I had the privilege of participating as a Research Professor of Srinivas University in the Research Conclave 2026, organised by the Research and Innovation Council of Srinivas University. The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, research professors, research guides, post-doctoral fellows, Ph.D. scholars, faculty members, and invited delegates to celebrate the spirit of research, innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and academic excellence.
The program began with an invocation, followed by a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants. The event respectfully remembered the visionary founder chancellor, late Dr. CA A. Raghavendra Rao, whose dedication and vision continue to inspire Srinivas University in its journey towards research excellence.
The dignitaries present included Dr. A. Srinivas Rao, Hon’ble Chancellor of Srinivas University; Ms. Meghana Rao, Member, Board of Governors; Dr. K. Satyanarayana Reddy, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Anil Kumar, Registrar; Dr. Srinivas Mayya D., Registrar Evaluation; Dr. Ajay Kumar, Registrar Development; and Dr. Praveen B.M., Director of Research, along with deans, research coordinators, research guides, scholars, and faculty members.
A ceremonial lamp-lighting was held, symbolising the removal of ignorance and the illumination of knowledge and wisdom. This was followed by the presentation of the Annual Research Report 2025 by Dr. Praveen B.M., Director of Research.
The report highlighted the remarkable research progress of Srinivas University. The university offers Ph.D., post-doctoral fellowship, D.Sc., and D.Litt. programs across several disciplines, including Engineering and technology, management and Commerce, Allied Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Computer Science, Social Sciences and humanities, hotel management, physiotherapy, education, nursing, science, languages, and yogic sciences.
It was noted that the university has admitted around 220 research scholars during the year, with the total Ph.D. scholar strength reaching about 2,350. More than 800 scholars are actively pursuing Ph.D., and about 250 scholars have completed Ph.D. from the university. Around 370 scholars are pursuing post-doctoral fellowship programs, with nearly 150 completing PDF certificates. The university has also made strong progress in D.Sc. and D.Litt. programmes.
The report further stated that Srinivas University has published more than 2,000 research articles in the last five years, including around 400 papers in the last year alone. The university has filed more than 110 patents, out of which around 40 patents have been granted. It has also secured more than 600 copyrights, with around 200 copyrights received during the last year. The university has signed more than 100 MoUs for national, international, and industry collaborations.
A major emphasis of the conclave was on quality research with social relevance. Speakers repeatedly stressed that research should not be undertaken merely for obtaining degrees, publications, or academic titles, but must contribute meaningfully to society. The importance of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research was highlighted as essential for addressing complex social, scientific, technological, and developmental challenges.
Dr. Ajay Kumar encouraged research scholars to choose topics that serve humanity and society. He emphasized the need to move beyond conventional research and focus on new-generation areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Indian Knowledge Systems, spirituality, science, and socially useful innovation.
Dr. Srinivas Mayya D., Registrar Evaluation, congratulated the research community and advised scholars to select broader and more meaningful research topics. He emphasized that research should be connected to the Sustainable Development Goals and should clearly indicate its contribution to society. He also advised research guides to recommend suitable examiners from the correct subject area to avoid delays in thesis evaluation.
Dr. Anil Kumar, Registrar, reminded the scholars that research must go beyond publication numbers. He stressed that research should create new knowledge, support societal progress, and generate practical outcomes. He encouraged scholars to think deeply about the scope, limitations, and future possibilities of their work.
The Vice Chancellor, Dr. K. Satyanarayana Reddy, inspired the gathering by emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. He noted that when scholars from different disciplines come together, they can create innovative products and solutions useful to society. His message encouraged scholars to work with confidence, speed, and purpose.
The feedback session provided an opportunity for research scholars and guides to share their experiences. Scholars appreciated the guidance, academic support, and research culture of Srinivas University. They expressed that the university encourages them not only to complete research degrees but also to think beyond conventional boundaries and contribute to society.
A prize distribution ceremony was also held to recognize outstanding performance among Ph.D. scholars, Post-Doctoral Fellows, research guides, and researchers. The awards celebrated academic excellence, dedication, innovation, and valuable research contributions.
Ms. Meghana Rao, Member of the Board of Governors, addressed the gathering and appreciated the commitment of scholars who are working to add new knowledge to the world. She beautifully described research as the effort to expand the boundary of existing human knowledge, even if by one small step.
The presidential address was delivered by Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. A. Srinivas Rao. He appreciated the progress made by the university in research and encouraged scholars to focus on useful, public-oriented, product-based, and process-based research. He stressed that research should benefit society at large and should lead to innovation. He also announced the university’s plan to develop a dedicated research wing with substantial built-up area for research activities. His address inspired scholars to work collectively, think creatively, and contribute to making India a global leader in research and innovation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chancellor, Board of Governors, Vice Chancellor, Registrars, Director of Research, Research Professors, guides, scholars, faculty members, and organizing team.
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My participation as a Research Professor of Srinivas University in this conclave was highly enriching and meaningful. The event provided a valuable platform to understand the university’s research vision, interact with scholars and guides, appreciate the achievements of the research community, and reflect on the future direction of socially relevant, interdisciplinary, and innovation-driven research.
The Research Conclave 2026 successfully reaffirmed Srinivas University’s commitment to building a strong research ecosystem rooted in academic excellence, social responsibility, innovation, collaboration, and national development.