Teachers' Day 2026: SRM University-AP recognises nine faculty with excellence awards

SRM University-AP observed Teachers' Day 2026 with a ceremony honouring faculty members for their contributions to teaching, research and institutional growth. The celebration was attended by Chief Guest Prof G P Raja Sekhar, Vice Chancellor of Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, along with Prof V S Rao; Prof CH Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP; and the university leadership including the Deans and Directors. The proceedings opened with an invocation, the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and a cultural performance.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof CH Satish Kumar, recalled the life of Dr S Radhakrishnan, former Vice Chancellor of Andhra University, tracing his journey from his formative years as a student through to the experiences that gradually shaped his enduring respect for teachers. He dwelt on this personal history at some length, drawing out how the influence of particular teachers along the way had left a lasting imprint on Dr Radhakrishnan's own outlook, and used this account to frame the significance of the occasion for the faculty gathered before him.

Chief Guest Prof G P Raja Sekhar, in a wide-ranging address, drew on Dr Radhakrishnan's concept of Abheda, weaving philosophical reflection into a discussion of contemporary policy. He examined how the National Education Policy aligns with Dr Radhakrishnan's philosophical outlook, and situated this within the broader framework of the National Credit Framework, drawing connections between the vision of decades past and the reforms shaping higher education today. He also spoke at length on the journey from academician to effective leader, underscoring the importance of teamwork, adaptability and innovation as qualities that distinguish those who make that transition successfully.

Prof G P Raja Sekhar then facilitated the presentation of the University Outstanding Faculty Awards 2026 to nine members of faculty: Dr V M Manikandan, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, recognised for his contributions to artificial intelligence and machine learning research and student mentorship; Dr Ayesha Parveen Haroon, honoured for her contributions to the discipline of Psychology; Dr Manjesh Kumar, recognised for his research in advanced and sustainable manufacturing; Dr Elakkiya E, honoured for her work in machine learning, deep learning and network security; Dr Priyanka, recognised for her research in computer vision, image security and artificial intelligence; Dr Siddhartha Ghosh, honoured for his sustained record of teaching and research; Dr Debajyoti Kundu, recognised for his research in environmental science and sustainable bioprocessing; Dr Anuj Deshpande, honoured for his contributions to teaching and institutional development; and Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, recognised for his research in power electronics and renewable energy.

Prof V S Rao addressed the gathering on the work of the Prof V S Rao Foundation, on which occasion the Prof. V S Rao Foundation – Prof. H P Tiwari Best Faculty Award 2026 was presented to Dr V M Manikandan. Five-Year Service Awards were presented to eighteen long-serving members of faculty, and the Popular Faculty Award was also conferred during the ceremony.

The event concluded with a group photograph and a video message from alumni, bringing the celebration of Teachers' Day 2026 to a close.