Make India Innovative and Competitive.. Narendra Modi
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The newspaper of SRM University
For private circulation only Volume 7 Number 5
Make India Innovative and
Competitive.. Narendra Modi
A Staff Writer University’s Kattankulathur
campus for the Ninth
Stressing that education is Convocation—a grand event
the critical factor in nation that saw nearly 10,300 graduates
building as well as in fighting being conferred degrees in person
poverty, the Chief Minister of and in absentia in the fields of
Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Modi Engineering and Technology,
maintained that some sixty five Science and Humanities and
years after Independence it is Medicine and Health Sciences.
unfortunate that the country Dr. Avinash Chander, Director
has not focused on education. General of DRDO and Scientific
In spite of the fact that India Adviser to the Defence Minister
had established universities was honoured with an honorary
1000 years ago and had several D.Sc (Honoris Causa) for his
hundred universities, none of contribution to science.
them have global ranking, Mr. Saying that the demographic
Modi said. dividend of India was its biggest
“Our land equates knowledge strength and that 65 per cent of
with wealth. Knowledge is the population is less than 35
wealth that nobody can steal. years old, Mr.Modi spoke of
But it is unfortunate that we the importance of youth, asking The Chairman of the SRM Group
have not been able to focus on them to step up to play a role in Mr. Ravi Pachamoothoo in a
education. Education is important the nation’s future. “Give our
youth the strength and they will
conversation with the Gujarat Trend Setter and
for nation building” the Chief Chief Minister with the Founder
Minister of the vibrant state said
do in 60 months what we could
not in 60 years”, the Gujarat
Chancellor looking on. a Selfless Leader..
adding in this era, knowledge is
the biggest wealth. “It cannot be
Chief Minister remarked. “…
we need to focus on three key gathering. Founder Chancellor
stolen, nobody can snatch it”.
things: skill development, If the BJP comes to power A Staff Writer from becoming the next
M r. M odi w as at SRM speed and scale”, he told the in the next general elections, Prime Minister of India. The
it would set up prestigious Welcoming the Chief Founder Chancellor called
institutions such as the IITs, Minister of Gujarat to Mr.Modi a trend setter in the
IIMs and the All India Institute the Ninth Convocation economic development of
of Medical Sciences in every of SRM University at its the nation and one who has
state, Mr. Modi said making the Kattankulathur campus, proved as a selfless leader
point that the access of youth the Founder Chancellor, Dr. of the country.
to such prestigious institutions T.R.Pachamuthu, maintained
and education is limited and “From a common man
that there was no force that
this was the country’s biggest to a people’s man—from
would be in a position to
challenge. “ We need to renew prevent Mr. Narendra Modi
our commitment to education and Contd... Pg. 2
commit ourselves to educating
every child… we should not be actor, a proper environment At different points in his
left behind any other country would have to be there. “Why thirty minute address, Mr. Modi
in terms of coverage or quality are there only a few SRMs? praised the achievements of SRM
of education”, Mr. Modi said., Why can’t such institutions University and complimented
Alternating his address between be established in every nook the Founder Chancellor for
English and Hindi, Mr.Modi and corner of the country” he keeping the focus on the quality
argued that the government asked going on to make the of education imparted at various
The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Modi, did indeed have a role to play point that the private sector institutions of the SRM Group.
in furthering education in the had to be given a free hand but Besides the Founder Chancellor,
unveiled the Statue of Thirumathi Valliammai, the that institution-building has to the Chairman of the SRM Group
country and that while the private
Mother of the Founder Chancellor. sector is keen to be a major begin with the government.
Contd... Pg. 2
2 2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5
Make India.....
From... Pg. 1 Chief Minister quipped “ When Mr. Modi, in fact, started
the Japanese are thinking of his Convocation Address on a
of Institutions, the President of sentimental fashion by referring
improving their bullet trains,
SRM University and the Vice to the role of a Mother in a
we are still thinking of adding
President, SRM University
bogies to our trains”. person’s life and asking young
attended the convocation.
graduates to remember two
Prior to the start of the formal
Speaking of Sathya Nadella things—the Mother land and
convocation procedures, Mr.Modi
of Hyderabad becoming the the contributions it has made to
unveiled the statue of Smt.
CEO of Microsoft, Mr. Modi their up coming. “It is this soil,
called on the youth of India Valliammai, the mother of
air and water which makes you
to take on to entrepreneurship the Founder Chancellor. The
Trend Setter ... development. “You must dream statue that has its presence at
the entrance of the SRM Group
what you are. We are just part
of the whole and the whole is
to reach the heights of Nadella. India”, Mr. Modi said.
From... Pg. 1 an individual. On his assuming Create companies like Microsoft, of Institutions at Kattankulathur
office as PM, we are sure our Apple and Google in India. reflects the role of a mother The Vice Chancellor of SRM
C.M. to P.M.—he today is a neighbouring countries, nay the in a rural and humble settings University, Dr. M. Ponnavaikko,
Own them, manage them”
successful Chief Minister of whole world, will look up to and yet going on to make the presented the annual report that
he said. “ Do whatever you
the state of Gujarat. Tomorrow India as a great country”, Dr. outlined the achievements—
can to make India innovative kind of person like the Founder
he will be the Prime Minister Pachamuthu said. “ In a nation and competitive”. Calling on Chancellor—an educationist, a national and international—of
of our great country, India. once in a while a Mahatma is students to “think big”, the philanthropist and a visionary. the University.
No force from outside can born and once in a century a
stop this from happening”, NAMO may be born… We rarely
the Founder Chancellor said. come across a clean person
By his becoming the PM, the like him who is determined to
country gets a new dawn; his make the country clean. There
new approach and determination will be no corruption, no more
will bring water and electricity loot of the country’s wealth”,
for all. Agriculture will grow he added.
and the industry will prosper.
Thousands and millions of Calling Mr.Modi a “role
people in villages and cities model” and a “true leader”
will be freed from the clutches of the country, the Founder
of poverty”, he added. Chancellor reminded graduates
that the Chief Minister’s very
“There will be a new impulse presence here will instill many
and new energy to work; there things like confidence, courage,
will be justice and fair play, boldness. Selflessness, sacrifice,
respect and tolerance for different service, patriotism and sincerity.
faiths and cultures. He is a true “… you are the culmination
Gandhian who is fulfilling the of Sri Sardar Vallabhai Patel
dreams of our Great Mahatma and Subas Chandra Bose; the
by making Gujarat a liquor free living legend representing
state”, the Founder Chancellor Swami Vivekananda, posing his
noted going on to make the spirituality and vision for India”,
point that India not only needs the Founder Chancellor said.
a proven statesman but one who
would uphold the self respect For a person who did not attach
of the country. much importance to sentiments,
the Founder Chancellor still
“ He (Mr. Modi) has a strong narrated an incident that happened
concern for the self respect of the a few years back. “Mrs Prathibha
country and for every Indian as Patel who was Governor of
Rajasthan then, visited our
University and was with us
On his for half a day. And in the next
assuming office few months she became the
President of this country”, Dr.
as PM, we Pachamuthu said to applause.
are sure our Tracing the achievements
of faculty and students in the
neighbouring course of his welcome address,
countries, the Founder Chancellor pointed
out that in a span of less than
nay the whole ten years, SRM University
world, will look has already become a national
university of international
up to India as a repute. “At our University,
we firmly believe that there
great country are no religious, political and
geographical boundaries in
-Chancellor education and research”, he
stressed.
2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5 3
Research Day at SRM
Setting sights on the Sun
Staff Writer stage functioning and giving
a velocity of nearly five km
Urging the academic per second, whereas the upper
community to give its valuable cryogenic stage will not be
inputs to improve the position igniting which is called the
of India in the realm of Space passive cryogenic stage’’,the
research and exploration, the ISRO Chief said adding ‘’as
Chairman of the Indian Space it comes down we will have
Research Organisation, Padma the crew module tested for
Bhushan Dr. K.Radhakrishnan the re-entry character study’’.
called for inter-disciplinary
cooperation in the frontline Calling on Research guides
areas of research as the way to further stimulate by instilling
of engagement for the future. thoughts in the young minds , Dr.
Radhakrishnan paid handsome
Dr. K. Radhakrishnan was the compliments to the SRM student
Chief Guest at SRM University’s community recalling the “brilliant
Research Day, a unique event presentation” put together some
that saw over 600 students— The Founder Chancellor presenting a memento to Padma Bhushan Dr.Radhakrishnan four years ago by students
Research Scholars pursuing Also seen in the picture is the Director of Research, Dr. Narayana Rao. who were keen on sending
their Ph.Ds and others-- cutting a satellite with cooperation
across faculties coming up with from the ISRO. That project
research proposals with a group cent of water resources. Calling hope for the launch between The Mars Orbiter Mission, the
materialized in October 2011
of successful ones walking Space the “Last frontier of 2017 and 2020,” he said. This ambitious inter-planetary mission and SRM’s satellite has already
away with Gold and Silver Humankind” the Chairman of apart, space habitat studies are embarked upon by ISRO last completed 12,000 orbits. “The
medals. The proposals by way ISRO stressed that aside from also being planning for this November, has already travelled SRMSAT is doing fine”, Dr.
of abstracts were brought out in exploration and colonization of three year period. Chandrayan one third of a total distance of Radhakrishnan said.
a publication that was released space, sufficient attention would II is being planned between 680 million kilometers and the
have to be paid to the security 2014 and 2017 with the ISRO Indian Space Agency is gearing The Founder Chancellor
by the Founder Chancellor of
domain and space enterprise. planning an indigenous lander up for the more challenging o f S R M U n i v e r s i t y, D r.
the SRM Group of Educational
and rover for the mission. experimental GSLV-MK III T.R.Pachamuthu, maintained
Institutions, Dr. T.R. Pachamuthu. Dr. Radhakrishnan told a
Mission that would carry a crew that research is the only area
“Science and Technology highly attentive gathering at the He also detailed the utility that can improve the status
module to test the atmosphericm
has a major developmental role Kattankulathur campus that the of ISRO satellites in tracking of a country and that it was
phase of the flight. This mission
to play for any country” Dr. ISRO has chalked up at least natural disasters making the point futile to keep lamenting that
is scheduled for between the
Radhakrishnan said going on a dozen missions in the next that three satellites were very no Indian University figures
end of May and the first week
to make the point that forays several years, including one to helpful in Cyclone Phailin by in the top 200 global list. “
of June.
into space for a multitude of probe the Sun. The “Aditya” sending over 400 images during Being in the top 200 means you
reasons was important to a mission to the Sun is now set the critical four days.”With ‘’The experimental flight of need to pay serious attention to
country like India as it had for between 2017 and 2020.”The their inputs, we were able to GSLV-MK III is getting ready research. Only more research
nearly 18 per cent of the world mission would be around the predict the velocity, intensity now and it will carry a crew will improve the status of a
population but only 2.4 per cent Earth. A few equipment are and the date of landfall almost module. It will have the solid
of the geographic area and 4 per being planned for that. We accurately,” he said. strap-ons and the liquid core Contd... Pg. 4
The Chief Guest with the Gold medal winning students.
4 2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5
The SCRO team (from left) jagadeesh (3rd year E&I), Ganesh ram (team pilot), Mr.Senthil Kumar (Team mentor), Asst. Prof. Mr A.Vinoth Kumar, G.Sathappan (Team leader)
(3rd Yr Aerospace), John Surya (2 Yr Aerospace), Satyanarayanan.J (My partner and Team Leader) (3rd Yr aerospace), Karthik Pasupatheeswaran (final yr Mechanical), Bala
Krishnan (final yr aerospace), Sasitharan.A (3rd yr aerospace), Surya Venkatesh (2 nd yr Aerospace), Arul Shengan (Team Pilot)
Scro’s Flight Of Success
Radhika Venkatraman air shows for the past 4 months. air shows have been held ever assembling ACMAV - Ambient scrutiny such as fabricating
Khushboo Agarwal Their first show held at the since. conditions monitoring aerial Airships, building octal-copters
Tamil Nadu Science Congress vehicles which provides data as well as high endurance
Some of their past projects
“If you want to achieve was resplendent with the team on pressure, temperature, air copters with proximity, which
include designing highly
something, no one will give being interviewed by various speed, humidity and and air can be put to commercial use.
economical planes for beginners,
you the opportunity, you have local cable networks. quality at various altitudes. They have also started an intern
fabrication of A380 static model
to create it for yourself”, says with control surfaces scaled They have received immense program for interested first
On display were several air
Satthapan Ganesan , a third down to a prudent 1:32 ratio. support from the Director year students who are trained
bots such as an autonomous
year student from Aerospace and staff of Engineering and in designing and fabricating
tested air robot named Drona Team SCRO is currently
Department, who instituted Technology, who have assisted their own aerial vehicles.
GI, a tri-copter for agile and working on some very compelling
SRM’S Student Copter Research them even in the most trying
extreme maneuvers in confined projects, such as contriving an The team’s main aim is to
Organization with Satyanarayan, times, financially and technically.
areas, designed and fabricated Aerial Surveillance Copter to bring together various colleges,
3rd year student.
by the team.Their second air survey the entire SRM University When asked about the future international universities and
Comprising of an efficient show was held in our campus and provide aerial images. projects, Sattahapan Ganesan organizations in the field of
team of 14 members, SCRO grounds during the Regional Another interesting project expeditiously replies that they UAVS and drones for establishing
has been manifesting various Science Congress. Three other they’re currently working on is have several projects under global contact and innovation.
Setting sights.... the academic and research
environments he pointed out that
Jonathan Bridge, University of
from... Pg. 3 SRM University was the only
University to have a separate
Liver Pool, UK, talks on Sustainable
Department for Research. “Go
to the next level”, the Founder Development in Structural Engineering
Chancellor urged the student
A Staff Writer like Rio de Janeiro are in the and HOD/Civil Engineering
and research communities.
need of sustainable development welcomed the chief guest and
In his Welcome address, Dr. Jonathan Bridge, basically where the population density gave a brief introduction about
the Director of Research, Dr. an environmental engineer is high. Also, along with other the Speaker. Dr.Antony Michael
D. Narayana Rao said that currently with the School of contemporary mega cities globally Raj, Vice Principal, presided
Research is meant to tickle Engineering in University even some of the prominent over the session.
the thought process and go of Liverpool, UK has come cities like Kolkata (Ranking At the end of the Lecture,
beyond routine academics. The down to our University on Fourth in Population Density students were aware of the
SRM University community 06.02.2014 to inculcate sense globally) were highly in need career prospective in Sustainable
Dr. K.Radhakrishnan
had to its credit some 1600 of sustainable development to of sustainable development. Development and also its
college or a university” the the aspiring civil engineers.
paper publications nationally Dr.T.Ch.Madhavi, Professor importance in todays world
Founder Chancellor remarked. His brief lecture on sustainable
and internationally with some
“Research is not possible by 900 students pursuing their development for all the students
compulsion. Research needs Ph.Ds in various disciplines of Civil Engineering was very
an inquisitive mind. At SRM he pointed out. informative and enlightening.
University we encourage research,
Dr. Kasmir Raja, Dean of Jonathan has quoted the greatest
individually and collectively”,
shortcoming of the human race
the Founder Chancellor said. Research proposed a vote of
is our inabilitity to understand
With a view to excelling in thanks.
the exponential function.
Edited and Published by : The Department of Journalism and Mass Sustainable Development is the
Communication, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM University, important demand of todays era
Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram Dist., Tamil Nadu. Ph : 044-27452270.
Printed at : Green Pearl Publications Private Limted, 211/2, especially in under developed
East Potheri Village St., Kattankulathur-603 203. and developing countries. Cities Dr. Jonathan Bridge being given a traditional welcome
2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5 5
Milan’14:
A Cultural Extravaganza!
Anand.M that was a delight for all the most popular events of the fest their peppy tunes. Celebrated actor, Karthik
Harsha biking enthusiasts. The evening was ‘Choreonite’, which turned Shivakumar and an upcoming
of such an exciting day had yet out to be a grand success with The final day of the fest started actress, Catherine Tresa were the
Satyaki Ganguly
to witness the bonanza that was a huge participation and an with ‘Fashion Show’, sponsored chief guests at the valedictory
Pallavi Gupta
the Pro-Show. Well-known overwhelming response. Another by Marks and Spencer. It was function. An impromptu dance
Punjabi pop-star, Daler Mehndi similar event, ‘Choreonite Plus’, marked by the elegance and and song performances by
Milan, SRM’s national level
made the large audience in the judged by actors- Raghu Ji, panache of various modelling Karthik made the audience
cultural festival was organized
open-air theatre dance to his Mahendran and Mahath, was teams. The team from NIFT in the arena go berserk with
from 23rd to 26th January 2014.
all-time catchy tunes. a competition exclusively for stood out from the rest, walking excitement. With this, the 4
This year saw a first of its kind
professionals. The day ended away with the 1st prize. The day event concluded, leaving
Pre-Milan promotion with an
Day three began with the with the much awaited ‘DJ event was judged by reputed everyone yearning for the next
adventure camp organised on the
promise of more entertainment. Nite’, where DJs Navz and Kav designer Rupesh Reddy along cultural extravaganza.
5th and 6th of January. Activities
It saw many of the events reach set the dance floor on fire with with Danish models Alexandra
like paragliding, flying fox,
their conclusion. One of the and Julia.
and paintball were organised
over the said weekend. The
inaugural ceremony saw actor
Vaibhav Reddy and his crew
from the Tamil movie, ‘Damal
Dumil’ making an appearance.
The fest saw a participation
of over 4,700 students, with
people amassing from all over
the city as well from colleges
like VIT, NIT, IIT, Crescent,
Loyola and Hindu University
to name a few.
With over 36 events like
Serpensortia, Funky Doodle,
Amazing Race, Road Graffiti
etc., Milan’14 allowed students
to showcase their talents in
every avenue. Popular events
namely Fear Factor, Fashion
Show and Milan Jodi made a
comeback this year too.
The first day of Milan saw the
campus donning a new look,
with stalls set up by various
reputed food joints, brimming
with excited faces. The main
attraction of the day was the
event’ Eastern and Western
Bands’, in which several bands
from across the country put up
breath-taking performances. The
event was judged by acclaimed
vocalist Surojit Guha and music
director Bharathwaj. ‘Battle of
Bands’ was another highlight
of the day.
The next day was nothing
short of a blockbuster. Teams
from various colleges competed
against each other, showcasing
their dramatic abilities; but it
was the team from Guru Nanak
College that walked away with
the first prize. The folk dance
competition which was a team
event saw the host team (SRM)
walk away with the honours. It
was judged by dance masters
Akshaya and Shanmugam.
TVS Racing organised an
exhilarating bike performance
6 2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5 Memories of the 9th Convocation...
2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5 7 “NaMo Bharat!” Anirudh Mani Nandita Adityan As the 9th convocation of SRM University Kattankulathur began, the security across the campus tightened and the entire area was cordoned off. Trying her best to break through this barrier and reaching out to Mr. Modi with her message, Prapatti Singh, a final year student from the EEE department succeeded in reciting her poem to him who greatly appreciated this gesture of hers. Speaking to Spectrum, she said, “The fact that he managed to take out time for a regular college student and hear her out shows his level headedness. I was more than touched by the fact that he called me by my nick name which he picked up from my brother who was running around all over the place to arrange this meeting.” Prapatti was very skillfully guided by her brother, Ram R.Singh who also is a final year ITC student. “Narendra Modi was very happy that a girl of my age showed so much patriotism and passion towards the country. I am truly poem was based on his life and inspired her to take forward inspired by the way he gave up how he chose to lead it.”, she this poem to the man she all worldly pleasures to lead added. wrote it about. “I see my the country and his journey, future in politics, defense or from being a tea seller to Prapatti’s patriotic writing is civil engineering. I do not see running for Prime Minister something she took from her any other career that would in the coming elections. My grandfather who also helped and suit me better.”
8 2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5
ISA Meet ’14 at
SRM University
Gaurav Sarma The highlight of the event
were the lectures by the youngest
The national level ISA meet CEOs in India, Mr Sanjay
held at SRM University, on Kumaran and Mr Shravan
19th and 20th February, proved Kumaran, of ages 12 and 14
to be a great success with respectively. They built 150
multiple events and guest lectures test apps before publishing
conducted throughout the day. their first app, which was on
Founded in 1948, ISA, which the iOS market. Currently, they
stands for Instrument Society of run their own company called
America, has more than 50,000 “Go Dimensions” and have
members worldwide and has set various best selling apps on
the standards to be followed by the app market like Catch me
the Instrumentation Society. cop, Player planet, etc.
The first chief guest to address Various appealing and
The members of SRM’s numerous research teams along with the students was Mr. Claudios innovative events like Circuit
Dr. Avinash Chander, Director-General, DRDO (center). Fernando, Director (Coory Debuggers, Conquest,
Automotives India Private Paper Presentation, Control
We have the capability to change the Limited), followed by Mr LABVIEW, Electro Warriors
were organised and witnessed
Ranganath Muttu, President
way the world thinks - Avinash Chander (ISA South India Section) and healthy participation by the
Mr. Dominic Savio, General students.
Sanju Varughese Mathew and Development Organization driven technology. “30% of Manager (Valeo Private India “I would like to thank our
(DRDO) served as the Chief the US Air force is unmanned Limited). After receiving direct HOD (ICE), Dr. A Vimlia Juliet,
There is a growing need in Guest. The man behind India’s with a target of achieving 75% key points and suggestions Mrs. Balkiya Laxmi, Assistant
the country for fresh ideas, Agni series of missiles was efficiency by the end of the from top level executives of Professor (ICE) and Mr. Upendra
new thoughts, and renewed quick to point out the emergence century. India must not lag the automation industry, the Singh, President (ISA Students
vigour. This was the underlying of research as a critical factor behind.” students were enlightened and Meet 2014), without whom the
theme of the discussion meeting in ensuring the stability of a encouraged to pursue their event wouldn’t be such a grand
SRM-SAT, SRM Search Engine
held recently regarding the nation. While our progress as passion and contribute to their success”, said Abhilash Mallick,
(SRM-SE), SRM Unmanned
various projects currently being a research-oriented nation was respective fields. member of the organizing team.
Aerial Vehicle (SRM-UAV), SRM
undertaken by the University. lauded, the need for India to
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
The event was attended by emerge as a leader in terms of
dignitaries such as Dr. T. R. innovation and development
(SRM-AUV) and SRM Student
Copter Research Organization
It’s not just Algebra
Pachamuthu, Chancellor and was also stressed upon.
Dr. M. Ponnavaiko, Vice
Chancellor among others.
“Today, strength lies in our
(SCRO) presented the audience
with project updates. Potential and Trigonometry!
quality of research”, he stated. hurdles were also tackled with
Numerous faculty and students Harsha first round, puzzles were to be
“With a severe resource crunch discussions shifting to practical
were also in attendance to Sitashree Sen arranged in the correct order.
expected within 30 years, there and long-term solutions. The
witness the progress of SRM’s DumbC was a level where one had
is an urgent need to evolve to interactive session was followed
most exciting research activities. The Ramanujan Math Club had to act a mathematical term. Quiz
futuristic capabilities.” He also by real-time demonstrations
Dr. Avinash Chander, Director- emphasized on the dependency of the working of some of the organized the Engineering Math was an amalgamation of mind
General of Defence Research of modern warfare on research- Fest on 4th February 2014. It twisting questions. Crossword
projects.
turned out to be a huge success. was a tricky level where one
Mr. R. Balakrishnan, director had to get the correct word in
Dst Inspire Science Camp 2013 of Institute of Mathematics and
Science was the chief guest for
the given space. NFS (Need
for Speed) posed a platform
Vaishali Suresh Guests of Honour - Dr. R. during the course of the camp the event. “Mathematics is both, to demonstrate one’s alacrity
Suresh, Director of Aerodrome - such as the ‘Inspire Quiz’ an art and a science,” he said. while doing math. The prize
The Department of Physics Meteorological Office, and, and ‘Effervescence’ which The fest comprised of 5 money was ` 25,000 which
and Nanotechnology observed a Dr. S R Ramanan, Director of stimulated the Grey Matter of levels – Puzzles, DumbC, Quiz was bagged by the students of
truly spectacular end to the year Area Cyclone Warning Centre, the participants. Apart from , Crossword, and NFS. In the Sathyabama University.
2013, as it was the proud host Regional Meteorological Centre these events, the organizers set
of one of the most prestigious – the Guests of Honour also up exciting events, viz.SRM
initiatives of the Department released the ‘Climate Calendar Walk, Auto Show, Cultural
of Science and Technology of India’. The Presidential Program and Air Show. From the Desk of The
(DST) of the Government of
India --- The ‘DST Inspire
Address was given by the ever-
eloquent Vice Chancellor, Dr.
The successful event came to Chairman, Srm Group
Science Camp 2013’. The a close on the 31st of December,
M. Ponnavaikko.
camp was conducted in the following an Awards Distribution
The Chairman of the SRM Group of Educational
college auditorium from the Many big names in the field Ceremony. The Director of
27th to the 31st of December, of Science from Chennai, E&T, Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan Institutions, Mr. Ravi Pachamoothoo, has asked the
2013. It was inaugurated by Kalpakkam, Pondicherry gave his concluding remarks SRM Community to send in their complaints, concerns
the honourable chief guest and Hyderabad moved the and finally the Vote Of Thanks
and suggestions to him at srmchairman@gmail.com
DR. S. R. Rao, Advisor of participants of the camp with was proposed by the head of
the Dept of Biotechnology, of their inspirational talks. There Department of Physics and or through sms to 99400 88414 (text messages only)
the Govt of India; along with were many events conducted Nanotechnology
2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5 9
Digging a Deep borehole for information
on origins of monsoon : Nayak
A Staff Writer was closely linked with the
energy and material transfer
Ministry of Earth Sciences between different components
Secretary, Dr Shailesh Nayak of the Earth systems like
said a deep borehole up to a atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere
distance of 3 kms would be and geosphere. “It is affected
drilled in the Laxmi Basin, by the global environment and
Arabian Sea in 2015 to get in turn, affects global climate.
information about the origin Hence, there is a need to build
of the monsoon. effective global partnership to
address this challenge’’, he said.
“Under the Indian Ocean
Deep Drilling Program, we will Noting that ISM was critical to
be drilling a deep borehole up agriculture, water resources and
to 3 km in the Laxmi Basin, economy of the country, he said
Arabian Sea in 2015. This the extreme variations in ISM
borehole is expected to provide lead to floods or droughts. In
information about the origin this context, understanding the SRM University Research Director Dr. D. Narayana Rao explaining the various projects
of the monsoon as well as it’s variability of monsoon and including the unmanned helicopter vehicle done by the SRM University students to
variability in the past’’, he prediction at different space chief guest Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary Dr Shailesh Nayak.
said, while inaugurating the and time scales was vital to
four-day International Tropical well-being of the population
cores. The drastic reduction in the five-day forecast, the accuracy provided to all concerned before
Meteorology Symposium on of India.
monsoon rainfall was probably of which has been around three days’’, he pointed out.
Monsoons-Observations, Stating that the origin of the cause of decline of the Indus 70-75 per cent. In Delhi, and
Prediction and Simulation ISM was linked to the rise of Valley Civilization during the 120 cities there is significant The cyclone track, landfall,
(MOPS) organised by the SRM the Himalayas, Dr Nayak said late Holocene’’, he pointed out. improvement in forecasting intensity, associated rainfall and
University at its campus in the rate of uplift and erosional The study of past variations weather parameters up to 12 storm surge prediction has been
suburban Kattankulathur activities have shown variations in rainfall was important for hours. improved considerably. The
Observing that the Indian in rainfall in a multiple-millennial improved paleoclimate modelling Phailin Cyclone forecast and
“There was lot of media
scale. and predicting ISM variations response was exemplanary, at
summer monsoon (ISM) was attention about Uttarakhand
in future. the same time, the other cyclones
the largest continental rainfall “The variability of rainfall floods. The specific forecast for
anywhere in the world, he during the last 25,000 years He said “we have made Kedarnath, Badrinath, Joshimath, Mahasen, Helen, Lehar, Madi
said the variability of ISM has been recorded in sediment significant progress in improving Gangotri and Jamanotri was were predicted extremely well.
Dealing with Corrosion and its Control
A Staff Writer about the recognition of corrosion NIOT, Chennai, Corrosion of their findings were displayed as industry, marines, concrete
control technologies. This short Pipelines in Oil and Refinery posters on both the days. Based structure, etc) and materials
The Department of chemistry, term training course provided Industries - Dr. N. Palaniswami, on interaction of the experts used to fabricate the medical
SRM University organized a a forum for revealing various CECRI, Karaikudi; Corrosion with the research scholars, implants. The valedictory
“Short Term Training Course corrosion control methods related Failures & Case study two best papers were awarded function was held on 31.1.2014.
on Corrosion and its Control” through the lectures by eminent in Automobile Industry -Dr. T. cash prize. Dr.T.Subba rao distributed
(STCC-2014) recently in scientists. Sundararajan, Wheels India, the prizes for the best papers.
This program explored some
association with NIGIS South Chennai. Dr.N.Rajendran, Anna University,
The program of action included of the fundamental reactions
Zone. D r. P a l a n i s a m y, C E C R I ,
nine technical sessions covering There were about 60 delegates involved in corrosion and
The inaugural function was the thrust areas by the lectures from various Educational strategies to minimize the Karaikudi, Dr.Rangarajan,
held on 30.1.2014 at Dr. T P delivered by the experts in institutions and industries. corrosion process associated IGCAR and Dr.P.Kamaraj
Ganesan Auditorium, SRM corrosion. The topics and the There was a special session with large engineering structures distributed the certificates to
University, Kattankulathur. field of the speakers of this for research scholars where (oil & gas industry, automobile the participants.
Dr.P.Kamaraj, Convener - STCC training course were:
2014 welcomed the gathering. Dr.
Relevance of Corrosion: An
R. Balasubramanian, Director,
Overview - Dr. U. Kamachi
Faculty of Science & Humanities
Mudali, IGCAR, Kalpakkam,
presided over the function and
Corrosion - Principles and Types
released the CD of Course
- Prof. S. K. Seshadri, IIT Madras,
Material. The Chief Guest Dr.
Chennai: Microbiologically
M. Atmanand, Director, NIOT,
Influenced Corrosion - Dr. T.
Govt. of India inaugurated the
S. Rao, BARCF, Kalpakkam,
program.
Corrosion in Concrete
The effects of corrosion Structures - Dr. Radhakrishna
in our daily lives are both G. Pillai, IIT Madras; Corrosion
direct and indirect. Hence forth Testing & Monitoring - Dr. S.
there is a need to carry out a Rangarajan, BARCF, Kalpakkam;
systematic study of corrosion Biomaterials Corrosion - Dr. N.
mechanism and its control Rajendran, Anna University, (L to R): Dr.Narayana Rao (Director-Research), Dr.P.Kamaraj (Convener - STCC2014), Dr.M.Atmanand
measures. This course was aimed Chennai, Corrosion in Marine (Director, NIOT), Dr. R. Balasubramanian (Director, FS&H), Dr.U.Kamachi Mudali, President of
at inculcating the knowledge Applications -Dr. Venkatesan, NIGIS-South Zone, Dr. Sheshadri, Former Dean, IIT Madras, and Dr.T.Subba Rao, IGCAR, Kalpakkam
10 2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5
Report on SRMU-KGCL
Shri Ajith Kumar Chordia,
Vice Chairman, Indian Green
Building Council, Chennai
Techno-meet on Geopolymers
Chapter, dealt on interesting
approaches to the green
building certifications and
green building ratings, with
A Staff Writer examples drawn from his
own experiences. He felt
The Techno-meet on that geopolymers would
Geopolymers was arranged definitely make the building,
at SRM University with the cost effective due to their
main objective of creating superior ecological properties,
awareness amongst engineers inspite of the possible higher
and architects on the potential initial cost of some of the
utility of geopolymer Geopolymeric formulation.
materials for construction
of sustainable infrastructure. Shri N. P. Rajamane
The meet attracted more Ph. D, (Ex-XSIR-SERC
than 150 participants which Scientist), Head, CACR,
included practicing engineers, SRMU, discussed ecological
scientists, architects, teachers, advantages of geopolymer
technical/scientific staff, concretes quantitatively
research scholars and under measured in terms of
and post-graduates students Embodied Energy and
from different colleges, Embodied Carbondioxide
universities, and national Emissions.
laboratories, in and around
The Chief guest of the
the City of Chennai.
Techno-meet, Dr.B.V.Rangan,
Prof. R Jeyalakshmi, SRM University, delivered the special facilities at SRMU. materials such as fly ash and Emeritus Professor, Curtin
Head, Dept of Chemistry, inaugural address. He brought The challenge is to put to use could become affordable for University, Australia,
in her welcome address, out the need for alternate binder the potential of geopolymers the common man. presented an extensive test
emphasised the need for to Portland cement in order to to construct sustainable and data on various aspects of
close collaboration between reduce the environmental impact energy efficient structures. Shri. Ramakrishnan, Chief fly ash based geopolymer
various fields of knowledge/ of usage of Portland Cement in Engineer, Tamilnadu Housing concretes with few examples
expertise such as chemistry, Shri. M.S. Jain, Chairman, Board, while describing the of actual practical applications
constructions, since, Portland KGCL informed the audience
civil, chemical engineering constructions in the government in Australia. He also urged
cement production inherently about various products such as
and geology for developing sector, requested research/ young researchers to venture
involves the emission of global silicates and silica produced
cost-effective, practically academic community to produce into this field for its versatility
warming gas in the form of carbon in their world class facilities
usable composites for various stronger and durable concretes and immediate applicability.
dioxide, besides requiring high spread over India and abroad.
applications. using industrial wastes, satisfying
energy. He called upon KGCL He was happy to note that these Finally, the Techno-meet
Dr.T.P.Ganesan, former and CACR to develop precast chemicals would result in green the present Codal provisions. ended with the vote of thanks
Dean, IIT Madras and Pro- products using eco-friendly houses through geopolymerisation He discussed the necessity for by Dr. P. Sivaprasad, Advisor
Vice Chancellor (P&D), geopolymer concretes using of alumino-silicate source faster construction in the field. (R&D), KGCL.
Walk with a scholar Programme ...Fifty students along with four
faculty mentors from Munnar
Staff Reporter Kerala. The scheme proposes to Arts College came to SRM
arrange specialized mentoring University, Kattankulathur to get Arts College came to SRM to get
The students and faculty programs for students in Under
Graduate Programs in Arts,
necessary orientation, guidance necessary orientation, guidance
members of Government Arts and motivation to the students.
College, Munnar visited SRM Science and Commerce and The Director, Faculty of Science and motivation...
University for “Walk With A to provide guidance for their & Humanities interacted with the
Scholar Programme” recently future. visiting students and persist the co-ordinated the program and respective faculties of FSH,
Walk With A Scholar (WWS) Fifty students along with four importance of communicative gave a short presentation on SRM University, Kattankulathur.
Programme is a novel initiative faculty mentors accompanied skills for the students with rural Tamil Computing to the students Ms.Sathyapriya, Placement
of the Department of Collegiate by Dr.Nagaraj, co-ordinator backgound. Dr.V.Dhanalakshmi, of the Department of Tamil,
officer of FSH, SRM University
Education, Government of of the programme at Munnar Head of the Department, Tamil Government Arts College,
outlined the role and function
Munnar. The Students from
Mathematics and Commerce of Placement Cell. The visiting
discipline visited and had an students had a tour of SRM
interaction section with the Campus and its facilities.2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5 11
No Games,
Just Sports
Adrian Pereira and 16thof February, 2014 at
Shruti Ganesh the dental grounds wherein the
School of Mechanical Engineering
“You can be sportive in emerged victorious. In Chess,
education, but you cannot be the School of Mechanical
educated without sports.” said Engineering won the first place
Karan Mehta, Team Manager in the men’s category while the
of School of Bio-Engineering. in the women’s category, the
Thinking along similar lines, School of Civil Engineering
SRM University organized won first place. Table tennis Winning team with Chancellor and Director Sports
the first Inter-School Sports saw the victory of the School
Tournament 2014 wherein various of Mechanical Engineering. In
schools of study participated the women’s category, School Hat-trick for SRM University in Volleyball
with much gusto. of Civil Engineering grabbed
the top spot. Mohanakrishnan Entering the fray as the Sanskrit University, Darbanga
The event wasinitiated by (27-5, 25-11, 25-15) in the
defending champion after
Dr.C.Muthamizhchelvan, In Badminton, under SRM University completed winning the South zone title at league stage.
Director, E& T, to promote Men’s category, the School a hat-trick of triumphs when it
better interaction among of Mechanical Engineering Tirupati, SRM beat Barkatullah Then it beat Osmania (25-13,
won the all-India inter-university
students and to bridge the gap walked away with the gold volleyball championship University, Bhopal ( 25-13, 25- 25-16, 25-13) in the quarter
between departments. “It was and in the women’s category, conducted by Shivaji University, 12, 25-10), Shivaji University final and defeated Bharathiyar,
the Director’s idea to have an the School of Electronics and Kolhapur, on Sunday prevailing (25-18, 25-15, 25-11), Punjabi Kovai (25-19, 27-25, 25-13) in
inter school sports tournament Communication Engineering over Calicut 25-22, 25-11, 25-13. (25-21, 25-16, 25-20), and the semi-final.
in addition to the inter college came first. Throwball for women
events and his support has been ended with the School of Civil
crucial”, said Mr. E.P. Siva,
Assistant Professor, Department
of Mathematics and the Overall
Engineering winning first place.
Ms.Vinupritha, Overall
SRM retains Trophy
Coordinator and Assistant SRM University completed a
Co-ordinator of the event.
Professor, Department of Defending Champion of triumphs
In Basketball, School of Bio-Medical Engineering, when it won the all-India inter-
Mechanical Engineering sharing her thoughts on what university Ball Badminton
secured first while in the improvements can be made Womens championship conducted
women’s category, School said, “We must make sports by DRAVIDAN UNIVERSITy.
of Bio-Engineering won the hour compulsory for students KUPPAM, AP, .
first place. The School of Bio- across all departments, atleast
Engineering bagged the first for 1 or 2 hours in a week.” Entering the fray as the
place in Football. Volleyball defending champion SRM beat
Mr.Santhosh, Assistant Calicut University in Quater
finals were played on 17th of
Professor, Department of Finals, ( 29/9,29/6), Madras
February, 2014 in the main
Biotechnology, mentioned the University (29/3,29/4), Anna
campus which witnessed the
necessity to conduct the event University, (29/21,29/10) and
School of Computer Science
during college hours or on a Mangalore University 17/29,
Engineering clinching the title.
holiday to attract more viewers 29/24,29/23 in the league stage. Ballbadminton team with Chancellor and Director Sports
The much awaited cricket and increase the enthusiasm
matches were held on 15th among the players.
Glories
victory
Recently SRM University
is organised. Tamil Nadu state
Inter Deemed University,
Volleyball Men & Women,
and Tennis Men & Women
Tournament 2013 -2014 under the
auspices of Sports Development
Authority of Tamil Nadu
(SDAT). Dr.M.Ponnavaikko,
Vice-chancellor inaugurated
the tournament. About 25
Universities took part in the
above tournament. SRM won
the championships in Volleyball
(men & Women) and Tennis
(Men & Women) with the
cash award ` 1,12,000/- The
Winners were felicitated by
Dr. Ponnusamy, COE, SRM
Inter-School Sports Tournament 2014 University Winners Felicitated by C.O.E and Director Sports12 2014 | Spectrum | Volume 7 Number 5
Next, Aliens v/s Potheri
Autorickshaws? Oh! The Nineties!
Harish Kumar
Anirudh Mani can probably imagine the Shire Ok, read this only if you were
NanditaAdityan (Hi5! Treat yourself to an ice born in the early nineties. Else
cream today if you are a Lord you wouldn’t even get the gist
The above is the representation of the Rings Fan!). Once in a of the journey you are about to
of a null string in some day an auto rickshaw driver embark on. How were our days
programming languages. I will make it a point to brush when there were no I-phones or
was hoping to start this article past atleast five odd pedestrians tablets? My very first memory
with a common phrase which on the narrow roads at high of having a fun gadget on my
one might use to call an auto- speeds. But then I think the auto hand was a cheesy pocket video
rickshaw for hire on the road, rickshaw drivers take it all in game (Brick games, they were
but I could not recollect any, good fun, as if they really were
hence the null reference. After called?) . Thinking about it
in the Shire, as if everyone was now, we had a killer time then!
a little thought and reasoning fine with it.They might charge
I knew why. There are simply Later came the video games
you a lot, sometimes your whole with a console, controllers and
too many autos for hire in cash pocket, but it is a thrilling
and around Potheri, that even cartridges. There were Mario, Swat Kats, Scooby Doo, Dexter would cast a spell on us with his
ride, if that’s worth the cash for Duck hunt, Contra and a lot and of course Tom & Jerry. We songs. Music also dominated
standing up and looking like a you! Oh, and the auto rickshaw
passenger-to-be is enough to more. The period when it would also had our own shows, didn’t us from overseas. Metal and
drivers don’t really believe in take forever for the Windows we? How can we forget our Pop were at their peak and
attract one. Sometimes, this the government of the State,
might extend to a wave of hand. 98 to boot and for the dial own superhero Shakthiman! Trance was picking up. While
complex political views and up modem to get connected, Comics were another mode Nirvana transcended our state
Let’s face it, the auto-rickshaws resentment of. Anyway, no when cell phones came in and of killing boredom back then. of mind, Michael Jackson gave
do form apart of the backbone meters. the Nokia 1100 definitely had Right from Amar Chitra Katha us a reason to move the body.
of the whole transportation a Space Impact on us? The to Tinkle, a lot of them provided And we all had our Backstreet
Conclusion?
medium of this place, if not the memories. us with loads of fun. Alright, Boys, Boyzone phases!
whole of it. Over the years, their There wasn’t an argument apart from this, didn’t we also
numbers have steadily increased to start with if you notice but Now let us go through what If you just felt a wave of
“go out” and play something?
but yes, it does look like a clear here’s an interesting thought. we saw on these boxy televisions nostalgia, then you probably
How many of you remember
case of ‘supply as per demand’. Auto rickshaws are fast, and we had. Awesome cartoons! I miss the 90’s a lot. So don’t
breaking a window pane while
For example, in the morning, they are furious, and daring, mean cartoons which one still forget what you were once.
playing ‘gulley’ cricket and
people living all around the and yellow, and a million other doesn’t tire of; right from Mickey Anyways, life has to go on.
speeding away in fear?
college campus take an auto things all at the same time. It’s Mouse & Friends to Pokémon. Let us lead a life with reference
rickshaw to get to College in more than entertaining to see One would have vivid memories Music was a lot different back to our past, act in the present
time. One of the busiest paths this little things challenge the of the cool cartoon characters then. Don’t we still listen to and achieve in the future. Hail
for this mode of transport is on Cartoon Network like the the old classics? A.R. Rahman the 90’s!
machines multiple times their
from the Main Campus to the size and power. Yes, the Free
Annexure Campus and vice versa. Shuttle Service Buses. It’s no
People take auto rickshaws to secret that these two modes Everywhere And Not A Joke To Laugh?
the Potheri Railway Station to of commute run the place i.e.,
catch that train leaving in a few Potheri, so there is bound to be Aditya Dabral Prof: C.Deva by “TheViralFever” known
minutes. In the evening, when rivalry between then, I suspect. popularly as the Qtiyapa Videos
one is coming back from the Voice: Why should I,hez
It’s adorable to see these auto Two security personnel over are best known for their humorous
city, a lot of tired people take walkie-talkie ugly!!!
rickshaws challenging the approach towards the current
an auto rickshaw back to their might of the Buses by over A: You need to clear the This article is basically for
political scenario, Bollywood
respective hostels. taking them at corners and at parking area ASAP!! the people who wish to laugh
films and the so called reality
close angles. One of the most but have no clue as to where
So, what is the actual auto B: Roger That … shows. There are channels
common sights these days is to find it, so here it goes. In
rickshaw scene here? A: No, I want you to Nadal such as AIB (abbreviation well
a traffic jam in the morning your television set : We are all
It because I am a NADAL fan. know), ManyaKiDuniya and
The auto rickshaw drivers also caused due to the auto-rickshaw know about the show “Comedy many more that have humor
understand the importance of unwilling to pull back. Now, Wait a second!! What was Nights With Kapil” ; an award videos on everyday situations,
this and don’t leave a chance there is some nerve! that? Was it even a joke? Should winning show which is not only Bollywood songs, relationship
to test their vehicles to its I laugh, Oh my god I don’t nationally but internationally
Well, there are pros and cons related issues, in short you name
maximum speed in the narrow even how to react on it. This famous as well. P.S. It is also
to everything but the auto- it and you have it. Sitting at home
crowded roads of Potheri, is what probably your reaction a good source to know about
rickshaws are one of the most watching humor can get a bit
revving up their over ambitious to the above lines should be if the upcoming films. Again we
interesting objects to watch boring and cliché but for those
little engines to full capacity. someone told this to you as a have shows like “Tarak Mehta
and observe, after the dogs of of you who are willing to shell
The whole atmosphere here is joke. But guys believe me there KaUltaChashma”, “Comedy out a bit to enjoy humor outside
one of a very big family, you Potheri ofcourse. are worse. Jokes are not made Circus” and many laughter your niche can visit places like
by people with a different set competitions shows. But all of “The Comedy Store” which
of brains, they are made by us don’t have the urge to watch have outstanding performances
situations around us. Let’s have TV shows and also don’t feel like
another one. by standup comedians form
switching it on simply staying all across the world. Standup
Situation during attendance glued to our lappys. So for such comedy withartistical mimicry,
in a classroom dedication towards laptops we day to day life experiences and
Professor: Bheedu Dev have the YouTube channels. recent events can be enjoyed
Voice in the class: Absent Sir From politics to sports to recent in a different ambience. But if
Prof: Keedu Ram events, hot topics, bollywood you ask me I’d say just look
and basically all that’s there around, be positive and let your
Voice: Present Sir
in the world making news is imagination flow, you might
Prof: LukhuChahtri presented in a satirical comedy need none of this and yet be
Voice: Present sir form by these channels. Videos able to amuse yourself.You can also read
