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Empowering Women Farmers: SRMIST Hosts Training Programme on Marketing of Organic ProduceSTAFF WRITERSRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRMIST, in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Foundation (HRDF) NGO, conducted a one-day training programme on %u201cValue Addition and Effective Marketing of Organic Produce%u201d on April 22, 2025. The event brought together 80 women organic farmers from various parts of Chengalpattu district, highlighting SRM%u2019s commitment to community development and sustainable agricultural practices.The programme began with an inaugural address by Dr. R. Rajasekaran, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, who emphasised the importance of knowledge-sharing platforms for empowering rural women in agriculture.The Chief Guest Address was delivered by Dr. Thirugana Kumar S, Professor and Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, who appreciated the collaborative efforts in strengthening grassroots-level organic farming.Key technical sessions featured:%u2013 Mrs. S. Chandraprabha, Assistant Professor, Post-Harvest Technology, who delivered an insightful session on %u201cValue Addition on Organic Produce%u201d, focusing on innovative post-harvest handling and processing techniques to increase product shelf-life and market appeal.%u2013 Dr. Indhushree A., Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics, who addressed %u201cMarketing Strategies on Organic Produce,%u201d offering practical guidance on branding, packaging, and establishing profitable market linkages.The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. M. R. Naveen Kumar, Assistant Professor in Agricultural Extension and Convenor of the Training Cell, who reiterated SRM%u2019s commitment to farmer-centric capacity building.Nobel Laureate Inspires Future Leaders at the ProUPS International Conference at SRMISTSTAFF WRITERNobel Laureate Prof. Aaron Ciechanover (2004, Chemistry) delivered a special address at the inaugural ProUPS (Proteostasis & Ubiquitin Proteasome System) conference held at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). The conference, themed Cellular Symphony: Decoding Protein Homeostasis in Human Health, focused on protein homeostasis, its impact on human diseases, and drug discovery.The event was organised by the Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRM MCH&RC), in collaboration with the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru.In his talk, Prof. Ciechanover discussed the history of ubiquitin and the crucial role of intracellular protein degradation in quality control, cellular processes, and differentiation. He also highlighted the contributions of scientists, particularly those active during World War II, who advanced research in the field of ubiquitin. Emphasising the importance of an open environment for scientific progress, Prof. Ciechanover stated, %u201cScience needs democracy to flourish. Only then can researchers and scientists work freely.%u201dDr. T. R. Paarivendhar, the Founder Chancellor of SRMIST, remarked, %u201cInternational conferences like this one foster connections and help participants stay updated with the latest developments in the field.%u201d He encouraged students to take full advantage of such opportunities to learn and grow.In his special address, Prof. L.S. Shashidhara, Director of NCBS, Bangalore, emphasised the value of interactions outside the lecture hall. %u201cLearning should not be limited to classroom lessons,%u201d he said. %u201cEngaging with like-minded individuals during conferences is as important, if not more so, than attending classes.%u201d The three-day conference featured over 19 speakers from countries including Israel, Australia, Japan, the USA, Germany, and Ireland. Among those present at the event were Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, Lt. Col. Dr. A. Ravikumar %u2013 MCH&RC Advisor, Dr. Rajiv Janardhanan %u2013 Dean of Research (MHA), Prof. B. Neppolian %u2013 Dean of Research, and Prof. T. P. Singh from AIIMS, New Delhi.SRMIST Founder Chancellor Dr.T.R.Paarivendhar presents a memento to Nobel Laureate presents Prof. Aaron Ciechanover in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof.C.Muthamizhchelvan.6 2025 | Spectrum | Volume 18 Number 4