In The Spotlight
Student Wellness Initiatives
BITS Pilani has always championed initiatives that nurture the overall well-being of our students. Taking this commitment a step further, we are now consolidating them into focused programs across all three campuses.
At the Pilani campus, a new course, Physical Wellbeing and Education, integrates weekly fitness and mindfulness sessions, reinforcing the bond between physical health and mental strength.
At the Hyderabad campus, flagship programs like The Human Library, Shuffling Secrets, and How to Navigate College Life create safe and inclusive spaces—from anonymous conversations to fresher-friendly transition support.
At the Goa campus, the Youth for Emotional and Social Support (YESS) Program, with RAHAT Trust, trains students in Emotional First Aid, while Mitr, a faculty-led effort, nurtures approachable hostel communities where students can find guidance or simply a listening ear.
We want to share concrete ways we embody this commitment. Our Youth for Emotional and Social Support (YESS) Program, launched at our Goa Campus in collaboration with RAHAT Charitable and Medical Research Trust, exemplifies peer-driven care. Through YESS, we empower students by training them in Mental and Emotional First Aid (MEFA) principles. This enables them to recognize distress in friends, offer immediate support, and guide them towards professional mental health resources.
Complementing this, our "mitr" initiative thoughtfully places faculty members directly within our hostel communities. These dedicated faculty volunteers are there, not in an official administrative capacity, but as compassionate listeners. They engage with students about academic pressures, campus life, personal worries, or simply for a comforting conversation.
Furthermore, our "Sethu" Mentorship Program ensures every student finds a direct, personal connection. Each student is assigned to a small group, typically around fifteen individuals, under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor. These groups are intentionally diverse, fostering interaction among varied peers, and ensuring every student has a consistent, empathetic faculty presence offering support and guidance throughout their journey with us.
BITS CARES: Supporting Student Well-being
We are pleased to announce the launch of BITS CARES (Comprehensive Action for Resilience, Empathy and Support), a new initiative by the Student Welfare Division to strengthen student welfare across all campuses. With a focus on mental health, wellness, campus safety, and student care, BITS CARES is designed to create a safer and more supportive environment, helping every student thrive both academically and personally.
The program will bring in enhanced counselling services, wellness coaches, hostel support, and upgraded safety measures to ensure students feel cared for at every stage of their journey. By aligning with best practices in higher education, BITS CARES reinforces our commitment to fostering resilience, empathy, and holistic development in the BITS community.
Together, these efforts reflect BITS Pilani’s deep commitment to ensuring that every student feels cared for, connected, and supported. Because when students find spaces to share, to heal, and to grow, they gain the strength.
BITS Exclusive
Celebrating the 79th Independence Day at BITS Pilani
On 15 August 2025, the spirit of freedom and unity filled every corner of BITS Pilani as the leadership teams, faculty, staff, and students came together across Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses to celebrate the 79th Independence Day.
Pilani Campus - Led by Prof. V Ramgopal Rao (Vice Chancellor), Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai (Director, Pilani campus), Col. Soumyabrata Chakraborty (Registrar), and Prof. N V Muralidhar Rao (Dean Administration), the celebrations began with the hoisting of the National Flag, joined by Chief Security Officer Mr. Kishore Singh and his team. Patriotic songs by students under Gurukul’s guidance, the National Pledge by Ms. Jhanvi, and the Anthem sung with pride brought alive the theme of “Naya Bharat.”
Goa Campus - The leadership team, faculty, and staff joined students as the B-Dome hosted its first-ever Independence Day cultural showcase — with music, dance, and an Art & Craft exhibition reflecting creativity, pride, and love for the nation.
Hyderabad Campus - The leadership team, faculty, staff, and community members participated in the Independence Day Run 2025, setting the tone for a day of energy and patriotism. This was followed by flag hoisting, cultural performances, and recognition of winners, making it a vibrant campus-wide celebration.
Across campuses, Independence Day 2025 at BITS Pilani was celebrated with unity, joy, and a shared love for the nation.
Research Stories
BITS researchers identify serotype of S pneumoniae
Researchers at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, have decoded Serotype 38, a dangerous type of Streptococcus pneumoniae that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. This finding shows the urgent need to improve vaccines and track these new strains to protect the most vulnerable. “Understanding the chemical structure and immune response to Serotype 38 gives us a roadmap for designing better vaccines”, Prof. Kirtimaan Syal, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences.
- 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬:
- • Its outer layer has an unusual amino acid called serine
- • Current vaccines do not protect against it. Found in India, Europe, and North America
- • Pneumonia still kills around 1 million children under age 5 each year
- • About one-third of infections now come from strains like Serotype 38 that vaccines don’t cover
Student Spotlight
Team JANUS Soars High at International CanSat USA 2025
Heartfelt congratulations to Team JANUS for their exemplary representation of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus at the International CanSat USA Competition 2025. Your dedication and excellence have brought immense pride to the institution and the nation on an international platform.
This year, the team secured an impressive 4th place worldwide in the design phase, showcasing their technical excellence and innovation. Even with extraordinary challenges on the global stage, including visa constraints that allowed only two members to travel to the USA for the launch, their preparation and determination ensured the mission continued.
A huge round of applause to Sham Patel, Umang Tekriwal, Sanchay Sinha, Kevin Shah, Vishal S A, Dron Pande, Rishi Raj Sahu, and Gayathri Krishna for their unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and relentless perseverance throughout the competition cycle. Your efforts truly stood out and deserve every accolade.
We are proud of you! Keep aiming higher and defying gravity!
Faculty Spotlight
Prof. Akanksha Rathore Awarded Two Prestigious International Research Grants
We are delighted to share that Prof. Akanksha Rathore, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, has been awarded two prestigious international research grants. She has received the IGSTC WISER Grant for her project "Collective Intelligence in Desert Ecosystems: Agent-Based Modelling for Ephemeral Oasis Tracking", and the Max Planck Society- India Mobility Grant, which will support annual research visits to the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany.
Congratulations to Prof. Rathore on this dual recognition it is a testament to her impactful, interdisciplinary research and global collaborations!
Alumni Spotlight
Trailblazer in Design: Kripa Ananthan (BITS Pilani, ’88)
Meet Kripa Ananthan, Head of Design at Ola Electric and a distinguished alumna of the 1988 batch of BITS Pilani. She began her career at Mahindra & Mahindra, rising to Chief of DTrailblazer in Design: Kripa Ananthan (BITS Pilani, ’88) Design and shaping India’s most iconic SUVs the Thar, XUV700, and Scorpio. After leading KRUZ Studio, she embraced the EV revolution in 2022 with Ola Electric, designing the future of Indian mobility. Recognised as Automotive Woman of the Year (2018) and honoured with the Grihshobha Inspire Award, Kripa has also been featured in Forbes India and Autocar Professional for her pioneering work and inspiration to young designers.
Her story is a powerful testament to where passion and perseverance can lead from the classrooms of BITS to redefining automotive design in India. Her career highlights how resilience and vision can carry a BITSian from campus corridors to leading India’s mobility revolution.
Suhane Pal
Celebrating BITSians’ Day 2025
On 3rd August 2025, the spirit of togetherness and nostalgia lit up BITS Pilani as campuses celebrated BITSians’ Day.
At the Pilani Campus, the day began with a Short Marathon flagged off by Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai, Director, Pilani Campus, where 600+ students, faculty, and staff participated with enthusiasm. The celebrations concluded with a vibrant cultural evening by the Punjabi Cultural Association.
At the Goa Campus, the B-Dome came alive as students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered for a memorable group photograph to mark the day. Alumni presence added warmth to the occasion, reminding everyone that BITS is a place where memories are created and cherished for a lifetime.
The BITSian spirit lives on everywhere, in every heart.
Happy BITSians’ Day!
Events Gallery
A Day Like No Other | Convocation 2025 at BITS Hyderabad
From the first step onto the stage to the last cheer echoing through the hall, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 2025 at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus was a tapestry of hope, pride, and accomplishment.
Every glance between friends, every clap from families, and every nod of encouragement from mentors spoke louder than words—this was a moment years in the making.
It wasn’t just about caps and gowns; it was about journeys of grit and determination, stories of late nights and unwavering effort, and the thrill of stepping into new beginnings. The air was electric with emotion, from heartfelt congratulations to spontaneous celebrations, creating memories that will stay with us forever. We were honored to have Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani Institutions, Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Director of BITS Hyderabad, Prof. Soumyo Mukherji, Registrar of BITS Pilani, Col Soumyabrata Chakraborty, whose leadership and guidance continue to shape the journey of every BITSian.
This video captures all the laughter, the pride, the anticipation, and the joy—a celebration not only of achievement but of the vibrant spirit that defines BITS Hyderabad. Watch, feel, and celebrate the story of a milestone day like no other.
MediaTek Day 2025 @ BITS Pilani, Goa Campus
On 1st August 2025, BITS Pilani, Goa Campus hosted MediaTek Day a vibrant mix of learning, connection, and fun!
The day began with the MediaTek team engaging with CSIS & EEE faculty, sharing their R&D breakthroughs and innovation-first approach. A special thanks to Satyabodh Kadni for his impactful talk on the future of semiconductors.
The highlight was an alumni panel where Amey Damle, Ananya Kumari, and Ojas Sharma shared interview insights, growth stories, and what it’s like building tech that powers billions. Students ended the day with a high-energy quiz, complete with goodies, prizes, and those iconic MediaTek tees.
Thanks to Srishti Bhardwaj & Rajiv Krishna for smooth coordination, and to A Amalin Prince, Bharat Deshpande, and the CSE & EEE departments for their support. Gratitude to the MediaTek team for creating a space beyond tech one of mentorship, inspiration, and ambition. Here’s to more such collaborations that empower the next generation of tech leaders!
Orientation Programme
The First Degree Orientation Programme for the incoming batch of 2025 was held from 26–29 August. The inaugural day at Grand Hyatt Dubai set a grand tone, followed by sessions at the campus auditorium that blended formal welcome with vibrant campus life.
Highlights included Prof. Souri Banerjee’s address on “Towards Excellence: Director’s Vision for the Class of 2025,” interactive sessions on academics, student support, and career pathways, as well as alumni talks, cultural performances, and bonding activities like ice-breakers, tree planting, and hostellers’ evening events.
On 29 August, the Higher Degree & Ph.D. Orientation took place at Atlantis The Palm, welcoming postgraduate and doctoral students into the BITSian community. Prof. Banerjee inspired the cohort with his vision for research, innovation, and leadership, followed by academic briefings, support introductions, and course registration. The evening closed with a networking dinner, fostering connections with peers and faculty. Both programmes provided a strong start to the Class of 2025, combining academic guidance, cultural immersion, and a spirit of community.
Convocation Ceremony 2025 (WILP)
The BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) Convocation 2025 was held at our Hyderabad Campus and in the Metaverse, celebrating the achievements of our graduating class.
The ceremony began in the esteemed presence of Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman (Chief Guest & CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation – ANRF), Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao (Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani), Prof. G. Sundar (Director, BITS Pilani WILP), Prof. Soumyo Mukherjee (Director, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus), and Dr. Soumyabrata Chakraborty (Registrar, BITS Pilani).
In his inspiring address, Dr. Kalyanaraman spoke about the graduates’ perseverance and BITS Pilani’s evolving role as a research-led university. The presence of BITS leadership made the occasion even more special, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact.
The convocation was a celebration of success and new beginnings.
Innovation & Collaboration
BITS Pilani Launches LEAD-Academics - Shaping the Future of Academic Leadership
On 11th August 2025, BITS Pilani inaugurated LEAD-Academics, a six-month hybrid certification programme at the Hyderabad Campus to prepare senior academic administrators for leadership roles.
The programme, running till January 2026, focuses on six key areas: strategic leadership, academic innovation, inclusive management, technological integration, crisis resolution, and regulatory frameworks.
It began with a six-day residential engagement (11–14 Aug), where 31 competitively selected participants engaged with BITS leadership and former directors of IITs, NITs, and IIITs. In the months ahead, they will take part in 32 online sessions, case studies, and a capstone project addressing real institutional challenges. Through LEAD-Academics, BITS Pilani reinforces its mission to nurture visionary leaders shaping the future of higher education.
BITS Pilani launches the first MDP for the Indian Army under the Army Training Command (ARTRAC)–BITS MoU
On 11 August 2025, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani , held the inaugural session of the Management Development Programme on IT, Inventory Management, and Accounting for 50 Junior Commissioned Officers of the IndianArmy, under the Army Training Command (ARTRAC)–BITS MoU.
Presided over by Prof. Sudhirkumar V Barai. (Director), Prof. Muralidhar Rao N V(Dean Administration), Col. Soumyabrata Chakraborty (Registrar), and other dignitaries, this first of nine cohorts over three years aims to sharpen leadership and management for those who serve and safeguard the nation. BITSxBHARAT
Driving Talent & Research Synergy through Practice School Collaboration
BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus hosted the leadership team from MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) a 134-year-old multinational pharmaceutical company and Fortune 500 leader during their first university visit in India.
Discussions focused on Practice School (PS-II), campus placements, PhD hiring, and joint research initiatives in AI, data science, and healthcare innovation, with programs like PhD-Drive, PhD-Impact, and WILP highlighted as key enablers of long-term engagement.
𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅, 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
The MSD delegation consisted of key executives, including Ritesh Srivastava, Renchy Thomas, Gary Fosko, Harsha Gurukar, Anvesh Manchala, Brinda Gopal, and Rima S.. They engaged with Prof. Soumyo Mukherji, Prof. Annapoorna Gopal, Prof. Sounak Roy, Prof. Vamsi Venuganti, Yogeeswari Perumal, Prof. G Sundar, Prof. Gurunarayanan S, Prof. R. Parameshwaran, Prof. Anjani Srikanth, and Prof. Satyapaul Singh to explore collaboration in talent development, placements, and research.
Nominate Your Favorite Student Club
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Fill out the form linked below and nominate your favorite club. Tell us why they deserve the spotlight, and they could be the next feature in our newsletter.
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