By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

Smart India Hackathon 2025

The inauguration of the selection competition for the Smart India Hackathon 2025, organised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and All India Council for Technical Education, was held at Theni Nadar Saraswathi College of Engineering and Technology. College Secretary A.S.S.S. Somasundaram presided. Students submitted projects to address the needs and provide solutions for various departments of the Government of India through the MHRD. A total of 80 teams of students from all departments participated and submitted 56 software projects and 27 hardware projects. Students who submitted the projects selected by the MHRD will participate in the final competition in November.

Awareness programme

An awareness programme for women was organised at A.K.D. Dharma Raja Women’s College, Rajapalayam, jointly by the Virudhunagar District Women’s Development Centre and the Department of Social Welfare and Women’s Rights. Virudhunagar District Collector Sukaputra was the chief guest. He stated that a large number of girl students have benefited from the Pudhumai Penn scheme. District Social Welfare Officer Thilagam explained that the Pudhumai Penn scheme is provided to support girl students studying in government and government-aided schools to pursue higher education. She also added that the Thavappudhalvan Scheme is being implemented for students. Government Advocate of Srivilliputhur Additional Mahila Court Jansi Surjith emphasised that girl students should be able to live safely in society. District Programme Coordinator Dharani detailed the Widow Daughter Marriage Assistance Scheme, Mother Teresa Destitute Women’s Marriage Assistance Scheme, Widow Remarriage Assistance Scheme, and Intercaste Marriage Financial Assistance Scheme. District Social Welfare Office Administrator Rochar Arumai highlighted the Women’s Helpline 181 and Child Helpline 1098 for protection and support. Assistant Professor Manimala proposed the vote of thanks.

One-day workshop

The PG Department of English, Syed Ammal Arts and Science College, Ramanathapuram, in collaboration with Koodugai Foundation, Ramanathapuram, organised a one-day workshop on ‘Unlocking the Doll’s House: Literature Meets Performance’ on Wednesday. Director of Alternative Media Centre, Chennai, R. Kaleeswaran, was the chief guest. He brought out the life nuances reflected in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. He emphasised the need for students to enrich their skills to develop emotional intelligence. Assistant Professor R. Bavadharani proposed a vote of thanks.

Cultural festival

A two-day Mirth-’25 cultural festival was held at Kalasalingam University, Srivilliputhur. Chancellor K. Sridharan presided. Vice-President S. Shasi Anand inaugurated. Special guest ‘Jo’, film-fame actress Malavika Manoj, participated. A total of 26 types of competitions, including dance, singing, beauty contests, quiz, painting, cars and bikes racing shows were held. Singers Anand Aravindakshan and Safiya Music group participated. The Chancellor and the Vice President presented trophies and certificates to the School of Electrical and Electronic Communication Engineering, which came first, and the School of Biotech, Chemical and Food Processing, which came second. Fine arts clubs – PYROS, Professors T.K. Srilekha, P.Priya, M. Sangeetha, K. Vignesh, M. Barath Kesavan, and students from various Clubs, NSS and NCC organised.

Faculty development programme

The Department of Commerce and Economics at GTN Arts College, Dindigul, organised a one-day faculty development program sponsored by the ICSI Madurai Chapter on ‘Emerging Trends in Commerce and Accounting Education: GST, AI, and Sustainable Practices.’ It aims to address current challenges and explore emerging opportunities in commerce education. HoD of Economics P. Ravichandran emphasised the importance of staying updated with the latest trends in commerce education. Academic Director N. Markkandeyan stressed the importance of academic excellence and the integration of modern technologies in learning and business practices. HoD at The Madura College, Madurai, A. Mayil Murugan, elaborated on the evolving GST regulations and accounting practices. Associate Professor C. Paramasivan explained the role of artificial intelligence in commerce. Secretary of Shanthi Gears Limited, Coimbatore, CS. Walter Vasant discussed the significance of company secretaries in corporate governance, focusing on regulatory frameworks, ethical standards, and leadership required for organisational growth. Assistant Professor S. Amutha proposed a vote of thanks.