Team SAI (Smart Alternative Innovators) from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Anantapur campus, under the esteemed guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. M. Meera won the First prize at the AICTE Millet Recipe Unleashing Talent (AMRUT) competition finals held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024.

Organized by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in collaboration with various partners AMRUT is a prestigious national initiative aimed at promoting millet-based culinary innovation across India with a focus on:

• Millet Promotion: Raising awareness of the health benefits and environmental sustainability of millet.
• Recipe Innovation: Fostering creative, nutritious millet-based recipes.
• Talent Discovery: Identifying and nurturing culinary talent nationwide.

The team, consisting of research scholars Sai Dharshini S, Alisha Pradhan, Sparsh Sumnirom Subba, and Beesetti Lohita from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, competed in two rigorous stages. In Stage 1, participants were required to propose a concept, develop a prototype, create a demonstration video on YouTube, and submit a brief report. Shortlisted teams progressed to Stage 2, which involved live cooking and a presentation at the grand finale in New Delhi.

Team SAI’s Winning Concept: Multi-Millet Muesli
Team SAI’s exceptional entry, Multi-Millet Muesli, under the Breakfast and Starters category with > 70% millet content earned widespread acclaim for its innovation, nutritional density, and appealing flavor profile. Blending millets with nuts and honey, this recipe was celebrated for its health benefits and unique taste, securing Team SAI a first-place win and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. They stood out among the 88 finalists, who were selected from an initial pool of nearly 1,298 participants in the “Millet-based Breakfast and Starters” category.

Recipe Highlights:

• Key Ingredients: Millets, nuts, honey
• Nutritional Benefits: High in dietary fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and nutty with an attractive presentation

This multi-millet muesli recipe demonstrates the potential of millets in functional foods, addressing diverse dietary needs due to their low glycemic index and rich nutrient profile. By incorporating nuts and honey, the recipe offers enhanced protein and natural sweetness, making it a nutritious and appealing choice.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AICTE for this wonderful platform to showcase our innovation. We also appreciate the support of the Institute Innovation Cell, our mentors, colleagues, and all those who contributed to our success.

The AMRUT competition not only highlights the nutritional and environmental value of millets but also encourages culinary innovation and creativity. As Team SAI continues to advocate for millet-based food science, they aim to inspire others in the field and advance the discourse on sustainable, healthful eating.

View Recording (Courtesy Media AICTE)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) will host the National Winter School for Women in AI/ML and Computational Biology 2024 (NWSW-2024). This in-person, six-day event, scheduled from 2nd to 7th December 2024, is a comprehensive program designed to empower women in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Computational Biology.

Organized by the Centre for Excellence in Mathematical Biology (CEMB) at SSSIHL, in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science and the Department of Biosciences, the Winter School offers foundational training in Mathematical Biology, Python programming, Bioinformatics, AI/ML, and Deep Learning. With a focus on bridging the gap between biology and computational techniques, the program includes expert-led sessions and hands-on training.

Hosted exclusively for women at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Puttaparthi, the National Winter School is open to undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., and post-doctoral students, as well as faculty and industry professionals.

For more details

Register on or before 10 November 2024: https://forms.gle/UfBHds2XP2mvF5hy5

View Schedule:

In September 2024, the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, hosted two pivotal events designed to enhance athletes’ understanding of nutrition and fitness strategies. The first, a pre-workshop session titled “Nutritional Assessment of Young Women Athletes: The ABCD Approach,” was held on September 25. This session addressed the specific dietary and health challenges faced by young female athletes from local institutions. Two days later, on September 27, a one-day National Workshop titled “Achieving Peak Performance: Evidence-Based Strategies in Sports Nutrition & Fitness” brought together experts and students to discuss advanced strategies for improving athletic performance through individualized nutrition plans. Both events underscored the critical role of nutrition in optimizing performance and ensuring long-term health.

The Pre-Workshop, organized in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Physical Education, saw participation from over 100 female athletes. Of these, 30 were from SSSIHL, while the others represented institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and KSN Government College for Women. The athletes were accompanied by their coaches and physical directors. Alongside expert presentations, participants engaged in hands-on nutritional assessments, and fitness tests, and explored educational posters on topics such as carbohydrate loading, continuous glucose monitoring, and the role of proteins in athletic performance.

The National Workshop, held on September 27, featured several distinguished speakers. Keynote speaker Dr. Geetanjali Bhide delivered an insightful presentation on assessing athletes’ nutritional status, with a focus on dietary intake and biochemical evaluations. Dr. Abhirami Sivaprasad discussed the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S), while Ms. Aswiny Mohandas highlighted the vital connection between gut health and athletic performance. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Bhide, addressed the challenges faced by grassroots athletes in India. The workshop concluded with a presentation on holistic health by Ms. Stuti Pahuja and a valedictory address by Dr. Meera M., who emphasized the importance of personalized nutrition plans for achieving peak athletic performance.

The event also featured poster presentations from III BSc FNS students covering topics such as proteins and amino acids, functional foods and nutraceuticals, and the role of AI in sports nutrition.

Additionally, the students showcased a dynamic display of ergogenic aids, demonstrating their innovative research and practical applications in performance-enhancing supplements.

View Detailed Report:

Pre-Workshop

National Workshop

View Photos

Watch the Recording of the National Workshop:

Session 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFE5k7U-hvA

Session 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lPFWqyBrEY

The Department of Biosciences at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council, successfully celebrated International Microorganisms Day on 16 & 17 September 2024 at Prasanthi Nilayam. The two-day event featured a hands-on workshop, a prestigious memorial lecture, and an engaging exhibition.

Day 1 focused on a workshop in microbial handling and biosafety, teaching participants key microbiological techniques like media preparation, bacterial streaking, Gram staining, and antibiotic testing. A special session on microbial art allowed students to design bacterial cultures creatively. The workshop saw an active participation of 65 enthusiastic students from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Smt. Eswaramma High School, and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, enriching their technical skills and practical knowledge.

Day 2 included the Dr. K. Gopinatha Rao Memorial Lecture by Prof. V. Nagaraja who discussed the challenges of drug-resistant tuberculosis followed by a talk from Prof. D. Narasimha Rao on the human microbiome. The day concluded with the exhibition “Into the Microbial World,” featuring posters and live demonstrations of microbial cultures and innovative microbial technologies like Microbial Fuel Cells.

The event successfully fostered an appreciation for microbes’ roles in health, environment, and research, inspiring future exploration in microbiology.

View Detailed Report

Watch Recording: Dr. K. Gopinatha Rao Memorial Lecture

View Photos

This innovative FDP is designed for educators from business schools, colleges, and universities across India offering MBA, MMS, MS in Finance, M. Com, and related UG programs. Participants will develop proficiency in building interactive dashboards using four leading technologies: Power BI, Tableau, Shiny (R), and MS Excel.

Objective:
This FDP aims to enhance the professional growth of educators by equipping them with the skills to integrate cutting-edge technology into their teaching methodologies. By focusing on practical skills, this program helps educators create an engaging learning environment that encourages students to comprehend and utilize analytical tools effectively.

Expected Outcome:
Upon completion, educators will be proficient in creating interactive dashboards with Power BI, Tableau, Shiny, and Excel. They will also be empowered to guide their students in mastering these tools, fostering a more engaging and motivating learning process. The skills gained through this course will not only accelerate educators’ mastery of these tools but also boost their confidence in adopting future technologies.

Key Details:

• Resource Persons:
  • Dr. L. Goverthanan, MS, FCMA
  • Dr. Subramanian S. Iyer, MBA, FRM
• Dates: October 28 – November 13, 2024 (6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, excluding Sundays and Deepavali)
• Last Date to Register: October 25, 2024
• Registration Link: Click here

For more information and to view the flyer: Click here

Prof. (Hon.) B. Andallu, a distinguished faculty member of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the Anantapur Campus represented SSSIHL at the 5th International Hybrid Conference on Food Science and Nutrition, held on September 20, 2024, at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Spring Area, Orlando, Florida, USA. This prestigious event brought together leading food science and nutrition experts to discuss the latest advances in research.

During the conference, Prof. Andallu delivered a keynote presentation titled “Medicinal Potential of Phytochemicals in Spices: Extraction and Bioactivity Assessment by In Vitro Methods and Model Systems”. In this presentation, she explored therapeutic properties of phytochemicals found in spices and highlighted their medicinal potential.

In addition to her keynote address, Prof. Andallu also presented at a plenary session, where she discussed “In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum L.) for Therapeutic Potential”. The Research contributions of Prof. Andallu demonstrated significant health benefits of aniseeds (saunf) and their potential as therapeutic agents.

Both presentations were highly appreciated for their depth and practical implications in food science and nutrition, contributing significantly to the academic discussions at the conference.

The Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports was transformed into a venue of reverence as Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony for 19 esteemed faculty members who superannuated from SSSIHL between 2018 and now, on Sunday, Oct 6, 2024. These distinguished educators, hailing from diverse departments and across the campuses of the Institute, were honoured for their decades of dedicated service and selfless contribution to the institute’s mission.

Imbued with warmth and gratitude, the gathering celebrated the faculty for their academic excellence and their profound impact on students’ lives. University officials, students, and colleagues came together to pay tribute to these individuals who nurtured intellectual growth and character development, in line with the university’s values.

Heartfelt speeches by a student of the Anantapur Campus and a faculty member of the Brindavan Campus reflected on the unwavering dedication, love for students, and lifelong commitment these educators had shown. Each teacher was invited to be seated on the stage by turn, and his/her contributions in all the years of service were appreciated. The teacher was then honoured with a shawl and presented with a memento and citation, symbolizing the university’s deep appreciation for their invaluable contributions, making it a memorable and inspiring occasion.

Listen to the Message from the Vice-Chancellor

The teachers felicitated were:

• Dr. Sharada Subramaniam – Dept. of Philosophy
• Dr. T R Rajeswari – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Prof. Ch Radhakumari – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Dr. Rita Gupta – Dept. of Mathematics & Computer Science
• Dr. M Venkatalakshmi – Dept. of Philosophy
• Prof. M Praphulla – Dept. of Telugu Language & Literature
• Dr. Vijeyakumary Vijayaratnam – Dept. of Biosciences
• Dr. Meera Manikkavachakan – Dept. of Food & Nutritional Sciences
• Prof. G Nageswara Rao – Dept. of Chemistry
• Prof. R Prabhakara Rao – Dept. of Economics
• Prof. B S Vijayakumar – Dept. of Biosciences
• Sri V N Prakash Sharma – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Sri Sanjay Sahni – Dept. of Management & Commerce
• Dr. T Ravikumar – Dept. of Chemistry
• Dr. K S Narahari – Dept. of Chemistry
• Prof. C N Sundaresan – Dept. of Chemistry
• Sri R Subramanian – Dept. of Mathematics & Computer Science
• Sri Rajkumar Jain – Dept. of Physics
• Dr. A Ashok – Dept. of Biosciences

View Photos

The “Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling – Indian Style” event was held on 20th September 2024 at the Anantapur Campus. Organized by the Department of Management and Commerce, the event brought together prominent women leaders from diverse fields.

Thank you, Speakers and Panelists:

• Mrs. Subhasri Sriram, Managing Director & CEO, Shriram Capital Pvt. Ltd.
• Mrs. Rajashree Natarajan, Champion for FLN program, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, and Former CEO, Cognizant Foundation
• Mrs. Rajeshwari Natarajan, Managing Director, Deloitte India (Offices of US)
• Mrs. Saipriya Viswanathan, Senior Manager, Devices Services, Trust and Privacy, Amazon
• Mrs. Phani Keerthi Y, Global Mobilization Manager, Accenture
• Mrs. Sai Geetha M N, Senior Director of Engineering, Enterprise Data & Analytics, Giant Eagle Inc.
• Ms. Tarini Iyengar, Enterprise Architect, Unisys
• Ms. Shraddha S. Jaitly, Chief General Manager, Finance, BPCL, Kochi Refinery

The event highlighted key themes like mentorship, overcoming societal stigmas, skill development, and networking, offering participants valuable insights on breaking external and internal barriers in leadership. The workshop, attended by around 200 students, provided a platform for meaningful interactions between students and industry leaders. It concluded with a panel discussion and a valedictory address, inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

View Report: 

View Photos: 

Watch Recording:

Morning Session: https://www.youtube.com/live/79XxggIWp60.

Afternoon Session: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZnkUdKgGu3c

Sri Akash Sai S.M, a final-year postgraduate student from the Department of Chemistry, SSSIHL, earned recognition for his outstanding presentation at the Online International Symposium on Current Trends in Advanced Materials 2024. The event was organized by the Department of Chemistry, VIT-AP University’s School of Advanced Sciences, in collaboration with the American Chemical Society, and took place from 26th to 31st August 2024.

During the symposium, Sri Akash Sai received special mention for his insightful research on “Ruddlesden-Popper Phases of LaNiO₃ Perovskite Oxides and Their Application in Supercapacitors.” His work explores the innovative application of these perovskite oxides in supercapacitors, a cutting-edge technology in energy storage. His research was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Kumar Sai Smaran and Sri Undavalli Venkata Gopi.

The symposium featured renowned scientists and researchers from across the globe, who gathered to discuss the latest trends and breakthroughs in materials science and chemistry. Esteemed speakers included Prof. Kazuo Umemura (Tokyo University of Science, Japan), Prof. Sabu Thomas (Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam), Prof. Rachel A. Oliver (University of Cambridge, UK), and Prof. Partha Sarathi Mukherjee (IISc, Bangalore). The poster presentation competition attracted 125 participants from various institutions worldwide.