July 26, 2010
Amritapuri Campus
 

The first phase of Acharya ‘10, a multi-series faculty development program, slated for the current semester at the Amritapuri Campus, was conducted as an opening to the new academic year during July10-13, 2010.
 

“Acharya ‘10 is part of a strategic plan to implement the institution’s mission,” explained the organizers. “The objective is to promote strategies that will enhance teaching and learning as well as foster a value-based culture on campus.”
 

“This first event aims to raise awareness regarding opportunities for professional and personal growth at Amrita,” elaborated Br. Sudeep, Campus Director. “Also we want to strengthen the feeling of the Amrita Family.”
 

Lectures by senior faculty, interactive sessions with successful researchers and presentations explaining the different departments as well as the institution’s academic and examination systems all became instruments to achieve the stated goals.
 

Elucidation of the challenges and benefits of a choice-based credit system helped faculty gain a better understanding of Amrita’s educational system. Throughout the event, faculty members were encouraged to continuously improve their skills in teaching and research.
 

Dr. P. S. Chandramohan, Chairman of EEE Dept., is also a State Council Member for Engineering and Vocational Education. He reflected on the different dimensions of teaching with the participants, shedding light on the complexity of the task.
 

“Besides the art of managing and communicating content, many other aspects such as a student’s learning process and the teacher-student relationship are also important,” he stated.
 

“The primary role of a teacher is to generate love and interest for a subject in students,” added Br. Jayaraj Poroor and Dr. Nithin Nagaraj in their joint presentation titled From Teaching to Research and Back. “Bring the subject to life!” they implored.
 

An impressive list of faculty and student achievements including journal and conference publications as well as events such as invited talks was presented to the participants on the second day by Ms. Padmamala from the CSE department.
 

The presentation that also included ongoing collaborations between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and top national and international universities highlighted the numerous opportunities for professional development available.
 

“The FDP was helpful to new as well as the senior faculty members,” stated Prof. Sreekala Menon. “It helped us learn more about the various departments and the regular functioning of the institution.”
 

Swami Amritageetananda Puri’s talk on meditation, followed by a meditation practice, was the highlight of the third day.
 

Interspersed in the sessions, were CIR’s team-building games and role plays. Lunch time on the last day, had a special surprise — a sumptuous Sadya offered to all faculty and staff members on campus.
 

“I certainly walked away with the feeling that I was one of a large Amrita family,” stated a participant, post the FDP.