Construction Awards Presented
The Academy for Construction in Chennai has been a guide for engineers, builders, consultants and civil engineering students. Since 2013, the academy has been honouring people associated with the construction industry for their contributions in this field. The awards cover various categories such as housing, architecture and green construction. The fourth Construction Industry Awards ceremony was held at Music Academy, with all the top builders lending their support on the occasion. Governor K Rosaiah was the chief guest and he honoured the winners by presenting the awards.
Australia Education Fair in City
IDP Education India, the student placement service provider, organised the Australian education fair in city for those aspiring to pursue higher education in Australia. The fair, spread across 14 cities, brings together prominent universities and educational institutes from Australia under one roof. The fair began in Kolkata on January 25 and will conclude in Coimbatore on February 11. Piyush Kumar, country director, India-IDP Education said, “We seek to extend a platform to aspiring students to come and have a face-to-face interaction with the university representatives.” As many as 37 Australian institutions are participating in the fair across Indian cities.
Debating Contest at PSBB School
The inter-PSBB debating finals titled ‘Close Encounters of the Eloquent Kind’, was held in Dr YGP Auditorium at KK Nagar. The finals was a culmination of the year-long debating that took place among the 140-odd members of the PSBB debating society. The motion on the floor was, ‘This house believes that institutional corruption emanates from individual corruption”. While PSBB Nungambakkam put forth the idea that the choice to be corrupt ultimately came down to an individual, the opposite team PSBB K K Nagar argued that system failure and collectivism were the actual origins. After an hour of intense debating, PSBB Nungambakkam won by a narrow margin.
Alumni Meet at Vels University
School of Management Studies at Vels University organised an alumni meet titled Echoes ‘16 at VIBA auditorium. The presidential address was given by vice-chancellor V Thamizh Arasan. He emphasised that alumni should be active, elevate the image of the institution and also contribute to the Alma Mater. P Govindarajan, special officer, spoke on the department’s expectations. He stressed that alumni association should be more effective and take part in the placements, guest lectures, internships, besides training the students in order to provide them with hands-on experience.
Chettinad Vidyashram Gets Award
Monthly magazine ICT on Education adjudged Chettinad Vidyashram as one of the best schools in the country in their survey 2015. The school says it owes the credit to its correspondent Kumararani of Chettinad Meena Muthaiah, who has been the “guiding beacon taking the institution to the pinnacle of success” and the efforts of the principal Amudha Lakshmi. The principal received the award at a function in New Delhi.
Poetry, Essay Collections Released
Penned by Thamizhachi Thangapandian, two books Avalukku Veyil Endru Peyar and Poonaigal Sorgathirkku Selvadhillai were released at a book launch event in the city. Film directors Bala and Mysskin took part in the event. Prominent Tamil writer Indira Parthasarathy presided over the function. Popular Kannada writer HS Sivaprakash, poet R Meenakshi, writer Bharathi Krishnakumar and critic Na Murugesa Pandian spoke on the occasion. Director Bala released the first copy of the poetry book and director Mysskin received it. While the first copy of Poonaigal Sorgathirkku Selvadhillai, an essay collection, was released by artist Trotsky Marudhu and received by writer Imayam and director Cheran.
Joy of Giving Festival at Velammal
Value Education team at Velammal New Gen Park Schools had initiated ‘Joy of Giving’ , a festival of philanthropy, under the aegis of its chief executive MVM Velmurugan who emphasised on responsible citizenship in nurturing the society. The students, staff and parents of Velammal donated food and utility items like grocery, clothes, toiletries and stationery. Contributions were donated to the NGOs and staff of housekeeping department at Velammal Vidhyashram, Surapet campus. Govindhan (Nethrodhaya), Vidhyakar (Udhavum Karangal), Yogananthan (The banyan), Nithya and Baby Janani (Bala Gurukulam), Menaka (Children’s home of hope) and Sivananda Gurukulam were present.
Biotech Seminar Draws Thousands
The two-day Global Biotechnology Summit organised by the department of biotechnology, Union ministry of science and technology, brought together nearly 1,500 participants to discuss opportunities, collaborate and prepare a joint action plan for achieving the target for the biotech sector of US$ 100 billion by 2020. The summit organised on the occasion of celebration of the 30th Foundation Day of the department was attended by eminent scientists, public and private sector organisations, universities, delegations from state governments, representatives and delegations from other countries, besides students and research fellows. Harsh Vardhan, Union minister of science and technology, was the chief guest. The minister said over the 30 years, DBT has achieved several heights and connected research to the needs of the people.