14-Nov-2024
Library as Center of Knowledge, Learning, and Creativity
Vignan University celebrated the 57th National Library Week from November 14 to 20, 2024, with a range of vibrant activities organized by the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in collaboration with the NTR Library and the Dean of Student Affairs. The celebration began with an enlightening guest talk by Shri Kiran Prabha, founder and editor of the web magazine Koumudi, which drew a large audience of students who greatly benefited from his insights on the art of storytelling and were convinced of the significance of reading authentic and genuine biographies of great people. As part of the week-long festivities, essay, elocution, and painting competitions were held at the university's NTR Library, drawing enthusiastic participation from students. The essay competition centered on the topic "Libraries as Gateways to Knowledge: Past, Present, and Future," while the elocution competition explored the theme "Preserving Cultural Heritage: Libraries as Custodians of Knowledge." The painting competition, titled "A World of Wisdom Under One Roof," showcased the creativity and artistry of the participants. The events collectively highlighted the significant role of libraries in fostering knowledge, cultural preservation, and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on the student community.
01-Oct-2024
Honouring Prof. K. Satchidananda Murty
The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with NTR Library at VFSTR, hosted a centenary celebration honoring Padma Vibhushan Prof. K. Satchidananda Murty. The event paid tribute to his remarkable life, academic achievements, and lasting legacy. A distinguished lineup of speakers participated, including Dr. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, National President of Vishwa Hindi Parishad and former Member of Rajya Sabha; Sri Mandali Buddha Prasad, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Avanigadda, A.P.; Dr. C. Venkatachalam, ICSSR Senior Fellow at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore; and Prof. B. Sambasiva Prasad, former Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi. The speakers discussed various facets of Prof. Murty’s life and philosophy, particularly his dedication to fostering understanding among diverse religious and philosophical traditions. They emphasized his significant contributions to promoting peace and interfaith dialogue, highlighting his role as a bridge between different cultural perspectives. The celebration not only honored Prof. Murty’s legacy but also inspired attendees to continue his vision of dialogue and understanding in a diverse world.
30-Sep-2024
A Week of Competitive Events
The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), in collaboration with the office of the Dean of Student Affairs, VFSTR, organized a week-long series of competitive events from September 26-30, 2024, as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. The events featured a variety of activities aimed at engaging students and faculty, with participation extended to institutions under the Vignan Group. The series included a Guest Lecture competition for faculty, while students participated in events such as a Mega Quiz, Mock Parliament, Elocution, and Essay Writing competitions. The events sparked enthusiasm and healthy competition, providing a platform for participants to showcase their knowledge, public speaking, and writing skills, with many highlighting themes related to Gandhian philosophy. The winners will be felicitated with handsome prizes during the official Gandhi Jayanti celebration on October 2, recognizing their outstanding performances in the various categories. The week-long events exemplified VFSTR's commitment to honoring Mahatma Gandhi's legacy through meaningful engagement and academic excellence.
29-Sep-2024
Amaravati and Undavalli Historical Sites
The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities organized an academic visit for VFSTR’s Civil Services students to Amaravati Stupa, Amaravati Museum, Dhyana Buddha Statue, and Undavalli Caves. Coordinated by faculty members Dr. Mohammed Shameem and Ms. Aswathy Chandra, the visit was a great success. Around thirty students actively participated in the trip event, getting academically benefitted and gaining valuable insights into the historical significance of the historical sites. Students explored the intricacies of the Amaravati’s Stupa, museum, and statue, enriching their understanding of Buddhist art and culture. The visit to the Undavalli Caves highlighted remarkable rock-cut architecture, offering them a glimpse into India’s rich heritage. Such experiences are crucial for civil services aspirants, as they foster a deeper appreciation of India’s diverse history and cultural context, which is essential for informed public service. After the successful completion of the trip, certificates of participation were distributed to the attending students.
28-Sep-2024
Reflections on Mahatma Gandhi and Prof. Murty
The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with the office of the Dean of Student Affairs and the NTR Library, VFSTR, organized a thought-provoking guest lecture series on the theme “Mahatma Gandhi’s Life, Thoughts and Legacy/Selected Readings of Padma Vibhushan Prof. Kotta Satchidananda Murthy.” Held at Sangamam Hall, VFSTR, this event attracted distinguished faculty members from across Vignan Group institutions, each sharing insights and interpretations on the profound impact of Gandhi’s philosophy and legacy. The event showcased a rich array of talks, each examining aspects of Gandhi’s principles, social reforms, and enduring influence, as well as deliberating on the writings of the erudite scholar and philosopher Prof. Kotta Satchidananda Murthy. Faculty members delivered specialized lectures, sparking engaging discussions among attendees.
20-Sep-2024
In the Shadow of Mahatma
In a moving tribute to the Father of the Nation, P. M. V. Rao, Registrar-in-Charge of VFSTR, unveiled the cover of "In the Shadow of Mahatma," an anthology created by students of the Civil Services Minor Program. This unveiling took place on the eve of the Gandhi Jayanti celebration on the campus, a significant occasion dedicated to honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s life, thoughts, and enduring legacy. The anthology serves as a collective reflection of the students' engagement with Gandhi's principles, exploring themes such as non-violence, social justice, and communal harmony. It aims to encapsulate the profound impact Gandhi has had on Indian society and to inspire readers to embody his teachings in their own lives. In attendance at the unveiling were several distinguished faculty members, including Dr. N. S. Sampath Kumar, Joint Dean (Academics, Assessment & Awards); Dr. D. Adam Stephen, Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities; Prof. Mohana Charyulu G., Head of the Department of English and Other Indian and Foreign Languages; and Dr. Mohammed Shameem, a faculty member of the Civil Services Academy. Their participation highlighted the importance of academic collaboration in fostering an environment of critical thought and civic responsibility among students.
15-Aug-2024
A Blend of Tradition and Talent
In a vibrant celebration of India's 78th Independence Day, Vignan’s Civil Service Academy, in collaboration with the Dean of Students Affairs, organized a series of engaging events that showcased the talents and patriotism of the student community. The festivities included a diverse array of competitions such as essay writing, elocution, quiz, mock parliament, JAM (Just A Minute), and a traditional attire fashion show, each designed to foster a deeper understanding of India's rich cultural heritage and democratic values. One of the highlights of the celebration was the Freedom Wall, where students expressed their thoughts and ideas on independence and national pride through inspiring messages and artwork. Additionally, a photobooth was set up, capturing memorable moments of the day and adding a fun, interactive element to the event. The traditional attire fashion show was a visual treat, with students proudly displaying the diverse cultural attire from different regions of India. The mock parliament session, a key attraction, provided a platform for students to debate and discuss the issue of “Violence vs Non-Violence in India’s Freedom Struggle”, simulating the democratic process in a lively manner. The competitions were well-received, with active participation from students across various departments. The winners were recognized and celebrated, adding to the spirit of camaraderie and patriotism that marked the occasion. The event was a grand success, reflecting the university's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also deeply rooted in the values of democracy and cultural diversity.
02-Jul-2024
Dr. Poonam Malakondaiah, IAS
VFSTR's Civil Services Academy organized a heartfelt felicitation ceremony in honor of Ms. Poonam Malakondaiah, IAS, on the occasion of her retirement from distinguished service. The event took place at the Chairman's Boardroom, located on the 5th floor of the university. Ms. Malakondaiah, a highly respected and accomplished civil servant, has had a remarkable career spanning several decades, during which she has made significant contributions to public administration and governance. Her leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the civil services, inspiring many aspiring officers. The event was attended by senior faculty members, staff, and students of the university. The ceremony began with a warm welcome, followed by an address by the university's leadership, who lauded Ms. Malakondaiah's exemplary service and commitment to the nation. They emphasized her role as a mentor and role model for future generations of civil servants. Ms. Malakondaiah expressed her gratitude for the recognition and shared her experiences and insights from her years in service. She encouraged the students to pursue their dreams with determination and integrity, highlighting the importance of public service in nation-building.
08-Oct-2022
Fostering A Mentally Healthy Workplace
The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vignan University organized an insightful guest lecture on the theme "Fostering A Mentally Healthy Workplace," delivered by Prof. Kota Suresh Kumar, a distinguished psychiatrist and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Katuri Medical College, Guntur. The lecture took place at Sangamam Hall, VFSTR, as part of the university's ongoing 5-day mental health awareness event. During his address, Prof. Kumar emphasized the importance of understanding mental health beyond just clinical treatment, focusing on holistic well-being that encompasses emotional resilience, social support, and coping strategies. He highlighted the significance of mental health care in everyday life and discussed the need to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. The session saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff, sparking a productive discussion on mental health challenges and strategies to maintain mental wellness.
04-Oct-2022
Step Towards Mental Wellness
Vignan University witnessed a powerful display of solidarity for mental health as around 1,000 students participated in the "Step Towards Mental Wellness" walk, organized by the psychology team of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities. The rally, held as part of the ongoing Mental Health Awareness Week, aimed to raise awareness about mental wellness and emotional well-being. Starting from U Block, students, along with university dignitaries, marched towards A Block, carrying banners and slogans promoting the importance of mental health. The event was graced by the presence of the Vice Chairman, the Vice Chancellor, and other esteemed dignitaries of the university. Upon reaching A Block, a symbolic gesture of emotional release was performed. Students released helium balloons attached to cards on which they had written their negative emotions, symbolizing the act of letting go and promoting emotional well-being. The dignitaries applauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the holistic development of students. This event marks another step in Vignan University’s ongoing efforts to foster a supportive environment for mental health awareness.
04-Oct-2022
Kicks Off to Celebrate World Mental Health Day
VFSTR, Vadlamudi saw the inauguration of a 5-day event series, "THOUGHT FEST," to be held from October 4-8, 2024, as part of the celebration of World Mental Health Day. The event was officially launched by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. P. Nagabhushan, with the unveiling of the event’s poster, in the presence of distinguished guests including Registrar Cmde. Dr. MS Raghunathan, Dr. Adams, Head of the Department of SSH, and other dignitaries. The inaugural ceremony set the stage for a variety of activities promoting mental well-being across the university. The event lineup includes a Mental Health Awareness Walk, the symbolic release of balloons to promote hope and positivity, and academic sessions for faculty on the theme "Mental Health in Academia: Balancing Teaching and Well-Being." In addition, students will participate in SPIN and FUN activities designed to relieve stress and encourage interaction. The non-teaching staff will benefit from a special session titled "Mental Health Beyond the Work," addressing their unique challenges. A guest lecture event on the theme "Mental Health Beyond the Day" will conclude the series, focusing on long-term mental health strategies. The "THOUGHT FEST" initiative reflects VFSTR’s commitment to fostering a culture of mental wellness across its campus, emphasizing the importance of mental health for students, staff, and faculty alike.
