Grand Success of Avishkar: Inter-University Research Competition for Universities in Maharashtra

The Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University hosted an Inter-University Research Competition "AVISHKAR-2007-08" on 10 th, 11th and 12th January, 2008 under leadership of Prof. Chandra Krishnamurthy, the Hon. Vice Chancellor. The genesis of 'AVISHKAR-2007-08" is from the success of Sports meet "Ashwmedh" and Inter-University Cultural Festival "Indradhanushya" which provide opportunity for all round development of personality of students. His Excellency Dr. S. M. Krishna, Chancellor mooted the concept of providing a platform/opportunity for expression of research talent of students. It is for inculcating research culture and original thinking in students. Such type of activity is essential in the era of intellectual property rights with the implementation of WTO-GATS and patenting of research. To make the country competent and competitive, promoting research activities at the right age is the only solution. The First Avishkar was organised during February 2007 at Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University in Nagpur. An endeavour like "AVISHKAR-2007-08" definitely provided necessary platform and the impetus in achieving the goal of academic excellence. Theme song for Avishkar was written by Shri Vinayak Dalvie and composed by Dr. Sunil Katti of Music Department of SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai. We have received 331 entries representing 1st and 2nd prizes from 18 universities in Maharashtra. Each of them sent the entries in following six categories to each of U.G., P.G., & M.Phil/Ph.D level. All Universities could participate in any category. There is no restriction of subjects as Avishkar believes in borderless research and interdisciplinary efforts. Any student from any discipline could participate under any of the following categories. We received 341 entries from men and women students: 1. Humanities, Languages, Fine Arts etc. - 60 2. Commerce, Management, Law etc. - 55 3. Pure Sciences - 75 4. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry - 36 5. Engineering and Technology - 60 6. Medicine and Pharmacy - 55 No. of entries and contingent: Each university could send maximum of 2 entries in each category at the Under-graduate, Post-graduate and M.Phil. /Doctoral Level (6 x 6) with a total contingent of up to 36 members excluding the Team Manager. Duration and Schedule of the Festival: The competition was for three days. The host university provided local hospitality to the team members and infrastructure for exhibition and exhibition of research projects. Aviskar, 08 was inaugurated by Madam Joyce Shankaran, Secretary, Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharshtra. Electrifying atmosphere and attractive exhibitions, colourful cultural evenings and late night animated discussion sessions convinced us that future of Maharashtra is really bright. Exhibition with 341 exhibitions and models was inaugurated by Prof. S.S. Mantha, Pro vice Chancellor of SNDT women’s University and Guest of Honour was Prof. Vijay Khole, Hon.Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University. Day-1: 10.1.2008: Poster/Model display of research projects in the form of Exhibition were judged as elimination round by the eminent judges and Discourse by the eminent scholar, Prof. Vahiya from TIFR on Researches in Pure Sciences. Day-2: 11.1.2008: Oral presentation on LCD strictly by the students of the selected / short listed research projects in each category and Discourse by the eminent scholars on Ayurveda and engineering. Day-3: 12.1.2008: Discourse by the eminent scholars on law, media and Modern medicine and public health followed by prize distribution ceremony in the evening Activities of Avishkar were open to the students, Academia and general public. Valedictory session’s chief guest was Prof. Chandra Krishnamurthy and Guest of Honour was Shri Vinayak Dalvie, Jt. Secretary, Rajbhavan, Mumbai. Prize distribution ceremony was full of gusto. LIST OF TROPHY-WINNING UNIVERSITIES: Overall Trophy for Avishkar, 08 was received by Pune Vidyapeeth and Runner up was received by University of Mumbai. Overall Performance Trophy Runner Up: University of Mumbai 1. Category I: Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik. 2. Category II: University of Pune. 3. Category III: University of Mumbai. 4. Category IV: North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon. 5. Category V: University of Pune. 6. Category VI: University of Pune. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRIDE OF SNDT women’s University, Mumbai who won Its Prize in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry at Research Level 1st Prize A-RES-01 Tabassum Khan SNDT Women's University, Mumbai 1st Prize A-RES-02 Shruti Dhruv SNDT Women's University, Mumbai Prepared by Prof. Vibhuti Patel, Organising Secretary, Avishkar, 08 SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai

by Lakshmi Priya g | On 30 Jan 08