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19th Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) held at Amity
Dated: 1 February, 2023

19th Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) held at Amity
Dated: 1 February, 2023
The prestigious 19th Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC), which included students from India, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Iran, and Bhutan, was held at the Noida campus of Amity University in Uttar Pradesh from January 29 to January 31, 2023. Along with four other school teams from The Doon School in Dehradun, The Experimental High School in Beijing, Lahore Grammar School, and International School Lahore, the winning team, "Dougeldyne Astrosystems and Flechtel Constructors," was made up of students from Amity International School in Saket. The winner team will have the chance to compete in the championship event at NASA Kennedy Space Center in the United States.
Additionally, the "Dick Edwards Award" was given on this occasion to Kushagra Sharan of "Vulture Aviation," Moksha Shah of "Rockdonnell," Chaitanya Bansal of "Vereinigten Flugfahrten," Yutika Deoger of "Grumbo Aerospace," and Utkarshini Mishra of "Dougeldyne Astrosystems and Flechtel Constructors."
The focus should be on hard effort and mutual cooperation, teamwork, and sticking to deadlines since these are the qualities that make you a winner, said Dr. Greg Autry, clinical professor of space leadership at Thunderbird School of Global Management, in a speech given on the occasion. During the Valedictory Session, he also discussed the roles of inspiration, imitation, and thievery in relation to spacecraft design.

20th Convocation of S-VYASA
Dated: February, 2023

20th Convocation of S-VYASA
Dated: February, 2023
Dr. W. Selvamurthy was the Chief Guest of
20th Convocation of S-VYASA, Deemed to be
University. He fondly recalled his association
with the most revered, Honorable chancellor
of S-VYASA, Dr. H R Nagendra, and the main
people who have contributed to S-VYASA’s
growth, Dr. R Nagaratna, Dr. Raghuram,
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B R Ramakrishna
and all others.
He mentioned that it's a great joy for him to be
here in S-VYASA, as this is his home. He has
visited this temple of learning in yoga, more
than twenty times, for annual conferences. It is
the homecoming for him to come to Guruji who
has been his mentor, philosopher, guide in yoga
and in his own life. He is so much blessed to
be associated with guruji and S-VYASA. Guruji
transformed him to be what he is today, in his
profession, position. His association has really
propelled him, like hypersonic propulsion,
supersonic propulsion which in turn has given the spiritual propulsion for a happy life.
He also thanked Vice-Chancellor for guiding
the activities of S-SVAYA in education, therapy
and also churning out the future global citizens
in the field of yoga. These institutions are doing
yeoman service to the whole humanity, to create
a new world.
He congratulated all the graduates and told
them that they are blessed to be passing out
from a great institution like S-VYSA. For
development of resilience to face challenges,
spiritual education is essential, soft skills,
behavior, samskaras values; - all this is being
given with academic education at S-VYASA that
is way it is different from the other universities.
He also told graduates to be very grateful to
their parents and environment, because of them
only, students are in this position and getting
the success.
He also mentioned that teachers of S-VYASA are
on a mission to create the future global citizens
by dedicating themselves and their life, under
the leadership of Dr. H R Nagendra.
He told India is the knowledge superpower
because of Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagwat Geeta,
Siddha, Ayurveda, Unanai, etc. but now we
should transform India not only as a knowledge
superpower, but to create a happy world. After
75 years, independent India is celebrating
‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ for achieving so
many mile stones: our life spam is doubled,
than earlier, green revaluation, “India in top
most producer of milk in the world- ‘Milk
revolution’, in space research we have our own
space launcher ASLV, PSLV, GSLV and many
more. And most importantly we have a great
power called spiritual power, which comes
though Yoga. That is going to protect us from
the pandemic like corona or any kind of war.
So, yoga can bring harmony, global peace and
prosperity, good health. Hence all the yoga
graduates of the University are going to play
a big role. We can achieve all these with all
our challenge’s constraints. So, there is a great future of our fresh graduates.
He also announced that there will be an MoU
between Amity University and S-VYASA,
Deemed to be University, to build a yoga institute
in San Francisco, New-York, in an area of hundred
seventy-five acres. We want to build a great and
strong partnership between Amity Group and
S-VYASA Group. Amity University has 2,00,000
students, 10,000 faculties, 5,000 PhD scholars,
30,000 research papers, and many more.
He also mentioned that India being the president
of G-20 countries, I wish to purpose to hon’ble
Prime Minister, to organize a G-20 meet at
S-VYASA, on integrative medicine for a positive
health for 7 billion people in the world.
He also gave all the credit to yoga for his wellness
and good health, that he was never admitted in
hospital, because he is practicing yoga last 50
years. He doesn’t have hypertension, diabetes,
anxiety and any other diseases because of yoga.
He gave two messages to the students. Firstly, he
suggested students to do Daan (Giving without
expecting) and Tapasa (walk in a dharmic way),
so that the gates of heaven will open, and God
will receive them in the heaven. secondly,
he told yoga is for the holistic development.
As a person we have three bodies (Gross,
Astral & Causal). For nourishment of gross
body, we take food and do yoga for physical
development. For nourishment of astral body,
we are learning, reading Vedas, Upanishads,
scriptures for mental development. Similarly,
for causal body, we should accept spirituality,
we should nourish our spiritual development by
doing meditation and enrich our Atma Shakti.
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, treat everyone
as your family members and propagate yoga.
Through yoga india can be the ‘Vishwaguru’ or
‘World Teacher’.
He also delivered the message of Dr. Asoka
Chahwan, a renowned educationist, industrialist
and philanthropist, the Founder President
of Amity Education Group, that is ‘BHAAG’
(B-Behavior, H- Hard work, A- Ambition, AAttitude
(Positive), G- God). He elaborated the
word BHAAG and told all the students to watch
their behavior, always keep a high ambition, keep
a positive attitude, and have faith on God, this
will help them to achieve anything they want.
Perceive the beauty of God by looking towards
this creation, be thankful and create a new world
of love, joy, peace, harmony, and strength.
He ended his inspiring speech by telling Swami
Vivekananda’s quote ‘Arise, Awake, and stop
not till the goal is reach’.

Can Scientific Social Responsibility emerge as a trailblazing initiative?
Dated: 30 May, 2022

Can Scientific Social Responsibility emerge as a trailblazing initiative?
Dated: 30 May, 2022
Will Centre's plan to introduce the novel concept of Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) succeed in bridging the gap between science and society?
Guidelines for SSR, released on National Technology Day on May 11, state that the endeavour is aimed at creating an effective ecosystem for optimum use of existing assets to empower the less endowed, marginalised and exploited sections of society by enhancing their capability, capacity and latent potential.
SSR is the outcome of a suggestion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made at the Indian Science Congress meet of 2017, to bring about a connect between science in the labs and the needs of the society.
Indian scientific research is often said to be very outcome and solution-driven, and less of blue-sky. This was the need of the country when it got independence. The several problems that the country was facing—from poor agriculture, inadequate vaccine and general health outreach, communications and transport—needed scientific solutions.
Even as science found solutions to many of India's developmental problems, new needs, not necessarily related to development, emerge. “There is a need to connect science with society in may ways,'' said W. Selvamurthy, former distinguished scientist at DRDO and president of Amity Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation. He chaired the committee appointed by the ministry of science and technology to formulate the national policy on SSR.
Unlike Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with which comparisons are being made, SSR will not be legally binding on the scientific community. However, if incorporated properly into the system, through a process of incentivising, advantages of doing a SSR project will far outweigh any decision to ignore it.
The policy recommends that every scientist or “knowledge worker'' commits ten days every year for SSR activities. There are around 17 suggestions listed as SSR activities, although knowledge workers are free to come up with other ideas, too. SSR activities could include a rural outreach programmes, and public seminars—holding these in local languages for greater dissemination is desirable.
One of the objectives of the initiative is to deconstruct science for public, and another is to make people understand how money of taxpayers is being used by researchers.
An important feature of SSR is to start a national portal, which will be a people-scientist interface. As per the committee's suggestions, common people can use the portal to convey their specific requirements for research. For instance, it could be something like how to deal with changing weather patterns, or the need for a more ergonomic machinery. The portal will provide the research community with ideas on how to steer their research projects towards meeting these requirements.
While not mandatory, SSR hopes to work on an “auditable voluntarism and incentivised endeavour.'' Selvamurthy explained that research funding agencies can make a separate allocation of budget in sponsored projects to conduct SSR activities. Even accreditation and ranking agencies like National Assessment and Accreditation Council and National Institute Ranking Framework can give weightage to SSR activities, while assessing an institute. On the other hand, organisations like S and T departments, University Grants Commission, All India CTE and higher education departments can include a section on SSR for rating an assessee at the time of the annual appraisal.
The SSR initiative will have four pillars – Beneficiaries, Implementers, Assessors and Supporters (BIAS), says the policy. While the beneficiaries are the people of India (or specific sections of the population as per the project), the implementers are the knowledge workers, mainly in the public sector, but not restricted to it. The assessors are individuals or agencies, while the supporters of SSR projects would be the government, Non-resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin, alumni and philanthropic organisations. SSR support could also be synchronised with the CSR activities of the private sector.
The policy has just been released; it will now have to be incorporated into the system through various departments. However, as beautiful as it sounds, it could easily become an eyewash through lackadaisical implementation. It is easy enough to allocate funds for a seminar and even conduct one, without any kind of quality check-up on who the audience is comprised of—were they simply staff and their relatives, called in to fill the hall, or was the outreach effective?
There might be initial challenges in implementation, said Selvamurthy, after which the teething problems should iron out. However, the success of the initiative will depend on sincerity of each of the four pillars of BIAS.
India might emerge as the global leader in SSR, or it could well be another lofty idea that gets reduced to tokenism.

SSR- A game changer for Science-Society Connect.(Central Chronicle-Raipur)
Dated: 23 May, 2022

SSR- A game changer for Science-Society Connect.(Central Chronicle-Raipur)
Dated: 23 May, 2022
Government of India has
achieved yet another important milestone on May 11, 2022
by promulgating and releasing
Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR)
Policy guidelines which intend to
create a strong science and societal
connect. Having a both-way interaction, connection and impact, it has a
potential to bring positive transformational changes in society through
the application of Science and
Technology (S&T) for improving the
quality of life on this planet. Though
SSR has been mentioned occasionally globally, our Hon’ble Prime
Minister Shri. Narendra Modi Ji was
the first top political leader to pronounce the importance of SSR on
January 3, 2017 held at 104th Indian
Science Congress held in Tirupati.
Thereafter an extensive national
level consultation was made by the
committee appointed by the
Ministry of Science and Technology.
The author was fortunate to chair
this committee. The wide consultation included inter-ministerial meetings including officials from NITI
Aayog, HRD, UGC, AICTE, PSA Office
along with regional workshops and
round table meetings held in various
institutions across the country for
getting valuable inputs in formulating the SSR policy guidelines. This
was also available on DST website
for a year to get public and all stakeholders’ input.
One may be wondering, what we
mean by SSR. It is the obligation of
every knowledge worker particularly
in the field of S&T domain to give
back to the society not only through
his / her scientific endeavours, but
also to take the scientific outcome to
the society as well as aligning ones
scientific endeavours to societal
needs. Our visionary PM clearly
fathomed and gauged potential
strength of Indian Scientists and
Technologists who can go beyond
the call of their duties and reach out
to the masses who are the tax payers and are contributing to establishing scientific infrastructures,
funded projects and providing other
necessary support.
Interaction between science and
society has to be a two way transit.
The society projecting their needs
and requirements which will be addressed by scientists in the form of
tangible and intangible outcomes as
a way of giving back to the society.
Hence, it becomes a critical obligation of knowledge workers to foster
a close link with society and take the
knowledge from lab to land and
make a difference, particularly
among the under-privileged and
weaker sections of societies.
There is a broad scope of activities under the purview of SSR which
include resource and knowledge
sharing with less privileged institutions or individuals in the field of
S&T domains; motivational lectures
can be given to school children for
attracting best brains to S&T
streams; creating scientific temper
and awareness of technological acccomplishments to the masses through media interaction, delivering popular lectures, writing articles
in vernacular languages, community
video interactions, extension outreach activities, providing support to
rural entrepreneurship, capacity
building for students in less privileged colleges, assistance in project
writing or scientific article preparation etc.15 SSR activities have been
spelt out in policy guidelines which
can be referred to in the website:
https://dst.gov.in/document/guidelines/scientific-social-responsibilityssr-guidelines-2022 Taking the analogy for Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) for industries
and corporate sector, SSR will be an
auditable voluntarism and incentivised endeavour to implement SSR
policy.
There are 4 major players who
would realise the implementation of
SSR at national level: Beneficiaries,
Implementers, Assessors and
Supporters (BIAS). A national level
portal needs to be created where
the beneficiaries from the society
may post their current needs which
will be implemented by knowledge
workers in the laboratories and scientific Institutions and give back the
outcome to society. Government of
India will create a special purpose
vehicle (SPV) or an agency to coordinate, facilitate and give thrust to
implement SSR policy and guidelines. The policy envisages that at
least 10 person days in a Year will be
spent by all knowledge workers on
SSR activities. The policy has also
suggested the indicators and
process of assessment of SSR activities by individuals and Institutions.
The supporters of SSR endeavours
would be Government, S&T
Departments, industries though CSR
funding, donors, NRIs, PIO, alumni
and other philanthropic organizations. The performance-based assessment system (PBAS) currently
implemented to assess the performance of the knowledge worker, can
also include a section on SSR contribution. Organizations including
UGC, AICTE, HRD ministry and other
S&T related deptts. can suitably incorporate in their performance appraisal system, a component of SSR
activities performed by the assessee.
Research funding agencies can
make a separate allocation of budget in sponsored projects to conduct
SSR activities along with other project requirements. Academic and
Research institutions can forecast
and execute SSR activities which
can be highlighted in their annual reports. Even NAAC accreditation,
NIRF ranking and similar agencies
can give due weightage to the SSR
activities while assessing the contributions of institutions. The policy
clearly prohibits outsourcing SSR activities to any other organization,
agency or Institution.
While India is celebrating Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the nation can
be proud of climbing the ladder of
merit in S&T domain globally and
achieving high ranking in S&T by
being 3rd in publication, 9th in
patent and 46th in global innovation
index with less than 1% GDP investment in S&T. Hon’ble PM not only
envisioned India to be among the
top three countries globally in research & innovation and also India
becoming Aatmanirbhar. Perhaps
this SSR policy will be a game
changer if implemented in the right
perspective by all the stakeholders
at the national level to bring transformational impact on science-society connect. It is a Clarion call by
Hon’ble Prime Minister and the
Govt. of India for all the knowledge
workers to rise to the occasion
stretching themselves, reach out to
the society and make a difference
through the noble SSR endeavours.

OPINION: Integrative medicine is the way forward- views of The WEEK(Magazine).
Dated: 28 July, 2021

OPINION: Integrative medicine is the way forward- views of The WEEK(Magazine).
Dated: 28 July, 2021
COVID-19 has created a contagion across the globe and, in turn, has brought the medical fraternity on war-footing, serving humanity with utmost devotion, dedication, and sincerity. To manage a country with more than 1.38 billion people is a Herculean task. Thanks to the entire medical fraternity, the paramedical staff, government, administration, sanitation workers, police personnel, volunteers, and active support and cooperation of people of India displayed during this extraordinary circumstance of the second wave of COVID-19.
Health and hospital both are very much interconnected with the wellbeing of humankind. The present COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges in terms of healthcare delivery, control and management of pandemic, hospitalization, intensive care, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Imagine a hospital when a patient enters with a hope of accurate diagnosis, complete cure, and treatment. He is taken for diagnosis using the modern healthcare tools which elucidate all the parameters from man-to-molecule with the modern gadgets including MRI, PET, CT and even genomics and proteomics tools, looking for the genetic and epigenetic factors. Having got the right diagnosis using the modern equipment and diagnostic tools, patients may be given option whether he/she would like to undergo Allopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga & Naturopathy, Homeopathy or any other treatment modality which the individual wishes to undertake or to be subjected to with the advice and guidance of the doctor.
It may appear to be a utopian situation but that is how a hospital perhaps will be there a few decades from now integrating both the modern medicine and traditional systems of medicine. The modern medicine has got tremendous strength in terms of diagnosis of the complete human body, which can look right from the physical body to the molecules, micro molecules inside the body and identify the severe/critical health issues including occult infection. When a patient is having a heart attack, he needs to be put in ICU and given the care to tide over the crisis of the acute myocardial infarction. He may undergo angioplasty or bypass surgery which will save the individual.
However, with multiple and tremendous benefits, modern medicine has some limitations when it comes to the treatment. Most of the treatments are either symptomatic, palliative, and help to control and manage the disease rather than uproot the etiological factor of a disease. Just take an example of diabetes. All the anti-diabetic drugs or insulin therapy used for type-2 and type-1 diabetes, actually help to control the blood sugar level keeping it within the physiological limit so that the secondary and tertiary complications can be avoided, and the same thing may apply to hypertension and other chronic ailments.
But, when one looks at the traditional systems of medicine, it treats the human as a whole, taking care of its existence at physical, mental and spiritual level. The treatment through the traditional system may take longer but certainly help to uproot the caustic factor or etiological factor thereby ensuring the treatment of the disease particularly chronic ailment, psychosomatic manifestation, and stress related disorders.
Why not combine these two systems, keeping its own identity of the system which has got both the strength and shortcomings. Ayurveda works well when combined with western medicine to rejuvenate an individual, so that they are less affected by sickness and to rebalance the body after receiving long treatment of drugs or surgery. Everyone knows that the synthetic molecule which we use in treatment may have side effects or adverse drug reaction, which is a well-known fact. But the traditional system relies more on the natural products and natural method of therapy. It also includes a healing system, a philosophy, and a way of life towards health and wellness. The side effect if at all, could be bare minimum or not at all there. But even whether it is Ayurveda, Siddha or Unnani, one is worried about the heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and so on; but if the processing is done properly through traditional methods those heavy metals are converted into the other forms which may not be toxic. Traditional systems of medicine lay emphasis not only on treatment and cure but to promote wellness through its prophylactic and promotive potentials.
The need of the hour is actually yoking and bridging both the systems which have shown inherent strength which is time tested. The traditional systems which may be thousands of years old or the modern medicine, which may be a few hundred years old, both need to be integrated to meet the noble goal of WHO, that is, “Health for All” at least by 2030.
The process of integration may not be difficult if everyone desires, aspires, and puts their mind, heart, and soul to explore both the systems with an open mind.
The MBBS doctors need to be oriented towards traditional systems of medicine in their curriculum & education, so that they know there is a remedy for hypertension or diabetes in the Ayurveda system of medicine. They may not be a specialist to practice Ayurveda, but certainly have an idea that there is an alternate remedy in Ayurveda system for a particular ailment. They should not hesitate to refer a patient to alternate systems of therapy if they wish to undertake traditional systems, having been diagnosed with the modern medical tools. Similarly, health practitioners in the traditional system need to be oriented to modern physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology etc.
The next generation hospital may have two wings, one wing having modern medicine facilities and the other having traditional systems practice. A basket of healthcare methods is offered to the patients and the patient has the freedom to choose treatment, whichever he/she has confidence and likes to undertake.
Even the western world is looking for alternate therapy as Pharmacopoeia is not having many new molecules which are emerging. Developing a new drug takes a minimum of 15-20 years to analyze the efficacy and safety of the new molecule. On the other hand, a natural product, herbal medicine, and other methods used in traditional systems of medicine are time tested and can be brought to application in a short period.
Even the traditional system needs to be evaluated using modern scientific tools and methods to place these traditional knowledge on the scientific pedestal so that the confidence and trust in these systems will be much higher.
A decade ago, Government of India had deputed a high-power delegation to present before the Special Committee set up by the House of Lords, UK, under the Chairmanship of Nobel Laureate Dr John Walton to elucidate that Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) are evidence based. At that time the UK had placed Indian Systems of Medicine on Tier-3 (having less scientific evidence). After the series of discussions with this Committee, ISM was placed as a Complementary System of Medicine on Tier-1 and Tier-2. Similarly, the scientific perspective of Yoga was presented to the World Health Assembly by the Indian delegation propagating the Science of Yoga.
The International Day of Yoga is yet another important initiative from the Government of India to place Yoga at the Global Map and during the last several years it has been practiced by more than 180 countries across the globe. Traditional Systems of Medicine look not only at the curative aspect of the disease but also at prophylactic and promotive aspects and perhaps it emphasizes more on ensuring a positive health rather than focusing only on the treatment aspect of the disease.
While modern medicine’s main focus is on treatment, the word ‘Ayurveda’ means ‘science of life’. The modern medicine as a system is focusing on the body, different systems, organs, tissues, cells, molecules including gene whereas the traditional system looks at the ‘sthula sharira’ (gross body), ‘sukshma sharira’ (subtle body) and ‘karana sharira’ (casual body) of the existence and looks at the establishment of harmony at these three levels of existence of human being. So, there is complementarity and also strength in both the systems, and now it is the time for all of us to seriously consider how we can integrate our mind, heart, and soul for developing an Integrative Medicine to ensure ‘Health for All’ by 2030. Many countries have already started considering this approach in their health care system.
The present COVID-19 challenge has brought a refocus on traditional systems of medicines. The Ministry of AYUSH has done yeoman service to the society across the globe for the prevention, treatment, control, and management of this pandemic in a significant way. This pandemic has turned the whole world's attention to the immune system, the body defence force against disease, viruses, and other organisms that we touch, ingest, and inhale every day. But, now an objective assessment of collecting the data through survey, and also randomized control studies need to be carried out on how the systems have contributed in the control and management of the present pandemic, which will give a direction and open up new avenues.
A country which is blessed with history of medicines through its sacred writing of Vedas, Sushruta-samhita, Charaka-samhita and Ayurveda, along with Unani and Siddha medicinal systems has provided clarity, depth of reasoning, and profound philosophical basis that have characterized & revolutionized the globe and gives a valid reason to integrate both western and traditional medicine together for a better and holistic treatment.
Yoga, Ayurveda, and other traditional systems can improve inherent immunity and thereby also take care of the prophylactic aspects of disease giving a ‘kavach’ (protection) for any infection like Coronavirus.
The controversy and also conflict between the two systems need to melt away in the present scenario and there should be union, convergence and cohesive attitude to look with open mind both the systems and then look at the processes by which this integration can be made possible.
The power of the human mind is so immense, that we can manifest what one desires with pure intent and bring this transformation as soon as possible.
Are we ready to look at that challenge of integration? There is a need for global debate and to create a movement of integration rather than disintegration due to conflict and controversy. Through this integration, India may contribute to create a new world order, where ‘Health for All’ may perhaps be ensured in another decade or so.
"Dr Selvamurthy is president, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation (ASTIF). Dr Bhatnagar is assistant director at ASTIF"

India needs robust bio-defence strategies against terror or Natural Outbreaks
Dated: 27 April, 2020

India needs robust bio-defence strategies against terror or Natural Outbreaks
Dated: 27 April, 2020
The jury is still out on the exact origin of Covid-19, even
though both China and WHO contend it was not lab-made at Wuhan. But the pandemic has underscored like never before the need for India to be prepared for deadly bio-threats, whether they arise from natural outbreaks or bioterrorism.
Defence scientists and experts, in fact, warn that though the possibility of overt bio-warfare by a state is remote, the danger of non-state actors getting hold of virulent biological agents and unleashing them for “lowcost, high-impact strikes” in the country should not be discounted.
“India needs to prepare a comprehensive blueprint, with detailed action plans and strategies, on bio-threat preparedness, response, mitigation and restoration,” said Dr W Selvamurthy, a former chief controller in DRDO who led the CBRN (chemical, biological radiological and nuclear) defence programme.
A defence scientist, who did not want to be named, in turn, said the use of “biological or germ weapons” in the shape of
bacteria, viruses, fungi or other toxic agents remains a clear and present threat.
“Terrorists can get hold of germ weapons, which can cause anthrax, plague, smallpox, botulism, Ebola, SARS and the like, from microbiological labs and other facilities. They will be like silent bombs nobody can detect. Biological weapons, in fact, are far more easier to obtain or develop than ‘dirty’ nuclear bombs,” he said.
India needs to prepare for bio-threats, whether accidental or planned, at both the military and civilian levels because they can be highly contagious and spread widely to disrupt national security and public health.
“A national mission mode program on mitigation of bio-threats should be launched, with an inter-ministerial steering committee and overall coordination under the national security advisor, because they can impact the nation’s comprehensive national
security,” Dr Selvamurthy told TOI.
Noting that India has only one advanced Bio-Safety Level-4 (BSL-4) facility at the National Institute of Virology in Pune, he said at least five more such labs in different parts of the country for advanced R&D on the pathogens and genomic profiling were needed.
“We must have a central database of pathogens. There should be robust surveillance mechanisms, which would include development of nanotechnology-based bio-radars with sensor arrays for pathogens. All this should be backed by comprehensive containment, decontamination and restoration strategies,” added Dr Selvamurthy.
The country also needs properly-trained and well-equipped quick-reaction teams to handle virulent pathogens, as also other CBRN contingencies, stationed at different regional centres in the country.
While DRDO has developed a wide array of CBRN defence equipment for the armed forces over the years, ranging from nerve
agent detectors, dosimeters and decontamination kits to integrated field shelters, respiratory masks and suits, it needs to focus on futuristic technologies for early detection and mitigation of such threats. “The urgent need to have strong bio-defence capabilities has been brought home by Covid-19,” said a scientist.

Amity signs MoU with UTP University
Dated: November 20, 2019

Amity signs MoU with UTP University
Dated: November 20, 2019
The MoU was signed by Dr. W Selvamurthy President, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation and Prof (Dr) Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in the presence of scientists and senior officials of both the Universities.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. W Selvamurthy President, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation shared that the aim of the MoU is to develop academic, research and educational co-operation between the two academic institutions. He elaborated that as part of the MoU, there will be exchange of faculty and administrative staff, exchange of scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, joint research & co-supervision of PhD scholars, promotion collaboration and other academic co-operation in the field of mutual interest.

Partners with Open University, UK
Dated: October 9, 2019

Partners with Open University, UK
Dated: October 9, 2019
In a high delegation meeting, Dr. W Selvamurthy (President, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation) and Professor Kevin Hetherington (Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research, Enterprise and Scholarship, The Open University) signed this MoU. Development of joint research activities, Development of joint teaching initiatives, Research projects for AU students at OU, Access to research libraries for students and faculty, Internships for students are some major highlights of this collaboration. Road ahead of this collaboration will observe centre of excellence at multiple locations.

Amity Women Achiever’s Award Function
March 11, 2018

Amity Women Achiever’s Award Function
March 11, 2018
Amity honors eminent “Women Achievers” during the conclusion of week-long celebrations of International Women’s Day.
“Time is now: Rural and Urban activists Transforming Women’s Lives” and in accordance with Amity traditions, various women centric activities were organized by Amity Women Help Desk and by Institutions at Amity University during the week. All the activities aimed to highlight women related issues and to celebrate economic, political and social achievements of women, as part of the International Women’s Week-2018.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. B Shukla- Vice Chancellor, Amity University stated that every human being on the planet owes his/her existence to a mother, a female and a woman. She stressed that a woman is loving, caring, enterprising, affectionate, emotional, family centric, compassionate and at the same time, being ambitious and multi-faceted. She remarked that men and women complement and supplement each other and they are behind each other’s success, therefore, it is important for both men and women to be empowered for a happy and prosperous Nation.
Accepting the honor with grace and élan, Padma Bhushan Guru Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan inspired one and all in the gathering with the story of her life, narrating how learning dance and music by a female was not accepted well in society during her childhood days and how her father and husband supported her throughout in her pursuit of inner quest. She expressed her joy that today, the society has opened up and women are able to follow their dreams and passion in the field of their choice. She congratulated all the recipients of Amity Women Achiever’s Awards and commended them for their valuable contribution to the society.

Herbal park opens in Gurugram
Dated: June 6, 2018

Herbal park opens in Gurugram
Dated: June 6, 2018
Dr W Selvamurthy,“The project was started for production of medicinal plants,seedlings, plant lets and its distribution to primary school, colleges,institutions or universities.”
The Centre for medicinal plants and traditional knowledge was established in Amity University in 2010 and the herbal garden has been developed over the years by the incorporation of at least 121 plant species, including Aloe Vera, Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass). Rauvolfia serpentine (Indian snakeroot) and Bacopa monnieri (water hyssop) and Eclipta prostrate (false daisy). At present. The garden has more than 10.000 herbal and medicinal plants.
Meanwhile, the ministry of AYUSH has decided to collaborate with Amity University and enroll farmers to visit the herbal garden for training purposes. They will be encouraged to produce herbal plants and local medicines in their own farms to incentivize alternative treatments such as Ayurveda. Homeopathy and Siddha.
Lauding Amity for its work and talking about the collaboration. Shripad Yesso Naik. Union minister of state in the AYUSH ministry said. "It is our responsibility to promote this (alternative medicines) across the globe."
According to the officials of National Medicinal Plants Board, there are at least 6,000 flowering plants which have medicinal use in folk and alternative forms of medicine.

Amity University Gurugram celebrates Innovation Day
Dated: September 29, 2017

Amity University Gurugram celebrates Innovation Day
Dated: September 29, 2017
Founder President Amity Education Group, Dr. Ashok K Chauhan: “My dream is to make India a Knowledge Superpower on its strength of innovative genius. All Amity Campuses are empowered to accelerate Innovations and world quality research.”
While addressing the students, Chancellor of Amity University Gurugram Dr Aseem Chauhan appreciated the student’s poster presentation & projects and also motivated them to work in the field of creativity and innovation.
While motivating the students in his speech on ‘Innovation Infinite For Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Start Ups’, the Vice Chancellor of Amity University Gurugram Prof. (Dr.) P B Sharma said “Ask yourself what inventions mean to you, be part of the revolution in innovation to propel our country to project, on the strength of source and technology to eradicate poverty and drastically improve the quality of life of our nation”.
Students from Amity University Gurugram, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Amity University Lucknow, Amity University Gwalior, Amity University Rajasthan displayed their innovations in the fields of science and technology, fashion designs, art and entrepreneurial ideas in the campus. A plethora of 15 working models (i.e. Bio Gas Plant, Sukun Shiro Dhara Model, Water Purification System for Community Usage etc) and 48 poster presentations exhibited by students to show case their spirit of innovation were displayed.
The guiding vision of our country’s’ innovative entrepreneurship is to accelerate the pace of discovery and delivery of Science led solutions for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth.

International Peace Day Celebrations at Amity University
Dated: September 21, 2017

International Peace Day Celebrations at Amity University
Dated: September 21, 2017
During the occasion, thousands of Amity students, faculty members and staff of Amity University took a peace pledge to maintain and spread message of peace across the globe. Dr. Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group said that peace is very important in every individual’s life and overall well-being. He averred that many lives are affected due to violent or other kind of conflicts and the only solution to stop the negativity is by promoting peace across the globe. He apprised that International Peace Day has been celebrated in Amity with an objective to spread the message of Peace, Respect, Love, Safety, Dignity and Prosperity amongst Amitians who will further bring a positive change.

Delegation from Design Bureau of Army visits Amity
Dated: July 22, 2017

Delegation from Design Bureau of Army visits Amity
Dated: July 22, 2017
The Delegation from Army comprised of Maj. Gen. A K Channan- SM and ADG, Perspective Plan (PP), Army Headquarters ,Brig. Vikram- DDG, PP, Army Design Bureau, Col Dalbir Rathi, Col. Jitender Singh, Col Sanjeev Kohili, Col. Sinha- Col. Academia, ADB and Col. I S Bhinder who were presented and demonstrated various Prototypes, Technologies, Innovative Products developed by Researchers and Scientists of Amity University.The exhibits included “Nano silver based Water Purifier”, “LPG Sensor for detecting Gas leakage”, “Fly Ash based rechargeable Battery”, “Hot Water storage tank for cold location using Solar energy”, “Biodegradable Plastics for Packaging”, “Cooking Oil Testing kit for Army kitchen and procurement of edible oil”, “Silver Nano Hydrogel for wound healing”, “Energy dense Nutrition products for soldiers in High altitude/ LIC Operations” and others.
Sharing his views and applauding the technological advancements and innovative strength of Amity, Maj. Gen. A K Channan- SM and ADG, Perspective Plan, Army Headquarters stressed that in every technology demonstrated by Amity Scientists and Researchers, there is a certain very useful application for Armed Forces and expressed that Army would be keen to connect with Amity which is a renowned University for fruitful synergy in Defence Technology. He appreciated the two Credit programme “Orientation to Defence Technologies” started by Amity a week ago to orient Amity students who may join Armed Forces at “Technical Graduate Entry Scheme” or “University Entry Scheme”. He asserted that the programme may also help providing Engineers and Technologists who are already oriented to Military Technologies, for the Armed Forces, Defence Industry, PSUs and DRDO. He suggested Amity University to start a course on “Integrated Policy, Technology and Decision making in Defence” to make a considered technical policy decision by Armed Forces under the aegis of Amity Institute of Strategic Studies.
Expressing his views, Dr. W Selvamurthy- President, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation stated that Amity has a fortune of having a large number of Senior Level Retired Service Officers, DRDO Scientists and brilliant research Scholars and Scientists across the country. It is very rare to have such an integrated Innovation strength to contribute to the Armed Forces in the area of building revolutionary technologies, strategic Planning and Human Resource Development. He asserted that Dr. Ashok K Chauhan- Founder President, Amity Group is very keen to augment Amity’s contribution to Defence technologies, under “Make in India” Policy of Indian Government. He assured that Amity will make concerted efforts to place its strength and innovation to the benefit of Armed Forces.

Amity University signs MoU with ILBS
Dated: 04 July 2016

Amity University signs MoU with ILBS
Dated: 04 July 2016
The MoU was signed by Dr. B L Arya, Registrar, Amity University Uttar Pradesh and Dr. Nirupma Trehanpati, Additional Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, ILBS in the presence of Dr. Gayatri Ramakrishna, Associate Professor, Dept. of Research, ILBS ;Dr. W Selvamurthy, President, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation and Senior Officials of Amity.
The MoU outlines strategic tie-up between the two Institutes in research and knowledge-sharing related to Biomedical Sciences.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. W Selvamurthy said that Amity and ILBS has similar landmarks as both the Institutions are reckoned as reputed organizations at global level. He further added that the MoU will help to identify key joint and collaborative activities including clinical, scientific and research projects,which could be mutually promoted and implemented. He apprised that through the association, both the Institutions can jointly organize Scientific Workshops,Conferences and Work Meetings at bilateral or multilateral level. Briefing about the history and achievements of Amity University, Dr. Selvamurthy said that Amity has established its presence as one of the top Universities across globe with 8 Universities and 12 abroad campuses and shared the R&D initiatives carried out in University.
Sharing her views on MoU, Dr.Nirupma Trehanpati stated the collaboration as landmark association which will be beneficial for society at large. She averred that the alliance will facilitate the mutual sharing of techno-scientific knowledge and also provide platform for exchange of Scientists, Research Scholars and Student Trainees.
Dr. Nirupma Trehanpanti also touched upon the possibility of in filing of IPR and Incubation facilities with the help of Amity.

DIHAR Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Dated: July 13, 2011

DIHAR Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Dated: July 13, 2011
DIHAR’s contribution in development of agro-animal technology which had led to an increase in production of fresh vegetables, fruits, milk and meat. He also commended the local farmers for quickly adopting the technologies developed by DIHAR. He further appreciated the strong collaboration between DIHAR and HQ 14 Corps and mentioned the DRDO’s R&D efforts and achievements in high altitudes.

A repository of seeds on cliff top of Himalayas
Dated: 17 February, 2010

A repository of seeds on cliff top of Himalayas
Dated: 17 February, 2010
India's seed vault, 75 km east of Leh, will hold its biological wealth secure for future generation.“India is a herbal garden. It is now getting threatened or endangered or extinct.There is a dire necessity to preserve this rich wealth of biodiversity, which exists in India to give it to the next generation,” W. Selvamurthy, told The Hindu.Crop seeds, developed slowly and carefully over thousands of years, are not only the source of sustenance for humankind but the best repository of genetic material scientists can use to help develop food resistant to the vagaries of climate change. Transgenic cropping to ensure that our grains, pulse and vegetables can reproduce at high altitudes, in salty water, less water and high temperatures, is essential to provide future generations with the same opportunities of today.