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SYNERGY Redefines Online Education Through Case Study Competition and Cross-Disciplinary CollaborationSTAFF WRITERSYNERGY, organised by the Directorate of Online and Distance Education at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur marked a defining moment in the evolution of online learning %u2014 transforming digital education into an engaging, academically rigorous experience. Conceived as a case study%u2013based workshop and competition, the programme brought together 312 Online learners from MBA, BBA, MCA, and BCA programmes, fostering a rich, interdisciplinary environment of learning and collaboration. Under the leadership of Director Dr. Manoranjan Pon Ram, SYNERGY was built on a foundation of innovation and studentdriven engagement. The programme%u2019s academic vision was shaped by Dr. M. Daniel Rajkumar, Assistant Professor, whose emphasis on analytical thinking, real-world application, and effective communication gave the initiative its intellectual depth. Co-Coordinator Dr. R. Seetharaman Assistant Professor, ensured seamless operational execution throughout. The event commenced with a two-day workshop held on 27 and 28 March 2026, conducted via Zoom. Faculty members %u2014 Dr. M. Daniel Rajkumar, Dr. V. Selvalakshmi, Dr. Atik Asgar Shaikh, and Dr. Sachin Chavan %u2014 guided participants through SWOT and PESTLE analysis frameworks, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and active intellectual participation.%u201cLearning evolved into experience, collaboration-built confidence, and education was redefined for a connected world.%u201dA highlight of the programme was an innovative Wild Card round, which introduced live audience voting, adding an interactive dimension that underscored the importance of communication and public engagement. The Grand Finale featured twelve teams evaluated by a distinguished panel of academics and industry professionals, ensuring a rigorous balance between theoretical grounding and practical relevance. Preliminary-round judges %u2014 Dr. Siva G. Subramanian, Dr. R. Vijay Raja, Dr. G. Babu, Mr. Karthik Vaithiyanathan, Dr. V. Mohana Sundari, and Dr. P. B. Govindarajan %u2014 assessed participants on analytical depth, clarity, feasibility, and presentation quality. The Grand Finale panel comprised Prof. S. Chandran, Mr. Mohan Babu, Mr. Bhavin Pradeep Shah, Dr. Veena Christy, Dr. Madhumithaa N, and Dr. Prabhu G, whose expertise ensured a balanced and comprehensive evaluation. Student coordinators Miss. Syeda Alisha Sharyar and Miss. Maria Helen, supported by organising committee members Mr. Abhinav Deshpande, Miss. Moneesha N R, and Mr. Alok Maurya, played a vital role in ensuring smooth execution. The event was streamed live on YouTube, extending its reach well beyond geographical boundaries. In the final standings, Team 21 claimed first place, followed by Team 6 in second and Team 18 in third. Yet the true measure of SYNERGY%u2019s success lay beyond the rankings %u2014 in the confidence it cultivated, the perspectives it broadened, and the vision it affirmed: that online education, when thoughtfully designed, can be as transformative as any classroom experience.STAFF WRITERSRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Directorate of Sports, has been honoured with the HABICOO Sports Award 2025%u201326 for its outstanding contribution in encouraging sports at the International, National, and State levels, along with recognition for Best Outdoor Sports Infrastructure and Best Facilities for Sports Quota Students. The award was presented on 28 January,2026 SRMIST%u2019s Directorate of Sports stands as a model for excellence, opportunity, and sustained success in Indian sportsat Alpha Engineering College, Chennai. Further strengthening this achievement, 72 sportspersons from SRM IST have been recruited into Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) during the academic year 2025%u201326, marking the highest number of PSU recruitments from a single institution in the college category for the year 2025-26.2026 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 2 21