In The Spotlight

Welcome Freshers: An unforgettable chapter of your lives BEGINS

In August, a wave of excitement and enthusiasm swept across our campuses as we welcomed our newest members to the BITS community—our freshers! From Pilani to Dubai, Goa, and Hyderabad, the spirit of camaraderie and passion for learning filled the air, marking the start of an exhilarating journey for these bright individuals.

Pilani Campus:

The Pilani campus kicked off the month with a vibrant welcome event, where senior students organized interactive sessions and engaging activities to help freshers connect with one another. With campus tours and workshops on various clubs and societies, freshers were warmly introduced to the rich culture and diversity of Pilani life.

Dubai Campus:

The Dubai campus welcomed its freshers with an impressive orientation program that highlighted the uniqueness of studying in a global hub. Freshers enjoyed a day filled with cultural performances, thrilling icebreakers, and invaluable networking opportunities with faculty and peers. The festivities aimed to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, encouraging students to explore the endless possibilities that their new environment has to offer.

Hyderabad Campus:

BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus welcomed its newest additions in a spectacular style with Fervour 2024, a three-day extravaganza designed to immerse freshers in the vibrant campus culture. The event kicked off with a grand inauguration, showcasing the talents of various student clubs and inspiring new students to explore and join. Days were filled with exciting activities – workshops, contests, and engaging events like the Department of Technical Arts workshop, the Fashion Club's ramp walk, and the Comedy Club's hilarious sessions. Students enjoyed delicious food, captured memories in a unique Polaroid booth, and danced the night away at a high-energy DJ party. The highlight of the event was the legacy competition, Mr. and Ms. Fervour, drawing a huge crowd and culminating in a grand finale that left everyone with unforgettable memories.

Goa Campus:

As freshers arrived at the Goa campus, they were welcomed by the warm hospitality of their seniors and the inviting atmosphere of the campus. Seniors organized engaging campus tours, guiding newcomers through the stunning facilities and helping them familiarize themselves with their new environment. Additionally, a detailed Q&A session took place, featuring faculty members and the director, designed for both students and their parents. This informative session provided valuable insights into academic expectations, campus life, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, setting a positive tone for the exciting journey ahead.

As we embark on this exciting academic year, we encourage all freshers across Pilani, Dubai, Goa, and Hyderabad to focus on their academic while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead—make new friends, explore clubs and societies, and take bold steps toward your aspirations. Welcome to the family, freshers! Your journey is just beginning, and we are thrilled to have you with us. Here’s to an unforgettable year filled with learning, growth, and success!

BITS Exclusive

78th Independence Day Celebrations at BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, Hyderabad, Goa and Dubai Campus

It was a day filled with pride and patriotism as BITS Pilani across all campuses celebrated India's 78th Independence Day on August 15th. The celebrations began by commemorating the achievements of India post-independence, perfectly aligned with the theme of "Viksit Bharat," the vision for a fully developed nation by 2047.

The spirit of patriotism filled the air, beautifully amplified by the soulful patriotic songs performed by the students under the guidance of Dr. Anil Rai. A powerful moment came with the administration of the National Pledge by Ms. Ananya, reminding everyone of their responsibility towards the nation. The event concluded with the National Anthem, sung with gusto by all, marking a resounding end to a truly memorable day.

This 78th Independence Day was indeed special for Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Goa Campus, by the virtue that we also marked two other landmarks-20 years of our campus and 60 years of legacy of BITS Pilani passed in the service of our nation.

A meaningful gesture marked the beginning of the day-the ceremonial #planting of 60 tree saplings, symbolizing growth and commitment to a sustainable future. The flag hoisting by the Director BITS Pilani - K.K. Birla Goa Campus Prof Suman Kundu followed with a moment of pride and unity, then accompanied by soulful patriotic songs that resonated with the spirit of the day.

A vibrant cultural program followed, where the sparkle and energy of our freshers this year were felt, both in participation and in that of organization, equally with that of their seniors. This very spirit, energy, and affinity are what made this year's Independence Day celebrations an event.

Fresher’s Fiesta

Watch the highlights from the Independence Day celebrations at the Goa campus, featuring a vibrant fresher-organized cultural program!

View Video

Research Stories

Prof. Sachin Belgamwar and Team for their Indian Patent on "Method for In-Situ Synthesis Of Cu-Ni-Graphene Nanocomposite"

We are thrilled to announce that Prof. Sachin Belgamwar and his team have recently been granted a patent for "Method for in-situ Synthesis of Cu-Ni-Graphene Nanocomposite". This has been the result of an incredible journey filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and a strong commitment to innovation.

This patent pertains to the innovative development of a facile method for the in-situ synthesis of a Cu-Ni-Graphene nanocomposite. This breakthrough could pave the way for significant advancements in various applications, including electronics, energy storage, and catalysis. The ability to synthesize this nanocomposite in situ offers advantages such as improved material properties and simplified processing methods.

We express our gratitude to Prof. Sachin Belgamwar, Dr. Jitendra Singh Rathore, Dr. Ajay Pingale and Dr. Ayush Owhal who played a vital role in bringing this vision to life.

Faculty Spotlight

Professor Ruchi Jain Dey

Professor Ruchi Jain Dey at BITS Pilani is leading a novel research project that promises to revolutionize India's space exploration efforts, particularly in the field of astrobiology. The project tackles a critical hurdle facing Indian space missions: the reliance on costly foreign technology for studying the effects of space-like conditions on microorganisms and human cells.

Imagine the challenges faced by NASA scientists returning to Earth after extended missions. They encounter a range of issues – from weakened immune systems to altered bone density – due to prolonged exposure to space's extreme environment. Professor Dey's project aims to address these very concerns, but with a crucial twist: by focusing on developing indigenous tools and techniques, her research seeks to empower Indian scientists to take the lead in this vital field.

The project, under SPARKLE, will create temperature-controlled payloads for E-MIST (Exposing Microorganisms in the Stratosphere) studies, simulating space conditions here on Earth. This will enable researchers to explore how microbes adapt to extreme environments like those found in space.

The project also incorporates cutting-edge AI and ML models to predict biological outcomes, which will be essential for understanding microbial behavior and developing countermeasures to ensure astronaut safety during future long-duration missions.

Beyond its practical implications for space exploration, this project has the potential to democratize astrobiology research in India, making it accessible to a wider community of scientists. By developing indigenous tools, the project empowers Indian researchers from diverse biological fields to contribute to cutting-edge research. The project's findings will also have significant implications for understanding the potential impact of space travel on human health.

As India aims to reach the moon by 2040 and embarks on ambitious manned space missions, this project will play a crucial role in strengthening India's space program and contributing to global space exploration efforts. It represents a vital step towards a future where India leads the way in astrobiology research, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, and contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of our universe.

Journey of Innovation and Collaboration: Team SkyGuard Shines at the ISRO Immersion Challenge

We are proud to share the remarkable achievement of our student, Naman Chawla, and his team members Vaibhav Shrestha, Krishna Nagpal, and Aditya Bansal, who represented Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Dubai at the prestigious ISRO Immersion Challenge. Their team, "SkyGuard," secured a spot in the top 40 out of 200 participating teams, showcasing their dedication and innovative approach to space exploration through AI technology.

The challenge, organized by CIE IIIT Hyderabad and International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad), was not just a test of skills but a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Team SkyGuard pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with AI in space exploration, and their dedication resulted in an unforgettable experience. The opportunity to meet and engage with esteemed ISRO scientists was a highlight, leaving a profound impact on the team and fueling their passion for space technology.

Alumni Spotlight

Kriti Goyal

Meet Kriti Goyal, a dynamic BITSian from the 2015 batch of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, who's making significant strides in the world of machine learning and technology. Kriti currently excels as a Machine Learning Engineer at Apple, bringing her expertise to the ML Platforms team. Her role involves crafting large-scale, automated, production-grade systems that push the boundaries of what's possible in tech.

Her journey began at BITS Hyderabad, where she earned her B.E. in Computer Science, and then went on to complete her M.S. in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing. She also interned at tech giants like Apple and Amazon, tackling real-world challenges in advertising and language models. At Apple, she integrated a large language model, achieving a remarkable 0.86 BERT score. During her time at Amazon, she optimised an ML pipeline, slashing model execution time by an impressive 75%.

But Kriti's brilliance was evident even during her BITS days where she clinched the Best Innovation Award at the Smart India Hackathon for a project leveraging Computer Vision and NLP techniques, judged by none other than ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization.

Suhane Pal

BITSians Day

BITSians' Day 2024 was an extraordinary three-day celebration held from the 4th to the 6th of August, bringing together the entire alumni community. Hosted by BITSAA (BITS Alumni Association), Alumni Relations and the Student Alumni Relations Cell (SARC), a large number of events across nook and corner of the world showcased the spirit of BITSians - togetherness, creativity, and magic amongst students, alumni, and faculty.

The global BITSian community came together in unity and pride with the release of BITSians' Day T-shirts, accessible worldwide. These T-shirts became a symbol of the strong bonds shared by BITSians' across geographical boundaries.

BITSians' Day 2024 also witnessed alumni meetups organized on all six continents, providing a platform for alumni to reconnect, network, and reminisce about their shared experiences and memories. These meetups exemplified the global reach and impact of BITS Pilani, reinforcing the strong connections forged during their time at our institution.

Convocation

WILP Convocation

BITS Pilani recently celebrated the academic achievements of a remarkable 7800 working professionals who graduated from their Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) division. This unique hybrid convocation, held both in person and in the metaverse, demonstrated BITS Pilani's innovative approach to education. The event saw over thousands of graduates participate virtually, experiencing a near-realistic convocation environment with personalized 3D avatars walking across a virtual stage to receive their degrees.

Distinguished guests emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and the need for graduates to apply their knowledge for the betterment of society. Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, highlighted the WILP's crucial role in addressing the talent gap and equipping working professionals to meet real-world challenges. He emphasized the program's commitment to providing high-quality upskilling opportunities at a massive scale, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the changing global landscape. With over 124,700 graduates and a current active enrollment of over 46,000 professionals, the WILP program continues to be a constant source of quality education for working professionals, not just in India, but globally.

BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Convocation

On August 4th, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus held its 2024 batch convocation. Prof. Satish K. Tripathi, President of the University at Buffalo graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, Vice-Chancellor Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, and Campus Director Prof. Soumyo Mukherji, were joined by other professors and staff. Over 1600 degrees were awarded, with Mr. Satvik Sardesai receiving the goldmedal for exceptional academic performance.

This year, 30 alumni awards were announced, including 2 BITS Ratna Awards, 12 Distinguished Alumnus Awards, 6 Distinguished Services Awards, and 10 Young Alumnus Achievement Awards. Among the young achievers, Aravindhan P Zonal Director, (Narcotics Control Bureau) received his award at the Hyderabad convocation.

Chancellor Dr. Kumar Mangalam Birla through his message inspired graduates, stating, "Seize the opportunities with courage and grit." Prof. Rao emphasized, "Carry forward our rich BITSian heritage, driven by research and innovation." Prof. Mukherji celebrated the students' achievements while giving the campus report reflecting on a successful year.

Congratulations to all the graduates—your future is limitless!

STEP24

The Department of Physics at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus has organised STEP24 as a massive step to dive into the future of Physics.

This vibrant symposium facilitated engaging discussions and provided a platform for showcasing cutting-edge research.

A huge shout-out to the dedicated Research scholars and the Department of Physics for organizing STEP24 and proving that the quest for knowledge in Physics is more inspiring than ever!

World Entrepreneurs Day

On August 21, 2024, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus marked "World Entrepreneurs Day" Celebration with an inspiring event organized by the Institute Innovation Council (IIC) and BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus TBI Society (TBIS).

The overwhelming participation of students and faculty members truly reflects the enthusiasm for entrepreneurship on our campus.
A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed guests and senior Innovation Ecosystem Enablers:
Dr. Bindu Nishal (VP, Agri Innovations & One Health, IKP Knowledge Park)
Dr. Ramjee Pallela (COO, Atal Incubation Centre - CCMB)
Dr. Rashmi (Rohini) Pimpale (CEO, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad)
Their presence and insights were invaluable as they engaged with our campus startups, offering guidance and constructive feedback.

Our institute leadership and senior faculties collaborated with our distinguished guests to explore and strengthen the ties between BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus TBI Society (TBIS) and the Regional Innovation Ecosystem.

A standout moment was the panel discussion on "Opportunities for Innovative Entrepreneurs in India - Perspectives of Ecosystem Enablers," moderated by Dr. Sandeep Raut, General Manager - BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus TBI Society (TBIS).

Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS)

An incredible day at the BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus! We had the honor of inaugurating the Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS).

The event featured the virtual inauguration, the unveiling of the CRENS logo and website, and the launch of a comprehensive research projects compendium.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former Secretary DD R&D, Chairman, DRDO & Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri, and the other notable dignitaries including, Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM Director General, Medical Services, Navy, Major General C. S. Mann, Additional Director General, Army Design Bureau (ADB) and Shri Amit Garg, IPS, Director Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). They emphasized CRENS's comprehensive vision in addressing national security challenges. With collaboration from DRDO, ISRO, DAE, and other key stakeholders, CRENS is poised to play a crucial role in making our nation self-reliant in security science and technology.

BITSPilani group Vice Chancellor Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, the campus Director, Prof. Soumyo Mukherji, and Prof Sanket Goel, Dean of Research & Innovation warmly welcomed all the distinguished guests.

BITS Pilani opens new Bengaluru Center in HSR Layout, aims to develop budding entrepreneurs and researchers

We are glad to announce the establishment of the BITS Pilani Bengaluru Center-a new hub designed to leverage our largest alumni network for innovation and industry partnerships.

The Group Vice Chancellor Prof. V Ramgopal Rao and Director BITS Pilani - K.K. Birla Goa Campus Prof Suman Kundu joined to inaugurate this center among other distinguished guests. It is located at the heart of the startup area of Bangalore in HSR Layout, home to nine unicorn offices. The space has been sponsored by HustleHub, one of the largest providers of enterprise & coworking office spaces in Bangalore. This initiative, led by Prof. mridula goel from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Goa Campus, is set to create a dynamic environment that nurtures future entrepreneurs and researchers.

Prof. V Ramgopal Rao speaking at the inaugural event said "BITS, Pilani Bengaluru Centre exemplifies our resolve to foster innovation and industry collaboration. Launching a new Centre here will help us intensify our relation with the local community and create a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures innovation and the development of budding entrepreneurs and researchers."

MOU Between Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and CSIR CRRI!

BITSPilani aims to "train young men and women able and eager to create and implement such ideas, methods, techniques, and information."

With BITSPilani and CSIR_CRRI joining hands through the MoU, we will work together to develop India into a technology hub for innovation in Transportation_Engineering.

The key activities undertaken in the MoU are:
[1] Academic and Research collaboration in the areas of mutual interest
[2] Joint Supervision of M.E. (Projects and Internships) and Ph.D. students
[3] Conduct conferences, seminars, workshops and other academic meetings

Research experience of esteemed scientists and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at CSIR-CRRI would help the young minds at BITS Pilani to explore and advance their skills in the field. This, in turn, would help bring back the interest of our bright minds to core jobs, which we believe is the need of the hour. It is our pleasure to announce the release of "Material and Energy Recovery from Solid Waste for a Circular Economy", edited by Mr Atun Roy Choudhury and Prof Sankar Ganesh Palani. This book bridges the gap between theoretical insights and practical applications in material and energy recovery from solid waste.
The book features contributions from 50 experts worldwide and covers a broad spectrum of topics, including the management of various waste types. Special highlights include in-depth case studies from Algeria, Australia, and India, providing valuable perspectives on waste management practices across different socio-economic contexts. This resource is a must-have for professionals, researchers, and policymakers aiming to advance sustainable waste management practices and drive the transition towards a circular economy.

BITS Pilani and Novo Nordisk partner for upskilling and learning opportunities in healthcare

The same day, we also signed a strategic partnership with Novo Nordisk through a two-year MoU.

This collaboration aims to enhance learning opportunities in the healthcare sector by aligning academic programs with industry needs.

Together, we will engage in various activities such as hackathons, educational programs, internships, and research collaborations, all designed to upskill BITS students and Novo Nordisk employees alike.

John D., Corporate Vice President & Managing Director, Novo Nordisk Global Business Services, said, "This collaboration with BITS Pilani is a strategic learning partnership that empowers our healthcare workforce and drives innovation and progress in the industry. It reflects our dedication to enhancing knowledge, nurturing talent, and creating a healthier tomorrow."