In The Spotlight
APOGEE 24
Day Zero
The inaugural day evening began with dynamic musical performances by the students at the Main Audi, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Lieutenant General Vinod G. Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM, a former Indian Army officer, was the chief guest at the Inauguration.
Following the musical performances, a video showcasing the APOGEE 2024 app were met with applause, but the highlight was the captivating OASIS 2023 aftermovie. Each CoStAAn (Committee of Students for Academic Activities) was introduced, accompanied by humorous write-ups and jokes from their departments, generating laughter and applause from the audience. The VC, Prof. Ramgopal Rao and Director, Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai, lit the ceremonial lamp with the Chief Guest Lt. Gen Khandare and expressed satisfaction with the fest's organization, even joining in on the humor.
The Chief Guest discussed the culture of innovation in the youth of India, concluding with a motivational message for students. The inauguration concluded with energetic mime and dance performances.
Day One: The Adventure Begins
Day One kicked off with a bang as attendees delved into a myriad of activities. From the rhythmic beats of Hip-Hop Night to the technical marvels of Micromouse contests, there was something for everyone. Enthusiastic competitors put their engineering skills to the test, maneuvering intricate circuits and mechanisms to navigate their micromouse robots through challenging mazes, captivating onlookers with their innovative designs and problem-solving abilities. The HERE Hackathon sparked creativity, while ATV Racing and Go-Karting provided an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers. With a diverse range of events, Day One set the bar high for the rest of the festival.
Day Two: Captivating Moments
Day Two mesmerized attendees with a lineup of captivating events. Bollywood Night featuring Mohit Chauhan filled South Park with enchanting melodies, while the ICL Coding competition showcased the brilliance of our participants. GymG became a hub of high-speed thrills with the exhilarating spectacle of Drone Racing. Pilots maneuvered their agile drones through intricate obstacles and hairpin turns, showcasing precision and agility in a heart-pounding race to the finish line, captivating spectators with the sheer intensity of the competition.
At NAB Audi, Enspire, a panel discussion, drew a massive turnout as esteemed BITSian entrepreneurs shared insights and wisdom gleaned from their entrepreneurial journeys
Day Three: Grand Finale
The final day of APOGEE '24 was a culmination of laughter, competition, and camaraderie. At the Main Audi, laughter echoed through the halls as Samay Raina and Akash Mehta took center stage with the uproarious comedy show, N2O. With their sharp wit and infectious humor, they kept the audience in stitches, delivering punchlines and anecdotes that left everyone in high spirits. From the hilarious comedy show N2O to the intense debates at BITSMUN, there was no shortage of entertainment.
The RoboLeague finals, NVIDIA Workshop, and Armageddon gaming finals kept the excitement levels high, while the Galaxy Groove Theme Party provided the perfect end to the festival, with attendees dancing the night away under the stars.
In conclusion, APOGEE '24 was a whirlwind of talent, innovation and fun, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a sense of excitement for the next edition.
Content and Photo Credit: CoStAA (Committee of Students for Academic Activities)
BITS Exclusive
18th Foundation Day of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus
The successful celebration of the 18th Foundation Day of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, marked another significant milestone in our ongoing pursuit of excellence in education and innovation. The event, which took place on 27th April 2024, showcased a diverse range of activities and provided an opportunity for reflection on our remarkable journey.
The festivities included a Digital Campus Tour, providing an insight into the modern facilities and infrastructure. We celebrated the achievements of our alumni through a captivating slideshow/video showcasing their accomplishments, followed by a special recognition of our new members. The faculty and staff commemorated the event by planting trees to mark their 15th year in BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus.
The results of a competition to rename roads and buildings on campus were also announced. The event showcased the announcement of new initiatives, including one that focuses on assisting outsourcing staff and another initiative titled โSoulful Saturdayโ aimed at promoting the well-being of our faculty and staff by emphasizing the importance of holistic health and work-life balance. A colourful Cultural Program added a celebratory flair to the occasion, reflecting the diversity and talent within our community.
Research Stories
BITS Pilani's Eco-Friendly Revolution "Polymeric Innovation with Smart Windows for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Power Generation"
An enormous amount of energy is spent on room cooling worldwide, calling for innovative ideas to manage this problem. Now, researchers from BITS Pilani chemical engineering department have developed a novel low-cost polymeric material for energy storage with electrochromic properties. By applying it to smart windows, one can regulate the amount of sunlight entering the room, thus minimizing the energy consumption of cooling systems. Moreover, thanks to its energy storage capabilities, the proposed material can also power electronic devices, serving as an alternative power source.
Student Spotlight
46th ICPC - International Collegiate Programming
BITS Pilani ranked 1st among Indian higher educational institutions and 55th in the world by solving 6 problems in the 46th ICPC - International Collegiate Programming Contest World Finals at Luxor, Egypt.
The ICPC is akin to an Olympic Games for students and postgraduates, where teams showcase their speed, creativity, and problem-solving skills in algorithmic programming contests. Originating in 1970, the ICPC was conceived as a means to foster ambition, enhance problem-solving abilities, and provide opportunities for top computing students.
Congratulations to the students Anish Kasegaonkar, Utkarsh Darolia, Aniket Jain and Tanveer Singh of BITS Pilani, for being the Super Solvers!
Faculty Spotlight
Prof. Balaram Ghosh
Myelin Magic: Turning Brain Fog into Brain Power with a Dash of Epigenetic Elixir!
Donโt we all never want to age? Prof Balaram Ghosh from the dept of Pharmacy at BITS hyderabad campus may have the key to this eternal quest for youth and vitality!"
The study by Prof Ghosh studies Small-molecule-induced epigenetic rejuvenation promotes SREBP condensation and overcomes barriers to CNS myelin regeneration" discusses a breakthrough in promoting myelin production and regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and age-related cognitive decline. Here is a summary of the key points for a layman to appreciate the research:
- Advantages of the Research:The study identified a small-molecule inhibitor, ESI1, that counteracts epigenetic silencing in oligodendrocytes, enhancing myelin production and promoting (re)myelination in animal models and human organoids.
- ESI1 was found to reverse age-related cognitive decline and boost myelinogenesis, offering hope for treating conditions like MS and age-related cognitive issues.
- The research highlights the potential of targeting epigenetic silencing to enable CNS myelin regeneration, addressing a critical need in demyelinating diseases and aging-related cognitive decline.
In essence, this research offers a promising avenue for enhancing myelin production and regeneration in the CNS, with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of conditions like MS and age-related cognitive decline. Collaboration and support from various stakeholders are essential to advance this research towards practical applications that can benefit individuals affected by these debilitating conditions.
Alumni Spotlight
IPS Aravindhan P
We are delighted to present you with Aravindhan P, a distinguished alumnus from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, who has carved an exceptional path as an Indian Police Service officer, embodying unwavering resolve and a steadfast commitment to the service.
As a computer science graduate from BITS Pilani, Aravindhan had a promising future in the corporate world. However, driven by a fervent desire to make a tangible difference in society, he joined the reputed Indian Police Service and embraced a path less traveled, fuelled by a passion for public service and a vision to effect meaningful change.
He earned the prestigious Sword of Honour as the Best Outdoor Probationer at the National Police Academy, and his accomplishment not only honoured his individual merit but also marked a historic triumph for the Tamil Nadu cadre, ending a 34-year hiatus without a recipient achieving this distinction.
Suhane Pal
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฆ๐, ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ก ๐จ๐ 2004, ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ซ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง!
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Goa Campus was abuzz with excitement as we welcomed back the founding batch of 2004. Alumni gathered on Saturday, the 13th of April, from various corners of the world to reminisce and reconnect along with their families.
Director BITS Pilani - K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Prof. Suman Kundu, extended a warm welcome to all alumni. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, shared insights into the university's development and future plans, providing a glimpse into the remarkable journey of growth and progress that BITS Pilani continues to embark upon.
Dean, Alumni Relations, Prof Arya Kumar, gave a glimpse of Alumni engagement so far. Amidst the festivities, the cricket match between faculty and alumni stole the show, with the alumni team emerging victorious in a spirited display of sportsmanship and camaraderie. And as the sun set, the evening was filled with fun, music, and magic, adding an enchanting touch to the already memorable reunion. It was truly a special moment as alumni reconnected with their former faculty members, exchanging stories and reliving their BITS journey.
Events Gallery
National Symposium on Current Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences
National Symposium on Current Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciencesโ organised by the Department of Pharmacy, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus on 29th April, 2024. The broad theme of the symposium is "recent advances in the domains of drug discovery, drug development and pharmacokinetics".
An inaugural speech by Dr. Ramkishan, Deputy Drug Controller (India), CDSCO Hyderabad Zone, and a keynote talk by Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, have been arranged.
Apart from the guest lectures by eminent scientists, industry and academic professionals, a poster presentation session for students to showcase their research work has been arranged
BITS Pilani Goa Campus participates in ChemExpo 2024
BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus participated in the prestigious ChemExpo 2024 held on April 24-25, 2024, at NESCO, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
BITS Pilani exhibited at the exclusive Technology Showcase Pavilion alongside IIT Bombay, ICT Mumbai, GreenChemistree Foundation, and six CSIR labs.
Altogether 525 exhibitors exhibited themselves for over 25,000 visitors. Dr. Saurabh Patankar, Department of Chemical Engineering of Chemical Engineering represented BITS Pilani at the ChemExpo.
ChemExpo India 2024 is a comprehensive showcase of Indian capabilities in the broad chemical industry. Exhibitors came from the Bulk, Fine, and Speciality Chemical Industries.
Jashn 2024 - BITS PILANI Dubai
Jashn 2024, the highly anticipated cultural extravaganza at BITS PILANI Dubai, unfolded with an electrifying energy, drawing participants and enthusiasts from various universities to showcase their talents and compete in a myriad of competitions.
The event pulsated with vibrant performances ranging from the graceful movements of Western Solo and the synchrony of Dance Duet Competition to the soul-stirring melodies of Eastern Solo Music and mesmerizing Instrumental Performances. One of the highlights of Jashn 2024 was the captivating drama presented on the Proscenium stage, where talented actors brought stories to life, evoking a range of emotions from the audience. The Eastern Group Dance segment transported spectators into a world of cultural richness and artistic expression, with each performance reflecting the diversity and creativity of the participating teams.
In addition to the spectacular on-stage performances, Jashn 2024 also embraced the spirit of street theater with the engaging Nukkad Natak, where performers took to the streets to deliver thought-provoking narratives and entertain the audience with their raw, unfiltered expressions. Overall, Jashn 2024 transcended boundaries, fostering a sense of camaraderie, celebration, and cultural exchange among participants and spectators alike, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Rankings
2024 QS World University Subject Rankings
In the 2024 QS World University Subject Rankings, we have secured third place among India's private institutions for Engineering and Technology. With two subjects in the global top 300 and seven in the top 500, our academic prowess shines brightly.
Industry Day 2024 - A Collaborative Achievement!
This event, jointly organized by the Mechanical Engineering and Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, was an initiative to foster Industry-Academia collaboration at multiple levels. We aim to build long-term partnerships with industry to explore the possibilities of working together on solving industry-relevant research problems and showcase the ongoing work of our research scholars. On this occasion, about 16 industries had participated in the event, interacted with our faculty colleagues and research scholars.
We were honoured to have Dr. G. A. Srinivasa Murthy, DS and Director, Defense Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) as our Chief Guest for the Inaugural Function. Prof. Soumyo Mukherji, Director, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus addressed the august gathering with his impactful message. Prof. Sanket Goel, Dean (Institute-wide), Research and Innovation presented the Research and Innovation landscape at BITS-Pilani during the inaugural function. The HoDs of both the departments, Prof. N. Suresh Kumar Reddy and Prof. Subhendu Kumar Sahoo, have addressed the audience by presenting the significant achievements of the departments over the years.
The Industry Day 2024 achieved significant milestones, including plenary talks delivered by distinguished industrial experts, group discussions, and brainstorming sessions among industry experts, faculty members, and research scholars. Additionally, a panel discussion was held to discuss strategies for fostering meaningful industry-academia partnerships. State-of-the-art research projects and innovations were showcased through poster presentations at our institute. The feedback from industries regarding Industry Day 2024 was overwhelmingly positive.
New Initiatives
Bhoomi Poojan and Stone Laying Ceremony of the 'Rakesh Verma Convention Centre
BITS Pilani lays foundation stone for Rakesh Verma State-of-the-art Convention Centre, a hub for collaboration.
Rakesh Verma is the Founder & Chairman of MapmyIndia, Indiaโs original map maker and is an alumnus of BITS Pilani. The initiative is a progression towards Mr Vermaโs pledge of INR 15 Crore last year to develop modern infrastructure at Pilani campus, the highest amount ever by a BITS alumnus.
This convention centre has been designed to provide a 200-seat conference room that will host a wide variety of national and international conferences, high end executive development programmes, workshops and alumni meets. In addition, it will offer comfortable residential facilities with 94 rooms equipped with modern amenities to enhance the comfort for its visitors. The strategic location of the centre at the BITS Pilani campus will serve as a hub for exchange of ideas and collaborations. This state-of-the-art project, anticipated to conclude within the next eighteen months, will significantly enhance the institute's capability to host conferences, events, and workshops of international calibre.
Futuristic, State-of-the-Art HSS Media Lab Inaugurated
The lab, located at CC 122/1&2, was unveiled by Honorable Vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, and the Director of Goa Campus, Prof. Suman Kundu.
The HSS Media Lab, conceptualised and crafted as a futuristic hub for creative exploration, is equipped with advanced audio, video, and animation resources. Originally established 15 years ago as a Language Lab, it has evolved into a dynamic cultural and educational center, fostering innovation and active teaching within the department.
Designed with a spaceship theme, the Media Lab boasts a dedicated shoot floor, control room, and soundproof vocal booth with dual-layered insulation. The shoot floor serves multiple purposes, transforming it into a lecture room, screening room, podcast studio, and more. The control room is a versatile recording station, while the vocal booth provides an ideal workstation for voice recording and audio production.
BPDC Establishes Ground Station on Campus!
The prestigious Project MAHASAT saw the completion of Phase 2 which involved the establishment of a ground station in Dubai Campus and training the team to operate the groundstation to track the satellites operational in space.
Dr. Sujay Narayana, offered an in depth training to the students on the basics of ground station, its operation and satellite tracking methodologies.
The inauguration of the ground station was done by the Facilities, IT and Project MAHASAT team in the presence of Campus Director, Senior Professor Dr. Srinivasan Madapusi and BITS Pilani CHRO, MR. Ravi Mishra.