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SRMIST celebrates Linguistic Diversity with Playback Singer Dr. K. S. Chitra at the 3rd Edition of Languages Day 2025STAFF WRITER%u201cLanguage learning is not just about mastering vocabulary but about fostering meaningful connections where every voice is valued,%u201d said Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRMIST. The audience was enthralled by the soulful performance of Padma Bhushan Dr. K. S. Chitra, the chief guest at the 3rd Edition of Languages Day 2025, organised by the Department of English and Foreign Languages, SRMIST-KTR.The event brought together students and scholars to explore the power of languages through competitions, cultural performances, and interactive language booths curated by BTech students, EFL faculty, and research scholars. The chief guest inaugurated the booths, followed by a Bharatanatyam performance and the release of %u201cEchoes of Melody: A Celebration of Her Musical Legacy,%u201d honouring Dr. Chitra%u2019s illustrious career.The event was presided over by:%u2022Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST%u2022Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST%u2022Prof. Dr. T. V. Gopal, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRMIST%u2022Dr. L. Kavitha Nair, Professor and Head, Department of English and Foreign Languages, SRMISTIn her Welcome Address, Dr. L. Kavitha Nair, Professor and Head, the Department of EFL, emphasised the role of languages in fostering global connections and highlighted the significance of linguistic diversity in shaping societies. Vice-Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, in his Felicitation Address, elaborated on how languages shape thought, bridge cultures, and build inclusive communities. He reiterated that language learning is not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar but about fostering meaningful connections where every voice is valued.A key highlight of the celebration was the address by Dr. K.S. Chitra, where she reminisced about her early career and how the legendary Dr. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam mentored her in Telugu, enabling her to reach audiences beyond her native language. As a special gesture, she delighted the audience with a mesmerising live performance, creating an unforgettable experience.The event was the culmination of a week-long Languages Day competition, conducted both online and offline, celebrating linguistic excellence and creativity. A variety of competitions, ranging from elocution, essay writing, poetry recitation, and multilingual storytelling to quiz contests and theatrical performances, engaged participants from across disciplines.This celebration aligns with the Matrubhasha Diwas initiative by the Government of India, reaffirming SRMIST%u2019s commitment to multilingualism and cultural preservation. The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the efforts of faculty, students, volunteers, and support teams who contributed to its success.`12,000 Lakh Crore could be saved through %u2018One Nation, One Election says Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at SRMIST STAFF WRITERSRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) hosted Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Honourable Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, as the Chief Guest for a distinguished address. The central theme of her address was the potential economic benefits of implementing %u201cOne Nation, One Election%u201d on April 5,2025.Stressing the role of academia, Hon%u2019ble Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, mooted that it is high time that we engage in conversation with intellectual educators and students alike to popuralise the model of %u2018One Nation One Election%u2019.%u201cThis idea of %u2018One Nation, One Election%u2019 has been discussed for nearly a decade across several expert committees. If we approach the matter with the perspective of what is best for our nation, we can understand where the opposition arises from and why. We are trying to implement the change through two bills. One is a Constitutional Amendment (129) to legally introduce the provision for simultaneous elections. Similarly, for State Assemblies like Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.The actual implementation of this idea is expected only after the 2029 general elections, when the President may initiate the procedure formally. For this, Sections 82A, 83A, and 327 will be introduced to bring the plan into effect. In 2019, a Lok Sabha-led all-party meeting was held, and out of 19 parties present, 16 supported the proposal. A high-level committee was later formed under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, which consulted 47 political parties%u201432 of them favoured the plan.For the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, nearly 10 lakh security personnel and 25 lakh election administrative officials were deployed. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, approximately `1 lakh crore was spent. If elections are conducted once every five years under the %u2018One Nation, One Election%u2019 model, it is estimated that nearly `12,000 crore can be saved.%u201dThe event also witnessed Dr. Tamilisai Soundarajan, Former Governor of Telangana and Pondicherry, Mr. Arjuna Murthy, BJP%u2019s Intellectural Cell, Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar, Founder & Chancellor of SRMIST, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering academic excellence and intellectual discourse at the institution. The address by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman provided a valuable opportunity for the SRMIST community to gain deeper insights into the intricacies of national policy and the importance of strategic planning for the nation%u2019s progress. The university extends its sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister for her enlightening address and for taking the time to interact with the attendees.4 2025 | Spectrum | Volume 18 Number 4