Amrita School of Applied Arts and Sciences, Kochi witnessed one of the most memorable long term event – an Expert lecture workshop series in all its departments. More than 40 professional subject experts shared the wisdom emanating from their knowledge and rich experience. Students and faculty members were extremely fortunate to associate with the sessions in organising, attending, interacting with the experts and paying obessiance and taking care of the hospitality of the experts. Students also benefited by developing their leadership qualities silently through involvement. Computer Science workshop was guided by Sri. K. Jayakrishnan, Director, Xtend Technologies. Lecturers Sri. B. Mahesh and Sri. A.S. Mahesh provided support to coordinate the events. Sri. Hari. S. Kartha, Chief News Coordinator ( South ), Star News Television Channel directed the proceedings of the sessions in Visual Media which were coordinated by Deepak Dharmadom, News Coordinator, Kozhikkode, Amrita TV and Lecturer Sri. Kiran. P. Chandran. Healthcare Management sessions were mentored by one of the senior most experts Dr. S.K. Ramachandran Nair, Sr. Medical Administrator, AIMS. Our faculty member Ms. Sonia Chellerian gave him all the helping hand and coordinated the sessions. Prof. C. Jagdish, our senior faculty was the Director for the Commerce sessions in which Prof. K.R. Shabu associated and coordinated the smooth flow of lectures.

The workshop series was inaugurated on 1 st February 2006 by the renowned artist and propagandist of Indian culture Sri. Soorya Krishnamoorthy. Our core faculty member of Visual media and renowned screen play writer Sri. John Paul gave an inspiring introduction of Sri. Soorya to the audience. Students, staff and invited guests listened with reverence the words of wisdom flowing freely from him. Pujaneeya Swami Poornamritananda Puri blessed the occasion with Amma’s messages of unity and love. Sri. Mohammed Yasin, I.P.S., presided over the function in which Sri. K.G. George , our Core faculty member and renowned film maker offered felicitations. All the workshop Directors and Coordinators were present during the function in which Dr. S. K. Ramachandran Nair and Dr. U. Krishnakumar briefed the objectives of the series.

Four weeks later, in the glittering auditorium of the brahmastanam campus, on 24 th February there was a grand finale for the workshop series with Padmavibhushan Dr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan adorned as the chief guest. With his excellent style and sweet words Sri. John Paul introduced Adoor the great artist and film maker who has glorified our country with work.. Sri. K.G. George offered special felicitations to Adoor. Adoor also inaugurated the Media Association of Amrita (MAA) and caricatured his signature on a white board, for the fond memory of this event. Students representing all departments paid respects to Adoor by offering Guru Dakshina in a most emotional and touching manner vibrant with the chanting of hymns in praise of the lineage of Rishis of our ancient wisdom. It was an unforgettable event. Swamiji blessed the occasion and Sri. Mohammed Yasin once again adorned the stage with his sweet words in praise of Amma. In this function stage was also set for the unanticipated participation of Dr. V.S. Sarma, former Chairman of Kerala Kalamandalam and a expert in Dravidian studies and Eastern philosophy. Dr. Krishnakumar, Director offered special prayers to Amma on behalf of the campus community in fond remembrance of the incessant love and blessings showered during the four weeks of the lecture series. Staff and students of the Visual media department deserve special accolades for the excellent video coverage of all the lectures and functions. These video clippings will be an excellent archive for the departmental libraries.

Computer Science Department

Expert lecture series in computer science saw a galaxy of eminent professionals sharing their wisdom and disseminating knowledge to the students and faculty.

The workshop Director. Sri. K. Jayakrishnan, Director, Xtend Technologies, Kochi delivered the inaugural lecture on computer viruses and data security. He presented one more topic, mobile computing. In his lecture on viruses he discussed a broad spectrum of overview from the rudimentary levels to the most recent trends in data security. In his lecture on mobile computing he discussed the hardware, operating systems and software aspects of mobiles phones, dam shells, tablet PCs and palm tops. Both the sessions were extremely interactive and benefited the M.Sc. Computer Science and BCA students. Jayakrishnan laid great stress on the need to understand the architecture, assembly language programming and operating systems in a deeper sense. Sri. Jayakrishnan a brilliant entrepreneur and researcher shared valuable experiences of his professional growth.

Sri. Shalvin, Director of Integrated Technologies, another brilliant professional who is also the coordinator of the Microsoft dot Net users forum at Kochi, in his lecture on dot net and visual studio 2005 enhancements discussed the dot net framework, common language runtime, RAD, component architecture, web forms, XML services, ADO.net and database interactions, validations etc. with the help of examples.

Sri. Vinod Robert, a senior scientist in the Defence Research Lab (NPOL), who is also an eminent academician and long term associate of our school delivered lectures on workflow automation and data mining. He discussed the entire spectrum of automation of business processes including event workflow engine (windows workflow, component, runtime devices, activity libraries, virtual designer and example workflow). Foundation models were discussed in detail, from the perspective of dot net. He also discussed the data extraction tools. In his session on data warehousing and data mining Vinod described the basic trends of data warehousing, roles and structures, tools and technologies used for data mining and its applications.

The expert session on project management was handled by Sri. G Krishnakumar, Director, Pearl Software, Kochi. A qualified project management expert and software developer Krishnakumar touched upon all the knowledge areas of project like interactions, scope, budgeting, time frame, risks etc. He also discussed the various tools for project management and its career profile.

The session on basics of computer networking for BCA students was handled by Sri. Harish, Network Administrator of AIMS. Advanced computer networks was discussed by Sri. Narayanan Nair, In-charge of e-learning center at Ettimadai. Sri. Narayanan Nair elicited the concept of router TDU, GCU, BUC, LNB. He also explained the structure of CISCO network routing process. Both the sessions were enlightening and opened new vistas of knowledge.

Sri. Vipin project group leader of Amrita Technologies Ltd. conducted a session on an interesting and emerging topic Aspect oriented programming using aspect j. He explained the features of IDE for java eclipse aspect j, AOP, joinpoint and demonstrated how to write an AOP using aspect j.

In his talk on Programming in the new era, Sri. Suresh Nambiar, Deputy Manager, Systems, Indian Oil Corporation, covered the essentials of procedure oriented, structure oriented, object oriented and net-centric programming methodologies and changing paradigms. It was an extremely useful session for M.Sc.(Computer Science) and BCA students and a special learning experience.

Visual Media Department

Media workshop – A treat for visual media students
The three day long media workshop promised a rare opportunity for all the media aficionados to interact with the who is who of the media industry. The camp director was Mr. Hari S. Kartha. Having worked with different media organizations, like Kerala Pathram, Janma Bhoomi, Akashavaani, The Indian Expess, and Business Times, Hari S. Kartha is presently working as the Chief News coordinator of the southern wing of Star news. Being the son of the veteran journalist G. S. Kartha, he has surely inherited the journalistic legacy of the family. The coordinator of the workshop was Deepak Dharmadam, who is presently working as a news coordinator in the Kozhikode bureau of Amrita Vision. In his key note address, Mr. Kartha talked to the students about the cut throat competition in mass communication, the impact of marketing and the common baits offered by the media to lure viewership

The first session of the day was presided over by Prof. S. V. Sashibooshan, HOD of Mass Communication and Journalism Dept of Calicut University. Belonging to the highly endangered genre of media gurus, he waxed eloquent on the topic `new trends in Media’. Spiced with profound thoughts and sweetened with humour, the session was highly relished by the students. “There was a time when the usage of a rigid skeleton-like language was the fashion statement for media. The present trend is to use the language of fiction. But, be careful not to fictionalize journalism” he said.

The afternoon session saw senior journalist, thinker and author of many books Sri. K.M. Roy give a lively talk on developing a nose for news. With a note of optimism, he said that mainstream journalism has helped India maintain democracy and strongly believed that the new generation of journalists would venture into greener pastures and give new definitions to democracy, taking the nation to the heights of glory.

The delicate yet relevant subject of media ethics was handled by one among the oldest journalists- Sri P. Rajan. This `orthodox journalist’ had been barred during the spell of emergency and was the Asst. editor of Mathubhoomi. A man of staunch journalistic ethics, he was strictly against sting journalism. “Accuracy need not be always truthful. All relevant facts are equally important. Therefore to report part of a happening is strictly unethical” he advised the budding journalists.

The talk on Media marketing by Sri. Sunil Nambiar from The New Indian Express was a fitting finale. Talking about the nuances of the marketing aspect in media, he shed light on role of advertising and the need to shift the media’s thoughts, according to the new trends. Furnishing details of the Indian economy, he threw light on the Indian media market, and the economic aspect of the visual vs. print media tug of war.

The day gathered momentum from the inspiring talk by Sri. Ramachandran on political journalism. An experienced journalist who has been with Mangalam, Malayala Manorama and The week, he asked the students to be well versed with the contemporary political scenario and its history. He also felt that maintaining a balance is not always necessary. When asked whether a journalist could have political bias, he opinionated that there is no harm in having one, as long as it does not infringe on the writing.

The session that followed was one from one of the most powerful masters of the visual language, Sri. Neelan, chief executive editor of Amrtita T.V. He threw light on the topic `signs of visual media’. His award winning documentary `Theruvil otappedunna stheethwam’ was screened. Explaining the semiology of the film, he said that every image carries a lot of meaning and the success of making good films lay in wisely using those symbols.

Column writing has emerged as a unique space in journalism. To get insights into this and to hone the students’ talent in column writing, the students had an opportunity to interact with Sri. Rajendran who has been working with Mathruboomi for more than two decades. Commonly known under the pen name Indran, he is not only a journalist, but a media activist. Sri. Ramachandran provided a brief world history in the field of column writing and illustrated the qualities of a good columnist.

Sportsman spirit is highly essential in the field of media, so is sports. The sports fan had a wonderful time interacting with Mr. Antony John, chief sub editor of Malayala Manorama. He stressed on the need to develop a passion for the game without which reporting sports events would be practically impossible.

The final day dawned with an expert lecture on the art of interviewing by Sri. Sreekumar, Chief Producer of Jeevan T.V. Being a media person who has been with the channel ever since its inception, his contributions towards the growth of the channel is profound. He very passionately shared with the students the subtle differences between interviewing and interrogation and the importance of knowledge management.

The next expert lecture was on new media, by Sri. Kumar Chellappa. Having received his advanced training from the Film and Television Institute, Pune, he has worked with the Deccan Chronicle, Indian Express, Doordarshan, and All India Radio. Being a scientist turned journalist, his main focus is in agriculture and nuclear physics. Presently, he is working as the executive editor of Indian Cultural Vistas.com. “Internet has democratized the media world and interactive media is the trend of the day” he commented on the emerging forms of media.

In the afternoon, the students had a session with a difference. Sri. Benny Paul talked to the students about photo journalism. Initially, he had started his career as a painter in Malayala Manorama and now continues as the photographer. He voiced his opinions on the news photos clicked by the students and suggested ways to improve them. “The success of a news photo is the maintenance of balance between the foreground and the background,” he said.

The valedictory function was presided over by Sri. Phalgunan, Bureau Chief of Deshabhimani, Kochi.

Department of Commerce and Management

Commerce Series

Sri. K.S. Gopinathan Pillai, Rtd. District and Sessions Judge and an expert in Consumer Protection gave a lecture on consumer protection in India. He stressed on the rights of consumers and the procedure for filing complaints. He explained the agencies for consumer protection at district, state and national levels.

Sri. V.L. Rajan, Manager in Charge of Systems at the regional office of Dhanalakshmi Bank, discussed Automation in Banking. He explained the objectives behind the automation in banking industry. New milestones in banking have been covered in this session. The software developed for a huge database and operating platform serves all transaction requirements of the bank. He also explained the practical steps involved in a transaction from the counter to the books.

Sri. Johnson Mathew , Manager, Human Resource Management at Popular Vehicles, elicited upon the objectives of HR called “HR Mantra”; which are (1). An employee should feel happiness when coming to work, (2). Be happy and productive while at work and (3). Go home and spread happiness. He explained in detail the HR functions with real life examples.

Sri. Riju Viswanath, Managing Partner of K.R. Bakers gave an interesting presentation on Humour at Workplace . He explained the importance of humour at workplace. He illustrated with humourous examples, how to overcome stress at workplace in order to increase productivity.

Dr. Rajagopalan Nair , Professor of Commerce discussed the concept and implementation of Plastic Money He explained the revolutionary change brought in economy by the substitution of paper currency by plastic money. He illustrated various types of plastic cards which includes credit card, debit card, smart card and ATM card. A person having a plastic card can make transactions without a single paisa in his pocket. He also explained the technology used in the operation of plastic money.

Sri. Sushil kumar , General Manager, General Insurance gave a presentation on General and Life insurance.Insurance is a protection against a loss which cannot be anticipated. Insurance does not prevent loss but provides a relief to the person who suffered loss. Sri. Sushil Kumar explained the need and benefits of insurance and gave detailed information about various insurance policies.

Dr. N. Ajith Kumar talked in detail about the International Finance and Trade .The developments in technology have boosted the international trade in many ways. The containers in a ship can be unloaded or loaded within hours. We can send money to any country in seconds with the help of advanced information technology. He explained the advancements in foreign trade and important documents used in international trade such as letter of credit etc. He also explained the pros and cons of globalization.

Hospital Administration

The expert lecture series began with Dr. S.K.Ramachandran Nair, Professor of Neurosurgery and Senior Medical Administrator, AIMS on “Art and Philosophy of Management”. He briefed students on almost all the aspects of management. The art of how to establish values, understand human behaviour and their needs were discussed.

In another discussion Dr. S.K.Ramachandran Nair, who is a poet, guide and philosopher to many clinical students stated reciting a beautiful poem to give a full proof of what means by memory mechanism. According to him Memory is “Man’s ego magnified original record for years”. He explains even the minutest detail regarding memory and say without memory life would seem null and void.

In his third lecture Dr. Nair explained how we should alert the public regarding disaster which can creep in like a thief at anytime, anyone and anywhere. We can not prevent it but can manage it but making the public aware of it as often as possible through releasing news and media, Public relation, liaison with private services, releasing of photographs and training the staff so that they would prepared to face it.

Sri T Nityakrupakaran, Medical Records Manager, AIMS, spoke on various facets of “Electronic Medical Records”. He covered its definition, importance, need, advantages and disadvantages of the system, patient care and also made the audience aware of its legal aspects.

Br. Balasurbramaniam, Manager (Pharmacy), AIMS, presented the “ Case Study: Management of Hospital Pharmacy”. The focal point of the lecture was on the problems in the inventory control, being a major revenue-generating department. He also briefed the students on stock verification, ABC analysis, and integrated software support.

Sri N.N. Panicker, a veteran creative management consultant with his dynamic personality completely captured the attention of the students with his interactive session on creative management. He expressed the view that creative thinking is the process of coming up with new, novel and potential ideas which generates a world of its on and relieve the world from a monotonous, tedious life.

Dr. Phillip John, Psychiatrist and Director of Peejay’s Policlinic and Child Guidance shared his rich knowledge on Anatomical basis of mind and learning disability. His session mainly stressed on dual nature of body and mind, Dichotomy, exponentially growing technology and on the whole about the mystic human brain. He narrated experiences from his case studies.

Sri. M.G.Harikumar, Manager HRD, AIMS, a lively, humourous person took the audience through the domain of training and development strategies which consists of various intellectual and pre-planned procedures, which develops the communication skills of the employees, familiarize them with the new systems, a chance for them to improve their- performance, attitude and knowledge of their job. The advantage is that the department can identify the needs of the organization.

Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of the department of Endocrinology, AIMS, gave an interesting and smooth lecture unveiling the various aspects of community initiatives for the prevention of diabetics. He exposed the students to the changes that have taken place from the dawn of history to the present day and how the life style and the food habits are related to diabetics and how it kills a patient inch by inch. He concluded the lecture by giving tips and hints on the preventive measures we can take by life style modification.

Sri. A.Vasanth Shenoy, Public Relation officer, Society for Organ and Retrieval and transplantation, is a retired Scientist who has completely devoted himself to make the public aware that thousands need different organs to lead a normal life, and that we can help a soul to live a new life at the fag end of our life by donating our organs now. He also narated living examples to encourage all of us. Shenoy also explained the legal frame work of organ donation and retrieval.