Mr. Sridhar Aranala for The Hindu and The Hindu in School
Mr. Sridhar Aranala, National head of The Hindu in School emphasised The Hindu In School’s commitment to education since its inception. Elaborating on the contribution of The Hindu in School he added, “The Hindu in School was started with the objective of expanding this horizon in the education space”. He attributed the success of this young publication to the energy with which this product had fortified itself in the education sphere. The conclave also announced The Hindu and SRM University joint initiative to initiate scholarships in which participating schools stood a chance of recommending 5 merit students for scholarship education.
The Hindu in School has been specifically designed for kids assimilating feedback from educationists across India, he said. He accounted for the importance of school principals in the context of education, explaining the idea behind the Principal’s Conclave. “Principals are a source of inspiration and today’s gathering aims to consolidate their feedback,” he said. “The Hindu in School has become a timetable item outside classroom curriculum for schools,” he added.
Dr R. Vasudevan HOD Aerospace Engineering, SRM University
SRM University, whichpartnered the event, had a lot of information to disseminate to the principals on the question of higher education. Special Guest Dr. R. Vasudevan, Head of Aerospace Engineering, SRM University, represented the institution at the conclave and gave an insight into the institution’s relatively short but unique legacy in creating leaders of the future.
Education in this age has been added to the existing list of fundamental necessities to know the world,” said Chairman of SRM University. SRM University is a private university based out of Tamil Nadu and houses faculties of Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Science and Humanities and Management. The university has a clear edge over other similar institutions because of its futuristic policies and cosmopolitan environment.
Dr. Vasudevan touched on a few key points in his presentation on prospective higher education at his institution. “Learning at SRM is exciting as we focus not only on theory but practical application to ensure a hands-on learning experience”, he said. The faculty at the institute is drawn from reputed research organisations like the Defense Research and Development Organization, Indian Space Research Organization and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre among others, he said. “The curriculum at SRM is a mix of hardcore academics and practical engineering experience, including industrial insight and personality grooming,” he added.
A privately funded higher education institution, SRM University uses the latest in technology and engages faculty with highest qualification. “We make students marketable and therein lies the edge that SRM provides’, said Dr. Vasudevan about the University’s credentials. Through cash awards for student projects, total fee waivers and massive tuition fee concessions SRM also ensures incentives for excellence. Tata Consultancy Services partners with university in awarding best student projects of the year. SRM Research projects are funded by the likes of ISRO and UNICEF and additionally every department has its own sponsoring partner.
SRM University currently has a 42000+ (all campus put together) strong student body and 2798 faculty members, making it a complete university with an ‘A’ certificate conferred by National Assessment and Accreditation Council. “We have strong corporate intent and industry inputs are highly valued with periodic lectures and industry visits being a part of the curriculum”. The university also has an international advisory board to keep up with international development and currently has 57 scholarships from leading U.S. Universities. “We have installed corporate advisory boards for each department to give that competitive edge to students studying here”, Mr. Vasudevan said.
Answering questions from the audience
School Principals present posed several questions to Dr. Vasudevan who maintained, “There is no lack of talent in India but a political will that is needed to push projects forward.” He also responded to another significant query saying, “SRM prepares students not only for the market but also for important entrance examinations like GATE and that to the DRDO among others.” Admission to SRM University is solely based on the entrance SRMJEE.
There is no lack of talent in India but a political will that is needed to push projects forward
