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Workshop %u201cMunnerum%u201926%u201d Empowering Non-Teaching Staff with Essential SkillsSTAFF WRITERThe Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST), Kattankulathur, in association with the Young Journalists Association, successfully conducted a workshop titled %u201cMunnerum%u201926%u201d on Saturday, 14th March 2026. The workshop was specially organized for the non-teaching staff of SRM IST, Kattankulathur, with the aim of enhancing their knowledge and practical skills in areas that support both professional and personal development.The workshop took place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of non-teaching staff members across various departments. The sessions were conducted by students of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, who actively engaged with the participants through informative presentations and practical demonstrations.The workshop was divided into four key sections. The first session focused on Communication Skills, where participants learned about effective interpersonal communication, workplace etiquette, and the importance of clear and confident expression in professional environments. The second session addressed Government Policies and Government Policy Websites, providing guidance on how to access and utilize official government portals to stay informed about schemes, services, and citizen benefits available to them. The third session covered Financial Security, where participants were introduced to the importance of financial planning, savings, and awareness about financial safety in today%u2019s digital world. The final session focused on Artificial Intelligence and its Uses, explaining how AI tools can simplify everyday tasks, assist in office work, and improve productivity through digital platforms and smart technologies. Participants actively interacted with the student presenters, making the sessions lively and engaging. The workshop served as an excellent platform for knowledge exchange and practical learning. The workshop %u201cMunnerum%u201926%u201d concluded successfully with positive feedback from the participants. The initiative highlighted the commitment of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Young Journalists Association to promote knowledge sharing and skill development within the university community. By equipping non-teaching staff with essential communication, digital, and financial awareness skills, the workshop contributed to empowering them with tools that can enhance both their professional efficiency and personal growth.2026 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 2 11SRMIST onboards ProVC for School of Law Dr. R. Jayanthi takes Charge as Dean (Medical) at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research CentreSTAFF WRITERProfessor Y.S.R. Murthy has taken over as the Pro Vice Chancellor of the School of Law at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, bringing with him more than four decades of distinguished experience spanning higher education, human rights, media, governance, and the NGO sector at both national and international levels.A civil servant turned academician, Prof. Murthy has held several prestigious leadership positions in the field of higher education. He previously served as the Founding Vice Chancellor and Dean of the School of Law at RV University from 2020 to 2024. Subsequently, he served as the Vice Chancellor of Assam Royal Global University during 2024%u20132025. Prior to these roles, he played a significant part in the development and international recognition of O.P. Jindal Global University STAFF WRITERDr. R. Jayanthi is a disting uished academic leader, clinician, and medical administrator with over three decades of exemplary service in medical education, clinical practice, research, academic governance, and public healthcare. She brings to SRM Institute of Science and Technology a rare blend of visionary leadership, administrative acumen, and deep commitment to institutional excellence.Prior to joining SRMIST, Dr. Jayanthi served with exceptional distinction as Dean of Government Medical Colleges for more than six years, including a highly impactful tenure of three years as Dean of Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai. This institution stands among Asia%u2019s oldest and largest public medical and between 2009 and 2020.An officer of the 1985 batch of the IAS and Allied Services, Prof. Murthy has served in several key positions within the Government of India, including assignments in the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister%u2019s Office, and other important central institutions. He also served the National Human Rights Commission of India for over 12 years, where he worked closely with former Chief Justices of India, including M. N. Venkatachaliah and J. S. Verma.In addition to his admini strative and academic accomplishments, Prof. Murthy has also served as spokesperson for former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.Currently serving as the National Coordinator of SWAYAM, Prof. Murthy has been recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Justice J.S. Verma National Award and the PRCI Chanakya National Award 2023. He continues to contribute actively to academia and public policy through advisory roles, institutional m e m b e r s h i p s , a n d international engagements.The appointment of Prof. Murthy is expected to further strengthen the academic and research ecosystem of the School of Law at SRMIST and reinforce its commitment to excellence in legal education and interdisciplinary scholarship.Professor Y.S.R.Murthytertiary care hospitals. She retired from Tamil Nadu Government service in March 2023. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Jayanthi played a pivotal leadership role as Head of the Task Force at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Omandurar Government Hospital, guiding largescale clinical operations and emergency response during an unprecedented public health crisis. Her contributions to institutional development are significant and far-reaching. They include establishing NABL accreditation for pathology laboratories, securing the first-ever NIRF ranking for Madras Medical College, and pioneering the Emergency Medicine Department at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. An accomplished academician and researcher, Dr. Jayanthi has published extensively in reputed indexed journals. She served as Editor-in-Chief of a COVID-19 reference book and has been the Principal Investigator for two international and two national clinical trials. Her numerous honours include the Best Performing Dean Award, Government of Tamil Nadu awards for COVID-19 management and Emergency Services, the Prof. M. S. Ramachandran Oration Award, and the Tamil Nadu Medical Council Award for Excellence in Medical Teaching (2022). Dr. R. Jayanthi