PES University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, HN Campus 50 feet road Hanumanthanagar Bengaluru-560050 organized Inauguration of classes for I B.Pharm, I Pharm.D & I M.Pharm 2020-2021 on Saturday 16 th January 2021 at Prof.MRD Auditorium, PES University, 100 feet ring road, BSK III Stage Hosakerehalli, Bengaluru-560085. 

Sri Sreenath R.N – Depty General Manager- Corporate and strategic planning, KAPL Bengaluru was the Chief Guest & Sri Harish.K.Jain- Director Embiotic Laboratories (P) LTD, Bengaluru was the Guest of Honor.

Dr.M.R.Doreswamy, Ex-MLC, Advisor, Educational reforms GoK, Hon’ble chancellor PES University. Founder Chairman, PES Institutions, Bengaluru presided over the function. The dais was occupied by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, PES University Dr. Surya Prasad.J & Dean Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, HN Campus Dr.J.Saravanan.

The Chief Guest Sri Sreenath R.N being Alumnus of PES College of Pharmacy way back in 1989 was very happy to share his experience with august gathering. He emphasized the budding students to know what they are studying? Why are they studying? He suggested the students to focus on core fundamentals and its application as a must. He motivated the students by saying they have chosen the right course at right time at right institution as Pharmacy is in the forefront globally.

Sri Harish.K.Jain - the Guest of Honor congratulated the entire budding pharmacist for having chosen noble pharmacy profession and that too in legendary institution. The Guest of Honor enlightened the gathering sharing the current Indian Pharma scenario worldwide where we have 20% share value in terms of volume and only 3% in terms of Indian economy. This could be increased up the value ladder by adopting innovative Drug Approach, New Drug Entity, biologicals etc. He stressed on value addition such as to make great friends, help friends, make networks, play sports etc.

Hon’ble Chancellor Dr.M.R.Doreswamy was full of vigor and enthusiasm. In his presidential address, he earnestly requested the students as well as faculty to always follow the 3 L’s – Life Long Learning. Prof.MRD spoke about New Educational Policy which gives impetus on skill development programs. New Educational Policy wants job creators and not job seekers. He made the students to take oath to aim high, to receive scholarships, to have an overall development such as oratory skill, writing skill, debate etc. He was very happy to inaugurate pharmacy classes on the day of break through, where Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi Inaugurated the launch of world’s largest COVID vaccination program. He concluded his talk by promising that PES University will not only be on par with renowned universities of USA but also go one step forward with respect to research facilities, faculty, ambience, infrastructure etc.

Dr. M.R. Doreswamy has succeeded in giving a big push to the government's school adoption policy, first by getting the nod of the legislature in the budget session of 2020-21 for all the MLAs to adopt 3 government schools for development under the Legislators’ Area Development scheme. In his press release, Dr. Doreswamy, Education Advisor, GoK has said that the scheme is now wider acceptance with all the MLCs (3 schools), MPs (5 schools) and Rajyasabha members (5 schools) coming forward to adopt schools for development in their respective constituencies. The press release also says that 25 universities (both state and private) has adopted 10 government schools each, thus taking the scheme across different sections of society.

Even reputed cine artists have agreed to participate in the scheme. This social recognition has prompted Dr. M.R. Doreswamy to seek the participation of 200 reputed IT companies to leverage school education services by adopting government schools commensurate with their preeminent status. 

Dr. Doreswamy has appealed to all philanthropists to contact 080-22133678 for any logistic support needed.

At the outset, it gives us immense pleasure to announce the rank list of PESSAT-2020 entrance test conducted for admission to B.Tech programs of PES University for the academic year 2020-21. PES University successfully conducted PESSAT 2020 during Aug 1 – Aug 20, 2020.

A 10-point Anti-COVID SOPs was formulated by PES for the safe conduct of PESSAT-2020 across the country.

PESSAT-2020 witnessed a large turnout of candidates to take the test despite the prevailing circumstances. Over 16,800 students from across the country applied for B.Tech Programs offered by the University. PESSAT-2020 was conducted at 31 centres across India.

Dr. M R Doreswamy, Hon’ble Chancellor of PES University and Adviser on Educational Reforms (Cabinet Rank), Govt. of Karnataka felicitated the top 3 rankers of PESSAT-2020 with appreciation certificates in the presence of their parents, the press and the media on 7th September 2020.

The first rank is bagged by Ms. Kavya Bhat, student of National Public School, HSR Layout, Bangalore, the second rank is bagged by Mr. Rakshith M, student of RV PU College, Jayanagar, Bangalore and the third rank is bagged by Ms. Sinchana Kumbale, student of Sri Kumarans Children’s Home, Mallasandra, Bangalore.

The first round of PESSAT counseling will be held on September 18th, 19th and 20th at PES University and also at 19 other cities across the country for the selection of seats of all B.Tech programs (CSE, ECE, ME, EEE, CE and BT).

#pessat #pessat2020 #pesuniversity

As India, one of the largest democracies in the world celebrates its 74th Independence Day today, Prof. D Jawahar, Pro Chancellor led the PES University in celebrating the occasion by unfurling the national flag at the OAT of PES University Campus and singing the national anthem.

Every year PESUians flock together to celebrate the occasion with great zeal and excitement. This year, however, the grand celebrations were scaled down due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to adhere to the safety protocols laid down by the Central and State Government.

The 74th Independence Day ceremony was organised with a virtual twist. Ensuring that the fervour of patriotism lives on, this year, PES University telecasted the flag hoisting ceremony and the Independence Day address live on Microsoft Teams. PESUians viewed the proceeding live from their homes. The PES University management had generated a Microsoft Teams link and asked all its stakeholders to watch the flag hoisting ceremony on its University premises.

Delivering his 29th Independence Day Speech Prof Jawahar highlighted the past year's achievements, raised important issues and called for further development of the University. Speaking about the pandemic, he was hopeful to get things back to normal at the earliest. He also mentioned that the University would do everything possible to assure the safety of the stakeholders on campus and at the same time maintain quality education to its students. The Pro Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor addressed the students about the academic activities, calendar of events during the pandemic.

Prof. Ajoy Kumar - Chief Operating Officer, Prof. J Suryaprasad - Vice-Chancellor, Prof. K S Sridhar - Registrar, Deans and Chairpersons took part in the celebrations.

PESSAT 2020, the online entrance test for admission to PES University’s BTech program will be held, starting from July 25 and concluding on August 9, 2020, at over 35 test centers across India. PES University will comply with all the safety regulations prescribed by the Govt in the conduction of the PESSAT 2020 online test. PES University’s PESSAT entrance test enjoys tremendous following among students from across the country who are keen on embarking on a career in engineering with PES University. The university is making all the efforts to ensure that the aspiring students do not miss out on the academic opportunities due to the prevalent situation. PES University requests the students to take all the measures for staying safe and wishes the candidates the very best in their academic career ahead.

Honourable Chief Minister Sri. B.S.Yeddyurappa and other dignitaries performed Bhoomi Pooja and unveiling of foundation stone for the PESUIMSR at Electronic City campus of PES University. After the Bhoomipooja, Sri Yeddyurappa was felicitated by for his contribution to PES University. The Chief Minister addressed the august gathering that PES institute is ranking first in Karnataka. The alumni of the PES institute are in national and international level in prominent positions and contributing to the society. PES Group of Institutions has contributed to the society in many ways. One such contribution is recent flood affected villages of north Karnataka. Apart from monetary contribution, they renovated many schools in the north Karnataka. With the help of visionary person, Dr. M.R. Doreswamy, the institute provided quality education to lakhs of students in the last four decades. I wish that the PES will provide ultramodern medical college and hospital to the citizens of Karnataka for good, said by the Chief Minister Sri B.S. Yeddyurappa. Dr.M.R. Doreswamy, Chancellor of PES University and Advisor (Cabinet Rank) on educational reforms, Government of Karnataka spoke on the process of starting a medical college and the hospital. PES has expertise in rendering education from KG to Ph.D. There are more than 25000 students studying in PES group of institutions. Dr. Doreswamy approached Government of Karnataka regarding starting a medical college in Karnataka but couldn’t get the consent. Meanwhile Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri Chandrababu Naidu welcomed PES to start a medical college in Kuppam. Now, the PES medical college at Kuppam is number one private medical college in Andhra Pradesh. The PESIMSR is offering modern high tech medical services to the rural population of Kuppam. Many of the friends of Dr. Doreswamy requested him to start a medical college in Bangalore, which is realized now through this Bhoomipooja. The program started with the welcoming of the guests by the Pro-Chancellor of PES University Prof. D. Jawahar and in the end, Director of Electronic City PES Campus Dr. Soorya Prasad rendered the vote of thanks. Honourable Revenue Minister, Government of Karnataka Sri Ashok, MLA of Bangalore South constituency Sri M. Krishnappa, PESIMSR Managing Director Dr. Suresh Krishnamurthy Additional Managing Director of PESIMSR Dr. Roopa Suresh and other dignitaries were on the dais.

Collegiate Social Responsibility Club (CSR) of PES University has organized a blood donation camp on November 18, 2019. The camp was organized to make students to be aware of the need to donate blood as well as inculcating a value of contributing to the society. Dr, M.R. Doreswami, Chancellor of PES University inaugurated the blood donation camp and congratulated the thousands of gathering students for their willingness to come forward for donating blood. NIMHANS, Kidvai, Red Cross, Victoria Hospital and PES Medical College, Kuppam blood banks were participated and collected 680 units of blood in this mega event.

Pradyumna Shanker, mixologist at The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore quoted in article on how aged, flavoured and infused with in-house blends, bars and restaurants are serving rum cocktails in innovative ways and mixologists predicting the dawn of rum signalling the end of gin in hipster glory.

Bangalore – 1530 candidates graduating from PES University were awarded degrees at the fourth annual convocation. The university’s first PhD and M Tech-by-Research candidates were conferred degrees at the ceremony. 17 gold medals and 92 silver medals were won by the graduating class. Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of AICTE delivered the convocation address. He outlined how, over the years the ways of learning, expectations of industry and approach of students has changed. He highlighted the importance of learning, drawing from his rich experience as an academician and researcher. He opined that “learning to learn” and “never stop learning” should continue to guide the students. Prof. Sahasrabudhe touched upon the successful initiatives of the government in involving students to effectively address the problems of the country. Dr M R Doreswamy acknowledged the contribution of the faculty and considered it as an important factor in building a preeminent brand in PES. He took pride in the project of building a satellite by a PES institution. The second satellite by students of PES reflects the focus of the institution on research and innovation. Dr KNB Murthy, Vice Chancellor introduced the chief guest and dignitaries on the dais. Dr M R Doreswamy, Chancellor declared the convocation proceedings open. Dr V Krishnamurthy, Registrar presented the candidates to the council of the university. Prof. D Jawahar, Pro Chancellor admitted the qualifying candidates and administered the oath of working for public good, innovating for advancement in their field of work, accountability to future generation, conducting oneself with honour and upholding the values of perseverance, excellence and service. He unveiled the scroll of honour carrying the names and pictures of meritorious students of the year. The graduating class saw active recruitment by leading global and Indian investment banks, software and engineering companies and promising start ups. Many of the candidates chose to pursue higher studies at renowned global universities. The graduating batch made the most of the internship opportunities with key industry players. The university campus came alive with the beaming parents and fresh graduates.

The five day national workshop on Modelling and Analysis of Nexus between Renewable Energy, Electric Storage and Electrical Vehicle outlined the trends and research opportunities for students in this fast developing field. The inaugural function laid down the objectives of the workshop and the road ahead in the national and global perspective. The attendees were welcomed by Dr. B.K.Keshavan, Chairperson Dept. Of Electrical Engineering and Electronics. Dr. Venugopal. N, Convener said that the motivation for the workshop is about creating a platform for industry, research and academia to discuss and take up research projects in the field of electric vehicles. Dr. K.N.B. Murthy, Vice Chancellor addressed the current scenario in the state and nation about energy conservation and impact on the environment. Mr. Mustafa Wajid, Managing Director and CEO MEHER group of companies, explained the concepts of conventional technology for petrol vehicles in comparison to electric vehicles to conclude that electric vehicles are more economical and environmental friendly. Present on the occasion were Dr. V. Krishnamurthy, Registrar and Dr. K.S. Sridhar, Dean Placements, PES University. Dr. M.J Venkatarangan, thanked PRDC for their association in conducting this workshop. The workshop was held from July 22 to 26, 2019.

The tricolor national flag was hoisted by Mr. Anand Malligavad - A man of Lake Rejuvenation (Lake Conservationist), the Chief Guest of the Program. Addressing the gathering he called upon the youth to serve / contribute to the Mother Earth and Save the Mother Earth. Addressing the Students, Alumni and Staff members, Prof. D Jawahar, Pro-Chancellor, PES University said that on August 15, 2022 India will be Celebrating Platinum Jubilee and PES will be celebrating Golden Jubilee. He narrated the roadmap ahead for 2020-2022 to all the stakeholders. He also announced that “PES University will extend all support to rejuvenate both the lakes of Hosakerehalli and the one at PES University Electronic city campus area”. He called upon the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Law to take up this initiative. Dr. K.N.Balasubramanya Murthy, Vice-Chancellor, PES University introduced the chief guest to the audience. This was followed by bi-annual alumni meet.

The inauguration saw enthusiastic students and parents on the campus. Addressing the students, Mr P.R. Devaraj, Global Head, IT Infra, Cognizant Technology Solutions said that they should be thankful to their parents and teachers for their sacrifice and support for preparing them for their academic future. He urged the students to make their parents proud with their achievements. He emphasised on the importance of values in life and upholding them. He pointed that the world is changing, technology is all pervasive as a part of every change and wanted students to accept the change. Mr Devaraj said that Bangalore is the fourth largest technology hub in the world and wanted students to be proud of their city. In his presidential address, Dr. M.R. Doreswamy, Chancellor, welcomed the aspirant engineers and their parents. Dr. Doreswamy said that the meaningful education can be provided by an institution through the support of management, teachers, students and the parents. He recalled that PES started with 60 students and 12 teachers in 1972 and has grown to become a large educational institution with over 24000 students and 2500 faculty members. Karnataka State Higher Education Council Survey ranked PES as the number one private university in Karnataka. Recently concluded Outlook survey placed PES as the 6th top ranked state university in India. He felt that PES is synonymous with quality education and values and an institution that expects the students to follow the Sir M Visvesvaraya as the role model. He observed that this motivates the students to aim beyond being job seekers and emerge as entrepreneurs. He wanted students to remember and be proud of their Mother, Mother Tongue and Mother Land to understand the essence of life. Prof. D Jawahar, Pro Chancellor, delivered the orientation lecture and outlined SPIRIT a unique process framework put into practice successfully by PES University that enables the students to realise their potential. Dr. K.N. B. Murthy, Vice Chancellor welcomed the guests and audience. Dr. V. Krishnamurthy, Registrar of PES University rendered the vote of thanks. Dr. Suryaprasad, Director, PES Electronic City Campus was present on the occasion. The inauguration of First year B.Tech (CSE), B.Arch and B.Des programs was held at the PES University campus on August 2, 2019.

“Shubhodaya Karnataka” is being directly telecast in widely viewed and popular Kannada TV Chandana channel every day in the morning 7 AM to 9 AM. In this program, people who are famous and very popular are being introduced for the information to the public. Kannada personalities who hail from the fields of literacy, music, education, technology, film and movie world, drama and other fields. Their life histories and life achievements are telecast in this Shubodaya Karnataka program. More than 450 famous persons like and then achievements have already been telecast in this series. For example, Infosys Founder Dr. N R Narayana Murthy, Justice Rama Jois, Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah, Dr. Sudha Murthy, Dr. K S Nisar Ahmed, Dr. Patil Puttappa, Jnanapeetha Awardee Dr. Chandrasehkara Kumbar etc., In the forth coming episode of the series, on Friday 9.8.2019. Dr. M R Doreswamy founder of PES Institutions and Chancellor of PES University will share his life events and achievements. Viewers are hereby requested to view the forthcoming episode on 9.8.2019 at 7.00 AM to 9.00 AM and also send their feedback and oblige.

At the international symposium on Heat Transfer, Professor KN Seetharamu's was felicitated on his eightieth birthday. Prof T Sundararajan, Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras. Prof M V Krishna Murthy, former Prof, Department of Mechanical Engineering IISc. Dr. KNB Murthy, Vice Chancellor of PES University and academicians from abroad were present on the occasion. Prof M V Krishnamurthy recollected the contribution of Prof K N Seetharamu to teaching and research and how his books are today a key learning resource. Prof T Sundararajan admired him for his down-to-earth personality and remembered his unique way of teaching finite element method (FEM) way back at IIT Madras. Prof V Krishnamurthy, Registrar, PES University, compared him to the roots and new students as leaves in educational system. Prof P Nithiyarasu and Dr A Ranganayakulu, scientist, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) highlighted his contribution. PES University is fortunate to have teachers like Prof K N Seetharamu and honoured to present the Mysore Peta and felicitate him and his wife on the occasion.

The talk on Human Robot Interaction for Enhanced Perception and Social Wellbeing traced the evolution of user interface and robotics. The models used to represent perception in social interactions between human and robots, the challenges in the existing solutions were clearly brought out by Prof. Jenkins. He emphasised the ubiquitous presence of robots in the society and the need for developing intelligent and simple interfaces that will allow robots to be part of social interactions and well being. In the later part of the session, possible solutions for few applications and case studies like Brain Computer Interface, activating memory through music, behavioural therapy for Autism, use of robots for Stroke rehabilitation and challenges in robotics with respect to security, natural language synthesis and so on were deliberated. Prof. David Jenkins is a Professor at School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics and his focus of research has been in the area of sensor development, microscopy and medical systemsThe session started with a welcome address by Dean of Research, Dr. Sudarshan. The session was presided over by Prof. KNB Murthy, Vice Chancellor. The event was organised by PES University in collaboration with Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET) and Board for IT Education Standards (BITES) GOK. There was a good participation from both Academia & Industry.

PES University celebrated the International Yoga Day 2019 on 21st June with lots of enthusiasm and gaiety from 7.00am to 8.30am. The occasion was very well attended by over 600 students, teachers and staff organized in the Cricket grounds of PES University. The mass yoga practice organized was spearheaded by the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the University. Speaking on the occasion Dr. M R Doreswamy, the Chancellor informed that PES University fully believes in the good effects of Yoga practice. The regular practice of Yoga is included in the academic timetable. He mentioned regular Yoga practice helps all the students to concentrate on studies by building immunity to fight against diseases. He expressed that PES University has decided to incorporate Certified Value added Courses such as Life and achievements of great persons like Swamy Vivekananda, Sir. M Visveswariah and Mahatma Gandhi. Chancellor urged the participants to practice the timetested Yoga and Pranayama regularly which facilitate physical , mental and spiritual health. At young age this practice is ideal, Dr. Doreswamy observed. International Yoga Day Celebrations - 2019 at PES University met with great success. The registrar thanked the assembly.

Team NIXAR presented an Augmented Reality platform which helps in making marketing immersive and interactive to win the top spot at Finnovatica 2018-19. The Final Arena Round had seven dynamic prototypes from six teams from premier engineering institutes competing closely, with use cases within the realm of financial services. The enthusiasm and determination of the students was a clear sign of the new age of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among young engineers in India. Team NIXAR comprising of Nikhil, Parth Sachdev, Prashant Verma, Kushal Agrawal and Lisa, from PES University Electronic City Campus won cash prize of 10 lakh rupees in finale. The team was mentored by Nitin from Fullerton India. Finnovatica programme seeks out ideas from talented students for developing innovative digital solutions that can be used to redefine the retail and rural lending landscape in India. The final round was held in Mumbai on June 4, 2019.

Epsilon 2019, an intercollegiate Science Fest was organized by the Department of Science and Humanities of PES University on the University premises. The event was inaugurated by the Chancellor of PES University Dr. M.R. Doreswamy. Dr. Doreswamy, in his speech, said that the students need to be encouraged to solve social problems through discovering the new things. Vice Chancellor of PES University Dr. KNB Murthy said that this year's science fest is a 17th version of its kind and thanking the faculty for their consistency and commitment for making it a success. 20+ Colleges participated with more than 1000 participants from Karnataka and Tamilnadu. The events organized in this year's science Fest - EPSILON 2019 were Quantum Computing, Math Olympiad, Poster Presentation, Science Exhibition, Ted Talk Competition, Science Theatre, Science Film, Junk Yard wars and Science Quiz. Prof. Lata Pasupalety, Chairperson, Department of Science and Humanities welcomed the guests, participants and audience. Dr. S.R. RadhaKrishnan, Head of the Department, Science and Humanities, rendered the vote of thanks.

Prakalpa is an annual event organized at PES University campus to show case the best projects developed by the students. More than 150 teams of various programs of study of PES University showcased creative and innovative projects at Prakalpa 2019 housed at their respective departments. More than 10 industries also participated in the event. The program was inaugurated by Dr. M R Doreswamy, Chancellor, PES University at 11:00 AM. Addressing the gathering Dr. M R Doreswamy, Chancellor, PES University said that “SET (Socially Economically Technologically) Innovative Project” is the need of the hour. He said that SET Innovation must touch three aspects of sustainable development namely technological, social and institutional innovation. He said PES University always encourages and promotes Project based learning. This model of education system seeks to prepare students to accept and meet challenges in the real world, mirroring what professionals do every day while teaching them what they need to know to succeed in a formal degree. Project based learning structures curriculum around discrete projects, presenting students with multi-step problems to solve or asking them complex questions they are then required to answer. It also improves student attitudes toward education, thanks to its ability to keep students engaged. Further he said that, universities and institutes of higher learning must focus on solving the societal problems may it be garbage, traffic, electricity, water, drainage, etc. He applauded on some of the interesting projects taken up by the students of PES University. He said I am taken aback by looking at these exciting projects. Each one of them is opt and unique in their own way. The project exhibition went on till 4:00 PM. Experts from industry and academia were part of the Jury Panel for every department. More than 5000 students, 800 parents, 600 students from other colleges took active participation during this event.

Department of Mechanical Engineering of PES University had organized an event to mark the Inauguration of Automotive Electronics laboratory set up jointly by PES University and Robert Bosch. Mr. R K SHENOY, Senior Vice President, Embedded Systems Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Ltd. inaugurated the lab and emphasized the need for hands on skills to the students.He called upon students to work beyond college hours to quire skills. He mentioned that this setting up of lab was the first step of Bosch and keen on introduce many more such to facilitate hands on learning for students. Dr. K. N. Balasubramanya Murthy, Vice-Chancellor, PES University, stressed on the need for students to work for picking up skills across domains which is the need of the hour. Speaking on the occasion he also said that the days are not far off that universities would start offering a basket of courses from which students have the choice to choose from. Dr. K S SRIDHAR, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. V KRISHNA, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Post Graduate Studies, Mechanical Engineering were presided over the function.

Dr. M. R. Doreswamy heartily congratulates the excellent achievement by the QQC – Quiz Quotient Team, PES University for winning the Overall Championship in the recently held 6th Edition of CUIZ 2018 (The Annual National Quiz Championship), organized by Christ University Bangalore.

Samarpana is an initiative by the students of PES University for the welfare of war widows and their families. We have worked over the last two years to engage with such families from across Karnataka, to discover their problems and issues, to try and bring these issues to the notice of relevant people and organizations and to inculcate a feeling of patriotism, by way of respect for the institution of the state and a sense of duty towards fellow citizens, among the younger generation. In 2009, and then continuously since 2012, we have invited around 15 families every year to be with us at the PESU campus to engage with students and management, who have contributed monetarily as well as pledged for help in kind. Since 2013, we have focused on rural NCO and JCO families, arranging for them a free medical camp, information on the ECHS scheme, a seminar on their rights and entitlements, empowerment and entrepreneurship workshops, and have felicitated them as an expression of gratitude and enabled interaction between them and students. In 2014, we have invited 15 families from the Belgaum region of Karnataka. PES University will host them on campus for the event on the 11th and 12th of March, and a tour of Bangalore City has been arranged for them on the 13th March following which they will return to their homes. They will be felicitated in a grand ceremony at 11am on the 11th following which our team and outside experts will be working with them to empower them through self-help workshops, address specific issues related to non-availability of ECHS, Canteen Cards and pensions. We are also organizing a display of arms for the benefit of students on campus. As a part of our awareness campaign on the armed forces, we have organized recruitment talks from the army, an exhibition of armed forces technology, a student visit to the HQ of the Para-commando training centre, seminars by Kargil veterans Maj. (Retd) Ashok Sharma and Capt. (Retd) Akhilesh Saxena. The Samarpana Run held on 23rd March 2014 saw over 400 soldiers from across Bangalore join in with over 1500 participants for a 10K Run, as an opportunity to interact and foster a sense of fraternity between them and civilians. We also organized the Shukriya campaign in September 2013, getting students and citizens from across Bangalore to write letters and record videos personally thanking the Armed Forces for their efforts and sacrifices, which we delivered in person to the GoC at the HQ at Baramulla in J&K. We have had ties with and support from various institutions and individuals in our efforts. We have received extensive cooperation from the Sainik Welfare Office (SWO), and the Bangalore sub-command as well as local regiment centres, especially the ASC, MEG and Para’s. Apart from PESU itself, Prestige Group, JSW Steel, IndiaBulls Real Estate, Fortis Hospitals and Gopalan Malls have all been sponsors and partners with us in our various campaigns. At this juncture, Samarpana has tremendous potential to make a significant and measurable difference to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in service to the nation. We are working towards the creation of a formal framework, to be able to carry forward our work on several fronts, such as: • Providing accurate and relevant information to war widows regarding their entitlements and compensations, getting them in touch with relevant authorities, and, where necessary, following up with necessary paperwork. • Collaborating with SWOs on being able to register as many families as possible, making an effort to reduce the number of families that are not officially recognized either due to oversight or lack of adequate documentation. • Raising funds to help families, who have lost their loved ones in combat, but due to policy loopholes or technicalities, are not entitled to adequate compensations, or to financial help in specific instances, such as medical treatment at non-ECHS hospitals in case of emergencies. • Advising widows on the utilization their funds and grants in the most appropriate manner. • Empowering them to be able to cope with their loss and deal with the society around them. • Providing them microfinance opportunities to help them achieve financial independence. • Mentorship programmes for children of rural and/or impoverished families, being able to advise them on issue on which they have few or no other sources of advice, such as education. These families have sacrificed much for the well-being of the society of which both we and they are a part of, and as a part of that society, we endeavor to be able to convey our gratitude for their sacrifice and give something back to those that have given so much for us.