Identifying the Issue
Objective of the Research
Who should read this?
Research community working in the Antiplasmodial drug development, medicinal chemists, and pharmaceutical industry.
Solution
Development of nontoxic small molecules with high therapeutic effect and selectivity.
Key Features and Benefits
Impact
Team
Title of paper: Antiplasmodial and Antimalarial Activity of 3,5-Diarylidenetetrahydro-2H-pyran-4(3H)-ones via Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum Pyridoxal Synthase
Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202200411
Identifying the Issue
Malarial parasites are becoming resistant to presently used drugs, for this reason, there is a need for new and better antimalarial drugs.
Objective of the Research
To semi-synthesize isoandrographolide acetals from the natural product andrographolide and study their antimalarial potency.
Who should read this?
Faculty, research scholars, and students of Medicinal and Organic chemistry.
Solution
Isoandrographolide and its nineteen acetals were synthesized and characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, mass spectrometry, IR, and UV spectroscopy. Out of these fifteen isoandrographolide acetals are novel. The compound (3,19)-4-Methoxy-benzylidene-isoandrographolide was characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction also. All the compounds were tested for their anti-plasmodial potencies (IC50) against the chloroquine-sensitive Pf3D7 and chloroquine-resistant PfINDO strains. Potent compounds were further tested for their cytotoxicity (CC50) against mammalian cells. The activity of the compounds is influenced by various factors like the type of substituent, its position, and also its bulkiness. Thus, from this study it can be concluded that acetals of isoandrographolide can be explored as potential anti-plasmodial leads.
Key Features and Benefits
Impact
Potential as leads in the development of antimalarial drugs
Team
Title of paper: Synthesis and Anti‑Plasmodial Activity f Isoandrographolide Acetals
Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-023-02684-9
Students from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences participated in the International Conference on Public Health and Dietary Lifestyle (Virtual) held on May 10 -11, 2023, and won three awards for their presentations, from over 127 oral and poster presentations made in multiple breakout sessions on the two days. The details are as below:
Ms. B. Sowjanya, a final year PG student received the Best Oral Presentation award for her paper titled, “Formulation, Development and Acceptability Attributes of Composite Millet Flour-Based Gluten Free Crackers with Amaranth as Value Addition for Post-COVID Era”.
Ms. A. Srinidhi, a final year PG student received the Best Oral Presentation award for her paper titled, “Evaluation of Physical, Nutritional and Sensorial Attributes of Flax Seed Incorporated Composite Millet Flour Cookies”.
Ms. Amrita Shaw, a research scholar, received the Best Poster Presentation award for her poster titled “Different Fat Profiling Techniques Used for Food Quality Evaluation: A Review”.
Ms. B. Sowjanya and Ms. A. Srinidhi (2021-2023 batch) carried out the above-mentioned research work under the guidance of Dr. M. Meera as part of their M.Sc. Dissertation. Miss Amrita Shaw joined the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences as a Ph.D. scholar in September 2022 and is currently working in the area of Food Quality and Safety, under the supervision of Dr. Jhinuk Gupta.
The conference was organized by the Universal Society of Food and Nutrition (USFN) in virtual mode on May 10 -11, 2023, on the theme Food, Diet & Obesity. USFN is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to food and nutrition research and actively helps to build up a network amongst researchers and academicians globally. The conference was attended by professionals from different genres like health care providers (doctors, nurses, dietitians), Professors and Students
SSSIHL Congratulates the students for the above achievements and for making the University and department proud.
Ms. S Sai Dharshini, a research scholar, and Prof. B. Andallu, both from the Dept. of Food and Nutritional Sciences, participated and presented at the “7th International Diabetes Summit” organised by the Chellaram’s Diabetes Institute, Pune on 10th-12th March 2023.
Ms. S Sai Dharshini was conferred a ‘Special Recognition Award’, for her oral presentation titled “Formulation and Assessment of Millet-based Gluten-free Snack Box for Diabetes Management – A Response Surface Analysis” which is also a part of her doctoral research work, conducted under the able guidance of Asst. Prof (Dr.) M. Meera.
Prof. B. Andallu was conferred a ‘Special Recognition Award’ for her two research papers titled ‘Antidiabetic Efficacy of Mulberry (Morus indica L.) Leaves: Mode of Action in Streptozotocin-diabetic rats’ and ‘In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Coriander Seeds (Coriandrum sativum L.) for Antihyperglycemic, Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Effects’
The Chellaram’s Diabetes Institute’s International Diabetes Summit is a prestigious and cutting-edge event that brings together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals from around the globe to exchange knowledge and insights on diabetes management and research. The 3-day mega event comprised of a workshop on advances in diagnosing diabetic foot and retinal diseases. There was a special session on diabetes in the young focusing on diet, lifestyle, and type 1 diabetes session with an on-table display and a visual toolkit of diet and these sessions attracted the audience. There were various scientific sessions by expert faculty covering diabetes complications and their management in day-to-day life.
SSSIHL Congratulates Ms. S Sai Dharshini and Prof. B. Andallu on their recognition and wishes them all the very best for their future.
The Department of Management & Commerce of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Muddenahalli Campus, held its annual Alumni interaction program IGNITION 2023 on 08 July 2023 for its B.B.A. students. Over 12 members of the Alumni with various industry experiences actively participated in the event interacting and engaging with the boys through various talks and activity sessions throughout the day:
The objective of this initiative was for the students of the B.B. A. program to be able to view their experiences at the campus from different perspectives, understand the importance of the programme they are pursuing, and the way forward, keeping in mind the kind of opportunities available in the market today, all this by engaging in meaningful knowledge sessions of their choice while networking with members of the Alumni hailing from various industries.
The students made the most of the opportunity by actively participating and engaging with their seniors and were grateful to them for taking time out and spending the day with them.
The Actuarial Data Science (ADS) team from SSSIHL, Prasanthi Nilayam had the opportunity to participate in the Global Conference of Actuaries (GCA) from 4th to 6th March 2023 at The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. Organized by the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) the conference featured a diverse range of sessions and workshops, covering topics such as risk management, insurance, pensions, and more. The team leveraged this golden opportunity to engage with other fellow actuaries and learn about the latest developments and trends in the industry through interactive discussions and exchange of ideas.
Sri Satya Sai Mudigonda, Adjunct Professor in Actuarial Science, SSSIHL, Dr. Rohan Yashraj Gupta, Visiting Faculty, SSSIHL, and Phani Krishna Kandala, AVP, Swiss re and Visiting Faculty at SSSIHL made two presentations on 5 March 2023 in the property and casualty session that was well received by the audience.
In the Cultural Segment, the SSSIHL ADS and Rhythmic Energy brass band comprising of current actuarial students and alumni was selected along with 4 other teams from across India to perform at the event. The team won first place with a cash award of Rs. 30,000 for their impressive and soulful performance.
During the visit, the SSSIHL ADS team met the SOA President, John Robinson, and the President IAI, Arunachalam, and discussed the possibilities of more research and collaboration.
View Detailed Report
View Pics
Video clips from the event (Courtesy: Institute of Actuaries of India)
Rhythmic Energy Performance at GCA: https://youtu.be/QI2VrkqduaA
Video clip – Award Ceremony at GCA: https://youtu.be/tHLiHqoYV2c
Azadi Ki Amrit Mahotsav
15 August 2023 marks the 77th Independence Day of free India. It also marked the celebration of 76 glorious years of freedom. Reminiscing the struggle and sacrifices made by Mother India’s brave and noble children, the students and staff of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning celebrated this momentous day with great pride in our hearts, across all four campuses. Here is a detailed report on the celebrations including the activities conducted by the students to commemorate all AKAM campaigns like Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Meri Maati Mera Desh, and Har Ghar Tiranga.
The students and staff of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus assembled at the Institute to celebrate the 77th Independence Day. At 8 a.m., the Director of the Campus Dr. R Raghunatha Sarma hoisted the national flag. The staff and students with great pride and joy saluted the flag, which was followed by the National Anthem. The Director then spoke on why the day was essential to remember the sacrifice, to review the readiness, to assess the progress, and to commit ourselves to building a strong nation. Remembering the great martyrs and their sacrifices, he said that the 13,500 martyrs recorded in the 5 volumes of the Dictionary of Martyrs are just a fraction of the men who sacrificed their lives for the country.
He reminded those assembled that freedom is at the cost of continuous vigilance and readiness and urged that we stay vigilant for seemingly non-violent wars in today’s modern world, like cyber-attacks, disinformation, and economic coercion, waged silently that have enormous ramifications on the country’s security and economy. He spoke on the immense progress made by our country on the path to becoming a fully developed nation soon.
Explaining the true meaning of the word ‘Swantantra’, he spoke about how Bhagawan during his interactions with students warned on how lack of unity could undo all the sacrifices and lead to us being enslaved again. He quoted Swami saying “Purity leads to true unity, and Unity leads to divinity”.
His speech was followed by a melodious patriotic song presented by the Music College students, that filled the air with nationalistic fervor and pride.
The Quest for True Freedom – A Short Play on the Life of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh
On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, the postgraduate students presented a play entitled “The Quest for True Freedom” in the Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam.
In commemoration of 150 years of the birth of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh, the students chose to showcase the life of the mystic patriot, whose actions were a perfect integration of patriotism and spirituality. The play sought to delve into the true meaning of true freedom, brought out through instances from the life of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh. Apart from the fact that He was born on the 15th of August, the life of this true patriot saint, is an excellent example for people to emulate, especially at this time when divisions based on caste, creed, and religion are rampant.
The play was a clarion call for all of us to be united and together, harness the education we receive to serve the nation. More importantly, the youth of the country must inculcate spiritual discipline in their lives, which when coupled with patriotism, puts us on the path to true freedom. The play ended with a ‘one-India’ theme song summing up India’s all-round progress, followed by the National Anthem.
The staff and students of the Muddenahalli Campus were honoured to have Colonel T. V. Gopala Krishnan (Ret.) as the Chief Guest to celebrate the 77th Independence Day celebrations at the Muddenahalli campus. Escorted to the centre stage with a slow march by the senior students, Colonel T. V. Gopala Krishnan (Ret.) hoisted the national flag which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by all present. Addressing the students and faculty, he emphasised the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by our brave freedom fighters and our Jawans. Then students sang patriotic songs describing the glory of India followed by planting saplings on the campus.
The celebrations at the Brindavan campus had our revered Chief Guest Group Captain Kashinath Damodar Bhat hoist the national flag. After the Salute, the National Anthem was played by the campus brass band. Later, the Director of the campus, Prof N Sivakumar, welcomed and greeted the audience on the 77th Independence Day of the nation. This was followed by a speech by Sri Sai Shivam Shah of III B.Com. (H) in Hindi. The speech by the chief guest followed, in which he exhorted the students to always adhere to 100% quality, use technology effectively and serve the country with sincerity.
Kartavya – Writing for Freedom – A Short Play
The second event of the evening was a drama presentation by the III-year students entitled, “Kartavya – Writing for Freedom”. The drama revolved around an imaginary freedom fighter named Mahendra who inspired the country through his writings and defending freedom fighters in court cases.
The students and staff of the Anantapur women’s campus assembled at the grounds to celebrate the 77th Independence Day. At 8 a.m., the Director of the Campus Prof. (Mrs.) M Praphulla hoisted the national flag. The staff and students with great pride and joy saluted the flag, which was followed by the National Anthem and the Pledge. A marchpast by all the students represented by their houses – Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, and Prema was then led by their house commander. The march past was followed by speeches in English, Hindi, Telugu, and Sanskrit languages, over the theme Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The cultural programs included songs, poems, and dance performances, based on patriotism.
On this occasion, we fondly remember the words of our founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who said “It is the patriotism and spirit of sacrifice enshrined in the hearts of the people and their spiritual outlook that will protect the nation”.
Meri Maati Mera Desh – Maati Ko Naman, Veeron Ka Vandan
As part of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign, all the students and staff across our campuses took the pledge to serve the nation and contribute positively to society. The students held a fistful of soil as they took the Panch Pran Pledge. At the Anantapur Women’s campus, a plantation programme was organised under the theme “Meri Maati Mera Desh”. 99 saplings of different types of fruits and shade-giving trees donated by Mr. A.G. Anil Kumar, Founder of, the Green Army organization, Anantapur, were planted by faculty, students, and non-teaching staff at various locations within the campus. The students were very thrilled to know that they would be the caretakers of the sapling they planted for their entire duration of stay at the campus. As a part of the ‘Veeron Ka Vandan’ activity, students dressed as various unsung heroes took centre stage sharing their contributions to the freedom struggle.
Har Ghar Tiranga
The Har Ghar Tiranga program was celebrated with patriotic fervor by the students at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The students gathered together on the eve of Independence Day and sang patriotic songs while holding the National flag. The hostels were adorned with multiple Tirangas and each person had a small tiny flag replica with them. Students and staff were encouraged to come and take photographs both in groups and individually. Various patriotic songs were played at the Hostel campuses.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
The students and staff of the Sri Sathya Sai Institution of Higher Learning observed 14 August 2023 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, across all its campuses, reflecting and recounting the sacrifices of our elders who were rudely displaced from their homes, and subject to violence on religious grounds.
Sri Prasad RLK, Assistant Professor, DMC spoke on the occasion giving the students a peek into the sequence of events that took place that led to the partition and the role of our leaders. He spoke about the trauma caused by the violence to men, women and children alike. Those who survived were devastated as they were displaced from their families staying in the current day Pakistan and had lost their loved ones to the violence. The students got a perspective into the impact it had on the lives of millions of people uprooted from their homes for no fault of their own, and the excruciating pain experienced by them seeing their families being torn apart, exposed to the violence of all kinds, surrounded only with hatred, fear, and barbarity of unimaginable proportions.
Selfishness, religious intolerance, lack of unity and brotherhood, and hearts devoid of love were to blame had led to one of the largest forced migrations the world has ever seen. The students were then shown the exhibits on the topic curated by ICHR & IGNCA. The session ended with the National Anthem. The activity helped sensitise them on various issues of society and life, reiterating how love, unity, and tolerance are the basis of peaceful co-existence. We are reminded of a powerful message our Master and Beloved Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave the world when He said:
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in character
Where there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home
Where there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation
Where there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”
—Jai Hind—
“Education should promote culture. It is not by education alone but by culture that one gets refined. Culture promotes refinement. It is termed as Samskaara, which consists of Sadguna (good character), Sadaachaara (good practices) and Sadbhaavana (good feelings).”
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Revered Founder Chancellor, SSSIHL
The Summer Course in Indian Culture & Spirituality serves as an induction programme to all students and teachers of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning with an objective to expose students of the University to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Bharat. It orients students into Bhagawan Baba’s educational philosophy and gives them deep, first hand insights into how they can directly benefit from this unique institution.
The genesis of the event dates back to the early seventies, when Bhagawan Baba organized Summer Courses in Indian Culture and Spirituality for the benefit of students. The course then was usually three to four weeks long and would typically consist of a series of lectures on Indian culture, the essence of the scriptures and other spiritual topics delivered by learned scholars, senior devotees and men of esteem. The highlight however was the daily discourse by Baba Himself, delivered typically in the evening.
In 2011, Bhagawan willed that the Summer Course be reinitiated in a shorter format of two-and-a-half days and which is now an annual event at SSSIHL in the beginning of each academic year that the Students and Teachers of the University eagerly look forward to participate, experience and learn.
The Summer Course was and is an effective way to inspire young minds to follow a life of good values and character. The event also marked the beginning of the academic year for students and teachers of all the four campuses of SSSIHL.
View a brief report along with pictures from the Summer Course 2023, held at each of the four campuses below:
SSSIHL Anantapur Campus
SSSIHL Brindavan Campus
SSSIHL Muddenahalli Campus
SSSIHL Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
The Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and AICTE organized a five-day ‘Innovation, Design Thinking, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp’ at 6 Universities across India, from 22-26 June 2023, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
Participating in the IDE Bootcamp held at IIT Bhubaneswar on 26 June, Team SAI (Service Association Individual), represented by our MBA students from the Anantapur Campus, Ms. Kota Apoorva Havisha and Ms. Himika Piduri presented the idea of “Hand to Help – Promoting Individual Social Responsibility“.
Of the 79 teams that presented, Team SAI’s idea made it to the top 6 before going on to win the First Prize at the event.
Team SAI also participated in several interactive lectures on design thinking, innovation, global markets, and other topics during the day-long programme.
Hearty Congratulations to Ms. Kota Apoorva Havisha and Ms. Himika Piduri of Team SAI for the above achievement.
Eight students including an alumnus from the SSSIHL have successfully passed the actuarial exams administered by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), USA, as per the results announced by CAS in June 2023.
The CAS exams are considered amongst the most challenging in the Actuarial field and are well known for their level of difficulty. The success of these students is a great source of inspiration for other students and aspirants and a matter of great pride for the department and the Institute. It is indeed a rare accomplishment, as only a few universities around the world attain such levels of success.
Congratulations to the students for successfully passing:
MAS I (Modern Actuarial Statistics I): 1) Kasyap Sathya (II B.Sc.), 2) Saiprasanna G (II B.Sc.), 3) Sumanth Chebrolu (I M.Sc. Math), 4) Srinand N Hegde (I M.Sc. Math), 5) Hursh Gupta (II B.Sc.) and 6) Abhiishek Chugh (alumnus)
MAS II (Modern Actuarial Statistics II): 1) Sathya Sai Sri Charan 2) Arrnav Dutta and 3) Hursh Gupta all students of the II B.Sc. programme.
About SSSIHL Actuarial Data Science:
To date, 60+ students have successfully passed various actuarial exams, since the inception of the Actuarial Data Science programs in 2017 at SSSIHL.
In 2022, SSSIHL was the first Indian Higher Education Institution to have received the 2022 CAS University Award, since the inception of the CAS University Award Program in 2016. SSSIHL is also one of the first HEI, to award a Ph.D. in Actuarial Science in India.
SSSIHL has been offering Actuarial Data Science programs since 2017 and is actively involved in research specifically in the area of fraud detection. It has to its credit about 36 research papers/book chapters, 27 dissertations in the non-life actuarial stream, and 2 PhDs awarded in the area of actuarial data science.
About CAS:
The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is a leading international organization for credentialing and professional education. Founded in 1914, the CAS is the world’s only actuarial organization focused exclusively on property and casualty risks and serves over 9,100 members worldwide. CAS members are experts in property and casualty insurance, reinsurance, finance, risk management, and enterprise risk management. Professionals educated by the CAS empower businesses and government to make well-informed strategic, financial, and operational decisions.
About SOA
The Society of Actuaries is the largest professional society for actuaries in the world with 31,000 members and 36,000 candidates (those working towards becoming an actuary) in more than 100 countries.
For over a century, SOA has advanced actuaries as leaders in measuring and managing risk to improve financial outcomes for individuals, organizations, and the public. That’s taken the form of cutting-edge research, continuing education, and the fostering of a community of peers supporting each other.
About IAI
The Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, viz. The Actuaries Act, 2006 for regulating the profession of Actuaries in India. The IAI has over 8218 members of which 7409 are students, 569 Fellow, and 231 Associates.