Sri Venkateswara University has tied up with the Chennai-based Nichi - In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), said to be the first Indian institute having Japanese collaboration to provide stem cell and regenerative medicine-related services under one roof.

The MoU was signed and exchanged by NCRM Director Samuel J.K. Abraham and SVU Vice-Chancellor W.Rajendra. The pact facilitates collaboration between the two institutes in carrying out research, training and clinical applications, protocol development in regenerative medicine with emphasis on stem cells, progenitor cells and autologous adult cells with regenerative capability to take them to clinical application. D.V.R. Sai Gopal, Virology head and coordinator of DST-Promotion of University Reearch and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) centre will coordinate the activities.

Seminar on Urdu

The varsity’s Urdu Department conducted a national seminar on ‘50 years of Urdu Novel’ along with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), which was inaugurated by Registrar K. Satyavelu Reddy. He released books written by Urdu head Sattar Sahir, associate professor Nissar Ahmed, Maharashtra poetess Sadiqa Nawab Sehar, and Dr.Khusro of Kadapa. Principal D.Kirankranth Chowdary hailed the wing for holding ‘Kavi Sammelan’, while poet Rahi Fidai delivered the keynote address. Speakers highlighted the importance of novels, next only to ‘ghazals’, in reaching out to the Urdu audience.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra inaugurated the technical session later, along with Rector M.A.K. Sukumar.

Endowment Lecture

The varsity also conducted an endowment lecture in memory of Rebala Lakshmi Narasa Reddy last week, which was delivered by Suma Kunuthur, a scientist from The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College of London. In her address ‘Insight into translational research and a contemporary view on ushering a career in research – Cardiothoracic physiology and pharmacology’, she spoke on cardio-thoracic problems, their physiological interference and remedies by using pharmocological approaches.

Remembering social reformers

The History Department organised a guest lecture by P. Jagadeesan, former Vice-Chancellor of Bharatidasan University, Tamil Nadu, last week. Hailing social reformers such as Raja Rammohan Roy, Eswara Chandra Vidyasagar and Kandukuri Veeresalingam for their proactive measures to rid society of ills, he asked the students to take a cue and find solutions to maladies plaguing the community today.

History head D.Ananda Naidu honoured Prof. Jagadeesan.

Literary programme

The Telugu Department of Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) conducted a literary programme on ‘Tips for enhanced memory power’ last week, in which J. Naganna, an academic from Srikalahasti Mahila Degree College delivered a lecture on improving concentration and keeping mind under control with the help of meditation. HoD K.Madhujyothi coordinated the event.

Photography workshop

The NSS Unit-VI trained its volunteers in the nuances of photography through a workshop.

According to NSS coordinator Anuradha, the idea is to let the volunteers present the grass-root level situation through photos and also document their social activities conducted during special camps. NSS programme officer B.N. Neelima suggested to the students to pursue photography as a hobby as well.

A.D. Rangarjan,

in Tirupati