A workshop on “Generative AI in Education and Administration – Concepts and Practice” was conducted on 21st July 2025 at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Organised by the IQAC team of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), the initiative aimed to introduce the transformative potential of Generative AI (Gen AI) to non-teaching staff from various campuses of SSSIHL, hospitals, and allied trust organisations. Around 100 participants enthusiastically took part in this full-day programme.
Gen AI in Education and Administration
Opening Session
The workshop commenced with a soulful Vedam chanting by members from different campuses, setting a spiritual ambience.
Dr. S Balasubramanian, Coordinator, IQAC, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting the relevance of AI tools in today’s educational and administrative landscapes.
Sri P Balaganesan, Deputy Manager (Finance), SSSIHL, introduced the guest speakers and outlined the objectives of the workshop.
Morning Session: Exploring the Concepts and Ethics of Gen AI
The morning session was led by Sri Rajesh Dhuddu, Partner – Emerging Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), SSSIHL Alumnus and Gold Medallist, who inspired the audience to reflect on the deeper dimensions of technology. Sri Dhuddu delivered a comprehensive introduction to Generative AI, its capabilities, and its implications in modern professional environments.
Key Concepts Covered:
- The fundamental difference between Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI
- Core features of Gen AI and how these tools function
- Overview of popular Gen AI platforms including ChatGPT, Gemini, Notion, and Jasper
- Understanding the data sources and mechanisms that power these tools
Responsible Use and Ethical Guidelines:
- Exercise discretion and critical thinking when interpreting AI-generated content
- Refrain from sharing confidential or sensitive information
- Use clear and effective prompts for optimal outputs
- Uphold ethical standards and institutional values while using AI tools
Practical Applications in Daily Workflows:
- Idea generation and brainstorming support
- Creative writing and user interaction
- Producing contextual and relevant responses
- Image creation for presentations and reports
- Supporting validation and refinement of ideas
The session concluded with a highly engaging Q&A and open discussion. Participants raised thoughtful queries on how Gen AI could be meaningfully applied in their specific domains such as:
- Healthcare and medical documentation
- Accounting and financial processes
- Ethical, administrative, and social implications of AI usage
Afternoon Session: Practical Applications and Hands-on Training
The post-lunch session focused on practical engagement with Gen AI tools and was facilitated by Sri Sanket Waykar, Manager – Emerging Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The session began with the honouring of guest speakers by Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, in a gesture of appreciation for their contributions and continued support to the Institute.
Participants reconvened at the Computer Centre, where they explored the practical use of Gen AI tools through a series of interactive exercises designed to replicate real-world administrative scenarios.
Hands-on Activities Included:
- Drafting professional emails using Gen AI suggestions
- Enhancing productivity through AI-powered Excel functionalities
- Designing logos and visuals using generative design platforms
Participants responded with great enthusiasm, actively experimenting with the tools and showcasing outputs that reflected creativity, functionality, and purpose-driven application of technology.
Conclusion
The workshop concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. A S Vishwanathan, Deputy Coordinator, IQAC. The feedback received from participants was overwhelmingly positive and insightful.
The workshop successfully demystified Generative AI for the non-teaching staff of SSSIHL and its sister organisations. It not only introduced the fundamental concepts and tools but also provided meaningful practical exposure. Participants left with a clear sense of how Gen AI can assist in ideation, communication, and operational efficiency—anchored in ethical usage and value-based practices.
Celebration of International Day of Yoga at Prasanthi Nilayam, 21 June 2025
The International Day of Yoga was celebrated with deep reverence and spirited participation on 21st June 2025 at Prasanthi Nilayam, at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports, uniting students and staff from:
- Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL)
- Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (SSSHSS)
- Sri Sathya Sai Primary School
- Smt. Eswaramma High School
The event commenced with a sacred Vedam procession by students, charging the atmosphere with spiritual vibrations.
This was followed by the ceremonial Jyoti Prajwalana (lighting of the lamp) by:
- Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL
- Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
- Invited dignitaries and eminent Yoga experts
Sri Satya Sai Mudigonda then delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting the spiritual significance of Yoga and its integration into the Sai system of integral education.
Yoga Highlights:
A structured Common Yoga Protocol session was conducted by Sri G. R. Praveena, offering participants a revitalizing blend of Surya Namaskara, asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques.
This was followed by vibrant and synchronized Yoga performances by the students of :
- Sri Sathya Sai Primary School
- Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School
- Smt. Eswaramma High School
Each of these performances was of exceptional quality, demonstrating physical agility, mental focus, and artistic coordination.
Talks & Reflections:
Sri G. R. Praveena delivered a thought-provoking address in Sanskrit, emphasizing the timeless wisdom of Yoga embedded in Indian tradition.
Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, the Chief Guest, gave an inspiring talk on the holistic and transformative potential of Yoga, encouraging its daily practice among students and faculty alike.
Felicitations:
In recognition of their invaluable contributions, Yoga experts and Physical Directors from the schools and university campuses were felicitated by the Vice-Chancellor. The honorees included:
- Sri Vinod Kumar
- Sri Rajendra Prasad
- Dr. Naveen
- Sri Vivek
- Sri Krishna
- Sri Mariyappan
- Sri Karan
- Sri Damodar
Special felicitations were also extended to:
- Sri G. R. Praveena – Yoga expert and composer of the Yoga theme song
- Sri Satya Sai Mudigonda – Coordinator of the International Day of Yoga program
Prize Distribution:
Winners of various Yoga-related competitions were honored in a prize distribution ceremony conducted by Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL and Sri Sivarama Krishna, Principal, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School
Conclusion:
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the dignitaries, participants, volunteers, and staff for their selfless efforts and enthusiastic involvement.
The morning culminated with the offering of Mangala Arati, invoking divine blessings for the well-being of all.
Shroom Technologies LLP Onboarded as BioTech Incubatee at SSSRIF
We are pleased to announce that Shroom Technologies LLP, a promising biotech startup focused on probiotic research and precision mushroom cultivation, has signed an agreement for incubation on 19 June 2025 with the Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF).
The formal agreement was signed and exchanged between:
- Mr. Prithviraj Jayakumar, CEO & Designated Partner, Shroom Technologies LLP
- Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Chairman & Director, SSSRIF and Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL
The signing was held in the presence of:
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean – Innovation & Entrepreneurship and President, Institution’s Innovation Council
- Mr. Pavan Kumar T L, CEO, SSSRIF
- Sri Venkataramanan Srinivasan, Company Secretary, SSSIHL
About the Collaboration
Under this agreement, Shroom Technologies will be incubated at the state-of-the-art innovation and incubation facilities at SSSRIF. The startup will benefit from:
- Dedicated office and lab space
- Shared infrastructure and supporting amenities
- Access to advanced equipment and resources
- Potential academic R&D collaboration with faculty and research scholars of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL)
This partnership is aligned with SSSRIF’s mission to foster a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures deep-tech, biotech, and health-tech startups—driven by innovation, scientific research, and a commitment to societal well-being.
SSSRIF welcomes Shroom Technologies into its incubation program and looks forward to enabling the organisation to grow into a value-based, innovation firm, deep into probiotic research and precision mushroom cultivation to deliver potent, bioavailable products that offer both gut and cognitive health.
Read MoreSSSIHL and Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd. Sign Strategic MoU to Drive Industry-Academia Collaboration
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd., a leading biopharmaceutical company known for its global presence in the healthcare sector.
This collaboration aims to build a strong bridge between academia and industry in the domains of biosciences, biotechnology, and translational research, with an emphasis on real-world applications, student development, and societal impact.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Industry-Sponsored Student Training & Research: Hands-on industrial exposure and skill development through Virchow Foundation initiatives.
- Collaborative Research Projects: Joint research in cutting-edge areas of biosciences and biotechnology.
- Sponsored PhD Programs: Industry-supported fellowships to empower future research leaders.
- Shared Research Infrastructure: Access to SSSIHL’s advanced Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF) for joint R&D.
- Technology Development & Commercialization: Support for translating research outcomes into real-world innovations.
- Student Recruitment: Enhancing career opportunities for students through active placement support.
The MoU was signed on 13 June 2025 at Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd. between Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL and Dr. Murali Tummuru, Managing Director of Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
The event was graced by:
- Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad – Vice Chancellor, SSSIHL
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah– Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and President, Institution’s Innovation Council, SSSIHL
- Dr. B. E. Pradeep– Department of Biosciences, SSSIHL
- Prof. Pallu Reddanna, Executive President, FABA, whose continued guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in advancing academia-industry engagement in the life sciences sector.
This partnership marks a significant step in SSSIHL’s mission to foster values-based research, innovation, and entrepreneurship that meaningfully contributes to both scientific progress and societal welfare.
SSSIHL and Promea Therapeutics Sign MoU to Advance Innovation in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Promea Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., a rapidly expanding healthcare and biopharmaceutical company. This partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening the institute’s industry-academia interface and advancing translational research, skill development, and innovation in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Key Areas of Collaboration
This MoU will facilitate a range of collaborative activities designed to bridge academic excellence with industrial relevance:
- Industry-Integrated Training and Research: Promea will provide SSSIHL students with hands-on industrial training, project internships, and exposure to real-time challenges in pharmaceutical and medical device development.
- Joint Research Initiatives: Faculty and researchers from both institutions will co-develop projects in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosimilars, translating scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.
- Sponsored Doctoral Programs: Promea will support industry-aligned PhD fellowships to promote cutting-edge research addressing national healthcare priorities.
- Shared Research Infrastructure: The collaboration includes access to SSSIHL’s Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF) to support advanced R&D initiatives.
- Innovation to Commercialization: A joint focus on transforming research into tangible healthcare technologies with direct patient impact.
- Recruitment and Career Development: Promea will explore career and mentorship opportunities for SSSIHL students through placements and collaborative engagement.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU was formally signed on 13 June 2025 at Promea Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., in Hyderabad, between:
- Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
- Mr. Gopi Lekkala, Director, Promea Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd.
The event was graced by:
- Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad – Vice Chancellor, SSSIHL
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah – Dean, Innovation & Entrepreneurship and President, Institution’s Innovation Council, SSSIHL
- Dr. B.E. Pradeep – Faculty Member, Department of Biosciences, SSSIHL
- Prof. Reddanna Pallu, Executive President, FABA, whose continued guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in advancing academia-industry engagement in the life sciences sector.
This collaboration is a reflection of SSSIHL’s commitment to values-based, research-driven education that not only fosters academic excellence but also cultivates socially relevant innovation. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to empower the next generation of scientists, researchers, and professionals to solve real-world healthcare challenges with compassion, competence, and creativity.
SSSIHL Partners with ASPIRE, University of Hyderabad to Foster a Values-Driven Innovation Ecosystem
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASPIRE – the Section-8 company of the University of Hyderabad that oversees the University’s leading incubation centres:
- TIDE (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs)
- TBI (Technology Business Incubator)
- BioNEST (Biotech Incubation Centre)
The MoU was formally signed on 13 June 2025 at ASPIRE BioNEST, University of Hyderabad.
MoU Signatories:
- Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
- Prof. Samrat L. Sabat, Director, R&D Cell, University of Hyderabad
Distinguished Attendees:
From ASPIRE / University of Hyderabad:
- Prof. Reddanna, Founder Director, ASPIRE & Executive President, FABA
- Dr. P. Ratnakar, PAC Member, ASPIRE BioNEST
- Dr. Ramakrishna, CEO, TIDE & TBI
From SSSIHL:
- Prof. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean – Innovation & Entrepreneurship & President, Institution’s Innovation Council
- Sri J. Lakshminarasimhiah, Finance Officer
- Dr. B.E. Pradeep, Department of Biosciences
- Mr. T.L. Pavan Kumar, CEO, Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF)
- Mr. Kotikala Krishnamurthy, Member, Finance Committee
Purpose and Scope of the MoU
This partnership lays the groundwork for a long-term collaboration aimed at:
- Supporting the operationalization of Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF), the Institute’s Section-8 not-for-profit entity
- Facilitating the establishment of a robust innovation and incubation ecosystem at SSSIHL
- Enabling knowledge exchange in governance, financial modelling, and startup acceleration strategies
A highlight of the event was Dr. Ramakrishna’s presentation on ASPIRE’s incubation architecture, operational models, and industry partnerships. His insights offered valuable direction for shaping SSSIHL’s innovation framework.
Towards a Values-Based Innovation Culture
With this MoU, SSSIHL takes a significant step forward in nurturing deep-tech, biotech, and health-tech innovations rooted in academic research, societal needs, and integral human values.
This partnership reflects the shared vision of both institutions to create a values-based innovation ecosystem that empowers students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to drive impactful change across India.
We look forward to a fruitful and purpose-driven collaboration.
SSSIHL Partners with FABA to Empower the Next Generation of Biotech Innovators
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) to launch a transformative initiative aimed at empowering students in biotechnology and life sciences. An MoU was formally signed on 13 June 2025 at the ASPIRE-BioNEST facility, University of Hyderabad.
The agreement was signed between Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL, and Dr. Ratnakar Palakodeti, Secretary, FABA.
The event was graced by:
- Prof. Reddanna, Executive President, FABA,
- Dr. Jagadeesh Gandla, Chief Operating Officer, FABA.
Representing SSSIHL were:
- Prof. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice Chancellor
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean, Innovation & Entrepreneurship & President, Institution’s Innovation Council
- Dr. B.E. Pradeep, Department of Biosciences
- Sri Lakshmi Narasimhiah, Finance Officer
- Sri T.L. Pavan Kumar, CEO, Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation
- Sri Kotikala Krishnamurthy, Member, Finance Committee
About the Collaboration
The MoU paves the way for the establishment of Biotech Finishing School programs at the SSSIHL Prasanthi Nilayam campus. These programs aim to:
- Provide hands-on, industry-aligned training in key areas of biotechnology
- Expose students to current trends in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research
- Enhance professional readiness and career prospects in the biotech sector
This partnership aligns with the institute’s vision of integrating values-based education with cutting-edge skill development, preparing students to lead with competence, integrity, and innovation in the life sciences domain.
Empowering Through Service: Skills Enhancement Programme for Visually Challenged Students
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.
Better, Safer Titanium Implants—Made Affordable with a Simple Etching Technique
Identifying the Issue
- Current titanium implants, though biocompatible, require surface treatments to improve early-stage bone integration and also to prevent bacterial adhesion causing conditions like peri-implantitis.
- High cost and complexity of typical implant surface treatments limit its accessibility, especially in lower economic settings, warranting the need for simpler and cost-effective methods
Objective of the Research
- Develop a low-cost surface treatment to improve implant to bone integration and minimize bacterial colonisation.
- Create a technique that’s feasible in clinical settings without complex equipment.
Who should read this?
- Dental and orthopaedic implant manufacturers
- Biomedical engineers
- Dental surgeons and clinicians
- Medical device R&D professionals
Solution
A dual alkali (NaOH and NH₄OH) etching was performed at room temperature on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). This treatment technique improved surface roughness and chemistry and the etched samples showed better osseointegration and bacterial resistance.
Key Features and Benefits
- Etching performed at room temperature, without the need for any special equipment
- Compatible with existing implant materials (Grade 5 titanium)
- Cost-effective, scalable, and clinically feasible
- Improved bone integration and promotes healing
- Minimises bacterial colonization
Impact
- 7× reduction in bacterial adhesion vs. as received grade 5 titanium
- Good hydroxyapatite formation within 1 week of soaking in SBF that proves ability for early-stage bone formation
- In-vivo studies show improved early osseointegration in 1 and 4 weeks of implantation
- Technique suitable for adoption in a clinical setting
Team
- Sushmita Chettri (first author) (SSSIHL)
- Deepa Seetharaman (Corresponding author) (SSSIHL)
- Wei Zhu (Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences)
- Huasi Zhou (Uppsala University, Sweden)
- Håkan Engqvist (Uppsala University, Sweden)
- Wei Xia (Uppsala University, Sweden)
Title of paper: “Dual alkali etching for osseointegration and reduced bacterial adhesion: a feasible alternative to SLA“
Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ma01223b
Sustainable EMI Shields from Graphite-PVDF—A Scalable Solution for the 5G Era
Identifying the Issue
- The projected demand for EMI shielding materials for the purpose of protection of high-end sensitive electronic devices is rising due to the expansion of 5G telecommunication services, digitization, and the electronics industry.
- Many currently existing EMI shielding materials and techniques are energy-intensive to produce, or involve hazardous precursors or solvents, thus limiting environmental safety and scalability.
Objective of the Research
- To fabricate EMI shields having high shielding effectiveness by a sustainable and facile method using graphite and PVDF
- To investigate their shielding and electrical properties with variation in weight% of the constituents and with thickness of the shield to arrive at the optimum parameters for shielding.
Who should read this?
- Professionals working on EMI shielding materials and sustainable fabrication.
- Those interested in the electrical properties of PVDF-Graphite composite, and its compositional and thermal properties
Solution
A simple, scalable, and eco-friendly method of blending and pressing, followed by low temperature annealing with negligible solvent use to fabricate EMI shields using Graphite and PVDF.
Key Features and Benefits
- Graphite-PVDF composites developed using the scalable, and energy-efficient method showed tunability in their electrical and dielectric properties.
- The Graphite-PVDF composites exhibit electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness up to 50 dB in the X-band microwave region, making them promising materials for lightweight, cost-effective microwave shielding applications.
- The composite shields also exhibited suitable mechanical properties required for EMI shielding applications.
- As the technique required very minimal use of organic solvent, it is environment friendly while being scalable.
Impact
- Graphite-polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites preparation by a novel, energy-efficient and scalable route.
- Electrical conductivity tuned from 10−7 to 1 S/m by increasing graphite wt%.
- At 30 wt% graphite: maximum dielectric loss ~5000, absorbance = 42% & SE A = 86%.
- Dielectric constant and loss are large above the percolation threshold of 25 wt%.
- High SET of 30-50 dB achieved in X-band microwave region for 20–40 wt% graphite.
Team
- Priyanka Verma (first author) (SSSIHL)
- Deepa Seetharaman (Corresponding author) (SSSIHL)
- Bharat Srimitra Mantripragada (JAIST)
- Noriyoshi Matsumi (JAIST)
Title of paper: “Graphite‐PVDF Composite Sheets Fabricated via a Facile and Scalable Technique for Electrical and EMI Shielding Applications”
Read Paper Here: http://doi.org/10.1002/pc.30054
Fig 1: Fabrication of graphite-PVDF composite shields, variation of electrical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding performance with graphite wt%, shielding mechanism and frequency dependence of SET, SER, and SEA (in dB)
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