Thanjavur: Srinivasan Govindan from Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Chennai, who got the first admission for B.Tech engineering course for the year 2015-16 at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University near here, chose aerospace engineering as his course of study in the counselling. This is something unsual as normally candidates choose computer courses particularly ECE. Govindan explained his choice for aerospace engineering thus: “I wanted to become a scientist and explore an unexplored area of aerospace. Secondly, I was motivated by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India to become a scientist. I care more for knowledge than pay packets," Govindan said.
Counselling for engineering admissions for the year 2015-16 began at the university on Wednesday. E. Mariappan, director, news, Doordarshan kendra, Chennai, handed over the first admission card to Govindan. He appreciated the University for following a transparent and merit-based system in admissions. He also appreciated Govindan for choosing aerospace engineering and his wish is to become a scientist. “Students should equip themselves as employment givers rather than employment seekers” is the new slogan promoted by the government and the prime minister, he noted.
Mariappan said that students stand to gain by joining SASTRA University as it has been engaged in collaborative research with council for scientific and industrial research (CSIR), defence research and development organisation (DRDO), department of science and technology (DST), Indian space research organisation (ISRO), Indian council for medical research (ICMR) and Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Ynani, Siddha and Homeopathy).
The SASTRA university’s centre for advanced research in Indian system of medicine is recognised by the department of AYUSH as well as Tamil Nadu government to carry out various quality researches, Mariappan said.Vaidhya Subramanian, dean said that admission in the university is based on merit and on plus two and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) (Main) scores. He also said that 22 seats have been allotted for students of northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir and Daman and Diu. The Counselling will go on till June 27. R. Setlhuraman, university’s vice chancellor, was present on the occasion.
