Tech-fest begins at SRM University

A multi-discipline four-day tech fest got underway at the SRM University in Kattankulathur on Tuesday.

Named Aaruush ‘12, the event has students from 700 colleges from across the nation and 60 countries participating in it.

The programme will feature 41 events, including a car and bike exhibition, a tech expo and an air show, with some having interesting names such as Yudamme and Blue-book.

Welcoming the gathering, varsity vice-chancellor Dr M Ponnavaikko detailed about the innovations and achievements  of the university.

Dr P Sivakumar, Director, CVRDE, Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, in his keynote address, made a presentation on the innovations and technical competence of the DRDO and CVRDE. He urged the student community to take up research and join defence research establishments to achieve their goals.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the function, Dr Ponnavaiko announced that Dr V K Saraswat, Director General of DRDO and Chief Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, will be conferred with a honorary doctorate for his contributions in missile technology, during the institution’s forthcoming convocation in October.

A key feature of the event is an exhibition by DRDO showcasing the defence and avionic advancements of the nation.

Many university officials, including pro vice-chancellor Dr P Ganesan, registrar Dr N Sethuraman, and director (E&T) Dr C Muthamizhselvan were present.

Prizes worth Rs 15 lakh await the participants.

Another event, ‘Rising in the Spirit of Innovation’, a national-level techno-management festival organised in association with the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) and Institute of Electricals and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at the varsity, will be on till September 8.