Union Minister inaugurates Rs. 120 cr research centre at SRMIST
Union Minister inaugurates Rs. 120 cr research centre at SRMIST
Kattankulathur, Sept 30: Union HRD Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Sunday inaugurated the new building of the Rs. 120 crore state-of-the-art research centre at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology at its Kattankulathur campus, near Chennai, and also presented Rs. 6 lakh worth of prizes and certificates to the winners in the various competitions and events held as part of its popular Techno-Management fest, “Aaruush”.
The Union Minister also said that the rapid strides made in the field of advanced medicine have been possible due to developments in the field of information technology. Space research helps further development in many technological fields. “New inventions and skills for research and innovation have made these things possible,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the valedictory function of “Aaruush”, SRM Founder Chancellor and Lok Sabha, Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar recalled his interaction with the Minister when he went to invite him for the function. “Why are you inviting me for this function? You should call me for your convocation he said,” Dr. Paarivendhar revealed. “But I told him that over 200 different educational institutes from all over India are participating to create new design and innovation in technology. They will contribute to the various ideas and schemes of the Prime Minister.”
Dr. Paarivendhar thanked the Union Minister for accepting his invitation and participating in the function.
The Founder Chancellor also spoke about how the SRM Group had put in place various rules and guidelines to help the Group to be among the top in the country that boasts of 900 universities and 50,000 colleges.
“Around 80% of those who study here are from other States. In that sense, SRM Institute of Science and Technology is a confluence of speakers of diverse languages,” he said.
He also described as SRM Group’s great achievement the satellite that SRM students launched with the help of space scientists in 2011. “After 8 years, it is still functioning after 40,000 orbits,” he said.
SRMIST President Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan exhorted the students to make the “Aaruush” event an international one, and he expressed the hope that the event would encourage and inspire the students for enhancing their technological knowledge and skills for innovation. “Aarush will help not only the students but also the SRM Group itself,” Sathyanrayanan said and added that the SRM Group has decided to conduct a national-level sports festival.
Indian cricket star Suresh Raina was the guest of honour and he unveiled the commemorative souvenir of the event. Speaking after inaugurating the event, Raina described the SRM Institute as a “mini-India” as students from every part of the country, speaking various languages, are studying here.
“Education is the backbone of the country. The students studying can not only help their families but also the entire country,” he said and recalled how former President Abdul Kalam was an inspiration for him and how we should follow his ideals.
Raina also talked of the words of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as how information technology has brought the world into one classroom. He exhorted the students to stay dedicated and focused.
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, which is at the forefront of providing quality higher education in the country, has been goading and encouraging students to become top-notch researchers, by setting up modern research labs and earmarking large sums as funds for them. Further, to bring out the latent talent of students in science & technology, the institute has been conducting techno-management fest.
SRM Group has been organising “Aaruush” annually as an all-India event since from 2007 when it was inaugurated by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. In its 13th edition this year, “Aaruush”, held from September 26 to 30, saw the participation of 200 colleges, universities and higher educational institutes with around 60,000 students displaying their talents and skills from all over the country.
“Aaruush” fest featured seminars on innovation and design, and showcased several stalls for technology and research. Over 50 events with Nikon, Auto Desk, Oracle, IBM, Acer, Microsoft related workstations and stalls including from CVRDE were the highlights of “Aaruush” this year.
Also present at the function were Vice Chancellor Dr. Sandeep Sancheti, Registrar Dr. N. Sethuraman and Aaruush Convenor Dr. A. Rathinam.
