Silver Jubilee Year (August 2009 - August 2010)

The campus newspaper of SRM University

Private Circulation only Volume 3 Number 2 Remembering… and Respecting Inside Spectrum

By A Spectrum Staff Writer

Hundreds of faculty members cutting across disciplines gathered at the main auditorium to celebrate Teachers Day on September Nasa... 4 5 and in the process listen  to what the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor and other top    officials had to say on what 

  it is to be in the profession                  today.                  “I also started my career                 as a teacher” remarked the                         Chancellor Mr.T.R.Pacha                      Aarush ' 09... 5  muthu making also the point   that he did not drift into the    Now a teacher’s role is something extraordinary. They should                 profession by accident but                             was by deliberate choice. - Chancellor          mould the students for their future.                        Recalling his days as an     youngster and as a student increased inter-disciplinary more student involvement” afoot for an industrial park who was guided by eminent nature of the various faculties, approach. behind the Medical College. teachers who reflected several the Vice Chancellor called on “This is the only place On the issue of scholar- qualities such as discipline, teachers to encourage students where the product and the ships to students the Vice honesty and sincerity the to interact among themselves consumer are the same”, the Chancellor maintained that it New life... 7 Chancellor paid a high tribute more. Vice Chancellor said stress- is very important that this not to his mentors for the “Lovely But he had a message for ing that the involvement of be seen as a handout and hence way of taking the students the teachers as well: “You students must come more the idea of having students with them”. should be more than a teacher. through “understanding… not working in the Library or in Painting the scenario I would like to see you all as intimidation”. the hostels. “Some say it is not of a changed educational educators.As an educator you “The role of a teacher is possible,but unless we try we e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e will be giving education for more like (that) of a spark will not know” he said. students possessed brilliance, life”. plug… igniting the students the Chancellor urged the “A student should feel The educator, the Vice and kindling their interest” he has earned… not given teaching community to go the the Vice Chancellor said mak- I will not... 10 Chancellor maintained, not (a scholarship) on account extra mile in ensuring that only took care of educa- ing the point that while SRM of some reason” the Vice they will be a “model” for the tion, they also managed the University has been ranked Chancellor maintained. students. administration;and hence a Number One as a Private The Teacher’s Day celebra- “Every moment of your teacher is not just for teach- University, it should march tions witnessed several faculty presence on campus should ing but must get some sense into being recognized as Num- m e a n s o m e t h i n g ” , t h e of ownership. He reminded ber One across the world.” members being recognized Chancellor said even while the Deans and the Heads of We have to be ranked as the for their professional work. making the point that a Department that the agenda is undisputed Number One”, the The event topped off with teacher should look beyond the multi-faceted-- “from admis- Vice Chancellor stressed. the Director of the Faculty narrow confines of the sion to placement” should be The Management and other of Science and Humanities, syllabus and examinations. the refrain ! top University officials,the Dr.R.Balasubramanian Sports... 12 Reminising his days as a Calling upon the teach- Vice Chancellor said, are asking the audience to repeat toddler and youngster who ing community to have in working on a SRM Research a ten point pledge drawn up was “born and brought up them a sense of “pride of Institute with an accent on by the former President of in school and waking up to belonging to SRM” the Vice research, academic and indus- India Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam the national anthem” the Chancellor called for a trial, which will be announced commemorating Teachers Vice Chancellor Professor more “student centric and a formally soon;and plans are Day, 2009. P.Sathyanarayanan said that this Teacher’s Day at the SRM University this time around is You should be more than a teacher.I would like to see you all Review... 16 very special as it is a Silver as educators - Vice Chancellor Jubillee Year. Pointing to the  2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 What they said.... and What they say On the occasion of Teacher's Day 2009

Honouring SRM Faculty on their achievements

By a Spectrum Staff more of a spark plug… ignit- “Teachers are perennial interests of the student and the short of this would seem to Writer ing the students and kindling students and ceaseless learn- teacher in their determination make education at SRM Group their interests” ers” to make a great institution of Institutions incomplete. “It is not by accident but “As there is diversity in like this is to move further Vice Chancellor by choice that I took up the students, there is diversity in ahead. And at the heart of that What we strive for here is the P.Sathyanarayanan teaching profession… be- teachers” journey is a realization that whole or the total picture… cause I was very serious and “Dr. S.Radhakrishnan was “A teacher cannot be re- the ultimate job of a teacher education beyond books and honest;because I decided a teacher, scholar, writer and placed…” is to mould the student in a examinations. myself that I should be in the comprehensive fashion. a philosopher. He was highly Advisor Mr.Sahani teaching line” Dr.R.Balasubramanian, inspirational… in that sense Dr.N.Sethuraman, “Every moment of your “ What has not been forgot- he was the best teacher” Registrar Director, Faculty of S&H. presence on campus should “ We have to come to terms ten on Teacher’s Day every mean something” with the changing role of year is the changing face of “In a ever expanding and “The accent on brilliance Remembering his teachers: teachers. They have to re-ori- education and the constant challenging educational envi- at the SRM Group which cuts “(They had) a lovely way of ent themselves in the present challenges it brings about for ronment, the role of a teacher across disciplines and facul- taking the students along with the community of teachers and is multi-faceted. He or she day” ties involves both the students them (and) that made me come by extension the University to is not only the educator and “The whole system of ed- and the teachers and hence to this profession” ucation has changed. The which they belong. At SRM mentor but also the parent and we take pride in our teachers guardian on campus. The job emphasizes to the teaching Chancellor teacher would have to be and for many reasons—their of a teacher does not cease community the importance Mr. T.R.Pachamuthu highly knowledgeable with an ability to transfer this to dedication to teaching and with the student boarding the of not only keeping pace with “ I would like to see in all research; the sense of identifi- bus every evening to go home the student; a teacher not only the changing beat but also as educators. As an educator cation with the interests of the or going back to the hostel at have the sympathy and inter- you will be giving an educa- students and in a readiness to the end of the day” in ensuring that the fulsome ests of the students at heart but tion for life” adapt and change”. “All said and done,it is a development of an individual also act as a role model. This “This is the only place “If there is one message two way street. Students have is the main function”. is not lost in the process” where the product and the coming out at this Teacher’s as much to learn from teach- customer are the same” Pro Vice Chancellor Day celebrations here at the ers as the teachers have to Dr. P.K.A. Muniswaran, “The role of a teacher is Dr.T.P.Ganesan SRM University is a unison of learn from students.Anything Director, E & T. And so the story goes: Book Fair

By Prashanti Ganesh unlike in the catalogues. This chance can be used to select books for both the library as The dog-eared and creased pages of books well as personal use,” Dr.Ganesan said in an show the connection people have with books. exclusive comment to Spectrum To bring about such magical bonds, the SRM “Such fairs are organized to cater to the University library organized a Book Fair. large student and faculty communities. The fair was inaugurated by Dr. T.P.Ganesan, Learning and improvement of knowledge is Pro-Vice Chancellor. “This is an opportunity important and University like this is the right for both the faculty and students to actually place to hold a book fair” remarked Dr. P.K.A. see the books that they want to purchase, Muniswaran, the Director of Engineering and Technology. Teachers and students thronged the third floor of the library to avail the 20 per cent discount offered on all books. While teachers saw this as an opportunity to inculcate reading habits and self-learning among the students, the latter showed interest in books on higher education, competitive exams and specialized subjects. “The resident students need not go all the way to the city to buy books with options like this.” said Mr. Rajendran, Chief Librarian and The Pro Vice Chancellor Inaugurating the fair. Organizer of the Book Fair. Students and faculty Members browsing. 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2  M' Nagar faculties win Happy Birthday, international acclaim By A Spectrum Reporter Diego, recently. The paper got the Mr.Chairman… ‘Best Research Paper’ award for the Dr. R.P. Mahapatra, the Head year 2008. of the Department of Computer Another paper Panoromic Sensor Science Engineering (CSE), Madhavi based Blind Spot Accident Prevention Karanam, Assistant Professor, System was recently accepted for CSE and Prashant Mani, Lecturer, publication in the European Journal Electronics and Communication of Scientific Research and has been Engine-ering, all from SRM Univer- selected as the Best Research Paper sity, Modinagar, have had their papers in WASET, Dubai. He was also published in international journals the Conference General Chair in and conferences. the International Conference on Dr. Mahapatra’s paper titled Computer and Network organised Integrating Generative and Aspect by the International Association of Oriented Technology for the Frame Computer Science and IT recently work Instantiations was submitted and in the International Conference in ‘ICSTE 2008’, an international on Software Technology and conference held in California, San Engineering, held in Chennai. The Chairman of the SRM Group of Institutions and the Chancellor of SRM University turned 67 on August 24, 2009 - a well known educationist and philanthropist, Mr. T.R. Pachamuthu was greeted by hundreds of well wishers from all walks of life... Drug Information Center Inaugurated By Ratnika and mation Center (DIC) is to handle and Rajapavithra answer queries from health care pro- fessionals and patients. The queries The Drug Information Cen- which are frequently asked are related tre was inaugurated on september to drugs, dosing schedule frequency, 2 in the SRM General Hospital side effects of various drugs, adverse by the Department of Pharmacy drug reaction, drug-interaction, new Practice. The ribbon was cut by drugs on trials and disease condi- Dr. Shivakumar, Pro Vice Chancellor. tions. Information about anything and Dr. N.Chandraprabha, Associate everything related to drugs, medicine Director of Paramedical felicitated and health will be provided in the DIC. People seeking information will the Pro Vice Chancellor. be required to fill up a form, giving The initiative was taken by Prof. their personal details along with the K.S.Lakshmi, Dean, SRM School of query. Pharmacy as a service given to the Working hours of the DIC will be SRM Hospital as it is a tertiary care from 8:30am to 3:30 pm. The que- hospital. The home page of the GPA calculators ries can also be posted at dic_srm@ The basic function of a Drug Infor- yahoo.com. Ramapuram student creates GPA calculator

By A Spectrum Reporter thought that it should be shared with others. The sole aim of making it was Rajat Kapoor, a Year II Computer to devise a method to calculate the Science Engineering student of SRM GPA without any hassle and waste of University, Ramapuram, recently time,” explained Rajat. developed a software application for The application has been created by calculating the GPA of students. To using Macromedia Flash MX 2004. calculate the GPA with this applica- The application along with an in-built tion, all that one has to do is type the help can be downloaded from http:// subject name, grade and credits for sites.google.com/site/rajatstools/ The every subject. The application displays flash source(.fla) file is also available a summary of the information entered for download from the site for those and the calculated GPA. who are curious about the development “I first made this for myself but later part of the application. Dr. Shivakumar Inaugurating the center  2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 NASA, National Association of Students of Architecture By:Ritika Agarwal In its Silver Jubilee Year, SRM University is all set to host the 52nd Annual NASA Meet. The National Association of Students of Architecture, also known as NASA, is one of the largest communities of the students of architechture in Asia. With over 120 colleges across India, spread over 6 zones, the Association aims at providing a platform for budding architects to interact and grow. NASA organizes an Annual Convention at the National level where the member colleges across the Each NASA Meet is based life into the students and participating colleges will the zonal level also. The Zone country take part in various on some theme. The events faculty after the day’s hard strive for 9 trophies. The 6 NASA includes architectural competitions. The Annual and the competitions of NASA work. college laying their hands colleges of Tamil Nadu and NASA Meets are generally fall into three categories; To participate in the national on the highest number of Kerala. This year, Zone 6 held in December. namely, formal, informal level fest, the colleges first trophies also grabs the ‘Le NASA will be organized by Since its inception in and culturals. The formal need to clear the preliminary Corbusier’ award. Satyabhama College, Chennai 1957, NASA has scaled events include workshops The convention focuses th new heights. This year, and seminars conducted by round which is the Annual from the 13 to the 15th of primarily on design competi it is a conglomeration of leading architects from all NASA Design Competition September where nearly 20- architectural colleges from over the world. The informal (ANDC). Once colleges tions. Each participating team 25 colleges will compete. India as well as other SAARC events consist of various on- clear this stage, they compete puts in a labor of 2-3 months With the amount of exposure countries. SRM University the-spot games. The days for the coveted trophies. on every sheet before it is NASA provides, the students will play host to the SAARC are concluded with cultural Each college competes for sent for the competition. of architecture gain an edge NASA this year. performances, which infuse 4-7 trophies. This year the NASA organizes the fest at over the rest .

By N. LakshmiKanthan • Discussion on patent and courts. We also hanged a set D. Anbu Selvi copyrights. of events board with Cres- Cressida 2K9 One more reason for the sida symbol on the top which Do you want to know how sium…’. In our zeal to remain video. We never failed to im- success is the way we handled attracted quite number of the success will be? Go and unique and different we de- press at every moment then. our publicity. Our first and people. We made a live horse ask students and faculties of cided to stick to a theme for The Memento given again foremost goal is to make the to run on the premises on the department of IT who are entire Cressida 2k9. And we had a special significance as word Cressida popular. Unless day of Cressida. We beauti- enjoying the success flavor of chose the ancient Greek parch- it was designed by the Cres- the usual case of going and fully handled crowd under the Cressida 2k9. Yes, Cressida’09 ment style design. All the sida team. visiting other colleges in and registration desk and with all is a fabulous success with par- around Tamil Nadu, this time event names, design of posters We took more care in the events especially gaming. The ticipants of 1500+ from 58+ we gave more importance to and banners were all based events. We stood unique in video made by our team also colleges in and around Tamil internal publicity. We setup on this theme. Our first major that also with events like stole a big applause among the Nadu. Here comes the suc- help desks in various hotspots success was our fantastically ‘ZEUS-the mega developer’, audience. cess flavor especially for the of SRM for publicizing the designed posters which caught Mediatrix, Pixelate, etc. To be spectrum readers. events and workshops. We A number of sponsors from the attention of students and more particular, we consider hanged wooden boards in the the industry and media came We the students and facul- staff throughout and was ap- ZEUS as the crown of all the name of our events all over together to make the event a ties of Department of IT put plauded. The design team was events as we had the tag line as the roves of canteens and food grand success! our soul and goal together approached by professional ‘a search for IT Genius’. The into a single motto, success designers and that speaks a lot traditional events like debug- of Cressida. We are proud about this talented bunch of ging and hardware assembly to say that our motto has kids. We designed our website were retained but they were been fulfilled and all our two inside our own departmental revamped and presented in a months sacrifices have finally website www.srmit.net. completely new, never seen got some meaning. Yes, I am August 7th and 8th became before avatar which left the talking about the success of an answer for our dreams. participants spell bound and Cressida’09. The day came to start off. impressed. We had a very The beautiful journey of Huge crowd awaited outside special thing in Cressida’o9, Cressida started in early July, of the New Seminar Hall ‘Cressida Special’. It is a pack- just a month before the sched- were the Inauguration of the age of six beautiful events. uled date of the event. The Grand event Cressida 2K9 is • Embedded system work mission of Cressida 2k9 team supposed open its true colour. shop was to ensure that this year The Chief Guest Ms. Shobana • Animania workshop Cressida was more than just Ravi, Chief Information Of- • Microsoft road show another departmental fest. ficer, TAFE and our Associ- • Sun Microsystems quiz That’s why we made our tag ate Director were extremely • Exhibition on smart card line as ‘not just a sympo- happy about the Inauguration technologies 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2  Aaruush '09... Seen through the pages of "Shin Bun"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               From start to finish students of the Department of                  Journalism and Mass Communication covered Aaruush '09

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  and produced daily the "Shin Bun" (meaning a newspaper).                                                      A glimpse of the student production...                              a puzzle. The other events Linux Poison, Black Hole colourful treat for the eyes and under this domain were Concentriques, Conbilliards attracted over 2000 students. Verdure 365, Med Expo, Q and Grope 4 Dope, which There was also an excellent Chem and Bio Biz. tested the innovative performance by Russian All the knowledge of the participants’ artistes. A spellbinding way... The X – Zone events were a Logic and Reasoning, performance by Mr. Suresh cut above the rest. Techies 0.9, By: Aditya Kesanupalli, Simulation & Programming who holds 20 Guinness was also a guest lecture by a technical version of popular Deepak Pinninty and skills, Cryptology, and World Records in singing, cyber guru Ankit Fadia TV show MTV Roadies, was Siddharth Panicker Scientific Skills. The winners his latest being of singing The various events in the most hyped. The event of Grope4Dope and Code 100 for hours non-stop kept Aaruush were divided into was a mini Aaruush in itself Churner gained a direct entry everyone glued to their separate domains. One and had participants tested in “Aaruush 2009” –SRM into Kshitij, the tech-fest of seats. War of the DJ’s, held at of the major successes of almost all categories of the University’s National level IIT Kharagpur. the Valliammai grounds, saw the Praesentatio Domain Aaruush events. Game Lords tech fest was held from the everyone charged after the was the Youth Parliament and Clash Of The Titans were Konstruction, the quest 9th to the 12th of September. tiring event schedule. which had 16 shortlisted major blockbusters too. for finding the true engineer, This year it was all the teams participating in a had events like Mad The event wouldn’t have more special because SRM The Magefficie category, debate with topics like For CAD, Hybridomia, been a grand success without University is celebrating 25 which tests the business corporal punishment and Aerogami, Junkyard Wars, the support of various glorious years of its existence. and management skills th Damage Control, Calatrava sponsors which include validity of class 10 board of the participants, was a The Chief Guest for the Bridge and Kraftology. Pepsi Nimbooz, Indian Bank, examinations. The winners great success. Events like Inaugural Function was Mr. Here the participants were Beatrix Solutions, Lanson were given wild card entry Spotlight, Acey Deucey, Suranjan Pal, Director of the tested in abilities ranging Toyota, Acer, Inox, CADD into IIT Kharagpur’s All Ad Mania, The Corporate, Directorate of Public Interface from designing in CAD to Centre – Tambaram, Nescafe, Asia fest Kshitij. Soch-Think Dalal Bull and Apprentice at DRDO headquarters. The Aeroplanes and on-the-spot Sun Microsystems, Word Again was a hit too. Gadgets were an absolute success event saw the participation of events which required them to Press, e-Pronto, ILUGC, Expo, Intelligent Systems with participants seeing an over 8000 students from 29 design a bridge from waste. Study in Holland, Mozilla and Paper Presentation won overflow of registrations! states all over the country and Firefox, Oxford Book Store, wide acclaim. One of the major attractions from 6 continents! Robogyan, which poses a Education Plus, Allahabad The Fundaz Domain had of Aaruush was the Acer Main The four day fest saw challenge to the participants Bank, Dinamalar and NDTV events like Funstud and Quiz which awarded two various workshops being in autonomous and manual Hindu and Radio Mirchi as Pragmatic Physics which laptops to the winning team. organized on Ethical robotics, had events like media partners. attracted school students There were also Industrial Hacking, Robotics and Lost in the Dark, Marco too and Varta Yantra, which Exhibitions by Acer, CMS, The final day witnessed Entrepreneurship by Beatrix Polo, Auto Man – Maze, included re-assembling a BSNL, TOP GRE, Spirotech the Valedictory function Solutions, Sun Microsystems Armageddon, Robo Yankees mobile phone, was the most and DRDO in the University’s in the evening at the and Mozilla Firefox which and Micromouse. talked about. library. Auditorium. The Chief Guest witnessed participation Yuddhame, which has been of the function was Dr. S. Aaruush also gave everyone of over 600 participants. Bluebook’s most hyped called the ultimate battle Gomathinayagam, Executive opportunities to unwind and Apart from these, there event was BioHolic which of technical geeks, held Director (CWET), Ministry relieve the stress of the day. were workshops on VLSI had a bio-based treasure hunt events like Chilling Factor, of New and Renewable The Laser Show organized & Embedded Systems, and followed by identification Gold Rush, Code Churner, Energy Sources, Chennai. Adobe applications. There of microorganisms through by Beatrix Solutions was a  2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2

helpful and supportive? I don’t think they could have been any better! Everyone I came in contact with in the Did you know?... first week of my being here were extremely helpful and supportive. I had no worries What is it all about studying overseas ? there. How is the study and work Providing its students with environment different from a Golden Gatepass to Global India? Universities, SRM University presents its unique and com- It is very different. The ma- prehensive Dual Degree Pro- jor difference was that we do gram. Transferring students not have any exams. All our after their third year in college, assessments were based on to a Foreign University, this scientific essays and presen- program helps them gain an tations, which are very good advantage of one year over transferable skills to take away their peers, as they complete at the end of my course. Hav- their Final year along with ing had no prior experience in their Master’s degree, way writing scientific essays, I did ahead of others. With the setup have some difficulty initially of the ‘Centre for Interna- but all my professors were as tional Collaborative Program’, helpful as they probably could students can now select the have been. Another major dif- Foreign University for the ference is the fact that unlike Dual Degree, while taking ad- in India, where one module mission into B.Tech, and thus is taught by one lecturer for a follow specifically structured Going Abroad Through SRM…… whole term, here each profes- courses for the same. Having sor takes up only those lectures completed almost one year at A well known program at the SRM University is the semester abroad program that is in in which they are experts. This Warwick University, UK, place thanks to a number of Memorandums of Undertstanding reached with several Uni- gives the students with several after three years of B.Tech Bio- versities in the United States,Europe and Asia. advantages such as: they get to technology from SRM, Sajna In 2009 as many as 21 students have opted for the semester abroad program thus far know about all the experiences Anand shares her experiences including from the Ramapuram and Modi Nagar Campuses. of the experts in research in with Menorca Chaturvedi of that particular field. Spectrum. The list of students heading overseas includes such prestigious universities like the MIT, the University of California at Davis, the University of Arkansas, Kyushu Institute of Tech- Apart from this, in India How did you decide on nology, Japan, Han University of Netherlands, and Birmingham City University. we have at least 7-8 modules taking up the Dual Degree running at the same time but course? How is the special- here we had just 2 modules ization chosen by you? most after going through their The major problem I faced campus? running at any particular time. I first came to know about This gives students the time to website and reading about the was the fact that I had to com- Before I started from War- the Dual Degree programme concentrate on just 2 topics at course curriculum. plete all the subjects for both wick I was very apprehensive when I saw a poster in my th th a time rather than having to What was the procedure the 7 and 8 semesters of my about being the only one hostel. I called Dr.Gopal (IRO) think about 8 totally different you had to undergo, pre-de- B.Tech Degree from SRM be- on this program. But after I to find out about it and he subjects! Students are also parture? Did you face any fore departure. I was exempted explained the whole process reached here, I understood that encouraged to read more… from doing 3 modules (for over phone and suggested I problems? it doesn’t really matter! The not just books but latest publi- which I could find equivalents visit the International Office to The first procedure was to Warwick campus is breathtak- cations on any topic. Warwick here). But writing a semester know more about it. I decided apply to Warwick University ingly beautiful. As soon as I has access to all available exam in just 1 week after sit- soon after my first visit to the and get selected for the course reached, I was given the keys journals which is a great plus ting in class for a month was IRO that this was something I by their selection committee. to my room and directed to when one writes essays. a bit difficult. my accommodation block. So, really wanted to do. I had full Since I applied pretty late (mid What would be your mes- it was a smooth arrival and a support from my parents too. July) I did face some delay in You were the only one sage to all the students, as- nice reception. The Warwick HRI offered getting my offer letter from from your batch, going to piring for a Master’s degree three MSc. Programs and Warwick. I had to write IELTS Warwick. How was your How was the hospitality abroad? I chose the one I liked the and send in my scores. experience on reaching the meted out to you? Were they Be prepared. It is definitely a big change in every way. Right from food to cultural Hotspot habits to the most important purpose of you being here By Menorca Chaturvedi Campus. students in delight, the old as frequent greetings and (which is studying), there will Library has undergone be monumental changes in With plenty of changes smiles do the rounds. The With a rush of colours, a renovation, thus giving it a everything you do. As long as implemented recently, and most common hangouts of gush of excitement, and a refreshing look. Meanwhile, you manage to keep a level- being a first hand witness to burst of energy, hundreds of the Aerospace Laboratory, in the students though, seem head and not get dragged into all the hustle and bustle, the enthusiastic Freshers have the making, has almost been to be the University Canteen all the amazing distractions Main Campus, has notably livened up the atmosphere painted complete on the that the West has to offer, you become a major Hotspot and the Open Canteen, which of the Campus. Beginning exterior. Work is on in full should be able to do fine. But these days. are jam-packed during the a new chapter of their lives, swing inside it too. The Hi- then of course, this one year Lunch hours, also serving as the Freshers have infused While freshly painted Tech Block, being entirely I have spent here has been a new spirit and zeal into classrooms in the Mechanical filled up by students, is seen an interactive platform for very inspiring experience for their work place- the Main PG Block welcome to be very busy and crowded, all the students. me. Have as much fun as you can but just don’t forget what you’re here for! 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 

By Rahul Preeth and recruits than bookworms Ratnika Sharma and the touchstone for such A new life, a student is certainly their Nothing could have come in attendance sheet along with the way of the Freshers of the the report card”, emphasized Faculty of Engineering and the VC. Technology as they streamed a new beginning! He reminded the into the Dr.T.P.Ganesan beginners of the long lasting Auditorium on August 17, Induction of Freshers in the Faculty of Engineering & Technology relationship of the University 2009 to see for themselves with them in the form of and along with their parents, students, alumni and alma guardians and siblings what maters. He reiterated one of the SRM Family is all about. the distinctive features of Taking the cue from the the University, the Students anxious faces the Registrar Abroad Programme sends Dr. N. Sethuraman, began a fair amount of students with an emboldening overseas every year. welcome address at the Next to speak was the Pro induction ceremony that Vice Chancellor, Dr. T.P. was followed by the lighting Ganesan who recalled the of the traditional lamp, accreditations and accolades conventionally starting off achieved by the University the function. and envisaging the same “Students are lucky to get in the coming years. The admitted into a renowned sprawling campus of 242 University like SRM and for acres provides a conducive us you all are very much dear environment for sports and for a simple reason that you academic excellence, he are here”, said the Registrar. added. The top University official gave credence to the unique company can thrive potential Dr. P.K.A Muniswaran, pointed out that that if the Students should not aspect of unity in diversity employment and we are trying director, E&T introduced the SRM University is rated as of SRM and highlighted to harness that potency”, heads and deans of the various Number One in the survey confine themselves only to class room but also the infrastructural and other added the Chancellor. disciplines of his office. of Education Times( of The facilities provided to the The Vice Chancellor, Prof. In the end, on behalf of Times of India) that has to do widen their horizons. students. with the “efforts and toil” of - Chancellor P. Sathyanarayanan, for his the parents and students, two each and every one of the staff “Students should not came forward to share their going all the way through the University officials. That it only confine themselves to expectations and impressions hierarchy. was a steady drizzle outside classroom teaching but also Focus on a holistic of SRM. “Most of the queries hardly seemed to matter, even widen their horizons by going development of of the parents are patiently “I congratulate all of you on for those who literally brought to the hi-tech library which answered in an eye opening becoming the Silver Jubilee personality their bag and bedding into the occupies four of the sixteen ceremony like this and I am batch of the University which - Vice Chancellor state- of- the art auditorium. storied goliath University really satisfied” said one of will make you privileged building, on- campus the parents. alumni”, said the Chancellor, The Chancellor welcomed interactions etc”,he said. part, advised freshers to focus Mr.T.R.Pachamuthu.The the novice batch into the Dr Muthamizhchelvan, on a holistic development gathering listened in rapt big SRM family that has 17 “I am being an optimist Associate Director, E&T attention, quite unmindful of institutions spread over three in saying that SRMites can of their personality. “The gave it a deserving end the fact that they had indeed campuses and educating be certain of getting placed present day employment by acknowledging all the waited for sometime to listen 40,000 students under the care in jobs in spite of heavy generators are looking for dignitaries and the assesmbled to the Chairman and other top of 5,000 faculty members. He global recession because no passionate and dedicated audience. Students of Viscom displaying their Skills...

A face mask exhibition organised at the University Building Students going through the exhibits. was formally opened by Dr. R.Balasubramanian, Director, Faculty of Science and Humanities. At right is the Dean of FSH Dr. K.Sengotti. 8 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 9 Voices of Hope Varying dreams but united in a conviction ... that they have come to a first rate Institution for a first class education. excel in communications skills. She also agrees with Vignesh a fresher of the Department of Mechanical Engineering that they look forward to quality education during their stay here. Many parents felt SRM is a knowledge university on the lines of what the former President of India Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam had said.

But for every beginning there has to be an end and in this case that came by way of parents,guardians,elders and siblings at last having to say a good-bye to their loved ones;and the emotions were indeed displayed differently even while trying By A Spectrum Team together by the Department future, lots of exposure and to to hide that teary eye.But the of Journalism and Mass learn lot of languages from the separation,both sides knew Carrying lots of hope, dreams Communication and which has people in SRM during her four well,was only going to be so colourful, and unmindfull the inputs from a cross section year dream journey. temporary.Still the idea of of the rain that was pounding of the faculty and students. their loved ones having to away at times to its way to People from different adapt to a “new” environment Most reached early on and glory, drizzles of blessings cultures found themselves forced several parents to be were not inclined to head to showered on the freshers of comfortably mingling with a temporary part of this new the nearby cafeterias which the Faculty of Engineering and each other in the campus and ambience,even if only for a in many ways reflected the Technology.The dampness of eager to learn. There was day or two. seriousness of the programme the weather had nothing to do chattering everywhere and one that was about to get under with the ebullient mood of the could hear all the languages “Go confidently in the way.The faces of parents and youngsters as also the parents flowing in the air. But it was not direction of your dreams. Live elders reflected an enthusiasm who came with them. Eager all language and dialects in a the life you have imagined” of wanting to know more said Henry David Thoreau. faces bore a sign of hope, gathering of this sort-- dresses about the institution to which With parents giving the happiness and fulfillment. also do create an impression. they have admitted their It looked as though India had necessary confidence and the What had the freshers of young ones.Faces reflected the come together at one place to University officials and faculty engineering had in their minds inner thoughts and feelings. prove its unity. members shaping their dreams about SRM University ? What And students were full of and honing their skills we sure were their expectations and excitement. While Sachin Akhuri praised wish this wonderful batch of impressions? The reception students the very best as they And all this made the task of SRM as the best in Automobile area of the auditorium carried make it big here at SRM. interaction easy,or relatively Engineering, .Mani Vannan a busy look and it more so.Freshers were comfortable said this University seemed like a Mini-India with That’s the way to go folks--- and seemed to be loving every provided good placement people from various parts of ‘Learn Leap and Lead!’ bit of it and determined to opportunity. Admitting her the country. After all was this make the best of their years at son,Mrs Anuradha hopes he will not to be expected? SRM is Kattankulathur. They were keen known for its multilingual on learning many languages, and multi-cultured student the culture. Many really loved community. the food offered at the canteen They came from all parts of and appeared satisfied with the the country, most of them with accommodation facilities. Even heavy baggages that carried if there was some discomfort new hopes of their future at in the initial settling down that SRM.Luggages were seen even did not seem to matter for the in the auditorium and it was time being. obvious from this that they had Manoj and Rajendran said come to the University campus they were amazed by the straight from the airports and infrastructure of the college the railway stations. while Abhinaya who had just Parents and students were stepped into the architecture amazed by the infrastructure. department said she found the They were enlightened about environment friendly, food the campus through Spectrum, “yummy” at the hostel and a University newspaper put was looking forward to a better 8 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 9 Voices of Hope Varying dreams but united in a conviction ... that they have come to a first rate Institution for a first class education. excel in communications skills. She also agrees with Vignesh a fresher of the Department of Mechanical Engineering that they look forward to quality education during their stay here. Many parents felt SRM is a knowledge university on the lines of what the former President of India Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam had said.

But for every beginning there has to be an end and in this case that came by way of parents,guardians,elders and siblings at last having to say a good-bye to their loved ones;and the emotions were indeed displayed differently even while trying By A Spectrum Team together by the Department future, lots of exposure and to to hide that teary eye.But the of Journalism and Mass learn lot of languages from the separation,both sides knew Carrying lots of hope, dreams Communication and which has people in SRM during her four well,was only going to be so colourful, and unmindfull the inputs from a cross section year dream journey. temporary.Still the idea of of the rain that was pounding of the faculty and students. their loved ones having to away at times to its way to People from different adapt to a “new” environment Most reached early on and glory, drizzles of blessings cultures found themselves forced several parents to be were not inclined to head to showered on the freshers of comfortably mingling with a temporary part of this new the nearby cafeterias which the Faculty of Engineering and each other in the campus and ambience,even if only for a in many ways reflected the Technology.The dampness of eager to learn. There was day or two. seriousness of the programme the weather had nothing to do chattering everywhere and one that was about to get under with the ebullient mood of the could hear all the languages “Go confidently in the way.The faces of parents and youngsters as also the parents flowing in the air. But it was not direction of your dreams. Live elders reflected an enthusiasm who came with them. Eager all language and dialects in a the life you have imagined” of wanting to know more said Henry David Thoreau. faces bore a sign of hope, gathering of this sort-- dresses about the institution to which With parents giving the happiness and fulfillment. also do create an impression. they have admitted their It looked as though India had necessary confidence and the What had the freshers of young ones.Faces reflected the come together at one place to University officials and faculty engineering had in their minds inner thoughts and feelings. prove its unity. members shaping their dreams about SRM University ? What And students were full of and honing their skills we sure were their expectations and excitement. While Sachin Akhuri praised wish this wonderful batch of impressions? The reception students the very best as they And all this made the task of SRM as the best in Automobile area of the auditorium carried make it big here at SRM. interaction easy,or relatively Engineering, .Mani Vannan a busy look and it more so.Freshers were comfortable said this University seemed like a Mini-India with That’s the way to go folks--- and seemed to be loving every provided good placement people from various parts of ‘Learn Leap and Lead!’ bit of it and determined to opportunity. Admitting her the country. After all was this make the best of their years at son,Mrs Anuradha hopes he will not to be expected? SRM is Kattankulathur. They were keen known for its multilingual on learning many languages, and multi-cultured student the culture. Many really loved community. the food offered at the canteen They came from all parts of and appeared satisfied with the the country, most of them with accommodation facilities. Even heavy baggages that carried if there was some discomfort new hopes of their future at in the initial settling down that SRM.Luggages were seen even did not seem to matter for the in the auditorium and it was time being. obvious from this that they had Manoj and Rajendran said come to the University campus they were amazed by the straight from the airports and infrastructure of the college the railway stations. while Abhinaya who had just Parents and students were stepped into the architecture amazed by the infrastructure. department said she found the They were enlightened about environment friendly, food the campus through Spectrum, “yummy” at the hostel and a University newspaper put was looking forward to a better 10 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 I will not forget SRM By Dr. David Nelson and banners that hung from say Americans are hard work- ing the bus, train and “autos” all the servers, wait staff and their walls. They all were very ers, yes, some of us are as they to the city with the students to those at the SRM international It was a December afternoon positive and contained mes- are in India. But, the site of shop, eat and just hang out will hostel and hotel in making my when the Dean of my school sages of respect, integrity and these workers working with always be deeply embedded in stay comfortable. asked if I would be interested team work. This, somehow, old tools and technology made my memories of India. in going to India. I remember Thank you to all, including provided me an early look into me think that the Indian work The evening chats with Dr. thinking what a great opportu- the culture I was going to live ethic may have a leg up on us Krishnaswami about politics, the students, for the wonderful nity to visit another country- in for the next four weeks. Americans. education and the state of jour- experience. I hope to return. so distant, so different, and Overall, my experience was nalism will be an experience So, please keep a place for so awe-inspiring. Well, I had Immediately, I saw strong valuable and enriching. My that I will cherish to the end. me in your hearts, as I have that chance, seized it and came evidence that the faculty, staff new friends at the Depart- You are a great friend, Srid- away with a great number of and administration were wise, for you all. Peace to you all ment of Journalism and Mass har. Seeing Mr. Watson every memories that will live with intelligent and very well quali- from across the other side of Communication, Dr. Sridhar morning was a delight. Mr. me forever. fied in providing their students the world. a quality education. I believe Krishnaswami and Mr. Wat- Watson was always radiant When I, and two American the students are in great hands son, I owe a great gratitude and displayed a gentle spirit. (Recently at the SRM students who traveled with at SRM. I see the university too. They were very kind in Dr. Winkins, my gratitude ex- University as a part of an me, first got off the plane we playing a major role in the opening their department to tends to you and your family. Exchange Programme,Dr. met the energetic and blissful future development of the me to the extent that they al- The weekends would not have David Nelson is an Associate Dr. Winkins, an Engineering city, country and the people lowed me to share and learn been the same without you and Lecturer, and a wave of heat! Professor and Assistant Chair of southern India. Much of from their students, daily. your lovely family. Dr. Gopal, Dr. Winkins politely intro- in the Department of Com- the evidence of growth was Every afternoon I met with the thank you for the opportunity duced himself and quickly munications at the University just across the street. Daily, students and learned so much to visit your campus and for whisked us away to an air con- of Central Oklahoma in the I watched men and women about Indian culture, food, tra- the wonderful accommoda- ditioned taxi. As we made our laborers craft, in the pound- ditions and pop culture. Tak- tions. And, a big thank you to United States). way through the terribly busy streets of Chennai a sugges- ing heat and humidity, a new tion was made to have a little high-rise building while using, something to drink. I expected for the most part, antiquated a small bottle of water, but the tools. Buildings, gardens, and driver and Dr. Winkins had student housing were being different plans. erected all around the campus at a surprisingly rapid pace. I We stopped on the side of later concluded, after hearing the road at a coconut stand construction workers laboring where two ladies used a ma- one late evening, that the work chete to cut the top of the ethic in India is very robust, coconuts for one to drink the and well beyond anything I juice. We drank the coconut have ever seen in the US. juice; it was wonderfully refreshing and rather timely In Chennai, I witnessed after being in the air for nearly several men doing a job that 20 hours. We then boarded the in the United States would be SUV and the driver continued done by one man operating a to SRM University. Over the very expensive machine. I was next three days, I met the so intrigued by this image that friendliest and kindest people I felt a great need to reflect I have ever met. As I visited on the work ethic differences Neither will we forget you... students of the Department of Journalism and their offices, I remember read- between my fellow Americans Mass Communication at a "farewell" for Dr. Nelson ing carefully the many posters and the Indian culture. Some Briefly…. Training for Secretarial Staff on The Department of Training and Placement from SRM Institute of Hotel Management at Kattangulathur organized the Implementation of the 5-s a one day workshop titled "How to Become a Successful The Secretarial Staff of of Japanese Scientists and Video footings of 5-s being Hotelier" Auditorium mini hall in the main campus with SRM University recently un- Engineers. 5S comprises Re- practiced in public gather- about 250 students from SRM IHM at Kattangulathur derwent a one day training moving the unwanted, Setting ing places in countries like campus participating in the program.The response and China and Japan. Those who involvement from the students fraternity during this event program on 5s conducted things in Order(Fixed Place), attended the training program was excellent and overwhelming with the Principal Dr. by ABK-AOTS DOSAKAI, Standardisation, Shining sur- Antony Ashok Kumar emphasizing that such workshops Tamilnadu Centre.It is worth- face of workspot/all gadgets were Ms.P.Magila-Secretary will help the students to enhance their competency. while mentioning that 5-s and Finally Sustaining 5s to Registrar;Mr.S.V.Sridhar- stands as the stepping stone successful by making this as Secretary to Directorate-E&T Mr. Amjat Hussain, Associate Director of Training and cultural transformation HABIT ;Ms.Amudhavalli-Secretary from Hotel Rain Tree Chennai, (a 5 star Ecotel Hotel) in catalyst for most global orga- to Associate Directorate- his presentation symbolically conveyed to the student The training disseminated nizations. E&T ;Mr. R.Malini-Sec- audience that reaching towards success is a journey to the conceptual framework on retary to Directorate-Cam- Destination and in the process they will have to face the This is the fundamental step removing the unwanted, Or- pus Affairs and Sports ;Mr. various ladders of ups and down “ very confidently and of Self Discipline towards derliness, Standardization, P.Rajendran-Supervisor-Es- tactfully”. longterm Quality Journey of Quick Retrieval of records (30 tate Office (Maintenance) and Mr. Arockiam John Christopher from the Department of any organisation leading to Seconds Rule) and Cleanli- Mr.S.Yamunadhevi- Secre- Training and Placement addressed the audience. Deming award. The Deming ness in Workspace. Training tary to Principal Coordinator, Award is instituted by Union was imparted largely through International Relations 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 11

By Spectrum Reporters A New Campus…. Adding to the richness of having 24 B.Tech and 32 M.Tech programs, SRM Uni- versity now owns the pride of But the same SRM Spark having Ramapuram Campus group of students as “one of at Vadapalani starting with a the blessed batches in SRM” strength of 400 students with the Vice Chancellor,Prof. all modern facilities. The First P.Sathyanarayanan pointed Year Engineering Technology out that there are some 2000 UG Programme Inaugural engineering colleges in India Function that took place on the and 14 lakh seats out of which th 7 of September, 2009 started SRM got 75,000 applications with the blessings of Sri Sri and the students present there Ravishankar. were the ones selected out of it. The Registrar proudly said that although a new one, the In an obvious reference Vadapalani campus is special to the high academic intake because it is located in the at the University as also the heart of the city. competititon factor in the admissions process the Vice The Chancellor,Mr. Chancellor pointed out that T.R.Pachamuthu, said that one third of the students se- the University gives corporate lected have achieved 90 per level training to the students.. cent in their examinations and Talking about the special iden- two-third have acquired 80 tity of the batch, the Chancel- “You have got your own identity….Silver Jubilee year batch. This per cent. lor said, “You have got your campus is located in a special atmosphere” Chancellor own identity….Silver Jubilee Dr.Muniswaran, Director year batch. This campus is of Engineering And Technol- located in a special atmo- “There are many more things to be developed ogy welcomed the students sphere.” But the Chancellor along with your study” Vice Chancellor to the college and inspired reiterated a favourite theme them through his address. of his that he has been stress- “Add life to the days we live pointed reference to how he SRM Group of Institutions. ing for quite some time—that “There are many more and not days to the life we education goes beyond books things to be developed along would be looking at the suc- live” were one of his words and examinations. with your study” he said in a cess of the various units of the Characterising the current of motivation. Breathing Process Activities and Improves Academic Scores enthusiasm! By Aditya Kesanupalli preneurship Club, Social Ser- vice club and Festival Com- By Medical College of Living” which is of 24 Living workshop) compared The SRM Cultural associa- mittee, thus catering to the hours duration, spread over to exams prior to April 09. Students tion has just come into exis- variety of interests among the 6 days (Tuesday to Sunday). This is an ongoing study. tence with the cultural secre- student population. Students entering SRM Participation in all the sessions Next workshop is planned tary, Johney Pandian and the University possess good is essential. The Entrepreneurship club from October 5 th at the treasurer, Mahesh Eallanti, at intelligent quotient (IQ’s). commenced its activities on A f t e r l e a r n i n g t h e Biotechnology Hall of SRM the helm of activities. Yet some perform less than techniques, one is required the first day of counselling for satisfactory and get poor University. Last date of Adding on to the existing the new students, by selling to practice them at home for th academic scores. This is registration is September 25 ‘Spectrum’, ‘Reflections’ and SRM merchandise through about 20 min per day. Follow 2009. Course fee is Rs.500. obviously not because of the up sessions are conducted the Activity houses, a total the SRM World platform. As there are only limited seats IQ but because of the stress about once a month. of six different clubs are be- It also took over the task of they face at the school /college available those interested may ing formed. They include My selling the basic domestic and/or at home. One such workshop was contact any of the following: Friend Forum, Adventure utilities to the students last conducted in SRM University Club, Quizzer’s Club, Entre- month. in the month of April, this Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and Mr.Radhakrishnan year. Pranayam (P) are breathing (Final year MBBS student) For Information processes that are known to Ten students, who had not - 9884329006 eliminate stress. We at SRM been performing adequately The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) will be University are conducting in the exams, got themselves Ms.Swapna coordinating The Linden U.S. University Fair at Hotel Taj a research study to see if enrolled. (PhD student) these breathing processes can Coromandel,37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, It was a pleasant surprise -9840653278 improve academic scores. Chennai 600 034 on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. About 19 U.S. to all that their academic universities will be participating in the fair. The fair will be from 6 To learn these processes scores improved by 15% on Mr.Mayank p.m. to 9 p.m. for students interested in bachelor’s, master’s and one needs to participate in an average in the exams held (Biotech student) doctorate level study in the United States. (Courtesy : USIEF) a workshop called as “Art after April 09 (after Art of -9884848450 12 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2

Speaking at the occasion Prof K Vaithianathan, Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Phys- Scholarship for sports... ical Education and Sports By Chinmayee Mishra. SSS Scheme. He referred to stressing private participation ished and individuals have to University,Chennai said that Aditya Panja. the globe outside auditorium and encouraging parents be supportive to achieve great these kind of awards motivate and said, “If students come to to motivate their wards for heights. Giving an overview a player to enhance perfor- Scholarship schemes for SRM they have the world in sports. The Vice Chancellor of SDAT he mentioned 42 mance besides evolving moral sports students are given by their hands”. He proudly said pointed out that the University crores are given per annum for values.“Sports teaches us for- every other government and that facilities in SRM are not has awarded Rs 3.5 crores in the development of sports. givingness, respect and accep- private institutes but SRM found anywhere else in India sports scholarship last year. tance” he said emphasising the modifies the scheme and pro- Commenting on the grow- especially for sports students He traced the inception of importance of physical train- vided scholarships to school ing population he said, “If adding that the International this scheme from the gov- ers who helps in identifying students along with the physi- population is growing it is committee helps in improve- ernment plan “Catch them talents of students.He assured cal trainers in the function ment of both sports and aca- Young” introduced to support also helping in achieving more that he would collaborate with organised by the Directorate demics. school students excelling in players which will take us to SRM to find young talents in of Sports and Games and our Starting from Abhinav Bin- sports. To help the students in the top”. India. own University. dra to eight year old Mamtha a wider way Prof Satyanaray- The function started off with Shiv Dharshani, a young swim- anan also put forward his ideas the welcome address by Prof mer from S.V.H.V school, of a sports academy in SRM N Sethuraman who enlight- Chennai SRM University has University. ened the gathering about the honoured everyone till date. “Spirit of excellence repre- various steps taken by SRM “It’s not a function pertain- sents sports,” said Mr Saty- in field of sports and also the ing to universities alone, it’s abrata Sahoo, IAS , Member support given by the faculty something reaching beyond Secretary SDAT, Chennai, the members to encourage the to the schools”, said Prof. chief guest of Sports students students. P Sathayanarayanan, Vice and PET’s/PD’s Award Func- Mr S.M Nandagopal who Chancellor SRM Universi- tion’09. He added that chil- gave the annual report of ty addressing the gathering dren’s talents should be nour-

Kongu Trophy Winners : (Left) Women's Basketball Team, (Right) Men's Volleyball Team 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 13 SRM wins football championship

By A Spectrum Reporter

SRM University won the football championship beating Jeepiaar Engineering College 3-2 in the State-level Buck Sports festival organized by the YMCA College of Physical Education recently. On the way to the final, SRM beat Nazerath College of Arts Science 2-0, YMCA College of Physical Education 4-2, Agrasen College of Arts Science 3-0 and St Joseph’s College of Engineering 1-0. The Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor and other top University officials with the football Champions SRM rises to the occasion

By Prashanti Ganesh Vels Srinivasa Engineering College and won the finals The SRM University Ten- against Sri Ramachandra nis team outplayed Stella Medical University with Maris Women’s college 2/1 scores of 2/0 in both the in the finals of the Sri Ram- games. achandra Udayar Memorial Trophy organized by Sri Ra- In chess, Dr. Suranasu machandra Medical Univer- Shankar Das won in the sity, Porur, Chennai. men’s staff category. He fin- ished with 5 points, securing The women’s team (Arthi, the championship. Nithya and Krithika) and the men’s staff team (Dr. Rajku- Premnath from the Com- mar) played steady games, puter Science department without being challenged clinched the men’s (students) much. title. The women’s team led 2- Ramanathan finished Record breaking 1 in the qualifying match fourth and Aravind Subrama- against St Josephs Engineer- nian came sixth in the tourna- ing College. ment. The men’s staff team capi- The event took place from performance!!! talized on their win against 8th to 10th August, 2009.

By: Chinmayee Mishra In the quarters they routed Pa- 29-24. Vellammal Trophy : Cricket Winners chiappas Kanchipuram.In the In the 3rd & deciding The Madras University A- semi-final they beat Sankara set SRMASC raced to 12- Zone Ball Badminton Cham- College,Kanchipuram with a 0 lead,courtesy the trio of pionship was conducted by score of 29-8 & 29-12. SRM Arts & Science Col- Thangapandi,Manobarathi lege on 19th August,the hosts In the much awaited title & Aneesh kumar who were emerged winners as they beat clash SRMASC met the fa- rocksolid with their defense Loyola in a nail biting final. vourites Loyola. The first set and they virtually blocked SRMASC ended the 20year went to Loyola with a score everything near the net. reign of Loyola with this of 27-29. SRMASC failed to Loyola tried to equalise but win. hold on to their serve with the SRMASC capitalised on score reading 27-27. The winners put up a splen- their early lead. The play of did show as they blanked all In the 2nd set SRMASC right back-Sujeeth was the their opponents in straight raised their level of play and highlight the winning team sets till semis. In prequarter with the help of unforced er- as SRMASC won the set and The Team posing with India's ace K.Srikanth they beat Annai Velankanni. rors they bagged the set with match with 29-21. me depend on our only ray of hope.....W.H.A.C.K..... There’s a reason why he’s known as WEIRDLY HE- The Battle of Poori ROIC AVERAGE COLLEGE KID. As soon as we grab our By Abin Biswas plates W.H.A.C.K. makes a run for the tray of pooris as if it WAR.....hate it or love it, were a portal to Willy wonka’s you just cant ignore it. They chocolate factory. He dodges say war affects everyone, the huge dogpile of humans young and old, loudly obnox- and forces his way through ious and weirdly silent, FAT the heaviest of crowds... and MALNUTRITIONED...... HE’S LIKE A CROSS BE- everyone! Its easier to start a TWEEN USAIN BOLT AND war amongst us adolescent A WORLD CLASS RUS- hostellers with soaring adrena- SIAN GYMNAST...watching line levels....it takes a minor him get those little buggers bone of contention for us to is like watching a perfected shed our images of “humble” dance routine! social animals to bloodthirsty rampaging guinea pigs....YES Somebody needs to stop this battle....it often puts us GUINEA PIGS....dont let their in weird situations...You whiskers fool YOU! know how we always tend to About the battle....well, it take more than we eat...OK, takes place on the days when MUCh MORE!....and when we get poori in our mess W.H.A.C.K. sees his hard (actually we have an erratic earned pooris being thrown schedule in the mess....it never into the bin, he obviously gelasils we have to gobble for those cholesterol ridden around like bullets....There fails to STARTLE US...which gives us this expression..... afterwards! treats in a manner that would are of course casualties, some isn’t a bad thing). There is C.R.A.C.K. and me feel bad get hot oil on their hands, something about those little The entire hostel somehow put savage, flesheating were- and instead of owning up, we round, oil laden deep fried gets the smell when there is wolves to shame. In fact its some burn the tips of their start pointing fingers at each snacks that just grabs our at- poori in the mess (C.R.A.C.K. so intimidating that even the fingers, some even drop food other, sometimes even com- tention.....maybe its the beau- says that the ability to detect guys in the mess prefer to on their clothes while fighting ing up with silly reasons like tiful golden texture, maybe good food is in our genes!). stay inside the safety of the for these WMC’s(Weapons “the fly in my poori was actu- its the oil oozing out, maybe And once those gates open.... kitchen...... The battle rages of Mass Consumption). The ally moving”. Who could’ve its the intoxicating odour..... its all about how fast, how on for the most fluffy, the facts are simple;”FIGHT OR thought that something so and C.R.A.C.K., W.H.A.C.K. ruthless, how selfish and how most crisp and sometimes STARVE!!!” tiny could actually lead to an and me LOVE THE POORIS tactful you can be. The first even the largest poori....and However in these desper- article in the college newspa- HERE....no matter how many tray is brought out we pounce chaos reigns...... Pooris fly ate times, C.R.A.C.K. and per!!!! Funny eh.....

By Siddharth Panicker in any popular showroom comprises mainly white. If there’s anything constant Visit an Apple retail in the trendy world of outfits, store, and you’ll know it’s change. Something new, White Is Back ! the value of white in the something old, something Reasons vary-- from the year B.Tech student, whose spunky bracelets, lockets or tiniest manifestations of picked up from the past practical to the age old ‘it favourite combination is a dogtags. And when it comes technological advancement. and tweaked so as to suit looks cool’. With the mercury pair of white shirt and blue to the suave corporate attire, In other words, white’s the present. However, level soaring every day and jeans. Sarthak, another Third white is at a premium. Be the word when it comes to some elements stand out reprieve nowhere in sight, Year B.Tech student, feels it an informal gathering, a gadgets (except the pink as interesting exceptions, white plays a crucial role light coloured clothes give garden stroll, a morning jog, ones that girls go curiously defying the word ‘change’. reflecting the heat, exactly a professional look and he a workout session, white has gaga over, of course).Take The conspicuous comeback opposite to what black does. loves going to college in light its say in almost every walk a look at those vehicles of white is a case in point. Hence, our body temperatures hued outfits. of life. swarming our busy roads, remain cool, being conducive and you’ll appreciate the By virtue of the niche that The colour white gives Anything brushed up with to work. Some students, value of white when splashed white has carved for itself an incomparable classy a little white at the right on being asked why white over a variety of cars, be it in the world of fashion, it makeover to the word places can look really smart, remains to be in vogue, came the small size Marutis or the remains pleasantly embedded ‘trendy’. White blends with is the popular view. Hence, up with some interesting luxury segment Mercs and in the best of tastes. And when everything, be it the formal we have all those white- BMWs. Smoothly pushing replies. it comes to the best of tastes, necktie outfit, the slick gel- based watches and shoes. The away the bright, screaming- our college can never miss “White always looks cool, groomed hair, the front- most expensive and desired for-attention colours, white is the mark. Nowadays, white is and it goes with all kinds bencher oily-haired persona, brands thrive on the demand back in action. And this time being increasingly donned by of accessories one wears”, low-cut rugged jeans, spiky of white-based products. The around, it promises to stay in students of our college. says Prashant Singh, a Third hair, semi tucked-in shirt, highest segment of shoes town. The Big Bang By Varun Krishnan accurate measurements were they are whizzing through made by using microwave the earth and everybody the Man has always been try- radiation which gave rise to whole time at the speed of ing to answer the ever elusive third scenario possible, highly light. As a result of experi- question of how the universe unlikely though. It says that ments using ultra-sensitive came into being. The idea that there is just enough matter detectors to observe the col- the universe was conceived in in the universe to gradually lision between electrons and one gigantic primeval bang slow down and stop expan- neutrinos, it is now thought some 14 billion years ago sion at time infinity. A snag that the neutrino may after all still represents best current with all this has been that the have some mass. Although thought. According to the Big estimates of the amount of it is tiny, only around a mil- Bang(BB), the whole of the matter in the universe have lionth of the electron’s, the known universe once existed not been encouraging. There neutrino’s abundance means it as a singularity, a vanishingly seems to be at best only 5% could account for a significant of the amount needed to de- small, mind-blowingly dense proportion of the total mass of celerate the rate of expansion. concentration of matter that the universe. made the general compart- However, all may not be lost ment of a Mumbai local dur- for there is the concept of dark Findings made in the late Music On The Go ing peak hours look thinly matter. This is the stuff which, 1990s, show that even dark By Shiv Prakash populated in comparison. This unlike normal matter which is matter might not balance the visible in one or other part of singularity then took it into its cosmic equation. The rate Today’s generation ‘Y’ eats, drinks, sleeps and swears by head to explode. the electromagnetic spectrum of expansion of the universe its music. Be it hip-hop, rock, classical, bollywood dance to our instruments, for reasons far from slowing down, is numbers or retro swing, lovers of all the genres can be Just after the BB, there was of its own just sits out there actually increasing. To resolve found in abundance throughout our campus. Music gives brief period of fierce expan- not emitting anything we can this cosmic conundrum it may them company on way to college, on their way back, during sion. The Universe expended pick up readily, although its prove necessary to invoke the the lunch hour or even during their stroll from the class to a so hugely that its geometry existence can be inferred from existence of a completely new lab. They simply consider music as one of the vital elements was fixed as what is math- such things as gravitational form of energy, the energy of required for survival. ematically known as flat, and image splitting. it has been expanding in a empty space, which of course But how do they like to carry their music?? Gone are the more orderly manner ever Two prime candidates for has an associated mass(as Ein- days of walkman and Discman…and who bothers to carry a since. The knotty question dark matter are wimps(weakly stein never got tired of telling). bunch of audio cassettes or cds these days! Cell phones are the here is, would it continue to interacting massive parti- The repulsive force exerted by gadgets which most of the students turn to when they have to centrifuge forever, or would cles) and machos(massive this energy drives the other- carry their music with them. it eventually stop flying out- astronomical compact halo wise inexplicably increasing The Nokia Music Xpress and Sony Ericsson Walkman series wards, pause and then start objects). Another intriguing rate of expansion. are the hot favourites in this respect. For those who wish to to collapse in on itself, ulti- possibility, which has been keep their music completely isolated from their socializing If all this is confusing, take mately disappearing up into under our noses the whole gadget carry it in their ipods, Mp3 and Mp4 players. time, is the neutrino, an odd heart, for we are not alone. It its own singularity once more? Phillips Gogear and Sony’s Mp4 player are used in great particle, formed in the BB, is also hugely exciting and What was crucial in decid- numbers by the students but the Apple iPod clearly steals the which suffuses the whole we can safely opine that the ing between the two was the show here with its great sound quality and unbeatable battery universe in enormous num- resolution of this confusion amount of matter out there. back up. Apple has a wide range of players from the low end bers- something 500 million in the next few years is going If there was enough matter it Shuffle to the highly desirable Nano and iPod Touch, which to advance greatly our knowl- would be able to arrest expan- per cubic metre. However, are truly considered a status symbol. These players can be edge of the birth and eventual sion by virtue of the intrinsic since they have no charge and conveniently charged and songs can be transferred into them property of gravitation; if not, were long believed to have no death of the universe and have by connecting them to a computer or a laptop via a USB Cable. it wouldn’t. However, as the mass either, their presence is other fascinating spin-offs With all these gadgets the students ensure they are wired to millennium came to a close, difficult to detect even though elsewhere. their music 24x7. Celebrating Onam... at home away from home

By A Spectrum Reporter SRM School of Man- hall in bright gold, yellow, agement celebrated Onam orange & white color. With the glimmer of gold this year amidst much joy in the silhouette of pure and celebrations. The team Dr. Jayashree Suresh, Dean white, “God’s own Country”- consisted of Philips, Soji, SRM School of Management, Kerala & with it all Malay- Sinjith, Srijesh, Shijo, all Faculties & visiting pro- alees celebrate the festival of Dilip, Dinu, Ajith, Deepak, fessors lit the traditional lamp Onam. Onam is celebrated in Siddharth, Rubin, Rejimin, remembrance of King Maha- Sharaf & Milash. A colorful “Nilavilakku”. After which beli & is associated with his traditional “Athapookalam” banana chips and “Payasam” annual visit to his kingdom. adorned the entrance of the were distributed. 16 2009 | Spectrum | Volume 3 Number 2 Worth the Wait? BY Geetha Bharathi the movie have strong resemblance to Anniyan’s character in the movie FILM: Kandasamy ‘Anniyan’ as the only difference that CAST:Vikram,Shreya,Vadivelu, exists is that he questions justice un- Ashish Vidyarthi consciously in the former whereas he does it consciously under disguise in Director:Susi Ganesan the latter. Kandasamy directed by Susi Gane- The film losses greatly in the way it san starring Vikram, Shreya, Ashish is portrayed on screen. Too much use Vidyarthi and Vadivelu is the first super of effects and unwanted use of comedy hro film in Kollywood.The storyline and glamour adds to the complexity is simple: a CBI officer steals money and makes the film fusty. from the rich people who have more Performances than that they earn and give it to the The technicians need applause as far needy in the name of the Lord Kan- as the lighting, camera and set work dasamy.He also creates panic among is concerned.Vikram has created yet The magic lives on…Harry the wrong doers through a super hero another milestone in his acting ca- identity with the help of his friends.In reer through this film.Shreya shows Potter And The Half Blood Prince between all this an officer (Prabhu) improvement on the acting front but starts investigating the mystery behind she could have reduced giving up too the poor’s wishes being granted in the By Aparna Nair into tears seeing Ron with Lavender much of her dignity.Susi Ganesan name of Lord Kandhasamy. Does the Brown and Harry falling for Ginny could have worked more to make the mystery get solved? What is the reason Finally the wait is over for the sixth Weasly. The movie ends well with screenplay and make it less complicat- behind this activity of Kandhasamy is installment in the movie series about Harry vowing to destroy Voldemort. ed and understandable for the layman. the rest of the story. our favorite boy wizard! HARRY Certain details are too intricate for the Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD The characterization of Vikram in common man to understand. Emma Watson, the terrific trio does PRINCE directed by David Yates hit justice to their respective roles by their the theatres on July 15th and no doubt endearing performances. Jim Broad- even this one delivers the magic and bent plays his part well as the evasive the mystery which we all are used to Horace Slughorn as does Helena seeing.And hence it manages to strike Carter with the seductive, crazed look the right chord yet again. of Bellatrix Lestrange. Jessie Cave as PLOT-The muggle and the wizard- Lavender Brown is very superficial ing worlds are in peril. The movie and annoying.Young Riddle played by begins with the destruction of Brock Hero Fiennes Tiffin looks as haunted, Dale Bridge by the death eaters .Mys- cold and maniacal as the adult one teries deepen as Harry enters his sixth but finally it’s Tom Felton as Draco year at Hogwarts. As Dumbledore as- Malfoy who steals the show. one’s signs him a tough job of worming out heart just reaches out to him seeing his secrets about Tom Riddle/Voldemort act of a troubled distressed boy. The from a former Potions master Horace first half drags but the film catches the Slughorn,there is also a strange case pace in the second half.The gripping about some unknown Half Blood special effects deserve a special men- Prince whose old diary accidentally tion. So,packed with action, romance Truly a prized Screenplay ends up with Harry. Also there are and MAGIC this movie is a complete hints of dark and evil things called entertainer. Being a hard core Potter BY Geetha Bharathi have made the screenplay at the cli- Horcruxes which come into picture. fan I give this movie a 5 star rating.So max more lively and the voice more But one of the biggest highlights of the if you have not seen it yet go ahead. Film: Pokisham, CAST: audible . movie is its romantic entanglements. It won’t disappoint you because at the Cheran,PadmaPriya, Director: Cheran As in most of Cheran’s creations like Hormones level are racing in the main end of the day it is HARRY POTTER ‘Autograph’, this movie also carries characters with Hermione bursting and magic can’t go wrong!!!!!!! with it nostalgia in the air. And like ‘Pokisham’ starring Cheran, Pad- in the former film, it is the girl who mapriya is an emotional love story is lonely in the end. For people who that is told in a measured screenplay. cherish going down their memory It is about the life of Lenin (a marine lane Cheran’s films are of its kinds to engineer) and Nadira (Padmapriya) look out for. who fall in love with each other in a Cheran shows desire and love in period where letters where the only many scenes but he can sure avoid the mode of communication. The film has dramatic expressions in certain scenes a beautiful opening that first shows us especially in the montages in certain the state of lovers today with all means songs.Padmapriya displays first-class to communicate and then takes us back acting and lives real-time as Nadira to Lenin’s love story. in the movie. Camera work by Rajesh The screenplay is rather slow but Yadav needs special applause as they the sets spell class. We find it hard to bring the movie to life. For hard-core believe how the sets of 1970’s were film lovers who have the patience to recreated especially scenes involving see a film with good story and screen- the flooded environment near Lenin’s play rather than a racy one ‘Pokisham’ home in West Bengal.Cheran could is the apt choice.