On a day when over 5,000 freshers were inducted into different courses at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Registrar Prof N Sethuraman told the packed audience of aspiring students and their parents at the freshers’ induction programme held at the TP Ganesan Auditorium, that there was no ragging on campus and that students were safe to pursue their academic studies without worry. The Institute plans to form an anti-ragging committee as a confidence-building measure, he added.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Sandeep Sancheti welcomed the students, advising them not to indulge in ragging or substance abuse. He requested parents to keep a vigil on their wards and adopt a friendly attitude of understanding any problems their sons or daughters may face during their early years on the campus.
R&D, innovation
Emphasising the institute's significant investment in R&D, he urged students to make full use of state-of-the-art research facilities at SRMIST to experiment and innovate as their objective should be to go beyond their standard curriculum to emerge as entrepreneurs and trail-blazers. While 75 per cent attendance was necessary to qualify for examinations, he advised freshers to aim for 100 per cent attendance to derive the full benefit of knowledge and guidance from their teachers.
“Even if you already have knowledge of some subject matters, you should be patient and help other students,” he said. Ultimately, it was important for students to become better human beings apart from excelling in studies.
Placements, lifestyle
Delivering the inaugural address, Founder Chancellor and newly elected Lok Sabha member Dr TR Paarivendhar assured students about good placement in jobs after they completed their courses, as they would have the SRM brand tag.
He said it was not enough for students to be computer literate as they also had to be competitive to succeed. He stressed that a degree alone was not sufficient and students should aspire for extra knowledge in their respective areas of studies. With 20,000 students in its hostels, SRMIST was more or less like a municipality, he observed, adding that discipline should be maintained by students. Noting that there were three lakes and hills near and around the campus, which also had a medical college and hospital, he said students should use this ambience to improve their knowledge, health and lifestyle.
Among the others present were Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr TP Ganesan, Deans and Directors. Engineering and Technology Director Dr C Muthamizhchelvan proposed the vote of thanks.