Monthly Newsletter : February 2023 - Issue 69

Campus News

Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining many natural cycles and supporting a wide range of biodiversity. They purify and replenish our water and provide the fish and rice that feed billions. A frightening fact is that 35% of the world's wetlands have disappeared in the last 50 years. February 2 is commemorated as 'World Wetlands Day'.
To commemorate 'World Wetlands Day', the Department of Agriculture organised a webinar on 'Prospects of Wetland in India for Sustainable Agriculture'. Dr. Soham Hazra, Assistant Professor, Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural Sciences, JIS University was the speaker at the event. In his presentation, Dr. Hazra explained the significance of wetlands. The various aspects of wetland agriculture were explained in detail by him and the ways to achieve sustainability in agriculture by integrating wetlands into our agri-ecosystem were highlighted.
The Agriculture students must note that the vicious cycle of loss of wetlands threatened livelihoods, and deepening poverty is the result of mistakenly seeing wetlands as wastelands rather than lifegiving sources of jobs, incomes, and essential ecosystem services.
The main objective of conducting this webinar was to enlighten the students who are pursuing Agriculture about a new area that can be explored for future academic pursuits.

Many insisted Jagdish Chandra Bose to patent his technique regarding wireless technology but he set aside the idea stating that he is interested only in the research and not making money. The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Guglielmo Marconi and Karl Ferdinand Braun for their contribution to the development of wireless telegraphy.
On February 3, 2023, Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology organised a seminar on 'Finishing School in Biotechnology'. The main objective of conducting the seminar was to aware the students regarding the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and patenting. Sudipta Porel (WBCS), Joint Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Dr. Mahuya Hom Choudhury, Senior Scientist and Nodal Officer, Patent Information Centre, WBSCST were present at the event.
While interacting with the students, Porel highlighted the prospects of the students pursuing Biotechnology and how Agriculture and Biotechnology can collaborate and contribute in fertilizer manufacturing and other areas. Bioinformatics, Biotech in IT, Marine Biotechnology are also some of the areas that can be explored.
The session was very important for the students, and they got to understand the importance of patenting, IPR protection and others.

In recent years, internet has received various negative news coverage. The online financial scam has been a cause of concern for internet users. A Delhi-based market research company has revealed that 74% of the people who experienced banking-related fraud, never recovered the money they lost.
On February 8, 2023, the departments of Computational Science, Cyber Science and Technology in collaboration NSS team organised an awareness camp on 'Safer Internet Day' for the housekeeping staff. Spending time on the internet is a common factor that binds people from all strata of society. In this regard, an awareness of safe internet practices is of utmost importance. The students also made a short film on how to avoid internet-related scams. A presentation on the DOs and DON'Ts of internet usage were also presented before the housekeeping staff. To generate awareness uniquely, a quiz competition was also organised with the housekeeping staff.
The students of Brainware University are always committed towards strengthening the commitment to online safety in India. On 'Safer Internet Day', the students of our university were not only restricted in the university campus, a group of students visited the local inhabitants around the neighbourhood and explained them about cyber scams and frauds. They also explained how to deal with a situation if one falls a prey to any cyber attacks!

"When people ask me if I went to film school I tell them, 'no, I went to films.'" - Quentin Tarantino.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has established the second Saturday of February every year as 'Global Movie Day'. The Department of Multimedia in this regard organised a marathon movie show on February 11, 2023, to keep up with the spirit of Quentin Tarantino.
Witnessing the masterpieces from the filmmaking masters was a masterclass for the students. They got to watch a number of cult classics including Life is Beautiful', 'Moho', 'Padakhkhep', 'Speechless Love', 'PREJUDICE', 'Siddhanta', 'Swapno Bhed' and 'Adrishya Sekol'.
At Brainware University, only bookish learning is discouraged and all kinds of external supports are provided. The marathon movie run has been a learning exercise for the students. The students can take inspiration from some of the best filmmakers in the world to nurture their story-telling skills. We are hopeful that with the mentoring and guidance that the Multimedia students receive from Brainware University, soon they will earn a niche in the professional field!

"I know of a Chemistry professor whose interest was in synthesis. He invented the synthesis of a gum that is not sticky. Now, somebody else was using the invention and when the professor was informed about this he was happy that his invention was being used with a good purpose. Well, even then one needs to get permission to use one's invention," Dr. Umesh Banakar, Professor and President, Banakar Consulting Services, Westfield, Indiana, USA shared this story with the Pharmacy students of Brainware University.
Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology organised an international seminar on 'Intellectual Property Rights: Careers in IP' on February 16, 2023. Taking instances from his experience, Dr. Banakar highlighted the importance of IPRs to the students.
While interacting with one of the students, he noted, "India has to identify the core areas in clinical trials so that there can be a push forward." In this context, it has to be noted that Dr. Banakar executed 350+ clinical trials himself.

“Don't sit around and wait for the perfect opportunity to come along — find something and make it an opportunity.” - Cecile Richards
The Indian Constitution resolved to constitute Indian into a 'Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic'. However, enunciating the principle of social justice is one thing but effective implementation of it is different. The principle of Social justice can become inoperative in the absence of peace and security and in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
To commemorate Social Justice Day at Brainware University, Biplab Roy, Administrator General and Official Trustee of West Bengal and Manik Lal Jana, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Barasat, North 24 Parganas were present to conduct a session with the students.

With an aim to enhance the employability skills of the students, the Department of English and Literary Studies organised a 3-day workshop on 'Editing and Publishing'. The workshop was conducted by Dr Saswata Banerjee, Founder, Magic Seeds Books LLP. At the workshop, Dr. Banerjee shared with the students necessary skills required by the students to pursue a career in editing. He also highlighted for the students on how to approach a copy for editing and various factors that one needs to keep in mind.

"What is going on in the market? What are the students' ideas on entrepreneurship and skills?,'' Anirban Kundu, Assistant General Manager, Marketing, Merlin Group asked the students at the seminar on 'Exposure to Entrepreneurship & Conceptualization'. The seminar was organised by IIC in collaboration with the Department of Multimedia.
Brainware University is repeatedly taking efforts to aware its students on entrepreneurship. "We are living in an age of automation. Everyday so many things are changing and we need to develop new things to keep up with this," he said. The seminar was an insightful experience for the students.

Highlight of the Month

“Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees.” - Paul Strand
It is that time of the year when the students and the faculty members walk for a good cause. Like every year, this year also, the 'Photo Walk' took place on February 28, 2023, which is also the birthday of our Hon'ble Chancellor Phalguni Mookhopadhayay.
Chancellor Sir likes to spend his birthday with his students and colleagues and of course with his passion - photography! The event was organised by the Department of Multimedia in collaboration with Photo Frame, the photography club of the university.
This year, the walk took place at Chhota Jagulia area and it commenced from the 'Farmland for Agri-Research and Innovation' of Brainware University. The enthusiastic students were excited to click the shutters to capture the moments!

Salam, Barkat, Ahmed, Jabbar and Rahman - the names of these martyrs are etched in the memories of all Bengalees. These five students of Dhaka University were killed while protesting against the imposition of Urdu as the sole language in Pakistan when the police opened fire on February 21, 1952. This tragic incident in history is remembered for the sacrifice of the people for their mother tongue. In 1999, UNESCO proclaimed February 21 as 'International Mother Language Day' to commemorate the sacrifice of the martyrs for their mother language - mother tongue!
With a firm conviction to inform the present generation of the significance of the 'Language Movement', its relevance and importance, Brainware University organised a cultural programme on 'International Mother Language Day'. Proscenium, the university drama club also started its journey on that day with their first original production, a street play.
The event started with a medley of songs, followed by dance performances from the students and faculty members. The main attraction of the event, the street play was saved for the end.
Every language is important! And for the existence of each and every language, mother tongue is important. Imposition is not an option - the spirit of the street play echoed in the minds of the students.

On the occasion of 'International Mother Language Day', the central library of the university organised a 'Book Sale-cum-Exhibition'. Renowned author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay shared a short message during the inauguration of the exhibition. "Many are concerned about the future of Bengali Language but with the huge number of Bengali speakers, I never doubt its extinction," said the coveted author with a number of best-selling novels under his name.
A number of publishers and book sellers exhibited their publications at the event. Dr. Arun Kumar Chakraborty, Prof. & HoD, Library and Information Science, Netaji Subhas Open University was the Chief Guest at the event. Prof. (Dr.) Sudipa Ray Bandyopadhyay, Professor, Dept. of Ancient Indian History and Culture, University of Calcutta; Prof. Dr. Asitabha Das, Former University Library, University of Kalyani and Ms. Juthika Dam Das, Former Asst. Librarian State Central Library, West Bengal were present at the event.
Hon'ble Chancellor Phalguni Mookhopadhayay also attended the book exhibition. Mookhopadhayay has a variety of interests and in that regard, nothing can be a better companion other than books.
This initiative by the university was a useful one to keep up the spirit of Kolkata Book Fair even after the end of the fair.

Brainware Advantage

Our BBA students Ankita Saha, Pranay Mondal, Sayan Chanda, Subha Jana and Sumon Mondal are currently pursuing their 4th semester at Livingstone College, USA. They are in the USA as a part of a student exchange programme. Recently, these students met the Mayor of North Carolina Mrs. Karen K. Alexander. It was an extraordinary experience for our students and we hope that they will scale great heights in the future with their achievements.

“Justice is possible without equality, I believe, because of compassion and understanding. If I have compassion, then if I have more than you, which is unequal, I will still do the just thing by you.” - Bell Hooks
The true objective of social justice cannot be attained if it is restricted within the four walls. The NSS in collaboration with the Department of Law is organising an awareness programme on 'Social justice for all' at Hazrat Ekdil Shah High School, Kazipara, Barasat. Our students interacted with the students of the school to make them understand the concept of social justice. A quiz competition was also held to make the event for interesting.
It was also a learning experience for the students of our university.

World's most customer-centric company was present for a campus drive at Brainware University. Yes, Amazon was present in the university campus to recruit for the profile of 'Virtual Customer Service Associate'.
The Campus-to-Corporate Cell of the university is engaged throughout the year to maintain the network with 500+ recruiters across the country. The students of the university are also groomed for the placement drives through placement boot camps, soft skills training sessions, mock interviews, group discussions etc.
Here are some glimpses from today's placement drive!

The Sound Recording Studio at the Department of Communication, Multimedia and Film Studies has become a preferred destination for singers, voice over artists, bands and others for recording. Recently, Retro Mix Band recorded a song at the studio, and they had a nice experience.
The band recorded the theme song for celebrating 75 years of Basirhat College. "We really liked the sound recording studio infrastructure of Brainware University and the hospitability and cooperation that we have received here from the faculty members and students is really worth mentioning. We look forward to come back to this place for recording more songs," expressed an elated Emon Bhattacharjee, the lead vocalist of the band at the end of the recording.
Apart from the lead vocalist, the guitarist of the band Saiyad Sunny, keyboard player Gourab Saha, drummer Biltu,base guitarist Surajit and female vocalist Ritija were present.

Students Corner

"Be a resource not a sales pitch. Connect not to get. Connect to give."
Those who are a fan of TVF's 'Pitchers' have an idea about the importance of business pitch to start their start up or own business.
In the 'Global Entrepreneurship Summit' at IIT Kharagpur, 6th-sem Pharmacy students - Piyush Kumar Jha, Ritaban Dhar and Muskan Prasad stole the show in the 'Sustain-o-vate' competition with their impromptu business pitch. This trio was the finalists in the competition.
A team of 40 students from Brainware University went to IIT Kharagpur to participate in various competitions in the 'Global Entrepreneurship Summit'.

Shankar Kumar, one of our students from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, has scripted a fairy tale at the league cum knockout badminton tournament organised by Indian Maritime University (IMU), Taratala, Kolkata. The tournament took place from February 8, 2023, to February 10, 2023.
Shankar won the championship in the tournament. A number of participants from different colleges and universities represented their institutions. Kumar competed with these students throughout the eight rounds before he faced the moment of glory and became the winner.
Brainware University is dedicated to building a powerful sports squad. The small success stories that are being created will certainly add to the achievements of the university and help in building a strong sports team that will represent the university and bring laurels on its behalf.

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” - Billie Jean King
Many sports are played in India. When Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in men's 10-meter air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, he became the first Indian to win Olympic gold for India in an individual event and inspired future generations. However, still a major part of the people remains nonparticipating in Indian sports. Most of the people here tend to think that sports are only meant for the sportsmen who love to play and who have to formally participate in the tournaments and competitions.
In this situation, people like Shankar Kumar, Bibhrangshu Chakraborty and Md Amrun give us hopes! These three students from our university have put up a stellar performance in inter-college sporting event Amiphoria 2023 at Amity University, Kolkata!

Science vs Arts! The hot topic of debate in almost all middle-class households. But passion and profession can co-exist or the passion can eventually transform into a successful profession for someone.
"My main aim is to become an Engineer but singing is my passion and I have no intention of leaving it. A career in singing is my dream," said Subhadeep Pandit, B.Tech CSE, 4th-sem student who recently bagged the second position in 'Sound of Music', the musical event of 'ADINOVA 2023' organised by Adamas University.
Subhadeep mesmerised the audience with his rendition of 'Chaandan Mein', the popular song by Kailash Kher.

Ankita Saha, Pranoy Mondal, Sayan Chanda, Subho Jana and Sumon Mondal - these 5 BBA students received a Presidential scholarship of $63,730 (Rs 52.75 lakhs) from Livingstone College, USA. These students are now in USA pursuing their 4th-semester studies from Livingstone College as a part of the international students' exchange programme. It is indeed a proud moment for our university as our students are making a mark across the globe. Above video all the way from Livingstone College showing how our students are adapting themselves!

Outside The Academia

"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." —Nelson Mandela