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STAFF WRITERThe Faculty of Management at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, brought people together through AGAM 9.0 %u2013 The Convergence of Minds, held from February 25 to 27, 2026The inaugural session featured Mr. S. Nargunam, Founder & Managing Director of Excel Die Castings, who shared perspectives on operational excellence and manufacturing leadership, alongside Mr. Pradeep Murugan, Founder & CEO of Brand Mascots Communications Pvt. Ltd., who spoke on strategic branding, creative differentiation, and entrepreneurial growth.The session also had Dr. V. M. Shenbagaraman, Dean, Faculty of Management, who addressed the audience and stressed the need for academia-industry collaboration in the development of professionals for the future. Dr. K. Santhanalakshmi, Convenor of Agam 9.0, also spoke at the event and emphasised the objectives of the event, including the need to develop an innovative, leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset among students.Prof. Vinay Kumar A, Pro Vice Chancellor (SBL), SRMIST-KTR, while sharing the presidential address, remarked that yesterday%u2019s reality will not remain the same tomorrow, and the ability to adapt emotionally to constant change is essential for survival in today%u2019s competitive world. True innovation happens where knowledge meets application. As we advance into an era of AI, data-driven decisions, and smart technologies, we must remember: innovation without ethics is dangerous. Progress must always be guided by values,%u201d said Mr. S. Nargunam, Founder & Managing Director of Excel Die Castings.Moreover, Mr. Pradeep Murugan, Founder & CEO of Brand Mascots Communications Pvt. Ltd., shared, %u201cYour generation is truly fortunate %u2014 you%u2019ve grown up with technology in your hands. The access, the exposure, the opportunities you have today are unprecedented. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Mr. Sarathbabu E, Founder of FoodKing, whose journey reflects scalable grassroots entrepreneurship. %u201cThe rise of AI tools suggests a transition for the software industry, but it also signals a massive creation of new opportunities in other sectors. Mr. Dhinesh Khanna Ramalingam, Global Head %u2013 Customer Success at Zoho, who emphasised global SaaS growth, customer experience strategy and leadership in digital transformation, also graced the valediction. He stated, %u201cAI is not taking away careers; it is opening new avenues across data, hardware, electronics and emerging technologies. Moreover, an Indian vocalist and composer, Ms. Shakthisree Gopalan, greeted the occasion with her presence. A key differentiator of AGAM 9.0 was its integration of mentorship and industry evaluation at every stage. With total rewards exceeding `3 lakh, the event reinforced its focus on innovation with measurable impact.AGAM 9.0 Sets the Stage for Ethical Innovation and Industry-Academia CollaborationBreast Cancer Awareness Programme Conducted at Kumizhi VillageSTAFF WRITERThe NSS Unit of SRM College of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Department of Genetic Engineering, SRMIST, organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Programme on 10 November 2025 at Kumizhi Village. The event saw active participation from more than 100 women from the local community. Expert speakers%u2014Dr. Revathi Devi (Genetic Engineering), Dr. D. S. Prabakaran ( Biotechnology), Dr. I. Thahira (NSS Cell), Dr. M. Jagadesan ( College of Pharmacy,NSS Programme officer), and Dr. K. Gayathri ( NSS event coordinator , College of Pharmacy)%u2014addressed the audience on breast cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of self-examination. Students from both departments contributed creatively by preparing informative posters and engaging with the participants through interactive discussions During the programme, Mrs. Varalakshmi Madhusoodhanan, MLA, visited the village on official duty and appreciated the team%u2019s efforts in promoting women%u2019s health and community welfare. The event was graced by Dr. V. Chitra, Dean, SRM College of Pharmacy. The initiative successfully raised awareness and encouraged preventive health practices among the women of Kumizhi Village.2026 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 2 9