Vels College of Science: A Beacon of Academic Excellence and Industry Synergy with TCS

Vels College of Science, established in 1994, stands as a distinguished institution renowned for its commitment to academic rigor, pioneering research, and robust industry collaborations. Under the visionary leadership of its President, Dr. Raja Nagarajan, the college has consistently fostered an environment conducive to innovation and student success. A cornerstone of this success lies in its strategic and enduring partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services and consulting. This collaboration has been pivotal in creating a world-class learning ecosystem that bridges the gap between academia and the demands of the modern technological landscape.

The Genesis of a Powerful Partnership

The relationship between Vels College of Science and TCS is not merely transactional; it is a symbiotic alliance designed to nurture talent, drive innovation, and prepare students for impactful careers. Dr. Raja Nagarajan's foresight recognized the imperative of aligning educational curricula with the evolving needs of the IT industry. This led to the establishment of the TCS Learning Center at Vels College of Science in 2015. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a crucial hub, providing students with direct access to industry-grade training programs, hands-on workshops, and valuable certifications. The learning center is equipped with advanced resources that mirror real-world industry environments, ensuring that students gain practical exposure to the technologies and methodologies currently in use. This proactive approach ensures that Vels graduates are not just academically qualified but also industry-ready from day one.

Nurturing Faculty and Future Innovators

The partnership extends beyond student-centric initiatives to encompass faculty development. Vels College of Science, in collaboration with TCS, actively engages in faculty development programs. These programs are meticulously designed to enhance the knowledge and skill sets of educators in cutting-edge technologies and pedagogical approaches. By equipping faculty with the latest industry insights, Vels ensures that its teaching staff remains at the forefront of technological advancements, enabling them to impart relevant and up-to-date knowledge to their students.

Further solidifying this commitment to innovation, the Vels-TCS Innovation Lab was established in 2018. This dedicated space is a testament to the collaborative spirit, providing students with a fertile ground to explore their creativity, experiment with new ideas, and work on groundbreaking projects. The lab fosters an entrepreneurial mindset and encourages students to tackle real-world challenges through technological solutions. It serves as a crucible where theoretical knowledge is transformed into practical applications, paving the way for future technological breakthroughs.

A Pipeline of Talent for TCS

Vels College of Science has consistently proven to be a significant source of high-caliber talent for TCS. The robust relationship between the two entities ensures a smooth and efficient transition for graduates from the academic sphere into the professional world of TCS. This seamless pipeline is a direct result of the curriculum's alignment with industry requirements and the practical exposure students receive through various collaborative programs. The consistent recruitment of Vels alumni by TCS underscores the effectiveness of this academic-industry synergy.

To further facilitate this transition, TCS offers several key programs. The TCS NextStep Program provides students with invaluable opportunities to engage in real-life projects under the mentorship of experienced TCS professionals. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical problem-solving skills and understanding project lifecycle management. Additionally, the TCS GoIT Program plays a vital role in democratizing access to IT education. This initiative supports the development of essential IT skills among students from underprivileged backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and broadening the talent pool.

Academic Programs and Alumni Success

The academic foundation provided by Vels College of Science is comprehensive and forward-looking. The institution offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and critical thinking abilities. Among the key programs that cater to the technology sector and often lead to successful careers at companies like TCS are:

B.Sc. (Computer Science)
B.Sc. (Information Technology)
B.Sc. (Software Systems)
M.Sc. (Computer Science)
M.Sc. (Information Technology)
M.E. (Master of Engineering)

The success of Vels College of Science graduates in the IT industry is evident in the diverse career paths they pursue. The provided data highlights a remarkable array of alumni who have achieved significant positions across various sectors. For instance, individuals like Mr. Suriya Prakash S, who holds an M.B.A. and serves as Vice President and Head of Airports and K2K National Drive, and Mr. Vishal Mohan, with a B.E. and Director of Operations at SR Infrasolutions, exemplify the leadership potential nurtured at Vels. The presence of professionals in specialized roles such as Mr. Akshay, a voice-over artist for the Tamil & Malayalam film industry, and Mr. Vignesh Antony, an actor, comedian, scriptwriter, and television artist, further illustrates the diverse talents Vels cultivates.

The alumni network also showcases strong representation in technical and scientific fields. Mr. Ragavendran, a Technical Artist II at Jio Tesseract, and Mr. Ashwin Vijayan, an Executive Assistant at the Central Board of Excise and Custom, demonstrate the breadth of applications for a Vels education. In the scientific domain, Mr. Prince R Prabhu, with a B.Pharm from 1999, is a Research Scientist in Parasitology and Vaccine Development, while Mr. Sakthivel Venkatraman, holding a B.Sc. (Micro Biology) from 1997, is a Co-Founder of Cobra Legal Solutions. The presence of individuals like Dr. Mukilan D, Chairman - MD Foundations, and Dr. S Shamini, who was awarded a VISTAS Merit Fellowship for Research from Ph.D. in 2018, highlights the institution's contribution to advanced research and development.

Furthermore, the alumni's achievements span across various industries. Mr. Abhinash, with a BBA from 2019, serves as Vice President of UUU Foundation. The medical and pharmaceutical fields are well-represented by Mr. Vimal Kumar, a Pharmacist at Apollo Hospital with a B.Pharm from 2021, and Dr. M P Selvi Santhosam, who has achieved the distinction of being the first transwoman to work in YMCA (Sports Research Center) as a physiotherapist. Professionals like Syed Reehana, a Senior IT CSV Specialist at ALCON, and Dr. Ravinder Elumalai, a Project Manager at CTS with a B.C.A. from 2004, showcase the institution's impact in the IT and project management sectors.

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The entrepreneurial spirit is also a hallmark of Vels alumni, with individuals like Mr. P. Yuvanesh, Managing Director of Livewell Pharma, and Mr. Rajasekhar P, Co-Founder of Finrock Inc (B.Sc Computer Science, 2000), leading their respective ventures. The data also points to professionals in specialized roles such as Sivasai Ram Duddu, Validation Manager at Penn Life Sciences (M.Pharm 2010), and Ezekiah Livingston, Head of Content at Amassing Investment (B.SV ANIMATION 2015-2018). The presence of individuals like Divyan G, a Product Manager | Senior UX/UI Designer (B.E CSE 2013), and Akash Vasanthan, a Data Scientist at the University of California (MBA 2019), demonstrates the institution's success in preparing graduates for roles in cutting-edge technology fields.

The financial sector is represented by Hemanth Krishna Janakiraman, Finance Manager at T-Mobile, and the healthcare sector by Swathi N, a Medical Coder II at Ciox Health. The pharmaceutical and healthcare analysis fields are further strengthened by the presence of individuals like I Rasagna Joyita Krishnamurthy, Health Care Analyst at Premier Medical (Pharm D, 2020), and Nisha Pradeep, with an MFA in Photography & Studio Expertise. The alumni network also includes professionals like Jaanahi Thothathri, a Relationship Banker (B.E CSE 2014), and Adewale Ayobami, a Psychiatrist Technician at Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute. The business and consulting sectors are robustly represented by Pallavi Deka, Senior Business Analyst/ Business Consultant, EDF (B.E ECE 2012-16), and Sandeep B, a WORKDAY CONSULTANT in Irving (B.E.).

Recognition and Research Prowess

Vels College of Science and its affiliates have consistently garnered recognition for their academic and research excellence. The provided data showcases a multitude of awards and achievements that underscore the institution's dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and high-impact research.

Notable among these are the Chancellor's Research Awards, presented by VMRF. Dr. D.S. Vijayan received this award in 2020 for the highest impact factor and in 2019 for the highest number of publications. Similarly, Dr. Balachandar and Dr. RAJAPRAKESH were recognized in 2019 for the highest impact factor and highest number of publications, respectively. These accolades highlight the significant contributions of Vels faculty to scholarly research and their commitment to advancing knowledge in their respective fields.

The institution also actively encourages and supports technological certifications. Mrs. V. Subapriya and Mrs. R. Mohana Priya have completed the HCIA - Huawei Artificial Intelligence Certification (2021-2022), while Mr. Rajat Kumar Dwibedi and Mrs. V. Vanitha have achieved the HCIA - Huawei Datacom Certification during the same period. These certifications demonstrate a proactive approach to staying abreast of industry-standard technologies and validating specialized skills.

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Student achievements in innovation and project competitions are also a significant aspect of Vels' success. The Toycathon 2021 saw participation and recognition for Dr. L.K. Hema and Mrs. V. Vanitha, organized by MOE's-IIC. Dr. D. Vijendra Babu received the E Innovation Award from the Innovation Society of India in 2021. SHAROOK KHAN secured the "Runner up" position at the Tech and Innovation Fair 2021 Shaastra at IIT Madras, and RAGHAV N won a consolation prize in the IEEE Project Expo V-PROJEXPOâ21.

The "Best Project Award" in the First Southern Regional Technical Conclave, themed "Role of Young Engineers in Implementing Smart Technologies," was awarded to student teams mentored by L. CHITRA and B. S and Preethi, with specific mentions of student members like KIRAN S, MUHAMMAD SAFAL, SHAROOK KHAN, VENKATESH PRATEEP, N. RAGHAV, and R. ANANDHAN. These awards reflect the practical application of engineering principles and the ability of Vels students to develop innovative solutions.

Furthermore, students have been recognized for their participation and success in national-level competitions. The Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, New Delhi, acknowledged students like R. RANJITH, S. SUNKRUTHA, and SHAROOK KHAN for being placed as finalists in the IIC National Innovation contest 2020 and receiving appreciation certificates. Similarly, SHAROOK KHAN, JISTIN JOJAN VARGHESE, and JOBIN JOHNY, along with SHAROOK KHAN, were recognized for participating in the final round of the "YUVA Innovator Challenge 2021," a program incubated and powered by Innothon.

The commitment to research and innovation is further evidenced by the numerous "Advanced Innovation Ambassadors" and "Foundation Innovation Ambassadors" recognized by MOE's-IIC, including Prabhu L, Lakshminaryanan N, Praveen R, Selva babu B, Sathiyaraj S, Sangeetha S, Prakash S, Mahesh R, Thiagarajan C, Prabhahar M, Surendrababu K, Senthil J, Shivakumar N, Ashok Kumar S, Elanthiraiyan A, Saravana Kumar M, Kumaran P, Senthil Kumar A, Kalyanakumar S, Saravanan M, and Vijayakumar K. These individuals play a crucial role in promoting innovation within the institution.

The Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) 2020 recognized Vels Institute of Science and Technology (AVIT) by categorizing it as a Band B institution (rank between 26-50). This significant achievement underscores the college's dedication to fostering an innovative ecosystem.

The Sahayak Virtual Hackathon 1.0 saw L. CHITRA serving as a mentor, with Ranjith R, Sunkrutha S, and Subashkumar S securing first position for their prototype "petra." Students like Ranjith R and Sunkrutha S also cleared Round 1 of the Mega Online Challenge-Samadhan, organized by MHRD IIC, and were selected among the Top 20 out of over 2500 entries for their contributions towards solving pandemic-related challenges.

The institution also supports faculty in securing research grants. Dr. Hema L.K. received the Founder Chancellor - Dr. A. Shanmugasundaram Award in 2018-2019 for her significant contribution in executing a funded strategic project sanctioned by DRDO. Dr. Ravindran M was honored with the Chancellor's Award for Annual High Impact Factor Publication in 2019-2020 for publishing a journal paper with a high impact factor within the university.

Seed Money Research Projects

Vels College of Science actively promotes research through its seed money schemes, providing financial support for faculty to undertake innovative projects. The provided data details numerous seed money proposals across various academic years, demonstrating a vibrant research environment.

Academic Year: 2023 - 2024 (Phase V)

This phase includes projects focusing on advanced materials and sustainable technologies. R. Sanjay Kumar is investigating the "Mechanical Properties of Self-Curing Concrete with BASO4 for Structural Applications," while Dr. R. Divahar is exploring "Investigation Of Embodied Carbon Mechanical And Durability Characteristics Of Bacteria Based Self-Compacted Concrete With Various Mineral Chemical And Biological Admixtures." Mr. K. Naveenkumar is working on "Monitoring of Odour Emissions in Rural and Urban MSW landfill sites and Health effect to the environment." Dr. L. N. Ramya is designing for sustainable mobility with "Design And Modelling For Sustainable Mobility For EVS." Dr. Rajasegaran Elumalai is focused on drug delivery with "Preparation of Spermidine- Chondroitin Sulfate multilayered nanocapsules for Doxorubicin delivery." Dr. R. N. Viswanath is exploring solar energy with "Fabrication and Study of Silicon Nanowalls for Solar Energy Applications." A Elanthiraiyan is investigating engine performance with "Influence of fuel chemical properties on emission and performance of DICI engine using naturally aged biodiesel." R. Mahesh is analyzing lubricant properties with "Analysis and testing of fluidity of lubricating oils in low temperatures." S. Ashokkumar is researching material resistance with "Design and fabrication of an experimental setup to evaluate stress corrosion cracking(SCC) resistance of magnesium-based composites." Dr. L. Nagarajan is focused on waste utilization with "Studies on Bio-char generated from Agro/food waste for industrial applications." Dr. Prasath. S is working on medical diagnostics with "Brain Activity Based Disease Detection Using Eeg Signal Processing By Sensor Monitoring And Machine Learning Techniques." Dr. S. Selvakumar is developing smart systems with "Smart health monitoring and power consumption Alert System."

Academic Year: 2022 - 2023 (Phase IV)

This phase highlights research in construction materials, structural engineering, and environmental science. D. Parthiban is synthesizing novel construction materials with "Synthesis and Performance assessment of Low cost nano Geopolymer Dry binder from industrial Precursor for the sustained construction application." J. Srija is studying structural responses with "Collapse Responses of beam column subassemblies reinforced with hybrid of Gfrp and steel rebars under middle column removal scenario." S. Monisha is investigating heavy metal uptake by plants with "Experimental Analysis on uptake of heavy metals by hyper accumulating plants grown on contaminated soil and wastewater." J. Senthil is optimizing engine performance with "Performance optimization of diesel engine with vriable fuel injection and pressure using pilot injector." Dr. M. Saravanakumar is involved in electric vehicle design with "Design and fabrication of four wheeled electric vehicle." C. Thiagarajan is focusing on engine control systems with "Diesel engine performance optimization using CRDi with open ECU." Dr. R. Devika is researching drug delivery with "An Anabatic Approach Of Nano Sponge as a Drug Delivery." Dr. G Suresh is synthesizing biomaterials for dental applications with "Synthesis of biocompatible NanoHydroxyapatite and Ti Doped NanoHydroxyapatite incorporated into Glass Ionomer Cement for Dental Restoration application from Biogenic Waste Shells." Dr. Suganya is exploring photocatalysis with "MXene Nanocomposites as efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of dyeing/ pharmaceutical waste under Visible light irradiation." Dr. L. Chitra is working on renewable energy with "Power generation using Renewable Energy Sources and Flywheel power multiplication technique for agriculture applications." Dr. G. Selvakumar is developing assistive technologies with "Advanced Vehicle Technology for Armless people."

Academic Year: 2021 - 2022 (Phase III)

This phase showcases research in biomaterials, sustainable construction, and energy conservation. Dr. A. Nirmala (Biotech) is developing "Preparation and evaluation of herbal bandage for diabetic wound healing." Mrs. R. Abirami (Civil) is improving concrete durability with "Improving degradation resistance and durability of natural fibre reinforced concrete in beam column joint under cyclic loading." Dr. D. S. Vijayan (Civil) is innovating concrete utilization with "Invention of a novel procedure for the utilisation of red mud, microsilica and M-sand in concrete." Dr. D. Bubesh Kumar (Mechanical) is synthesizing nanocomposites for implants with "Synthesis of polymer / hydroxyapatite coated toughened zirconia alumina nanocomposites for orthopaedic implants." Dr. S. Prakash (Mechanical) is focused on energy conservation with "Building thermal energy storage â energy conservation through phase change material." Dr. M. Thiruchitrambalam (Mechanical) is developing wood substitutes with "Fabrication and evaluation of natural fabric / nano clay reinforced composite with a bio epoxy matrix as a wood substitute." Dr. S. Sangeetha (Mechanical) is researching engine-fuel systems with "Leveraging the benefits of ethanol in advanced engine-fuel systems." Dr. G. Selva Kumar (Principal, EEE) is working on assistive vehicle technology with "Smart Vehicle for Arm less."

Academic Year: 2020 - 2021 (Phase II)

This phase highlights projects related to sustainable products, structural engineering, and wearable technology. Dr. B. Prabhasheela (Biotech) is developing a sustainable sanitary pad with "She and Earth: Moringa Feminine Sanitary Pad." Dr. R. Nagalakshmi (H&S) is creating natural repellents with "Design and development of herbal mosquito repellent block." Dr. P. S. Aravind Raj (Civil) is studying sustainable concrete with "Strength and Energy Studies on Sustainable and High Strength RCC Structural Member with Optimal Volume and Light-Weight Concrete." Mrs. Pa. Suriya (Civil) is exploring soil improvement techniques with "Experimental Investigation on Microbial Carbonate Precipitation as A Soil Improvement Technique." Ms. Vaidevi. C (Civil) is researching self-healing concrete with "Self -Healing in Self-Compacting Concrete using Special Bacteria." Dr. D. Vijendra Babu (ECE) has developed a "Wearable Sensor based Fall Detection system for Elders & Physically Challenged." Prof. V. Rattan Kumar (EEE) is working on renewable energy with a "Hybrid PV Solar Inverter With Analytical Setup." Prof. A. Senthilkumar (Mechanical) is involved in advanced engine systems.

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