Category: News

IFMR GSB, Krea University has launched the students’ chapter of the National Human Resource Development Network (NHRDN), marking a new milestone in fostering human resource development and industry-academia collaboration.

Launching the chapter virtually, Dr TV Rao, Founder President of NHRDN and Chairman of TV Rao Learning Systems Pvt Ltd, highlighted the importance of prioritising human resource development through skill-building and competency enhancement, especially for students and young professionals. He described HRD as a journey of discovering and amplifying one’s inner strengths, capabilities and talents to create a meaningful impact on others. He encouraged students to leverage NHRDN for knowledge sharing and dissemination to create a meaningful impact.

Delivering the inaugural address virtually, Prem Singh, National President of NHRDN and President, Group HR, JK Organisation, expressed confidence that the NHRD Krea Chapter would significantly contribute to professional growth in the region. He emphasised the nationwide presence of the NHRD Network and highlighted how a collaborative approach could unlock numerous opportunities. Encouraging IFMR GSB students, he urged them to actively engage with NHRDN.

Professor Sridhar Narayanan, Founder, Grand Alliance for Management Excellence (GAME), led delegates in pledging to uphold NHRDN’s ‘Code of Conduct’, which ensures high standards of integrity, competence, and continuous development.

Dhananjay Singh, Director General, NHRDN and an experienced management professional, participated virtually and highlighted the collaboration’s impact on strategic planning, change management, leadership development and innovative initiatives.

The event also featured insights from Dr Aquil Busrai, Chief Executive Officer, Aquil Busrai Consulting and former National President of NHRDN and J Kabilan, President, Chennai Chapter, NHRDN, and VP & HR Leader, L&T Construction, who highlighted the impact of this collaboration on leadership development, strategic HR planning, and industry best practices.

The session opened with a welcome address by Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean, IFMR GSB, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Nagarani M, Associate Professor, OB & HR, IFMR GSB. The launch was attended by students, faculty members and NHRDN professionals.

The NHRD Krea Chapter will enable students to engage with industry leaders, gain exposure to evolving HR trends and sharpen their professional skills. Established in 1985, NHRDN is a premier non-profit organisation with over 20,000 members across 54 chapters in India and Singapore, serving as a knowledge hub for HR professionals across diverse industries. This new chapter strengthens IFMR GSB’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, creating a dynamic platform for learning, networking and career advancement.

PC: The Media Lab

The other workshop was an introduction to the style of Nasta’liq calligraphy and was taught by artist Shaikh Ahsaanuddin of Gulbarga, who works with many styles of Perso-Arabic calligraphy, including the beautiful Nasta’liq style. These workshops not only introduced us to these art forms and allowed us to experience them firsthand; but they also showed us the skill and hard work required to create things we usually take for granted, such as fabric dyeing and beautiful calligraphy. It served as a reminder to support and learn the arts that come from communities around us.

These workshops were accompanied by Deccani music, samasya-puranas and a brief walkthrough on the history of Deccan by the students of the Arts of the Deccan Course. It was a great experience to learn from such established and experienced artists and I look forward to more such insightful and exciting events on campus!

A report by Pranvi Khare, Cohort of 2027, SIAS

The conversation was both thought-provoking and insightful, emphasising the interconnected roles of local, regional, national and global perspectives in environmentalism. It also delved into the contrasting dynamics of stomach environmentalism and livelihood environmentalism across the global south and north. Additionally, the discussion explored the role of social media in shaping societal decisions, questioning whether a single click truly creates a long-term impact.  

Professor Guha shared that one of his motivations for writing this book stemmed from witnessing the emergence of a third generation of environmentalists at Krea and the growing urgency of the global climate crisis. During the pandemic, he revisited and expanded his earlier research, culminating in Speaking With Nature. He expressed hope that his book would inspire other scholars to delve deeper into Indian environmentalism — exploring grassroots movements, unrecognised individuals, or the broader spectrum of environmentalism in India before and after the Chipko movement.  

The talk left the audience with much to ponder, and reflect upon and a strong motivation to read Speaking With Nature.  

A report by Pranvi Khare, Cohort of 2027, SIAS

The Jazz Explorer Trio’s recent performance, presented by the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) at Krea University on December 2, 2024 (the second in a series of collaborations), beautifully captured the essence of global cultural exchange. Comprised of Danish artists Lars Møller (saxophone), Thor Madsen (guitar) and Jonas Johansen (drums), the group seamlessly melded jazz traditions with a global perspective. 

Their setlist featured tracks like Blues In Five, A Woman’s Purse, Moose and Know, showcasing their musical brilliance and their ability to weave cheerful, conversational rhythms into their compositions, creating a deeply moving experience. The trio also delighted the audience with previews of tracks from their upcoming album, inspired by Miles Davis’s iconic Kind of Blue.  

The evening had a magical quality, taking the audience on a journey through rich soundscapes, from the contemplative elegance of jazz to the playful, interactive exchanges between instruments. The performance highlighted the trio’s commitment to cultural dialogue, resonating strongly with SPIC MACAY’s mission to preserve and share diverse heritages. The connection between jazz improvisation and Indian classical music — both rooted in spontaneity and presence — was evident throughout, as the trio engaged in intricate, meditative interplay.  

The group’s deep engagement with Indian influences added layers of richness to their performance. Møller, in particular, has studied Indian classical music extensively, which informs their ability to blend these influences into their jazz compositions. This performance, reminiscent of the spirit of Kind of Blue or the quintessential So What, celebrated modal jazz — where simplicity meets infinite variation, akin to Indian classical ragas.  

This collaboration under SPIC MACAY exemplifies how jazz and Indian classical music, despite their distinct origins, demand the same sense of presence and spontaneity from both performers and audiences. The synergy of these traditions stands as a testament to the universal language of music and its power to bridge cultures. I eagerly look forward to future collaborations between SPIC MACAY and Krea University.  

A report by Pranvi Khare, Cohort of 2027, SIAS

The Career Services & Partnerships Office at Krea University hosted the third edition of Higher Education Day on 27 November 2024 at the Krea University campus.  

This year’s Higher Education Day brought together representatives from seven countries and over 20 prestigious universities worldwide, such as the University of Liverpool, Queen Mary University of London, University of Otago, Audencia Business School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Trinity College Dublin, Bocconi University, Indiana University Indianapolis, The University of Utah, IE University, Northeastern University and University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Country representatives like Campus France, Think New Zealand, United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF), Austradde and education consultants like IDP Education were also present.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Dr Prithvi Datta Chandra Shobhi, Dean and Associate Professor of History, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS), Krea University said, “Higher Education Day is a key event in our academic calendar, providing a platform to interact with representatives, foster deeper connections and forge meaningful partnerships.”

The event provided a dynamic platform for students to explore global educational opportunities, engage directly with university representatives and receive personalised guidance on pursuing higher studies abroad.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Abhishek Boral, Senior Recruitment Adviser (South Asia), Queen Mary University of London, remarked, “It’s been a fruitful experience interacting with students and helping them realise their international education dreams and walking them through all the key aspects of admissions. It’s inspiring to see such potential and interest among young minds.”

Sharing her experience, Ava Arjun, a student participant said, “The event offers a valuable opportunity to interact directly with representatives from reputed global institutions. It’s an excellent chance for students to network with peers and faculty members at the stalls, gaining deeper insights to shape their future plans. As someone keen on pursuing higher education abroad, events like these simplify the entire process.” 

Through interactive sessions, one-on-one discussions and engaging presentations, students gained valuable insights into global academic pathways, admissions processes and future career possibilities. The event marked yet another milestone in Krea University’s commitment to nurturing global-ready leaders.

For more information, please write to: [email protected] or Payal Maheswari at [email protected]

The POSH Advocacy Group, in collaboration with the Pride Forum and Syahi — the Literature Club of SIAS — organised an exhibition dedicated to the #MeToo movement. The event aimed to educate the student body on the movement’s significance and importance while sparking much-needed conversations.  

The Larger Picture
The #MeToo movement, coined in 2007 by Tarana Burke, gained global prominence in 2017 after sexual assault accusations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein came to light. The #MeToo hashtag went viral, empowering survivors to voice their experiences, break long-held silences and seek reparations. It also highlighted systemic patterns of abuse, particularly by individuals in positions of power and emphasised the movement’s core mission: reducing harm and fostering accountability, rather than simply “canceling” powerful figures.  

The exhibition showcased the movement’s milestones, from policy reforms to the empowering act of giving survivors a voice. It explored nuanced themes, shifting the conversation from a binary men-vs-women dynamic to a broader understanding of sexual harassment as rooted in power dynamics. Creative entries from students depicted these complexities, conveying that harassment is about power and impunity rather than gender alone.  

Driving Conversations
The event also contextualised the #MeToo movement within India, examining its impact on the Malayalam film industry and addressing intersectional struggles faced by survivors. The goal was to amplify the visibility of these struggles, provoke thought and inspire action.  

By blending education with creativity, the exhibition underscored the global resonance of the #MeToo movement — a reminder of the widespread nature of these issues and the ongoing need for dialogue and systemic change. While progress has been made, the work remains far from complete.

– A report by Catherine Jaison, Cohort of 2027, SIAS and Kanika Dua, Cohort of 2025, SIAS

The week-long Wellbeing Week at Krea University successfully brought together diverse initiatives to foster emotional, mental, and physical wellness. From creative expressions of gratitude to empowering workshops, the week celebrated holistic well-being and encouraged meaningful engagement within the campus community.  

Drum circle (November 17)
The Wellbeing Week kicked off with the Madras Drum Circle, a facilitated session that brought students together to experience the therapeutic power of drumming. In two rounds, participants played drums at varying speeds under the guidance of a facilitator who emphasised the stress-relieving and team-building benefits of this practice. Widely adopted by corporates to enhance productivity, drumming fosters teamwork, cooperation and empowerment while uplifting the group’s spirit.  

Gratitude letters and affirmation desk (November 18)  
A heartwarming initiative by ILS, this activity encouraged students to write gratitude notes and affirmations. Participants could pen down positive quotes or express their appreciation for friends, faculty, or staff. Visitors to the desk picked up these notes, reminding them of the importance of gratitude. At the end of the week, the letters were delivered to recipients, creating meaningful connections and spreading positivity across campus.  

A card-making experience (November 19)  
Peer Support Volunteers, under the aegis of ILS, set up a card-making stall to celebrate the spirit of giving. Students crafted heartfelt Christmas cards for children at RaiseAChild orphanage, a cause supported annually by Aikyatha, the SIAS social outreach club. Adding a thoughtful touch to International Men’s Day, the stall also distributed roses to men on campus.  

Filter Coffee, Unfiltered Conversations (November 19)  
This engaging discussion session, centered on Dealing with Rejection, brought together students, faculty, and staff over coffee. Led by Professors Nagarani M, Associate Professor of OB & HR, IFMR GSB; Professor Vijayalakshmi C, Professor of OB & HR, IFMR GSB; and Dr Pallavi Pandey, Assistant Professor, OB & HR, the session explored the emotional challenges of rejection, especially during the placement season. It aimed to destigmatise difficult conversations, encourage empathetic listening, and equip participants with the resilience to face setbacks, all in a warm and supportive atmosphere.  

Gratitude wall (November 20)  
Located at the Academic Block’s back entrance, the Gratitude Wall served as a space for students and staff to reflect on and celebrate meaningful connections. Visitors added their notes, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.  

Executive functioning workshop: Cognitive connections (November 20)
Dr Sharanya Anil, founder-director of DIRECT, led this workshop, providing insights into executive functioning skills. The session introduced mindfulness-based strategies such as Zentangle art therapy to enhance focus and organisation. Participants learned techniques to manage distractions and optimise planning, multitasking and self-control.  

Self-care kit workshop (November 21)  
Facilitated by Krea University’s in-house counsellor Aparna Raghavan, this art therapy workshop encouraged participants to prioritise self-care through creative exercises. Activities included drawing mood reflections, shredding written negative emotions as a symbolic gesture and crafting affirming bookmarks. Accompanied by soothing music, the session provided a relaxing and therapeutic experience for all attendees.  

Low-stimulation zone: The Zen Den (November 21)  
A collaboration between the Psychology Society and Embrace, the Zen Den offered a calming retreat for relaxation and mindfulness. Designed with soft lighting and calming music, the room featured activities such as mandala art, mindfulness sheets and sensory items like clay dough and bubble wrap. With laid-out mattresses for grounding, the space became a haven for those seeking solace and mental rejuvenation.  

Zumba session (November 21)  
Promoting physical well-being as a vital part of mental health, Kanika Dua, an SIAS student, conducted a lively one-hour Zumba session. Around 20 participants danced their way to fitness, enjoying the high-energy workout and its stress-busting benefits.  

Mindfulness session (22 November 2024)
The session was led by Dr Lakshman Varanasi, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, SIAS. It provided participants with techniques to slow down, destress, and embrace calmness through simple and effective mindfulness practices.

Journalling marathon (22 November 2024)
This guided session was facilitated by Peer Support Volunteers (PSVs). Participants were given creative and reflective prompts, along with worksheets for group discussions and individual exercises. The self-reflection questions encouraged participants to ponder their decisions, choices, likes, dislikes and evaluate how they have been approaching life’s challenges.

Filtered Coffee, Unfiltered Conversations (22 November 2024)
An engaging discussion took place with Dr Madhavilatha Maganti, Associate Professor of Psychology, SIAS; Dr Rakshi Rath, Assistant Professor of Psychology, SIAS and Dr Preeti Gulati, Assistant Professor of Psychology, SIAS at the Student Lounge. The conversation focused on recognizing the signs of burnout, understanding its causes such as familial pressures and academic expectations, and exploring ways to address it. Professor Rakhi clarified that & burnout is often misused interchangeably with exhaustion, emphasising that overcoming it typically requires external support.

Wellbeing fair(23 November 2024)

The wellbeing fair, held for the first time alongside Krea’s third celebration of mental well-being, offered a vibrant mix of activities, games, music, and delicious food, creating a fun and engaging environment for all attendees. The fair featured 20 stalls from various clubs, each contributing to the theme of mental well-being.
– Fashion Club of SIAS: Distributed booklets featuring self-reflection questions, encouraging positive body image
– Literary Arts Club: Offered poetry prescriptions and comforting books for sale, supporting the theme of mental well-being
– Other stalls focused on promoting affirmation and self-care, further reinforcing the fair’s commitment to fostering mental well-being. The fair was managed by several PSVs and led by SIAS students Sunita Makhijani and Himani Kanawala
– Additionally, Layam, the SIAS Music Club organised a lively karaoke event, adding to the festive atmosphere of the fair

A report by Shivani Pramod, Cohort of 2026, IFMR GSB

Pictures by Om Suryawanshi, Cohort of 2026, IFMR GSB

The SH3 on campus is packed and people are still pouring in. Sitting here in the front row, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with awe and pride. This show, which had been in the works for almost six months, was finally coming to life. Over the summer break, Rangasthala, the Theatre Club of SIAS, decided to take on Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, and now, here it was — the first Tamil play at Krea, completely translated and adapted by students.

The Death of a Salesman is a play that provides a commentary on the endless pursuit of “success” in the lives of the lower middle-class people in the 20th and 21st centuries. It was originally set in 1940’s America as a commentary on the American Dream. Rangasthala’s adaptation was set in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and focused on Vicky Loganathan, a saree seller, his family and the final twenty-four hours of his life. The play explored themes of strained family relations, mental health and ambition. It showed how the meaning of success changes through generations and individuals.

While The Death of a Salesman is about the American dream, it is applicable everywhere because, at its core, it’s about how there is a lot of pressure in our society to be well-liked and successful. So even although we performed it in Tamil, the play still applies to all societies and doesn’t lose its universal appeal.

Team work is dream work
It was a long process, from selecting directors, producers, and scriptwriters during the summer break to finally performing the show on November 15 and 16. And yes, it was undoubtedly a long process, but it paid off in the end. All the actors, whether new or veteran, acted beautifully. It was truly magical to see the cast perform, and the amount of effort everyone put into the production was evident. We had actors who don’t speak Tamil perform in the language.

The entire crew, too, put in a great deal of effort, whether it be the quick saree changes, perfectly timed and planned lights and sounds, or the fluid set management and while this all seems momentary, the crew had been working since August to make this possible. Something unique about this particular production was the fact that we played with lights and shadows to create a puppet show, truly highlighting the feelings of the actors and the themes of confusion and anxiety in the play.

Lights. Camera. Passion.
Beyond the technical aspects of the play, this was the dream production for many people involved, so seeing it unfold so magically was a dream come true for a lot of us. Sitting there, watching it all unfold, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride — not just for the production but for the people behind it. Seeing how every single person involved had poured their heart and soul into this production was.humbling. The friendships and bonds we made through this production will be something we all will cherish forever.

And then there was the audience. Hearing their reactions during the play — gasps, laughter, tears, the silence during tense moments — was electrifying. It felt like they were fully immersed, travelling with us through Vicky Loganathan’s story. When we stepped off stage both nights, their applause and heartfelt feedback made all the effort worthwhile. Hearing them talk about how the story and its themes resonated, how they noticed the finer production details and how moved they were was deeply gratifying. It gave us a sense of accomplishment and validated every hour of effort we’d put into this production.

Our adaptation was directed by Aditya Chauhan and Subbu Karuppayee Bhavani and produced by Navya Khanna and Pranvi Khare. The show days were 15 and 16 November 2024 at SH3.

A report by Pranvi Khare, Cohort of 2027, SIAS