challenges faced by grassroots athletes in India. The workshop concluded with a presentation on holistic health by Ms. Stuti Pahuja and a valedictory address by Dr. Meera M., who emphasized the importance of personalized nutrition plans for achieving peak athletic performance.

The event also featured poster presentations from III BSc FNS students covering topics such as proteins and amino acids, functional foods and nutraceuticals, and the role of AI in sports nutrition.

Additionally, the students showcased a dynamic display of ergogenic aids, demonstrating their innovative research and practical applications in performance-enhancing supplements.

View Detailed Report:

Pre-Workshop

National Workshop

View Photos

Watch the Recording of the National Workshop:

Session 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFE5k7U-hvA

Session 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lPFWqyBrEY

The Department of Biosciences at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council, successfully celebrated International Microorganisms Day on 16 & 17 September 2024 at Prasanthi Nilayam. The two-day event featured a hands-on workshop, a prestigious memorial lecture, and an engaging exhibition.

Day 1 focused on a workshop in microbial handling and biosafety, teaching participants key microbiological techniques like media preparation, bacterial streaking, Gram staining, and antibiotic testing. A special session on microbial art allowed students to design bacterial cultures creatively. The workshop saw an active participation of 65 enthusiastic students from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Smt. Eswaramma High School, and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, enriching their technical skills and practical knowledge.

Day 2 included the Dr. K. Gopinatha Rao Memorial Lecture by Prof. V. Nagaraja who discussed the challenges of drug-resistant tuberculosis followed by a talk from Prof. D. Narasimha Rao on the human microbiome. The day concluded with the exhibition “Into the Microbial World,” featuring posters and live demonstrations of microbial cultures and innovative microbial technologies like Microbial Fuel Cells.

The event successfully fostered an appreciation for microbes’ roles in health, environment, and research, inspiring future exploration in microbiology.

View Detailed Report

Watch Recording: Dr. K. Gopinatha Rao Memorial Lecture

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Prof. (Hon.) B. Andallu, a distinguished faculty member of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the Anantapur Campus represented SSSIHL at the 5th International Hybrid Conference on Food Science and Nutrition, held on September 20, 2024, at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Spring Area, Orlando, Florida, USA. This prestigious event brought together leading food science and nutrition experts to discuss the latest advances in research.

During the conference, Prof. Andallu delivered a keynote presentation titled “Medicinal Potential of Phytochemicals in Spices: Extraction and Bioactivity Assessment by In Vitro Methods and Model Systems”. In this presentation, she explored therapeutic properties of phytochemicals found in spices and highlighted their medicinal potential.

In addition to her keynote address, Prof. Andallu also presented at a plenary session, where she discussed “In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum L.) for Therapeutic Potential”. The Research contributions of Prof. Andallu demonstrated significant health benefits of aniseeds (saunf) and their potential as therapeutic agents.

Both presentations were highly appreciated for their depth and practical implications in food science and nutrition, contributing significantly to the academic discussions at the conference.

The Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports was transformed into a venue of reverence as Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony for 19 esteemed faculty members who superannuated from SSSIHL between 2018 and now, on Sunday, Oct 6, 2024. These distinguished educators, hailing from diverse departments and across the campuses of the Institute, were honoured for their decades of dedicated service and selfless contribution to the institute’s mission.

Imbued with warmth and gratitude, the gathering celebrated the faculty for their academic excellence and their profound impact on students’ lives. University officials, students, and colleagues came together to pay tribute to these individuals who nurtured intellectual growth and character development, in line with the university’s values.

Heartfelt speeches by a student of the Anantapur Campus and a faculty member of the Brindavan Campus reflected on the unwavering dedication, love for students, and lifelong commitment these educators had shown. Each teacher was invited to be seated on the stage by turn, and his/her contributions in all the years of service were appreciated. The teacher was then honoured with a shawl and presented with a memento and citation, symbolizing the university’s deep appreciation for their invaluable contributions, making it a memorable and inspiring occasion.

Listen to the Message from the Vice-Chancellor

The teachers felicitated were:

• Dr. Sharada Subramaniam – Dept. of Philosophy
• Dr. T R Rajeswari – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Prof. Ch Radhakumari – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Dr. Rita Gupta – Dept. of Mathematics & Computer Science
• Dr. M Venkatalakshmi – Dept. of Philosophy
• Prof. M Praphulla – Dept. of Telugu Language & Literature
• Dr. Vijeyakumary Vijayaratnam – Dept. of Biosciences
• Dr. Meera Manikkavachakan – Dept. of Food & Nutritional Sciences
• Prof. G Nageswara Rao – Dept. of Chemistry
• Prof. R Prabhakara Rao – Dept. of Economics
• Prof. B S Vijayakumar – Dept. of Biosciences
• Sri V N Prakash Sharma – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Sri Sanjay Sahni – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Dr. T Ravikumar – Dept. of Chemistry
• Dr. K S Narahari – Dept. of Chemistry
• Prof. C N Sundaresan – Dept. of Chemistry
• Sri R Subramanian – Dept. of Mathematics & Computer Science
• Sri Rajkumar Jain – Dept. of Physics
• Dr. A Ashok – Dept. of Biosciences

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