Integral Education

As part of its ongoing extension and community outreach initiatives, the staff and students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus conducted a one-month skills enhancement programme for visually challenged students residing at the “Meenakshamma Inclusive Development Centre” a privately-run hostel in Anantapur.

This initiative was catalysed by Ms. Rama Devi, a visually-challenged alumna and a long-time resident of the Sri Sathya Sai Women’s Hostel, who brought to light the pressing need for skill development among this group. The Meenakshamma Inclusive Development Centre, managed by Smt. & Sri Venkata Narayana, a devout couple, provides accommodation and support to approximately 40 underprivileged girls—most of whom are fully visually challenged and currently pursuing intermediate or undergraduate studies.

The objectives were

• to provide basic computer literacy using assistive technology (talkback-supported systems)
• to develop spoken English and communication skills
• to create awareness among SSSIHL volunteers of the challenges faced by visually impaired students and to foster a spirit of selfless service

Planning and Preparation

A preliminary visit by the Director and a faculty team in April 2025 confirmed the feasibility and need for such a programme. Following this, a call for volunteers was made. Seventeen faculty members and research scholars came forward to offer daily training sessions, each lasting 90–120 minutes over four weeks. The programme was coordinated by Ms. K. Hemalatha, Asst. Director, Physical Education, with four rotating teams conducting sessions from 1st May to 30th May 2025.

Implementation

The programme was divided into two core modules:

• Computer Basics (using talkback): turning on a PC, navigating applications, typing in MS Word, creating resumes, and making PowerPoint presentations.
• Conversational English: confidence-building exercises, basic grammar and sentence structures, interactive speaking tasks.

The students were grouped into two batches that alternated between modules every three days to ensure focused attention and learning continuity.

Outcomes

• Students successfully gained the ability to operate a talkback-enabled desktop system, create documents and presentations.
• They showed marked improvement in spoken English; one student confidently delivered a vote of thanks in English on the concluding day.
• The programme significantly impacted both beneficiaries and volunteers.
• The experience deepened the volunteers’ appreciation for their own privileges and strengthened their resolve to serve society.

Future Directions

The visually challenged students and the management at the Centre have requested continued support. The campus aims to design a sustainable follow-up training module as part of its regular outreach activities, with the continued grace and inspiration of our Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The Department of Languages and Literature – English, of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), conducted a two-day national conference titled Lit Treat Edition V: “Language, Literature, and Beyond – Exploring New Frontiers in English Studies” in collaboration with Literary Voice, a peer-reviewed, UGC CARE Group II indexed journal of English Studies. The conference took place on the 14th and 15th of March, 2025, at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, bringing together eminent scholars, researchers, and students to engage in thought-provoking discussions on contemporary literary studies.

The inaugural session commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. A video presentation showcasing the Department of Languages and Literature – English at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning introduced the faculty, research scholars, and students while highlighting their participation and achievements at various national and international events. Prof. Rani P.L., Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Director of the Anantapur Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, welcomed the gathering and set the stage for the conference by emphasising the universality and timelessness of literature.

Following this, the Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, addressed the audience, noting that world literatures reflect the complexities of human experiences. The Hon’ble Chancellor of the Institute, Sri K. Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), delivered his inaugural address, underscoring the evolution and transcendence of literature beyond social, technological, and cultural influences. Subsequently, Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma, Associate Professor of English at, the University of Mumbai, and Reviewer of Literary Voice, was invited to deliver a brief note on behalf of the journal.

The morning session featured two plenary talks. The first, delivered by Prof. Bharathi Harishankar, Vice Chancellor of Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, was titled “The Expanding Horizons of English Literary Studies.” She explored the evolution of literature through dynamic perspectives in contemporary times. The second plenary talk, presented by Dr. Poonam Nigam Sahay, Head, and Associate Professor of English at Ranchi University, was titled “Engaging the Indian Learner with Novel Instructional Strategies: Understanding and Concerns.” Dr. Sahay emphasized the necessity of dynamic, student-centred approaches and innovative instructional methods to foster inclusivity and equity in education. The first day concluded with parallel technical sessions featuring research paper presentations by postgraduate students and research scholars from various institutions across India.

The second day commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Nandigiri Campus, followed by a video presentation offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inception and organization of the conference. The plenary session featured an insightful lecture by Prof. Jibu Mathew George, Professor of English Literature at The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, on “The Ontology of Religious Narratives and Doctrines.” Prof. George introduced the audience to emerging research in religious studies, elaborating on his concept of ‘equi-reversible ontology,’ which examines the interplay between theist and atheist perspectives on religion through literature. The morning session concluded with three parallel technical sessions focusing on distinct themes.

The post-lunch session featured an intellectually stimulating quiz conducted by the department’s first-year postgraduate students. The quiz challenged participants’ knowledge of classical and contemporary literature. This was followed by a cultural session, which included a soulful musical rendition of slam poetry, creatively composed and performed by first-year BA English Honours students from the Nandigiri Campus. The poetry celebrated the magnificence of creation and the benevolence of the Creator.

The conference concluded with the Valedictory Session. Dr. Vivek Chauhan, Associate Professor of English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the welcome address. Seven participants were awarded the Best Paper Presentation Award from each of the technical sessions. A student representative then presented a comprehensive report on the conference proceedings. Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma delivered the Valedictory Address, offering insightful reflections on the significance of such academic engagements. Dr. Maitali Khanna, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the concluding remarks and Vote of Thanks. The conference formally concluded with the ceremonial Mangala Arati.

The Lit Treat Edition V, conducted by the Department of Languages and Literature – English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with Literary Voice, successfully fostered intellectual exchange and provided a platform for scholars to explore emerging frontiers in English studies. Through plenary talks, research presentations, interactive discussions, and cultural performances, the conference enriched participants’ understanding of literature’s evolving role in contemporary academic discourse.

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Watch Recording:

Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGcgvVUYr58
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeDxZo0eQC4&t
Day 2 Valedictory:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rJ6YRv0_Dc

8 March every year is celebrated world over as International Women’s Day. The Women’s Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with the SSSIHL Gender Sensitization Cell, marked the day in an enriching manner with a series of engaging activities that included – Mindfulness sessions and relaxation techniques, friendly badminton matches, a rally called Women on Wheels and other team games.

Prof Rani P L, the Director of the Campus, set the context in her introductory remarks, highlighting the status and role of women as envisioned by the Founder Chancellor Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The mindfulness activities were led by Dr Kironbala Arora, a certified yoga practitioner, and Mrs. K Hemalatha, the Assistant Physical Director of the Campus. Different modes of clapping and tapping to open up the nerve centers were practiced, followed by a demonstration of yogic postures appropriate for women-related health issues by a small team of select Faculty, research scholars, and students. The pranayama session followed by a guided meditation brought in much calm, silence, and peace to the morning.

The morning session was planned to draw attention to self-care and relaxation techniques, which are easy to practice, and aligned to the Fit India Campaign. The evening session, themed “Women on Wheels” commenced at 4:15 PM with a bicycle and scooter rally led by research scholars & faculty. The celebrations continued with a friendly badminton match and team games to build camaraderie and physical stamina.

Through these thoughtfully planned activities, the event reinforced the importance of mindfulness, well-being, and women’s empowerment, making the occasion both meaningful and memorable.

The Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA), in collaboration with Mount Carmel College, organized a three-day conference on “Eco-tourism: Harnessing Travel to Discover Nature, Promote Conservation, and Sustainable Development” from 19th to 21st February 2025 at the KSTA Auditorium, Bangalore. The conference brought together scholars, researchers, and students from diverse disciplines to discuss the role of eco-tourism in fostering environmental awareness, conservation efforts, and sustainable economic development.

As part of the conference, a Paper Presentation Competition was conducted, in which 31 teams participated, including three teams representing the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus. Demonstrating their research acumen and commitment to sustainability, two of these teams secured the top honors in the competition.

Winning Teams from SSSIHL

First Prize (₹7500)

• Participants: Bhagavatula Vibhuti, Netheti Vasantha, Emani Sri Lalitha (I MSc FNS)
• Topic of Presentation: From Nature to Canvas – Crafting Sustainable Painting Paper with Dried Leaves

Second Prize (₹5000)

• Participants: Amuktha Malyada, Dr. M. R. Geetha Bala (Department of Arts and Humanities)
• Topic of Presentation: Celebrating Nature and Culture – The Role of Ecotourism, Economy, and Literature

The event provided an excellent platform for participants to exchange ideas, collaborate with experts, and explore new perspectives on eco-tourism

SSSIHL congratulates the winning teams for their outstanding achievement and their continued commitment to research that aligns with sustainable development goals.

We are delighted to announce the launch of ChampStamp, the official sports and cultural events magazine of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam campus.

The inaugural edition was released by our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, on 12 February 2025 at the campus auditorium.

ChampStamp is a reflection of the vibrant campus life, capturing the spirit of unity, discipline, and creativity that defines our community. It chronicles the transformative journey of students through various events, highlighting the shift from “I” to “We” to “He.”

More than just a magazine, ChampStamp is a tribute to the power of sports and culture in fostering teamwork, personal growth, and collective achievement. It showcases the immense talent of our students while celebrating the core values of humility, gratitude, and service that lie at the heart of SSSIHL.

The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in documenting the essence of our campus life and the incredible transformations that unfold when we come together as one.

You can read the magazine here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/9413ae01aa.html

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Identifying the Issue

• Monitoring of humidity plays a crucial role in maintaining household, industrial processes as well as the health of the beings.
• Need to develop fast responsive sensing materials and flexible sensor designs

Objective of the Research

• Enhance humidity sensing properties of ZnO by forming heterostructures with semiconducting oxide glasses

Who should read this?

Researchers and scientists in materials science and sensor technology

Solution

• Study sensing properties by tuning structural and electronic properties

Key Features and Benefits

• Semiconducting oxide glasses are studied for heterostructure formation with ZnO.
• Heterostructures will significantly improve the sensitivity and reduce the response/recovery times of the humidity sensors.
• Changes in orientational growth and microstructure of ZnO particles due to addition of semiconducting glass particle.
• Enhanced humidity sensing and low response time (12 s) obtained for ZnO/glass heterostructure films

Impact

• ZnO-glass heterostructure-based humidity sensors exhibit 12 seconds response time and 16 seconds recovery time, making them suitable for real-time humidity monitoring.
• The unique microstructural features of ZnO nanoparticles and semiconducting ZnO/glass heterostructure mechanism enable fast humidity sensing
• ZnO-glass heterostructure-based humidity sensors demonstrate reliable operation at room temperature, making them suitable for various industrial and commercial applications

Team

Upesh Kumar Appikonda and Paramesh Gadige *

Title of paper: “Humidity sensing studies on ZnO/bismuth borate glass heterostructure thin films”

Read Paper Here: doi.org/10.1007/s10854-024-14202-y

The Training and the Placement team of the Department of Languages and Literature – English at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus organised a “One-day Workshop on Communication and Soft Skills Training for Employability” on December 21, 2024. The event was attended by all of the M.A. English language and literature students and the B.A. English (Majors and Honours) students.

The session was conducted by Mr. Prasanna Kannan, an accomplished academician, and entrepreneur, who is also a visiting faculty for Placement Training programs at SSSIHL. With extensive industry experience in senior positions at leading semiconductor corporations such as Texas Instruments and Intel Technologies, Mr. Kannan brings a wealth of knowledge in academic skills, soft skills, and business leadership.

The workshop focussed on four areas of employability – Goal setting and decision making, Effective communication, Revenue building, and Interviewing skills. Mr. Kannan outlined the three types of goals essential for a successful career and instilled confidence in students by emphasizing the mantra of successful individuals: never complain, condemn, or criticize oneself, but instead, take full responsibility for one’s life.

He emphasized the importance of ‘working to learn’ and ‘manifesting the future into existence through action’. The session consisted of hands-on activities guiding students through the resume-building process and the fundamentals of effective interviewing.

Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor and Department Placement Coordinator, DLL – English, coordinated the workshop, ensuring its smooth execution. The event was a resounding success, leaving students empowered and more confident in navigating their career paths.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at SSSIHL commemorated the Legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan on 22 December 2024, observed annually as National Mathematics Day in his honor, focusing on his groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and their lasting influence.

Inaugural Ceremony

The event commenced with an invocatory chant, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The distinguished guests in attendance included:

• Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, SSSIHL
• Dr. Raghunath Sarma, Director, PSN Campus, SSSIHL
• Dr. Lakshminaidu, Head, DMACS
• Prof. R. Thangadurai, Professor, HRI
• Prof. Vijay Patankar, Professor, Flames University
• Mr. Ganesh Kumar, CEO, iFocus Pvt. Ltd.
• Prof. V. Chandrasekaran, Former Head, DMACS

In his inaugural address, Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah emphasized the significance of celebrating National Mathematics Day and highlighted ongoing research in Number Theory at SSSIHL. He also commended the efforts of the Ramanujan Math Club, a student-driven initiative fostering mathematical exploration and engagement.

Dr. N. Uday Kiran, Associate Head, DMACS, SSSIHL, reflected on the enduring relevance of Ramanujan in contemporary academia. He underscored how Ramanujan’s contributions transcend mathematics, resonating across various scientific disciplines. Dr. Kiran also noted that in the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian innovation, Ramanujan’s legacy holds greater significance than ever bef

Plenary Talks

Prof. R. Thangadurai – “Magic Squares and Elliptic Curves”

Prof. Thangadurai, Professor at the Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad, delved into Ramanujan’s early fascination with magic squares, tracing their connections to elliptic curves. He explored the arithmetic properties of 3×3 magic squares and discussed the open problem of Magic Squares of Squares, proposing a novel geometric approach to the challenge.

Prof. Vijay Patankar – “Sum of Two Squares and Modular Forms”

Aimed at undergraduate students, Prof. Patankar, Professor at Flame University, examined the conditions under which an integer can be expressed as the sum of two squares, linking the concept to modular forms. He presented an explicit formula for these representations and explored Ramanujan’s Delta function, illustrating its deep mathematical significance.

Following the plenary talks, research scholars from SSSIHL presented their work aligned with Ramanujan’s mathematical contributions: Shri Rahul Kumar Chanchal discussed the emerging field of Pseudodifferential Arithmetic and its connection to the Ramanujan-Peterson Conjecture. Shri Udvas Acharjee presented his generalization of the Ramanujan sum using regular A-functions. Lastly, Shri Sathyanarayanan delivered a talk on characterizing q-constant sequences within hypergeometric sequences through congruence relations.

Exploring Applications of Ramanujan’s Work

A major highlight was the student-led presentations, where 25 students worked in teams to explore the diverse applications of Ramanujan’s mathematics. Topics included:

• Ramanujan’s fastest approximation of π, comparing it to historical formulas.
• Applications in Black Hole Theory, String Theory, and subatomic particles using Ramanujan summation, modular forms, and the Rogers-Ramanujan identity.
• Cryptography and coding theory, leveraging Ramanujan trigonometric sums and Ramanujan Graphs.

Furthermore, the students explored applications in coding theory through Ramanujan trigonometric sums and in cryptography using Ramanujan Graphs, which arise from the Ramanujan-Peterson Conjecture.

The third-year BSc (Mathematics) students meticulously organized the event, blending academic rigor with interactive engagement. Sessions such as “The Magic of Numbers” and “Fact Check of Ramanujan’s Life” provided an entertaining yet educational exploration of Ramanujan’s contributions and legacy.

The celebrations concluded with a valedictory function, marking the successful culmination of a day dedicated to one of history’s greatest mathematical minds. The event not only honored Ramanujan’s contributions but also inspired students to delve deeper into the beauty and power of mathematics.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony on 13 January 2025, to honour 18 esteemed faculty members who superannuated after years of dedicated service. Representing diverse departments across the university’s campuses, these distinguished educators were recognized for their invaluable contributions to SSSIHL’s mission of academic excellence and values-based education.

The ceremony, imbued with warmth and gratitude, celebrated their professional achievements and their profound impact on students’ lives. University officials, colleagues, and students came together to express their appreciation for these mentors who nurtured both intellect and character in alignment with the institute’s guiding principles.

Each faculty member was honoured with a shawl, a memento, and a citation—symbolizing the university’s deep gratitude for their selfless service. The occasion was graced by the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Campus Directors, Deans, and senior faculty members, making it a memorable and inspiring tribute to a lifetime of service.

The teachers felicitated were:

1. Dr. Seethalakshmi Laxmanan – Dept. of Biosciences
2. Dr. N Niranjana – Dept. of Management & Commerce
3. Prof. Dwaraka Rani Rao – Dept. of Physics
4. Ms. M Vijayalakshmi – Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences (History)
5. Dr. B Rudramamba – Dept. of Education
6. Dr. Kiron Bala Arora – Dept. of Languages and Literature (Hindi)
7. Prof. B Andallu – Dept. of Food & Nutritional Sciences
8. Prof. A Sudhir Bhaskar – Dept. of Management & Commerce
9. Prof. R Kumar Bhaskar – Dept. of Management & Commerce
10. Prof. K S Sridharan – Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science
11. Prof. V Chandrasekaran – Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science
12. Dr. S Jagadeeswara Rao – Dept. of Chemistry
13. Sri Arvind Hejmadi – Dept. of Management & Commerce
14. Sri Viney K Thakar – Dept. of Management & Commerce
15. Prof. B Sai Giridhar – Dept. of Management & Commerce
16. Sri M G Nandagopal – Library
17. Sri Vivek Kapoor – Dept. of Management and Commerce
18. Dr. K V Srinivas – Dept. of Biosciences

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Introduction

The Institution’s Innovation Council, SSSIHL hosted the National Startup Day celebration event on 15 January 2025 at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prashanthi Nilayam Campus, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, students, teachers, and industry leaders. The event aimed to foster innovation and collaboration across various sectors.

The program commenced with an invocatory Vedam, followed by the inaugural address by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of health, education, and innovation, while commending the institution’s efforts in advancing research and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights

1. Insights from Entrepreneurs

Prominent entrepreneurs delivered inspiring 10-minute talks, offering valuable insights into their entrepreneurial journeys and key lessons for success:

• Sujatha Raju, Founder of Sai Seva Business Pvt. Ltd., shared her 35 years of experience in startups, emphasizing honesty, opportunity, and team building as the three pillars of a successful business. Notably, she is the first woman in South India to obtain a license for franking mail.
• Arun Babu, Managing Director at Accenture, highlighted the critical steps to establishing a successful business, stressing the importance of clearly defining problems and diligently exploring solutions.
• Alex Abraham, a healthcare entrepreneur with 30 years of experience, addressed India’s healthcare infrastructure challenges. He underscored the transformative role of data analysis in reducing costs by up to 50% and emphasized prioritizing health over monetary gains.
• Ganesh Kumar, CEO, discussed the significance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving world. He highlighted the increasing competition between humans and machines, reinforcing the irreplaceable value of human values.
• Sudipta Paul Choudhury, Chief Marketing Officer, presented on startup challenges, citing examples like Stayzilla and Google Glass. She emphasized the importance of learning from failures, customer feedback, and robust cash flow management.

Each speaker provided unique perspectives on entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of integrity, adaptability, human values, data-driven decision-making, and financial prudence in building successful and sustainable businesses.

2. Research Achievements in Health and Energy

The event showcased groundbreaking research efforts led by various departments at the institute, highlighting advancements in health, energy, and environmental sustainability:

• Health Sector Innovations: Dr. Sripada Lakshminath, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, praised the interdisciplinary efforts that led the institute to become the first academic institution to receive approval for a COVID detection kit. He also highlighted the Department of Physics’ development of the SAIGC Torch, a gamma camera for detecting cancer cells.
• Energy Sector Advancements: Kumar Sai Swaran, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, elaborated on ongoing research in energy storage, harvesting, and electrocatalysis, aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability.
• Environmental Research Innovations: Dr. V. Pratyusha commended faculty-led interdisciplinary research in nanotechnology, hydrogen storage, water purification, and environmental sustainability, demonstrating the institute’s commitment to addressing global challenges.

These research presentations underscored the institution’s pioneering role in developing innovative solutions with potential industry-wide impact.

3. Panel Discussion

A panel discussion featuring six distinguished leaders from the startup ecosystem was the centerpiece of the event. Moderated by [Moderator’s Name], the discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of scaling startups.

Key Discussion Points:

• Strategies for securing funding and building investor confidence.
• The importance of innovation and identifying opportunities in a competitive market.
• Insights into product manufacturing, scaling production, and maintaining quality.
• Navigating regulatory hurdles, particularly for health and energy startups.

The session concluded with the key takeaway that “Swami is more outcome-based, not output-based,” emphasizing that success should be measured by impact and results rather than volume alone.

Additionally, two parallel sessions were conducted that covered:

• Fire-Aid Chat with founders, innovators, and investors.
• Learning to Pitch, where students presented ideas to founders.
• Ideas to Maturity, covering startup growth, intellectual property, and investment.
• Emerging Trends in Electronics Manufacturing.

Conclusion

The National Startup Day celebration event successfully brought together entrepreneurs, researchers, and academic leaders, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations. The speeches, panel discussions, and research presentations reinforced the crucial role of startups and academic institutions in driving innovation and sustainability.

The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by the faculty, recognizing the contributions of all participants and emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration. The ceremony ended with the Mangala Aarati, invoking blessings for the success of the initiatives discussed.

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