SMVDU 29th March 2021: Institute Innovation Council of SMVD University in collaboration with Entrepreneurship Development Cell, SMVDU hosted a workshop on ‘Business Model Canvas’ on 29th March 2021 at SMVD University, J&K.

The objective of the workshop was to foster the systematic preparation and presentation of business ideas. Dr. Rashi Taggar, organizing secretary of the workshop and assistant professor of School of Business of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University introduced the 5A-Canvas of creativity to encourage the students for execution of their creative ideas.

The session on preparation of Lean Business Canvas was conducted by Dr. Ashish Arora, Head, GNDU College, Jallandhar. Dr. Supran K. Sharma, IIC-Activity Coordinator and Dean, Faculty of Management, differentiated between Business Plan and Business Canvas for effective implementation of their innovative business ideas. With participation from 80 students and academicians, this workshop stimulated entrepreneurship ecosystem by targeting the young minds.

SMVDU Katra. One day workshop on ‘Gender Equality: Theory & Praxis’ was organized by the School of Languages & Literature, Shri Mata Vasihno Devi University, Katra, on International Women’s Day where students and faculty members participated enthusiastically.

In the inaugural session, Prof. VK Bhat, Dean, Humanities & Social Sciences, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and addressed the audience. He said that there is one great woman in each individual’s life that is one’s mother. The Coordinator, Dr. Isha Malhotra, informed the importance of celebrating Women's Day each year. The students performed various activities, including a performance of skit, and other musical and cultural performances.

In the afternoon session, the School also conducted a webinar on the topic "Gender Sensitization and prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace". The session was conducted by Dr. Ritu Bakshi, Faculty, Central University of Jammu, who expressed her important views on issues related gender sensitization & sexual harassment.The conveners, Dr. Amitabh V. Dwivedi & Dr. Anurag Kumar, presented a vote of thanks to all. The School expressed its gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. RK Sinha, for his support and encouragement.

The 2nd Executive Council Meeting of SMVDU Alumni Association was held at SMVD University Campus to deliberate on various activities related to the Alumni of SMVDU. The meeting was chaired by Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, and was attended by Dr. Sakshi Arora, President-Alumni Association, Dr. Mir Irfan Ul Haq - Secretary & Ms. Saloni Sabharwal–Treasurer, Alumni Association, Dr. Saurabh, Faculty I/c, Alumni Affairs, Mr. B.K Bhatia, TPO, SMVDU, along with other internal members.The members who joined online included Dr. Summet Gupta, Dean Academic Affairs, SMVDU, Mr. Abhishek Khajuria, Mr. Dishant Bhatia, Mr. Randeep Singh and Mr. Tushar Mahajan.

The Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, who is also the Chairman of SMVDU Alumni Association, reviewed the action taken report of the previous meeting of SMVDU Alumni Association. Further, the agenda items of the present meeting were discussed, which included registration process of alumni members in the association, creation of online portal for the registration purpose, updating the alumni database, election process for executive committee, proposed events and activities for alumni interaction and other significant issues.

The members also discussed the steps to be taken to initiate frequent alumni interactions and maintaining database.The alumni members who joined via google meet also provided inputs and suggestions to improve the alumni connect. The meeting concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented to the members by Dr. Saurabh, Faculty I/c, Alumni Affairs, SMVDU.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has been reopened as per UGC and J&K, UT guidelines for students since 25th January 2021 in phases. The Office of Dean Students Welfare has organised an orientation session in Matrika Auditorium for all the students at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The Hostel Administration welcomed all the continuing & newly admitted Students.

The event was graced by the Presence of Padam Shri Professor R. K. Sinha, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Balbir Singh, Dean Students Welfare, Dr. H G Mishra, Associate Dean, (Boys), Ms. Sonika Gupta, Associate Dean (Girls) and other Wardens and Joint Wardens. The Dean, Students Welfare, introduced Hostel Administration to all the students, elaborated the standard operating procedures and instructed for strict adherence to ensure a healthy and safe stay Campus.

The Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor emphasised the need of developing understanding for healthy life and mind, encouraged the student to develop good qualities for healthy and happy life. It was also added that NEP is a transformative step in the right direction for a holistic and multidisciplinary education and laid emphasis on use of Hindi and regional languages. The event was coordinated by Ms. Bhawna Mishra, Assistant Registrar, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. H G Mishra.

A Training cum Study Tour of Stakeholders, Officers/Officials of Kathua District was organized by School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, at the Herbal Garden - Trikuta Hills established within the University premises under financial assistance received from National Medicinal Plants Board, GoI. The interactive session was organized under the Sub-component "Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)" Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (CSS PMKSY) Scheme by showcasing the various activities being taken up at the Herbal Garden. Padma Shri (Prof.) Ravindra K. Sinha, Honorable Vice Chancellor, SMVD University appreciated the efforts of School of Biotechnology and the District Agriculture Officer (Ext.), Kathua for taking up this initiative.

The objective was to communicate scientific knowledge among the farmers and participants regarding the importance of especially indigenous and native medicinal plants, their cropping pattern and agro-technological practices to be followed for improvement of produce in the region while adopting modern water conservation techniques. A total of 50 scientific and technical staff under the leadership of Mr. Vijay Kr. Upadhaya, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kathua; 50 farmers, Sarpanchs, Tehsildars from villages of Kathua District participated in the programme.

The visit was coordinated by Dr. Sharada M. Potukuchi, Head, Biotechnology, Project Investigator stressed on the need for water use efficiency of irrigation sources through local water harvesting facilities in rainfed areas for reducing fertilizer usage, labour expenses, and other input costs, besides sustaining soil health and creating awareness for cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants of the region. During the interactive session Dr. Indu Bhushan, Asst. Prof., Biotechnology emphasized on the need for adopting optimum cropping pattern and efficient water application, that utilizes available water resources in an efficient manner. He elaborated on the medicinal uses, importance and cultivation methods of the plant species habituated in the Garden which can be easily adopted by the local farmers for their economic benefit and further dissemination within the villages. Dr. V.K. Dogra, Head, School of Civil Engineering motivated the participants to attend such programs for further dissemination of water management strategies. The farmers also shared experiences about the issues being faced in their respective farmlands and promised to spread the message on the role of water and biodiversity conservation for the protection of the local environment.

In the difficult time of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, is keeping no stone unturned for the campus placement of the passing out students.

Mr. B. K. Bhatia Placement Officer informed that two companies, namely TA Digital and SBI Life Insurance conducted online Campus Recruitment Process in SMVDU. After a rigorous selection process consisting of an online test, group discussion/interviews; TA Digital and SBI Life Insurance selected 08 (B. Tech.-CSE) and 05 (MBA) respectively. Padma Shri, Professor R.K. Sinha, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, congratulated all the campus placed students in both the companies.

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SMVDU, Katra: The students of School of Languages and Literature of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) visited Agar Jitto near Katra Town on Reasi Road on 25th March 2021 to mark the the commemoration of the 75th Year of Independence-India@75 “AZADI KA AMRUT MAHOTSAV”.

The educational tour was an exposure trip to a place of historical importance. The place is the birthplace of a local hero Bawa Jitto who is known for a movement against repression of Zamindaari System, and is revered widely among the local populace. Dr. Isha Malhotra, Head I/c School of Language & Literature, SMVDU, and Dr. Parvez S. Slathia, AP, School of Biotechnology, SMVDU, accompanied the students during the visit as Faculty coordinators.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, (P.I. Dr. Rakesh Thusoo) in collaboration with GENOME INDIA DBT Govt. of India (P.I. Dr. Ashraf Ganie, SKIMS, Soura) organized a 2-day cancer awareness cum screening camp at Sirah Colony, Kakryal and Migrant camp Jagti, Jammu.The camp was organised as a societal responsibility through a SSTP research project sanctioned by DST Govt. of India.

The Cancer genetics research group, School of Biotechnology, and ICMR-CAR team led by Dr. Rakesh Thusoo made all the possible arrangements for the smooth conduct of the camp. Prior announcements were made and pamphlets were distributed in the local areas to inform the locals about the camp. Team of doctors and technicians from SKIMS, Soura led by Prof. Ashraf Ganie and other clinicians who joined the camp were Dr. Suman Kotwal (GMC Jammu),Dr. Rakesh Raina (Dental Surgeon), Dr. Arshad Reshi (GMC Jammu), Dr. Roman Lateef (SKIMS, Soura), Dr. Juhi Jamwal (SKIMS, Soura), Dr. Supinder Singh (ASCOMS Jammu). Other expert scientists who participated in the awareness camp were Dr. Audesh Bhat (Central University Jammu), Mr. Arvind Yadav (SMVDU), Dr. Ruchi Shah (UoK), Dr. Gresh Chander, and Dr. Sonali Verma (SMVDU). The main aim of this awareness camp was to to apprise the people about different types of cancers and reasons behind their occurrence and measures that can be taken to possibly avoid cancer. People were strictly advised to live a Tobacco free life.

In the awareness cum screening camp, doctors provided free general consultation, general physical examination like height, body weight, diagnostics test for blood pressure, blood glucose, LFT (Liver function test), KFT (Kidney function test), CBC (Complete blood count), HbA1C were done on the people participating.

Two to three thousands people actively participated in the awareness cum screening camp with great enthusiasm. Rising Athletes of Jagti (RAJ) voluntarily supported for the successful completion of the camp by making the necessary arrangements. LBNROH and team ASTRAAZIN provided free awareness material and medicines to patients. Dr, Rakesh Thusoo acknowledged his team members Ms. Minerva, Mr. Bhawani, Mr. Rajeshwer Jamwal, Ms. Deepika, Ms. Shrutika, Ms. Namarta, Mr. Jitender, Mr. Naresh, Mr. Mukesh, Mr Amit Raina (Astraazin) and Mr. Sahil Pandita for their help during the conduct of camp. Dr. Rakesh Thusoo expressed his gratitude to Padmashri Prof. R K Sinha, Vice Chancellor SMVDU, for his continuous support and motivation

Institute Innovation Council (IIC), SMVD University organized online Orientation Session for all students & faculty by Innovation Ambassador.The online session on Engineering Product/Process Design and Development was delivered by Dr. Srinivas Tangellapalli, Innovation Ambassador and Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar (Pb.).

He briefed the students about Engineering Product/Process Design and Development in an Orientation Session for all students & faculty. Dr. Srinivas stressed upon the need of Design Thinking for product development process. Design thinking supports the innovation to serve the society through technology development.He stressed upon the need of optimum system rather than workable one. During his presentation Dr. Srinivas cited many examples about the topic in the form of videos and said that every innovation should undergo product/process development cycle for successful outcome.

Excellent Innovation was shown regarding his work with regarding to teaching Engineering Graphics using MATLAB. The students and faculty were fortunate to have got the chance to attend this session for increasing their knowledge and inventive indulgence along with the expert. Dr. Sanjeev Anand, Innovation Activity Coordinator, SMVD University, coordinated the session and briefed about the IIC activities and need for such activities. Earlier Prof. Eswaramoorthy Muthusamy, Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering and Registrar, SMVD University welcome all the students, faculty and Dr. Srinivas, Dr. Rakesh Jha, Associate Professor, SoECE and Convener IIC, SMVD University briefed about the IIC and the research activities in the university.

The IIC, SMVD University, is thankful to Padamshree Prof. R. K. Sinha, Vice Chancellor, SMVD University for his never ending support in such endeavors. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sanjeev Anand, Innovation Activity Coordinator, SMVD University.

A science quiz was organized on 2nd March 2021 at School of Mathematics (SoM), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, to mark the “National Science Day 2021”. All students of M.Sc. (Mathematics) participated in the event and strictly followed the COVID-19 guidelines during the whole event. Dr. Uday Pratap Singh, Head, SoM, Prof. V. K. Bhat, Dean, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences , Dr. A. K. Das, Dr. Kuldip Raj, Dr. Sandeep Bhougal, Dr. Surender Singh, Dr. Sandeep Sharma and Dr. Palak Pandoh were present during the event and coordinated for the smooth conduct of the event.

Mr. Rishib Singh (M.Sc. I Sem.) was declared winner and Mandeep Singh (M.Sc. IV Sem.) and Diksha Sharma (M.Sc. IV Sem.) were declared first and second runner up respectively.The winners have been awarded with trophies and certificates. The students of School of Mathematics enjoyed the activity and motivated themselves to participate in such activities whenever they found an opportunity.

SMVDU 18 Mar. 2020: A weeklong Online Induction/Refresher on "Sustainable Product Design and Manufacturing", coordinated by Dr. R.K. Mishra and Dr. Ankush Anand, began today at School of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra.

The course shall be mainly focused on the sustainability aspects of product design, techniques and methodologies for making products greener and sustainable.

At the outset, the program was inaugurated wherein Prof. Eswaramoorthy Muthuswamy (Dean Faculty of Engineering & Registrar, SMVDU) and Prof. Suparn Sharma (Dean, Faculty of Management, SMVDU) emphasized the importance of this course, and lauded the efforts of the School of Mechanical Engineering for coordinating the event.

The event is being attended by around 60 participants around the country. Prof. Pradeep Kumar (IIT Roorkee) was the speaker for the day, and he spoke on various aspects of sustainability and product design. The speaker also highlighted the need for including greener initiatives in the product design.

Dr. Amitabh V. Dwivedi, Faculty, School of Languages & Literature, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, delivered a keynote address on the topic, titled "Understanding the Principles of Language: Building Knowledge Base for Education Research Studies", organized Bicol College, Daraga City, Philippines.

During his address, Dr. Dwivedi discussed how the knowledge of the principles of language is useful in conducting research in education as the researcher can apply these language principles in various areas, such as bilingualism, multiculturalism, pedagogy, translation, curriculum design, and alike. Dr. Sawitri Suwanaroa, Executive Vice-President, International Society of Teachers, Administrators and Researchers, thanked Dr. Dwivedi for sharing his knowledge.

A 75-minute Seminar was organized at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, on the topic, titled "India's Freedom Struggle" where faculty members and students of Humanities & Social Sciences, presented their views on 'Linguistic Analysis of Slogan used during India's Freedom Struggle', 'The meaning of Freedom', 'Gandhi & India's Freedom Struggle', and alike.

The Coordinator of the Seminar, Dr. Amitabh V. Dwivedi, Faculty, School of Languages & Literature, thanked all the participants, and the Convenor (Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsava) Dr. Anil K. Tewari.

At the onset, in the morning with the live streaming of inauguration event of Dandi March Anniversary 2021, the celebration of "Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav" India@75 kicked started at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, which was scheduled from 10:30 AM onward on 12th March 2021 in the Matrika Auditorium.Faculty members, staff members and students participated in the event and witnessed the celebrations.

Every year National Science Day is celebrated on 28th February in the memory of Prof. CV Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect, which had earned him a nobel prize. The School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) organized the Science Day by visiting the village kids from adjoining areas, which was initiated by Dr. Rakesh Thusoo.

Special programme was held at community hall Sirah where all the school going children assembled and participated in the activities, including cartoon filming, discovery of the microbiological world and fascinating space fact finding mission. Dr. Audesh Bhat from the Centre for Molecular Biology, Central University of Jammu was a special guest for the occasion. The Dean Faculty of Sciences, Prof. Ashok Sharma, interacted with the students and kids and shared his lifetime experience which was quite motivating.

Dr. Sharada M. Potukuchi, Head School of Biotechnology, advised students to be creative and be inquisitee towards science and hoped that one of them might be a leading scientist in future. Among others who attended the event were: Dr. Pankaj Biswas from School of Physics, Dr. Ruchi, Dr. Sonali and Dr. Gresh from ICMR-CAR, SMVDU and the Bharat Darshan Contingent from University of Kashmir. The scientific activities were led by Ms. Minerva, Mr. Rajeshwar Jamwal and Mr. Bhawani Sharma. Dr. Rakesh Thusoo expressed his gratitude towards Prof. RK Sinha, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU for the guidance and support.

School of Mathematics of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) have been selected for the financial support under the ‘Fund for Improvement of S&T infrastructure in universities & higher educational institutions (FIST) Program-2020’ by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.

The FIST programme of DST under which it supports scaling up of the network of infrastructural facilities for teaching and research in universities and higher educational institutions to cater to high-end S&T infrastructural requirements for research and development not only for experimental work but also to cater to theoretical work.

The DST-FIST proposals for active post-graduate S&T Department from State & Central Universities, and degree awarding academic institutions for improving quality of teaching & research were invited by DST in 2020. For Mathematical Sciences, only 6 proposals have been recommended for Level-1 type support by DST. The proposals of School of Mathematics, SMVDU wert3 among the recommended ones.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ravindra Kumar Sinha, SMVDU, congratulated, Dr. Uday Pratap Singh, Head, School of Mathematics, and the project implementation groups (Prof. V K Bhat, Dr. A K Das Dr. Kuldip Raj and Dr. Rakesh Kumar) of the School, for this achievement.He added that this has been possible on account of the dedicated efforts of the all-faculty members of School of Mathematics.

While sharing the details, Dr. Uday Pratap Singh, Head of School of Mathematics, stated that this grant support is recommended by DST, New Delhi, based on the excellent research and academic performance of the faculty members of the school of mathematics. He mentioned that research facility to be developed by utilizing this grant will support in setting high benchmarks in the field of education and research.