More Allocation Required for Children of Odisha: Experts

Odisha needs more allocation for children in order to address issues relating them. This was opined by experts at a consultation on child budgeting held at KIIT School of Rural Management, organized by Center for Children Studies on 25th February 2012. The state has no separate plan and allocation for children as in the case of Tribal sub plan and women component plan, they observed.

Children constitute 40 percent of the state’s population, but only 2.40 percent of the total budget was allocated for them during the financial year 2011, an analysis made on the child budget pointed out. The analysis, presented by the Center at the consultation, reflected on a lot of issues with regard to under utilization of resources allocated for children by different departments. According to this document, there remain many committed mandates of the Right to Education Act which are yet to be fulfilled by the state.

It stresses that in order to achieve the goal of 11th and 12th Plan we need to spend 6 % of GDP on education as against only 2.93 percent on elementary education at present. There is a gap between estimated and actual expenditure in state budget for Elementary Education. It is desired that this gap be reduced in order to achieve the target.

In case of SSA also gap in receipt and expenditure is quite high, i.e. Rs. 331 crore, the document informed. MOM provision for year 2011-12 is Rs 638 Cr. for 65 lakhs children, and this comes to Rs. 4.68 per meal per day, which is highly inadequate to meet the desired calorific value. Scholarships for 26 lakh children are needed considering the existing level of BPL families, which requires an additional allocation of Rs. 19.50 cr. In contrast, there is provision of about Rs 1 crore for 10000 children only. Similarly, text book for 65 lakhs children in primary and upper primary level will require an additional allocation of Rs. 26.75 cr.

The analysis further pointed out that the gap between the estimates and actual of state budget for development of health infrastructure has been increasing during the last four years of the 11th Plan period. In the year 2010 – 11, an amount of Rs. 2.59 cr. could not be actualized, it pointed out.

Prof. Sailabala Devi presented the research findings. Chief Guest Smt. Anjali Behera, Honorable Minister of Women and Child Development addressed the consultation. Smt. Saraswoti Hembrum, Chair Person, State Commissioner for Child Rights, Sri Panchanan Kanungo, Former Finance Minister and Sri Pratap Sarangi, Hon'ble MLA were present. Prof. L. K. Vaswani, Director, KSRM presided over the consultation.

KIIT Signs MoU

KIIT has signed an MoU with Yildiz Technical University (YTU) on 28-2-2012 at Istanbul. While KIIT despite being a young University has carved a niche for itself, YTU having a century old existence has proved itself one of the best technical universities in Europe. The MoU was signed by Prof. (Dr.) Satyendra Patnaik, Rector, KIIT University, on behalf of KIIT, while the President of YTU, Prof. (Dr.) Ismail Yuksek signed on behalf of YTU.

In its effort to establish academic link with reputed foreign Universities, KIIT has also signed an MoU with Bashkir State Agrarian University (BSAU). The Rector, Dr. Patnaik singed the MoU on behalf of KIIT, while Prof. I. Gabitou, Rector signed it on behalf of BSAU. Both the universities have agreed to co-operate in various academic fields including cooperating with each other in student, faculty exchange programme and in other research activities.

KIIT Represents India in WISAS

Environment is key to the progress and any damage caused to environment will lead to destruction. It has been realized by Dr. Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, hence a massive plantation programme has been undertaken by the University, informed Dr. Satyendra Patnaik, Rector to the hundreds of scholars attending the 1st Winter Summit at the Anatolian Summit (WISAS) on the theme, “Collaborative Projects on Tourism, Sports, Bio-Diversity and Global Changes” organized by Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey from 23rd to 27th February 2012.

In his address as a key note speaker, Dr. Patnaik spoke on ‘Tourism vis-a-vis Bio-Diversity, Climate Change and Social Impacts’ highlighting various aspects of the Tourism of Odisha before the scholars from 70 universities of nearly 30 countries. KIIT had the unique distinction of being the only university from India to have been invited by WISAS. Besides delivering the keynote address, Dr. Patnaik also chaired a Session in the conference.

37th Annual Conference of Environmental Mutagen Society of India

KIIT School of Biotechnology organized 37th Annual Conference of Environmental Mutagen Society of India (EMSI) and International Symposium on "Molecular Basis of Human Health in Response to Mutagens and Environmental Stress " from February 24th-26th, 2012. The conference was inaugurated by Prof. A. T. Natarajan, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands in the presence of Dr. A. Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS, Prof. M. Fenech, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia, Prof. A. S. Kolaskar, VC, KIIT, Prof. K. Kalaiselvi, General Secretary, EMSI, Dr. B. N. Banerjee, Organising Secretary, EMSI and Dr. M. Suar, Director KIIT School of Biotechnology.

Increasing volume and variety of man-made chemicals are making our environment genetically more toxic, experts observed. These man-made chemicals accumulate in the food chain and eventually pass on to the next generation, they elaborated, adding that these chemicals, if mutagenic, have the ability of producing alterations in genetic material leading to hereditary diseases, cancer and birth defects. Papers presented at the conference provided valuable insights on mechanisms of mutagenesis and evaluating risk of genotoxic agents for producing diseases especially cancer.

The conference, organized every year by Environmental Mutagen Society of India (EMSI), sought to promote and encourage research, and disseminate information in broader areas of environmental mutagenesis, as relevant to human health and environmental safety. It also includes an international symposium focusing on a specific theme every year. This year’s theme elaborated on the impact of environment and the man made mutagenic chemicals on the health of humans and in agricultural produce.

A wide audience of scientists in diverse interdisciplinary domains of biology, chemistry, pharmacy and medicine and those engaged in public health participated in the conference, which provided an apt platform for encouraging collaborative research and training at national and international levels.

National Conference on Engineering Design at KIIT

A National Conference on “Advances in Simulation and Optimization Techniques in Mechanical Engineering” (NASOME-2012) was organized by the School of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT University on 24th Feb 2012. The conference, which focused on engineering design theories and methodologies, simulation and engineering optimization, manufacturing systems modeling and optimization, was inaugurated in the presence of Prof. A. S. Kolaskar, VC, KIIT; Prof. Amalendu Mukherjee, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. D. K. Tripathy, PRO-VC, KIIT; Mr. Alok Ghosal, Vice President (INVEST); Prof. B. C. Routara, Organizing Secretary; Prof. K. C. Singh and Prof. K. B. Sahu, Convener of the programme.

It aimed to provide common platform to academicians, industrialist and research scholars to exchange their expertise and knowledge. In this era most of the problems are initially simulated for the following reasons: the real system cannot be engaged, because it may not be accessible, or it may be dangerous or unacceptable to engage; it is being designed but not yet built; or it may simply not exist. Different parameters can be varied to obtain different solutions and optimization techniques are to be employed for the optimum, the speakers said. In this context, the synchronization of simulation and optimization techniques is highly needed, they stressed.

Total 38 papers submitted by researchers throughout the country were selected for presentation in the conference. These papers cover topics such as Device simulation and modeling, Finite and boundary element techniques, Engineering analysis and simulations, Modeling and Simulation Methodologies, Mathematical and Numerical methods in simulation, Object-oriented simulation, Real-time modeling and simulation, Simulation Application in Industry, Simulation, Experimental Science and Engineering, Conventional optimization methods, Modern optimization methods and Multi-objective optimization.

KIIT Premier League 2012 from Feb. 25

The 5th edition of KIIT Premier League, one of the most lucrative University level cricket tournaments, will commence from 25thFebruary 2012. The prestigious All India Day & Night Cricket Tournament will be participated by 14 teams, which have been divided into four groups. Teams like Utkal University, Bhubaneswar; SRM University, Chennai; and SOA University, Bhubaneswar are in Group A. Delhi University; Geetam University, Hyderabad; and IIT Kharagpur feature in Group B. Mumbai University, Maharashtra; Krukshetra University, Haryana; KIIT, University, Bhubaneswar; and Purusottam, Rourkela are in Group C. Similarly, Group D has teams like Andhra University; Ravenshaw University, Cuttack; Meerut University, UP; All Odisha Medical Colleges (AOMC).

All matches will be played in league basis from 7AM to 11AM, 2PM to 6PM and 6PM to 10PM. Semifinals are scheduled to be played on 2nd March, while the Finale would be played on 3rd March 2012. On 29th February an exhibition match would be played between Odia cine Stars.

This year KPL is offering the highest prize money in university level Cricket matches. Team and individual prizes total Rs. 3 lakh. The Champion would get the prize money of Rs. 1 lakh, while Runner’s up team would get Rs. 50,000. Semifinalists would bag prize money of Rs. 10,000 each and league match winners Rs. 5000 each.

Similarly, Best player, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder, and Best Wicket Keeper would get cash prize of Rs. 3,000 each. The tournament has been designed as per Indian Premier League (IPL) to promote the cricketers of All India University level student. Mr. Ashirbad Behera, Secretary, OCA, would grace the inaugural match as chief guest, while Mr. Debashis Mohanty, eminent cricket player would grace the Final match and Prize distribution ceremony. 

KIIT School of Management Organises 5th National Management Convention

The School of Management, KIIT University organized the 5th National Management Convention on the theme “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: The Way Forward” on 17th February 2012. Entrepreneurship and the ways to promote it through better infrastructure, policy changes and capital and knowledge infusion was the underlying focus area of the convention.

The event was inaugurated in the presence of eminent guests such as Mr. Praveen Gupta, Chief General Manager, SBI and Prof. B. B. Bhattacharya, Former Vice Chancellor, JNU and Distinguished Professor, IIM Lucknow. Prof. Ashok Kolaskar, Vice Chancellor, KIIT University and Prof. Ashok Kumar Sar, Dean, School of Management were also present. The delegates included professionals from manufacturing and service sectors, academicians, research scholars and consultants from across the country.

Addressing at the inaugural function, Prof. B.B. Bhattacharya, Chief Guest of the Convention, spoke of KIIT as a remarkable example of how education is being promoted through dedication. He emphasized the inequality of income in India which can be reduced through the expansion of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Countries like Taiwan and Brazil have grown through the boom in MSME sector, he added. He expressed his concerns about the fact that the knowledge created by Business schools are not used locally, but are rather drained into MNCs.

Mr. Praveen Gupta, the keynote speaker of the convention, spoke about the unique features of MSME which includes generation of employment for the unskilled workforce, use of local resources and innovative means for reducing costs. He outlined the key issues facing the sector, which includes lack of capital, knowledge of the market, issues in getting land or governmental clearances. He said even though financial institutions are willing to lend to the SME sector, equity contribution from the entrepreneur is still a major issue. He also pointed out the fact that many promoters aren’t aware of the collateral-free loans offered by the banks today.

In his address, Prof. Ashok Kolaskar stressed on the fact that most of the employment today is through micro, small and medium enterprises. He gave examples of how corporate have elsewhere supported and nurtured fledgling entrepreneurs and turned them big, something which can emulated and replicated in a state like Odisha as well.

Introducing the convention to the audience, Prof. Sar highlighted how the MSMEs are contributing profoundly to the economic development of the country. The profitability of MSMEs depends on the efficiency, quality of the products and services, and the deployment of updated technologies in the value chain, he added.

The Convention spans two days with a total of four tracks that would cover four subthemes under the main theme, namely: Challenges of MSME Sector and their Implications, Ways to Improve the Overall Health of MSME Sector, Government Policy & Technological Support for Sector Efficiency and Skilled Manpower & Allied Issues in MSME. Each of these tracks would be chaired by an eminent guest from the industry and would have research paper or case study presentations by the delegates.

KIIT's Mega Techno-Management Fest 'Kritansh' Concludes

The annual techno-management fest of KIIT University 'Kritansh' concluded here on 16th February 2012.
It was an evening of celebration with singers of international repute Ash King and Riya keeping the audience spellbound with their foot tapping numbers.  

Earlier in the day, participants competed with one another in an interesting assortment of events. The major attraction of this day was aqua-drivers, a robotics event. The challenge here was not only to race against time, but also against the waves of water. Success depended upon the best understanding and anticipation of many situations that the raging water body might throw up.

Similarly, the event, ‘Problem Statement’, was designed to challenge the students’ knowledge, imagination and creativity. It revolved around the concept of laying siege and gaining access to a heavily guarded fortress. Stack ‘Em Up, and event of ‘Learn’ segment, caught up students’ imagination. There were more than 300 models of different monuments, ship, etc made by the participants.

More than 1,000 participants from different institutes participated in three-day long techno-management fest. They vied with one another in a string of events like Bulls and Bears, Genesis, Annual Multi-Disciplinary Business Management Game (Kronos), Contraption, Innovative Bridge Design (Megabuliders), Elektrina, Innovation Intensified, Ground Zero, Rhythmus, Innovative Mind, Kalakriti, Klick, Snap n Splash, Quests of the Strings, Krukshetra, Khoj and Karmayudh. Participants won more than 12 lakh cash prize in different events. More than 40 events were held in eight different categories.

On its valedictory session, Chief Guest Mr. Jim Nickel, Dy. High Commissioner of Canada to India said "Students are future of any nation". Mr. J. Andersson, eminent Journalist and Editor of renowned travel magazine of Sweden 'Vagabond' said that his views about India changed after visiting KIIT & KISS, while pointing out that in western countries, there are still many misconceptions about the country and its people. Ms. C. Mahanandia, Member, House of Nobility, Sweden said that anything is possible with true love. Eminent film maker and director, Mr. Neelamadhab Panda also graced the occasion. In his welcome address, Dr. A. Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said that youths should shape their future with responsibility and concern for the society. Among others, Prof. (Dr.) D. K.Tripathy, Pro VC, KIIT and Prof. A. S. Kolaskar, VC, KIIT were present.

2nd Day of Kritansh
Chetan Bhagat & Rama Pandey in ‘Big Fight’

Eminent writer and novelist Mr. Chetan Bhagat and Ms. Rama Pandey, CEO, Montage Films graced the ‘Big Fight’ segment of Kritansh – the mega techno-management fest of KIIT University on 15th February 2012. The topic of ‘Big Fight’ was ‘Should the social networking be censored?’

Putting her views, Ms Pandey argued that there should be some check and balance in social networking sites. We should prepare our mindset to oppose the demerits of the social networks, she said, adding that these sites cannot be allowed to pollute our society. Countering her contention, Mr. Bhagat said, while it would be improper to curtail free will, users should exercise self control. Even though technology runs social networking sites, it is not easy to censor it, he maintained. If it is censored, who would be responsible for such censor, he asked.

Kritansh was inaugurated on 14th February. On the second day, events such as Bulls And Bears, Consigliere, Kronos, Contraption, Innovative Bridge Design (Megabuilders), Man Vs Nature (Megabuilders), Blitzkreig, Stack ‘em Up, Innovation Intensified, Impulse, Robust, Riff-e-Random, Ground Zero, Klick, Snap n Splash, D Mask, Mehndi, Does Grey Matter, Codiac, Krukshetra, Khoj, Karmayudh, Robowars, Wall-I, Crack The Track, Arkitech, Robo Race, Unicursal, Aqua Drivers, Gyrate To The Grid and Crank It Up were held.

KIIT’s Mega Techno Management Fest ‘Kritansh’ Inaugurated

The mega techno-management fest of KIIT University ‘Kritansh’ commenced here on February 14, 2012. It was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. A. Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS, Prof. N. L. Mitra, Chancellor, KIIT University, Prof. A. S. Kolaskar, VC, KIIT, Prof. (Dr.) Deba Kumar Tripathy, PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR (SoT), KIIT and other dignitaries.  

Kritansh encourages the spirit of innovation, said Dr. Samanta, while advising the students to devote time and energy for research and to create. The time belongs to the youth and only they can bring about a positive change in the society, Prof. Mitra told the participants. Celebrated writer Chetan Bhagat and Mr. Mohan Sivananda, Editor, Readers’ Digest will grace the occasion on February 15 and interact with the participants of this annual extravaganza.

More than 1,000 participants from different institutes of the country are participating in the three-day long festival. On its first day, they vied with one another in a string of events like Bulls and Bears, Genesis, Annual Multi-Disciplinary Business Management Game (Kronos), Contraption, Innovative Bridge Design (Megabuliders), Elektrina, Innovation Intensified, Ground Zero, Rhythmus, Innovative Mind, Kalakriti, Klick, Snap n Splash, Quests of the Strings, Krukshetra, Khoj and Karmayudh. 

Around 40 events in 8 sections like Joie De Vivre, Gurukul, Play, Kreative Eye, Corporate Finestra, Learn Create, Robosphere are scheduled to be held. In a major attraction bands from across the country will engage in musical competition for the grand title of Sultans of Rock. In addition, Kritansh 2012 will have band performance by Ash King, a band of international repute, on its concluding day. All out-station participants are being provided hospitality and accommodation in the campus.

All Set for KIIT Techno Management Fest

Kritansh, the annual techno-management fest of KIIT University, will commence from 14th February 2012. More than 1,000 participants from different institutes across the country are expected to participate in the three-day long techno-management fest. Students can win prize money worth Rs. 10 lakh by participating in different competitions. Around 40 events in 8 sections like Joie De Vivre, Gurukul, Play, Kreative Eye, Corporate Finestra, Learn Create, Robosphere will be held. Mr. Chetan Bhagat, Renowned author & novelist and Mr. Mohan Sivananda, editor, Readers Digest would be the attraction on 15th February, while Ash King, eminent singer would be joining on 16th.

These events include Kalakriti - an extensive logo designing competition; Klick - capturing the best photograph of fest; Snap n Splash - a photography exhibition; Contraption - energy conversion; Megabuliders - bridge, towers and other structure designing; Elektrina - designing and constructing circuit based on problem statement; Blitzkreig - suggesting solution to a problem statement; Stack’Em Up - structure building by playing cards; and Innovation intensified - an exhibition and competition to provide a platform to showcase different scientific models.

The popular Robosphere segment will feature challenging events such as Robowars, Wall-I, Crack the Track, Arkitek, Robo Race, Path Finder, Aqua Bots, Destined and Insta. Bands from across the country will engage in musical competition the grand title of Sultans of Rock. In addition, Kritansh 2012 will have band performance by Ash King, a band of international repute, on its concluding day.

In management segment, there are events like Bulls and Bears - a virtual share trading game; Genesis - innovative ideas of budding entrepreneurs; Consiglere - case studies and intensive business solutions for industrial problems; Ad Valorem – advertisement campaign; and Does Gray Matter - Technical and Biz Quiz.

Some of the other events are Quests of the Strings - an online browser based game; Hackathon - an online multiple level Hackfest; Codiac – a C/C++ programming event; Khoj – treasure hunt; Karmayudh – a competition to test the presence of mind and Kurukshetra - a LAN-gaming contest.

All out-station participants will be provided hospitality and accommodation in the campus.

KIIT Faculty bags mega research project

Dr. Udai P. Singh, Professor in School of Electronics Engineering, KIIT University has bagged a mega research project worth Rs. 1.4 crore from Department of Science and Technology(DST), Government of India under Solar Energy Research Initiative program. The research project is on “Process development of Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ thin film solar cell on flexible substrate using co-evaporation technique.” The project duration is of three years.

Dr. Singh is working in the area of thin film solar cells for last 16 years. He is also working on the research projects funded by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Government of India.

KIIT-TBI Organises Business Plan Competition

KIIT - Technology Business Incubator organized a Business Plan Competition “Innovio” for research scholars and students above the age of 18 years studying in Odisha. The winners were awarded at a glittering award ceremony at KIIT University on 4th February 2012. Giving away the prizes, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS underscored the importance of such competitions in development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.

Sudha Manajari Mishra won the first prize for her proposal on Teaching Learning Materials (TLM). She beat 63 other participants to emerge winner. She bagged a cash prize of Rs.50,000/- along with a six month free incubation period at the Technology Business Incubator. Dr. H. C. Rajhans and Niladri Pati bagged the second prize and Rs.30,000/- for their proposal on Fuel and Pollution Controller. Mr. Satyapriya Jena won the third prize and Rs. 20,000/- for his proposal on Chitosan Nanoparticle based polyherbal wound Healing Spray.

There were presentations of 10 shortlisted proposals in the final round. The proposals were scrutinized by a panel of judges which included Dr. Koteswar Rao of Transgene Biotek, Hyderabad; Mr. Anil Joshi, Mumbai Angels; Mr. S.S. Acharya, DGM, SIDBI; Mr. Chander Sundaram, NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore & Mr. Arbind Sahoo, Director, OOFML, makers of Ruchi Masala. Mr. Joshi expressed surprise at the level of talent in the state and it’s potential. 

The competition was supported by SIDBI, Bhubaneswar and NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore. It was started during September 2011 with call for proposals.

8th ICDCIT Inaugurated at KIIT

The 8th ICDCIT (International Conference on Distributed Computing and Internet Technology) was inaugurated at KIIT premises in the presence of Dr. R. K. Shyamasundar, TIFR, India & Advisor, ICDCIT; Dr. R. Ramajunam, IMSc, Chennai & Programme Chair ICDCIT-2012; Dr. Srini Ramaswamy, ABB Corporate Research, Bangalore; Dr. S. Nanda, Prof. of Eminence & Research Chair & VC In-Charge, KIIT University; Dr. A. K. Bisoi, Dean, School of Compt. Engg. KIIT; Dr. Sasmita Samanta, Registrar, KIIT Univesity and Dr. D. K. Tripathy, Pro-VC, KIIT University on 2nd February 2012. In the inaugural session of this four day long programme, Dr. Sasmita Samanta in her welcome address said, through ICDCIT the knowledge of computer and internet can exchange among the students and faculties. Though KIIT organizes so many conferences for a proper knowledge exchange, ICDCIT is one of them.  Giving example of the project ‘Aakash’ Laptop for school students, an initiative by Govt. of India, Dr. R. K. Shyamsundar said, it’s a nice combination of internet, computing and technology. More than 100 participants including USA, Israel, Finland, Iran and different parts of India have took part in this conference.

ICDCIT was established in 2004, and since then the conference series has become a platform for Computer Science researchers from India and all over the world to exchange research results and ideas on the foundations and applications of Distributed Computing and Internet Technologies. Increasingly, such technologies enable individuals and organizations to jointly engage in the production, processing and dissemination of knowledge. During this period several events like Paper Presentations, Invited Talks, Industry Symposium, 2nd Student Research Symposium and First Student “Project Innovation Contest” -2012 (PIC-2012) has been organized.