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STAFF WRITERThe Directorate of Sports, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMISTKTR), has entered into a transformative five-year partnership with FC Madras through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27th February 2025. This collaboration aims to create a seamless pathway for young footballers, blending high-performance training with academic excellence.Under this agreement, SRM athletes will have the unique opportunity to represent both SRMIST in university-level tournaments and FC Madras in national and state leagues, fostering dual career progression in sports and academics.FC Madras, a 4-star-rated professional football academy, is renowned for its Elite Scholarship Program, which offers full boarding, lodging, training, and education. The MoU ensures that graduates from FC Madras%u2019 high school program can seamlessly transition to higher education at SRMIST while continuing their professional football careers.Voices from the Partnership:Mr. Abhishek Yadav, CEO, FC Madras, expressed his enthusiasm:SRMIST Signs MoU with FC Madras to Develop Young Footballers%u201cAt FC Madras, we nurture players through our Elite Scholarship Program until higher secondary education. With this MoU, SRM University provides the academic pathway beyond that while ensuring players stay in the professional football system. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of creating %u2018Champions for Life.%u2019%u201dDr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:%u201cUniversity sports play a key role in talent development worldwide. This partnership with FC Madras is a step toward building a system where young footballers can excel both academically and professionally. We envision this collaboration paving the way for future Olympic participation.%u201dMr. Venkatesh Shanmugam, Technical Director, FC Madras, underscored the importance of player development:%u201cThe transition from U17 to professional football is critical. This collaboration ensures our players receive structured training, competition exposure, and education at a crucial stage of their careers.%u201dFC Madras board member, Mr. C.K.M. Dhananjai, remarked on the broader impact:%u201cUniversity sport is a global force, and FC Madras is stepping right into it! This partnership integrates elite sport with higher education, empowering young athletes on and off the field. The rewards of this collaboration extend to players, the university, and Indian football as a whole.%u201dCommitment to Holistic Development:SRMIST will invest INR 5 crore over five years, reinforcing its dedication to sports development. The university will offer academic admissions, accommodation, food, and state-of-the-art training infrastructure for FC Madras U20 players. Meanwhile, FC Madras will oversee player development, coaching, technical training, competition participation, and performance monitoring.STAFF WRITERSRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, celebrated National Science Day 2025 on February 28 at Dr. T. P. Ganesan Auditorium under the theme %u201cEmpowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.%u201d The event featured distinguished speakers: Prof. V. Ravichandiran, Vice Chancellor of Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, delivered the National Science Day Address, while Prof. Tapas K. Kundu, Director of CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, graced the event as Guest SRMIST Celebrates National Science Day 2025: Empowering Youth for Global Leadershipof Honour; Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, presided over the function. Prof. V. Ravichandiran highlighted India%u2019s contributions to space exploration, healthcare, and sustainable technology, touching on ISRO%u2019s achievements, AYUSH initiatives, and research on small nucleic acid drugs. Prof. Tapas K. Kundu traces India%u2019s scientific legacy, emphasising curiosity and dedication as key drivers of innovation. The event also recognised academic excellence, with 53 students and scholars receiving Chancellor Awards and Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral Research across multiple disciplines. Additionally, Dr. T. V. Gopal, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Dr. A. Duraisamy, Dean, Faculty of Science and Humanities; and Dr. V. Chitra, Dean, College of Pharmacy, received the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award for Ph.D. research. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. D. John Thiruvadigal, acknowledging the efforts of speakers, participants, and organisers in making the event a resounding success. SRMIST Registrar Dr.S.Ponnusamy showsing the MoU signed between SRMIST and FC MadrasProf. Tapas K. Kundu, Director of CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, addresses the audience as Guest of Honour during the National Science Day 2025 celebrations at SRMIST.020 2025 | Spectrum | Volume 18 Number 4Shining Stars of SRM! STAFF WRITERA big round of applause to Mr. Kapil V and Mr. Syed Mohammad Mohsin from the Department of Commerce (Honours) %u2013 International Accounting and Finance for clearing the prestigious ACCA Financial Reporting Paper in December 2024 Batch!Their achievement was proudly recognized by the Head of the Department and IQAC Coordinator at SRM IST - Faculty of Science and Humanities, Vadapalani Campus, Chennai.