GITAM honored DABBAWALA

GITAM University honored the Mumbai based Dabbawalas on 17-05-2008 with felicitations.
A dabbawala is a person in the Indian city of Mumbai whose job is to carry and deliver freshly made food from home in lunch boxes to office workers. Dabbawala,s pick up 175,000 lunches from homes and deliver to their customer’s everyday. Only one mistake is made in every 6 million deliveries. Lot of research works are going on dabbawala’s throughout the world. Industries and management consultants are applying dabbawala’s concepts in their work places.
Secretary, Nuton Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association, Mr. Gangaram L.Talkar and Manish Tripathi (Dabbawala) were received worm welcome from University authorities . Vice-Chancellor, Prof.M.Gangadhara Rao, Registrar, Prof.P.M.Valli and Principal, CMS, GITAM, Prof.K.Sivarama Krishna interacted with dabbawala’s.

“ Work is our god “and our work is “ war against time” quoted by 63 year old dabbawala Mr. Gangaram L.Talkar. While interacting with University Vice-Chancellor he said that 5000 dabbawalas remember the address of 2 lakh customers by heart with same language , same culture and same social status. Dabbawalas are penalizing for not wearing of Gandhi topi and misbehaving with customers,he added. Manish Tripathi (Dabbawala) revealed that dabbawala collection is group-wise but transportation is shared with other groups and they use reliable, fast, efficient, cheap existing local trains for transportation. He expressed that one part our core job of supplying the Dabbas to the people of Mumbai from their home to office will still be carried on without any technology.

Vice-Chancellor Prof.M.Gangadhara Rao appreciated that without using any management techniques dabbawals giving reliable services with hard work , honesty, promptness and time management. Registrar Prof.P.M.Valli expressed that dabbawalas reliable services, their performance and accuracy matching six sigma standards. He said that modern world should learn basic things from dabbawalas to get good results.

GAT (PG) 2008

GITAM University here is conducting an online test-the GITAM Admission Test (GAT) 2008 (post-graduate) for admission into its M.Tech., M.C.A. and M.Sc. programmes.

The GAT (PG) 2008 would be held on all-India basis and admission into the programmes being offered by GITAM University would be solely based on the rank obtained in this test, marks scored in the qualifying examination and interview and by following the rule of reservation.
computer based Online Test for Admission into the Following PG programmes – GAT (PG) – 2008 M. Tech Programmes (Two Years)- Biotechnology- CAD-CAM- Computer Science & Technology- Digital Systems & Signal Processing - Electronics Instrumentation- Information Technology- Machine Design & Farm Machinery- Management Engineering- Power Systems & Automation- RF & Microwave Engineering- Software Engineering- Structural engineering & Disaster Management - VLSI Design MCA Programme (Three Years) M. Sc Programmes (Two Years) - Analytical Chemistry- Applied Mathematics- Biochemistry- Bioinformatics- Biotechnology- Electronics Science- Environmental Sciences- Food Science & Technology- Microbiology- Organic Chemistry- Physics a) Basic Eligibility: A degree in he concerned discipline with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade. b) Admissions will be finalized based on the performance in GAT (PG) – 2008, Qualifying Examination/ Interview and rule of reservation. c) Teaching Assistantships of Rs.60, 000/- each per annum for the top ranking M. Tech students. d) GATE qualified candidates will be exempted from appearing for GAT (PG) – 2008 but they need to apply to GITAM University for admission before the last date. e) Scholarships to top 10% of M. Sc students f) Research Assistantships to top three rankers of M. Tech & M. Sc Programmes to pursue Ph. D in GITAM University

INDIAN MUSTARD FOR MSW TREATMENT

There has been a significant increase in MSW (municipal solid waste) generation in India in the last few decades. This is largely because of rapid population growth and economic development in the country. Solid waste management has become a major environmental issue in India. The per capita of MSW generated daily, in India ranges from about 100g in small towns to 500 g in large towns. The growth in MSW in our urban centers has outpaced the population growth in recent years. This trend can be ascribed to our changing lifestyles, food habits, and change in living standards. The complexity and diversity in composition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) makes it one of the most important urban sources of pollution which is posing a major threat to public health and the environment. The direct use of MSW as a source of organic manure is harmful since it contains different toxic metals, harmful pathogens and many other organic and inorganic pollutants that ultimately enter into the human food chain through plant products.

GITAM University environmental group headed by Dr.N.Srinivas conducted some scientific investigations on Visakhapatnam Municipal Waste. In Visakhapatnam every day about 600 to 700 tons of MSW is generated. The MSW contains heavy metal particularly Zink, Copper, Led, Nickel. The sources of these metals in MSW due to presence of batteries, e-waste and other modern house hold items. are found at high toxic levels .

PHYTOREMEDIATION..

In order to minimize chances of damage to public health, the present investigation was carried out to find out the applicability of phytoremediation to MSW for the removal of some of the harmful heavy metals. Phytoremediation is a low-cost alternative and the systematic use of plants for environmental contaminant treatment. Phytoremediation is a combination of technologies that use plant-influenced biological, chemical and physical processes that aid in the remediation of contaminated substrates.

GITAM Environmental group finally identified a plant which commonly available in our environment. The study group conducted several experiments on hyper accumulator plant such as BRASSICA JUNCEA. The BRASSICA JUNCEA is planted in pots with different concentrations of MSW amends and allowed plant to grow up to maturation stage. Out of the four heavy metals studied, it is found that the accumulation capacity of the plant for Zn and Pb is very high as compared with the control followed by Ni and Cu. The metal accumulation in the plants and particularly in the shoots depends on the degree of metal bio-concentration of the plant. This is a good index that phyto-remediate crops should be able to transport most of the contaminants to the shoots, which facilitates the removal of contaminants.
The mass balance of PB, Sn, Ni and Cu in the experimental soils on final harvest day clearly indicated that more than 90% of the metal content absorbed by the Indian mustard and hence, Brassica juncea is a potential species for phytoremediation of Municipal Solid Waste said by Dr.Srinivas.

HCL, GITAM WILL JOIN HANDS

Leading global Technology and IT Enterprise HCL shown keen interest to sign MOU with GITAM University. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HCL Mr.Ajai Chowdhry visited GITAM on 9-5-2008 to discuss the issues related to MOU. During the MOU discussions Vice-Chancellor, GITAM University Prof.M.Gnangdhara Rao briefed about University growth, facilities and R&D activities. He stressed the University-Industry interaction in teaching and research areas. He suggested that HCL should take initiatives to strengthen the IT curriculum in Universities.
Speaking on this occasion, Ajai Chowdhry, said that , "HCL Insys results have reflected a steady growth in profits. Over the years HCL have been successful in defining our business model to achieve our financial goals. He said that they have further reinforced their strength in Total Technology Integration especially in the services business worldwide. "We have always been strong in the domestic segment. Over the years, we have consciously expanded international reach and reduced dependence on the domestic market," he added.
He shown interest to work with GITAM in teaching and research areas. He promised to send expert team to GITAM University to strengthen the teaching and research activities in IT sector. He expressed that new ideas should be encouraged to develop new technologies. He said that HCL will join hands with GITAM University by signing MOU.
Director, GIT Prof. V.V.Kutumaba Rao, Director, GIS, Prof.K.Laxman Das , Director, GIIB , Prof.V.K.Kumar and other senior faculty members participated in these discussions.

HCL, GITAM WILL JOIN HANDS

Leading global Technology and IT Enterprise HCL shown keen interest to sign MOU with GITAM University. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HCL Mr.Ajai Chowdhry visited GITAM on 9-5-2008 to discuss the issues related to MOU. During the MOU discussions Vice-Chancellor, GITAM University Prof.M.Gnangdhara Rao briefed about University growth, facilities and R&D activities. He stressed the University-Industry interaction in teaching and research areas. He suggested that HCL should take initiatives to strengthen the IT curriculum in Universities.
Speaking on this occasion, Ajai Chowdhry, said that , "HCL Insys results have reflected a steady growth in profits. Over the years HCL have been successful in defining our business model to achieve our financial goals. He said that they have further reinforced their strength in Total Technology Integration especially in the services business worldwide. "We have always been strong in the domestic segment. Over the years, we have consciously expanded international reach and reduced dependence on the domestic market," he added.
He shown interest to work with GITAM in teaching and research areas. He promised to send expert team to GITAM University to strengthen the teaching and research activities in IT sector. He expressed that new ideas should be encouraged to develop new technologies. He said that HCL will join hands with GITAM University by signing MOU.
Director, GIT Prof. V.V.Kutumaba Rao, Director, GIS, Prof.K.Laxman Das , Director, GIIB , Prof.V.K.Kumar and other senior faculty members participated in these discussions.

Deemed Universities are the only hope

Deemed Universities are the only hope to bring up the innovative changes in higher education according to Prof. B.P.R. Narasimha Rao, Director, Centre for Outreach Programs, University of Mysore. While speaking in a seminar on “New Initiatives for a New University” organized by GITAM University at GDC auditorium on 18-12-2007, Prof. Narasimha Rao stressed the need of Deemed Universities and its role in new education era.
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Prof. Narasimha Rao briefed that , according to knowledge commission report India has about 350 universities. This number is simply not enough with reference to our needs in higher education. Yet, some of our universities are much too large, for ensuring academic standards and providing good governance. We need to create more appropriately scaled and more nimble universities. We need a much larger number of universities, say1500 nationwide by 2015, but also that we need smaller universities which are responsive to change and easier to manage. This is only possible by way of establishing deemed universities like GITAM, he added. As expected results are not achieved from conventional universities to promote innovative changes in higher education, the ultimate alternative is Deemed Universities, he observed. He suggested that every two years Universities should change their courses systematically to benefit the students.

Prof. Harinarayana, Director, School of distance education, Andhra University participated as guest of honor and said that Access, Relevance and Quality are important in higher education.

Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi, Ex-Parliament member and President of GITAM University presided the function and said that the role of a University in a developed country have to take various steps to become a Global player but many Universities confined to particular class of people. He said that the Universities should create pool of talented people and committed teachers. In this direction GITAM University will become a role model to other universities in future, he hoped.

Prof. M.Gangadhara Rao, Vice-Chancellor , GITAM University briefed the recent activities of University and announced that GITAM University is planning to start distance education programs from the next academic year.

Prof. V.V.Kutumba Rao, Director, Engineering College, GITAM University said that UK, USA and Australian Universities are come forward to sign MoU with GITAM University. Industrially relevant curriculum, Collaborative foreign degrees, Industrial R&D and self regulatory mechanism needed in higher education.

Prof.G.Subramanyam, former Registrar, Andhra University and Prof.P.M.Valli, Registrar, GITAM University, senior university faculty members and students were also participated in the seminar.

Campus Recruitments Hits New High in GITAM

The students of the College of Engineering, GITAM University, who will pass out of the college in 2008, are a very happy lot. Although 34 companies turned up for the campus placement programme, as many as 567 students have received job offers during first the half year alone in 2007.

Over the years companies such as ACCENTURE, TCS, WIPRO, SATYAM, INFOSYS, HCL Technologies, HP, MIND TREE and core industries like MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA, ESSAR STEEL, , L&T Ltd., seem to have made the GITAM campus a must-go recruitment destination.

A surprising feature of the campus recruitment was that many IT companies asked for, and offered jobs to students from the Civil, Mechanical, Industrial Production Engineering and Instrumentation Engineering branches. As many as 77 students from the Mechanical branch , 32 from Civil branch, 43 from Electronics and Instrumentation branch got selected by various companies.

The head of the Training and Placement Centre of GITAM University, Dr.S.R.Gollapudi says that most of the IT companies are taking students from basic branches like Civil, Mechanical, MIPE, Biotech etc. This may be because of the infrastructure development, students of Civil engineering are getting absorbed 100%.
Another phenomenon noticed during the recruitment was pertaining to the salaries offered. GITAM University delivered its promise of a career of choice with dream companies and high salaries to its outgoing batch during the year 2007. The maximum domestic salary of the batch was an impressive INR 7.2 lakhs per annum. The average domestic salary for accepted offers was INR 3 lakhs per annum. The Minimum domestic salary for accepted offers was INR 2.40 lakhs per annum.

Nanotechnology in future cars

Nanotechnology is expected to have a pervasive effect on the future of automotive products and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry said by Dr.G.Sundara Rajan, Director, International Advanced Research for New Materials Research Centre, Hyderabad. Dr. Sundera Rajan given a talk at GITAM Universtiy on 4-1-2008 on ‘Nanotechnology-Automotive sector”.
He described that these "new" performance attributes will be greatly enhanced by sustaining improvements in the structural, electrical, thermal, optical, magnetic and catalytic properties of materials, and their biocompatibility. New, light weight and stronger materials such as surface coatings, ultra-strong lightweight materials, and thin layers on bearings and gliding elements. These materials have uses in vehicle bodies, suspensions, brake fittings, sway bars and wheels. The replacement of existing automobile frames with carbon nanotubes-based alloys will provide for high strength and reduced weight. A range of fuel alternatives cold be possible including compact fuel cells for use in new energy-efficient engines, advanced batteries and supercapacitors for energy storage in hybrid electric vehicles and new types of solar cells for use in surface coatings, as an auxiliary source of energy. Nano-catalysts and membrane technology will play critical role in making fuel cells economically viable and replacing the internal combustion engine. Another possible application for nanotechnology is in the area of fuel cell technology and with respect to efficient pollutant filters. The target in this case is to drastically reduce fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle wear
Prof.V.V.Kutumba Rao, Director, College of Engineering, GITAM University and B.V.Mohana Rao, Secretary, GITAM Society felicitated the chief guest.

Prof U R Rao visited GITAM

Prof U R Rao called for adaptation of knowledge base and space technology for increasing agriculture productivity in the country. U.R. Rao, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) visited GITAM University on 3rd January, 2008 and addressed the researchers and students.

He said that technology used in agriculture practice in India was nearly 10,000 years old and that agriculture productivity which is currently at 1.7 tonnes per hectare was not in proportion to the increasing population in the country. “ If we want the GDP to touch double figures then agriculture should achieve a growth rate of around four to five per cent. Unfortunately, even though 65 per cent of population is dependant on agriculture, with two per cent adding on every year, agriculture productivity is still low. Bringing in knowledge base into agriculture is the only solution,” he said. “ Space technology can be used to map images and find out about surface water harvesting, ground water recharge, soil conservation and alternative land use.
Power from Space:

Prof U.R.Rao hoped that in future our energy requirements will be solved by developing energy from space particularly solar energy and conversion of micro waves. He said that India can undertake a mission to Mars within ten years. Probably within 1000 years colonies may develop on Mars he observed.


Re usable rockets:
Prof U.R.Rao revealed that in future space technology sector re-usable low cost rockets may took place with the background of nanotechnology.

Prof.M.Gangadhara Rao, Vice-Chancellor, GITAM University participated as guest of honour and felicitated Prof.U.R.Rao. Prof.Lakshmi Das , Principal, College of Science Preside over the function.

Visit of Chief Controllers of DRDO to GITAM UNIVERSITY

Chief Controllers of DEFENCE RESERCH DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION(DRDO), Dr. W. Selvamurthy & Sri. N. Sitaram, New Delhi visited GITAM University on 8.1.2008 and addressed the staff.
Dr. Selvamurthy expressed interest in initiating research tie-ups with GITAM University in areas of mutual interest. He appreciated the infrastructure and the strength of faculty of GITAM University. He told that DRDO is actively involving academic institutions in Defence Research. Dr. N. Sitaram reviewed the major developments in Electronics & Computers Engineering research for defence applications and exhorted the staff to involve themselves deeply in this work. He also expressed interest in explaining the possibility of recognizing GITAM University as a DRDO Center in the areas of high performance computers, device development, radar development etc. Dr. G. Malakondaiah, Director, DMRL expressed his deep appreciation of the facilities and high quality of instruction at GITAM.
Dr. V V Kutumbarao, Director, GITAM Institute of Technology reciprocating their interest, promised to develop research collaboration with DRDO Laboratories.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. M. Gangadhara Rao felicitated the distinguished visitors on this occasion.

CENACLE’2008

Electornics and Communication Engineering students National Level Technical Symposium Cenacle’2008 CONDUCTED at GITAM University FROM 1st February to 2nd February 2008 . This two day nationwide technical festival intended to provide a platform for young talent from all over the country to converge and put forth their fresh ideas. Cenacle’08 consists of events which call upon the intelligence, nerves, presence of mind and creativity of participants.
Mr. G.Ramana Rao, DGM, BSNL, Visakhapatnam attended as chief guest and inaugurated the Symposium. He stressed the need of innovative technology in the field of electronics and communications. He suggested that ECE students should give equal importance to software and hardware in their studies. Prof.M.Gangadhara Rao, Vice Chancellor, GITAM University presided the function and announced that GITAM University planning to start 16 new engineering courses in the next academic year. Prof.V.V.Kutumba Rao, Director, GITAM Institute of Technology, Prof.C.Dharma Raj,Chairman, Cenacle’08 , Dr. V.Malleswara Rao, Convener, Cenacle’08 participated in the programme.


Intelligent Sculpt exhibited

As a part of Cenacle’08 students organized a hardware exhibition and named it SCULPT. Over 50 extraordinary exhibits designed, built and implemented by students are showcased including startling robots. Obstacle sensor Robots, Line-tracking technology Robots, playing Robots are some interesting exhibits in Sculpt this year. Students said that basing on their Micro processor knowledge they prepared micro control board to run the robots. Some student participants exhibited Automatic Car Parking Systems, Traffic Control Systems, Industrial Security Systems and Computer Control Home Appliances.

GEM...THE MOST CHERISHED MOMENT

College of Management Studies, GITAM, had a wonderful time on 24th and 25th January 2008, when we organized our bi-annual all India B-School meet, GEM-2008. Nearly 35 colleges from Andhra Pradesh and all over India had participated in this meet. It was a lovely experience we had meeting participants from various colleges across the country. Around 2000-3000 people from and around A.P visited the college campus, during these two days.
The first task we were entrusted upon was fund collecting, which was very educating as we got the chance to meet people from industry. It helped us in developing our negotiation and convincing skills. The major chunk of the work was done with the collection of funds. The entire work was delegated among the students. We have taken up three events namely, KOTLER’S COURT, THE Q FACTOR and ALCHEMIST individually, where our learning experience was extraordinary. We worked late for many days while preparing and designing the rounds of the events. We never felt bored or tired and managed to catch up the next day’s work. Almost all the students at CMS were involved in this mega event. The entire college bustled with heightened energy during the last few days before GEM. Some students who worked with creative team stayed back at the college late to decorate the college artistically.
The first day of GEM started with a magnificent inaugural function of which we were a part. The events commenced immediately after the inaugural where we had to rush back to our duties as volunteers of the events. We enjoyed a lot while learning from this experience. We were the judges for the preliminary round, where we had to choose the participants for the finals from some of the best B-Schools from the country. This enhanced our decision making skills as the competition was really tough. One needs a range of skills to organize and manage those events.
The events were followed by a great cultural show by the students of CMS-GITAM for around two and a half hours. We rocked the evening with lovely songs and greatly coordinated dance numbers. The cultural show attracted a huge crowd. Behind the scenes, we worked even harder to come out with such a mind blowing show.
The finals were conducted the following day i.e. on 25th.All the teams stayed back, even those who were not qualified for the finals. We had a tough time selecting the winners as the performance of all the finalists was astounding. All the teams scored almost equally which made judgment tougher! We enjoyed interaction with participants and learnt their lifestyle.
This was entirely a student’s event where all the organization, management and decision-making was done by us, students. It enabled us to understand the real meaning of ‘esprit de corps’. We learned many things through team work. We worked together in groups where each event was taken charge by a student coordinator and his team. This enabled us to show leadership qualities and group dynamics.
The college, as a ritual, conducts an Alumni Meet at every GEM. This year also the college followed the old tradition of conducting an old students reunion on the second day of GEM. The alumni who attended the meet interacted with the current students and gave a token of appreciation to us on conducting our GEM successfully. They even gave us valuable advices, suggestions on preparing for further studies and placements.
We even published a newspaper “Glitz” exclusively for these two days which was distributed for free to the students, participants and the guests. This was managed entirely by the students. It conveyed the details, schedules and other information regarding the happenings in GEM.
As said every good things should come to an end, so is our GEM. The finals were followed by the valedictory function where the prizes to the winners were distributed. After which the brilliance of fire works was a feast to our eyes. Though the fire works show went on only for one hour, the luster of the colours last forever in our memories.
We, as the final year students feel that such events will not only educate us academically but also practically. The enjoyment has brought us all together and developed a bond of togetherness. This has made us more loyal to our college and now we can’t even think of parting from this college. GEM taught us the real meaning of education, enjoyment, team-work and bliss of togetherness.
We worked for nearly three months on this and now we miss the meetings and the fun filled days of the heavy workload during the preparations of GEM. We want to go back to the work but for that we need to wait two years by which we won’t have a chance to be a part of the hosting but only as visitors we can come and se but miss the chance to host. We envy the current juniors who have got a chance to witness the next GEM which we are going to miss terribly. We worked hard every single day for these two days and finally our toil paid off……….GEM 2008 is a huge success… This success belongs to every one from the participants, sponsors, students, faculty, non-teaching staff, the chief engineer and last but not least the Management of GITAM University.
“Success is sweet but its secret is sweat

PADMASRI C.R.RAO FELICITATED AT GITAM

Renowned Mathematician , Padma Vibhushan Prof C.R.Rao felicitated by GITAM University on 31-1-2008 at GITAM University campus. Dr.M.V.V.S.Murthy, Preseident, GITAM University praised that every Indian should proud to see Prof.C.R.Rao and his achievements . Padma Vibhushan Prof C.R.Rao is a role model to future generations Dr Murthy added. Prof.C.R.Rao and his wife Smt Bhargavi Rao felicitated by Dr. Murthy on this occassion. Prof M.Gangadhara Rao, Vice Chancellor, GITAM University, Prof. Laxmana Das, Director, GITAM Institute of Sciecne, Prof.K.Sivarama Krishna and others also participated and felicitated the Chief Guest.
In response to this Prof.C.R.Rao said that whatever he achieved in his life only because of his educational background in Andhra Pradesh .

GITAM SIGNS MOU WITH BIGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

GITAM University signed an MOU with State University of New York BINGHAMTON (SUNY-B), USA on 1-2-2008 at GITAM University.

Prof. P.M. Valli, Registrar of GITAM University and Prof. Seshu.B.Desu, Dean of Thoms.J.Watson School of Engineering, Binghamton University signed the MOU in presence of Vice Chancellor Prof.M.Gangadhara Rao of GITAM University. In this MOU both GITAM University and BINGHAMON agreed to start “2+2” program at Under graduate and at P.G. level along with Faculty exchange programs.

Prof. M. Gangadhara Rao ,Vice-Chancellor, GITAM University emphasized the need for quality education which enhance the over all development of the students. Prof. P. M.Valli, Registrar felt happy for the initiation taken by the Binghamton University for coming forward to have Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with GITAM UNIVERSITY. DR.K. Veerabhadram Director In charge (R&D) and Academic Exchange Programs (AEP) of the GITAM University explained that GITAM University will collaborate only with reputed International Universities. Prof. Seshu.B.Desu, Dean of Thoms.J.Watson School of Engineering, State University of New York, Binghamton, said that BINGHAMTON University has earned a reputation as the premier public university in the Northeast of USA because of its exceptional, innovative academic programs, outstanding students, faculty and staff, and the graduation rates.
Prof. V.V. Kutumba Rao,Director GITAM Institute of Technolgy, Prof. N. Lakshmana Das, Principal , GITAM Instite of Science and Prof. K. Siva Ramakrishna, Principal College of Management Studies along with other Directors of GITAM University also participated in this discussions.