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Agri Startup 2.0 at SRMIST: A Step Toward Sustainable Agriculture and National ProsperitySTAFF WRITER%u201cWithout agriculture, there is no life. By 2047, strong agriculture will be Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST lights the lamp during the Agri Startup 2.0 event at SRMIST, Kattankulathur. said Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, during Agri Startup 2.0, hosted by the SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRMIST-Kattankulathur, in collaboration with the Isha Save Soil MovementThe programme was graced by Mr. N. Selvam, Joint Director (Extension), Directorate of Extension, Department of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Government of India, who shared insights on natural and organic farming practices, and Mr. Narendra Kumar, Executive Vice President and Head of CSR, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited, who spoke on the transformative role of natural farming in strengthening rural livelihoods.H i g h l i g h t i n g t h e movement%u2019s long-standing contributions, it was noted that the Save Soil Movement has been active in Tamil Nadu for nearly three decades, focusing on revitalizing soil health, improving farmers%u2019 income, and promoting toxin-free food production.Mr. Narendra Kumar underlined the impact of their initiatives, stating:%u201cAcross Tamil Nadu, we%u2019ve trained farmers in sustainable techniques that improve livelihoods and provide chemical-free food. With 47 research centers and two model farms in Thiruvannamalai and Coimbatore, we demonstrate high-yield, cost-effective natural farming. Over `10 crore worth of produce has been sold, benefiting 11,500 farmers on 60,000 acres. By 2040, agriculture will be the cornerstone of our nation; doubling farmers%u2019 income is key to making India a true agricultural powerhouse.%u201dProf. C. Muthamizh chelvan highlighted SRMIST%u2019s commitment, saying: %u201cAt SRMIST, our agricultural college, research, and startup incubation initiatives are driving sustainable farming, empowering farmers, and securing the future of food and rural development. Under the guidance of our Founder, Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, we run the College of Agricultural Sciences at Achirapakkam, where aspiring agrientrepreneurs receive land, financial assistance, and support to build their ventures with us for up to two and a half years.%u201dClay Modelling Workshop at SRMISTSTAFF WRITERThe Department of Architecture, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, in association with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and the Directorate of Campus Administration, organised a Clay Modelling Workshop on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The event aimed to nurture creativity, cultural appreciation, and hands-on learning through the traditional art of clay sculpting.A total of 140 students registered, with the first batch of 70 participants completing the session this week, while the second batch is scheduled for next week.The workshop was convened by Dr. V. Thirumurugan, Associate Director %u2013 Campus Life, Nodal Officer of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of art-based activities in enhancing the holistic development of students.Renowned artists Mr. Saravanakumar and Mr. Karuppusamy led the training sessions, demonstrating clay modelling techniques with a special focus on sculpting Lord Vinayagar idols. Students enthusiastically engaged in the process, acquiring technical skills and creative insights.As part of the concluding programme, certificates of participation were distributed by the convenor, Dr. Thirumurugan. Participants from Engineering & Technology, School of Public Health, and the Faculty of Science and Humanities (FSH) expressed appreciation for the workshop, noting how it boosted their creativity while offering a refreshing break from academic routines.The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ar. K. Kalaimathy, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, followed by a group photograph where students proudly displayed the idols they had crafted.SRM IST secured the Silver Medal at the 71st State Championship Volleyball (Men%u2019s) Tournament, held in Chennai from June 30th to July 6th, 2025.Two SRM IST Teams Secure Spots in the Top 8 of the State ChampionshipProf. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, lights the lamp at the Agri Startup 2.0, hosted by the SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRMIST-Kattankulathur.2025 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 1 15