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SRMIST Trains 350 OTA Officer Cadets in IT and Cyber Security Diploma ProgrammeSTAFF WRITERIn a significant milestone for academia%u2013defence collaboration, the first batch of students from SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) graduated from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, with a Diploma in Information Technology and Cyber Security on March 3, 2026.Introduced under a Memorandum of Understanding between SRMIST and OTA, the one-year diploma programme aims to equip future military leaders with essential knowledge in information technology, cyber security, and data protection, strengthening India%u2019s cyber defence capabilities. A total of 350 officer cadets received diplomas under this initiative, including 321 male and 29 female cadets. The batch also recorded 16 rank holders, comprising 1 First Rank, 6 Second Ranks, and 9 Third Ranks. Addressing the gathering, Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, highlighted the growing importance of cyber capabilities in modern defence.%u201cThe nature of conflict has moved beyond physical borders. Today, the security of India is managed as much through a computer screen as it is on the ground. Your completion of this diploma is not merely an academic milestone; it is a strategic reinforcement of our national shield.%u201dAppreciating the collaboration, Lt. Gen. Michael A. J. Fernandez, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, OTA, Chennai, noted that structured IT and cyber security education enhances the professional competence of officer cadets in the evolving digital battlespace. Offered by the SRM Faculty of Science and Humanities, the programme covers areas such as network security, secure systems design, cyber hygiene, incident response, cyber warfare, and AI applications. The course integrates classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, practical exercises, and continuous assessments aligned with realistic operational scenarios.The ceremony was attended by Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST, Prof. A. Vinay Kumar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (FSH, Management & Law), SRMIST, senior officers from OTA, and the graduating cadets. The diploma certificates were jointly endorsed by SRMIST.This initiative reflects SRMIST%u2019s commitment to contributing to national capacity-building through specialised academic programmes aligned with emerging strategic and technological priorities. Cadets being honoured on stage alongside dignitaries during the diploma award ceremony at the Officers Training Academy in ChennaiSRMIST Launches Inaugural Issue of %u2018Frontiers of Multidisciplinary Research%u2019 Journal, Marking a Milestone in Interdisciplinary ScholarshipSTAFF WRITERThe launch of the inaugural issue of the journal Frontiers of Multidisciplinary Research (FoMR) was held on 24 December 2025 at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus. The event was graced by Prof. Dr. J. N. Reddy, Director (CiMDM), Texas A&M University, USA, who formally released the first issue of the journal. The ceremony was attended by the FoMR core committee members, faculty, and researchers, marking an important step toward promoting interdisciplinary research and strengthening academic collaboration. 10 2026 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 2