In a video interview for Konversations By InsideIIM, Prof Lakshmi Kumar, Professor, Economics and Dean, IFMR GSB, Krea University talks about the current economic situation in the country, the situation around unemployment and inflation, and why she is concerned about whether growth will happen or not.
Prof Lakshmi Kumar talks about the importance of understanding economics and macroeconomics for an MBA student, and the ways in which she makes difficult financial concepts easier to understand for her students. She also talks about the importance of steady alumni support for a B-school, especially in times when the hiring is slow and the markets are down.
On 2 February, 2024, Krea University inaugurated its Virtual Trading Floor and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zerodha Broking Ltd. Jobosco Das, Senior Associate Vice President at Zerodha Broking, inaugurated the Virtual Trading Floor, and also conducted a seminar on the ‘Building Blocks of Personal Finance’ for the students.
Also present at the event were Professor Nirmala Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Krea University, Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean of IFMR Graduate School of Business (IFMR GSB), Krea University, Sundara Rajan, Registrar and Chief of Staff, Krea University, Professor Srinivasan Kalyasundaram, Professor of Practice in Finance, IFMR GSB, Krea University, along with other faculty members and students.
The state-of-the-art Virtual Trading Floor provides students of IFMR Graduate School of Business (IFMR GSB) and the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS) at Krea University with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of financial securities and derivatives in a real-world, simulated trading environment. The platform simulates a real-time market environment, allowing students to test investment strategies with virtual funds, gaining valuable insights into risk management and decision-making in a dynamic market.
The Virtual Trading Floor, equipped with the latest technology and market simulation software, including Bloomberg Terminal, serves as a platform for students to engage in mock trading sessions, portfolio management exercises, and real-time market analysis. IFMR GSB has scheduled several trading workshops for its MBA students in this facility, significantly enhancing their employability and market readiness.
The MOU signing between Krea University and Zerodha Varsity signifies a significant collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership enables Krea University students to have free access to all online training modules and, at a nominal fee, certifications offered by Zerodha Varsity. This includes courses on various aspects of investing, trading, and financial markets, all delivered by industry experts and practitioners. The partnership aims to integrate practical experience with academic learning, bridging the gap between theoretical financial knowledge and its practical application, and preparing students for successful careers in the world of finance.
Emphasising the importance of practical learning in finance, Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean of IFMR GSB, Krea University, stated, “The Virtual Trading Floor will provide our students with an invaluable opportunity to experiment and learn from their mistakes in a safe environment. Coupled with access to Zerodha Varsity’s comprehensive online training material and certifications, this initiative will equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive financial landscape.”
Prof Chandrasekaran N, Professor, Operations Management at IFMR GSB, Dr Sathya Saminadan R S, Associate Professor of Practice at IFMR GSB, and Dr Indira Ananth, freelance academic have co-authored a case study titled Campusutra: A Fusion of Opportunities for Growth, published by Ivey Publishing.
Campusutra was a leading information and partially transactional portal operating in India that helped aspiring higher education students select appropriate educational institutions. It was founded in 2011 and initially focused on supporting a student’s choice of management education. It added support for engineering schools. It was known for offering distilled and unbiased objective information about offerings, fee structure, peer-level engagement, and placement opportunities, and potential students remained loyal to the portal. Later, a friend advised the founder to make a strategic alliance with an EdTech company to monetize the intangible value it had created. The founder’s dilemma was whether to pursue such an opportunity and risk diluting its mission.
6 January, 2024, Chennai: Krea University hosted the book launch of Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future by Dr Raghuram Rajan, Member, Governing Council, Krea University and Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Dr Rohit Lamba, Assistant Professor of Economics, Pennsylvania State University. The event was held at Taj Club House in Chennai.
Eminent thought leaders from diverse fields were in attendance, including Lakshmi Narayanan, Chancellor, Krea University, Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu and N Ram, Director, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited.
In the welcome speech, Lakshmi Narayanan, emphasised how over the years, Dr Rajan has gifted ideas, experience, and time to build the foundation of Krea. How in the context of a world that no longer works in silos, Dr Rajan has been a firm believer in creating a space where wholesome education enables young open minds to embark on the journey of becoming thinkers, do-ers and changemakers. The closing remarks were delivered by N Ram and the event included a discussion between the authors and Jude Sannith, Assistant Editor, CNBC-TV18.
Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future sheds light on India’s economic future, the nation’s own distinct space in the global economy, the future of employment, and innovative ways forward.
Under the mentorship of Dr Soumya Pal, Assistant Professor of Economics at IFMR GSB, Krea University, Namrata Gupta, Shivam Khandelwal, and Bandi Sai Krishna, from the MBA Cohort of 2024, successfully advanced to the zonal round of the RBI Policy Challenge 2023. The event took place at the Reserve Bank Staff College in Chennai on December 11, 2023.
Dr Srajana Kaikini, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, SIAS reviewed A Phenomenology by Nicolle Zapien and Susi Ferrarello (2019) in Ethical Perspectives (September 2022) and authored a research essay titled Adyar’s Cosmopolitanisms: Notes from the Adyar Archive (July 2022) in Critical Collectives, commissioned by them for their Art History Project
(Re)Constituting a South Asian Environmental Humanities co-organised by Dr Kalpita Bhar Paul, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, SIAS; Dr Joya John, Assistant Professor of Literature, SIAS and Megnaa Mehtta, ICAS:MP and UCL will be held on 3 and 4 August at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi
As part of Prarambh, the Orientation Programme for the MBA Class of 2025 at IFMR GSB, Krea University, various clubs and committees conducted a diverse range of activities, fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for the incoming cohort. Here’s a summary of events that happened over the last couple of weeks:
Photo Courtesy: Shutterbugs – The Photography Club
Team Raga, the Music Club, brought together over 200 students from different states, showcasing their vocal talents through a medley of old and new songs in various languages on 7 July.
Storyteller Vikram Sridhar conducted a storytelling session, emphasising the importance of storytelling in leadership on 6 and 7 July.
The Sports Committee conducted nostalgic childhood games and regular sports, promoting camaraderie and physical activity among the students on 9 July.
Analytics, the Data Analytics Club, hosted a case study competition, inspiring innovative solutions and promoting teamwork among MBA students.
Abhinay, the Drama Club, held a play and act competition where seventeen teams showcased their creativity by presenting diverse plays based on popular themes.
Arthasabha, the Finance Committee, introduced the new batch with an exciting event combining adventure and intellect, featuring a thrilling treasure hunt and a business and finance quiz.
The Futurepreneurs, the Entrepreneurial Club, organised a unique product pitching extravaganza, where the incoming batch presented innovative, humorous, and entrepreneurial ideas.
Genesis, the Admissions Committee, conducted Network Nexus, strengthening mentorship, friendship, and networking bonds between junior and senior batches.
Markaholic, the Marketing Committee, presented a challenging and entertaining dodgeball game, testing multitasking and memory skills through logo recognition.
The Q-team, the Quiz Club, arranged a refreshing quiz competition with a theme focussing on OTT series, web series, and movies, creating an enjoyable and fun atmosphere.
Edge, the Consulting Committee, hosted two thrilling events: Riddle Route, where teams deciphered riddles to locate specific places on campus, and Brand Detective, challenging participants to identify brands from displayed slides.
Sanchalan, the Operations and IT Committee, organised OP-TECHWiZ to gauge newcomers' interest in IT and tech, featuring rounds of multiple-choice questions and pictionary-based challenges.
Srinidhi Pennathur, SIAS Cohort of 2025 shares her story, of interweaving art with University life, set against the backdrop of the learning tapestry at Krea. Srinidhi, most recently performed at Krea University’s Convocation 2023.
Srinidhi, you are a violinist and a vocalist; almost like a double major in the context of Krea; how do they co-exist in harmony and how does one affect and influence each other?
Within the context of Carnatic Music, I’ve found that being a violinist has only broadened my horizons as a vocalist, and vice versa. When I learn to sing a song that I perform on the violin, I develop a clearer understanding of the lyrics or ‘sahithyam’ and its meaning. Knowing the exact words that I play is really important because it delivers the intended emotion or bhava of the song, even though the words aren’t being sung. It would be as though I were playing what I would sing, and that marks a good violinist. Singing also allows for more in-depth clarity with regards to nuances and intricacies that become much easier to play on the violin. Similarly, learning the violin has especially shaped my comprehension of core concepts in Carnatic Music such as Shruti, Tala and Laya Shuddha. (pitch, beat and rhythm) Learning to physically play in different speeds, with different ‘pitches’ has helped me sing the same with more ease and precision. All this to say that, instrument and voice co-exist in harmony because together they display a beautiful symbiotic relationship that constantly benefit the other.
You’ve spent a year at Krea; has the landscape and the learnings at Krea contributed to your journey as a musician?
The very arts-oriented environment at Krea has given me plenty of opportunities to showcase my talent on the violin and through singing. Performing different genres for different events has exposed me to the wonderful niceties of vast, yet soulful musical forms. I’ve also been able to further my understanding of my own art and reduce my stage fright. I would also say that the kind of discipline and work ethic that the academic trajectory of Krea demands in terms of punctuality and time commitment has urged me to make for myself a practice routine that is as, if not more time-consuming and intense.
What was it like for you to share/perform your music at the institution’s convocation?
To be given the opportunity to perform in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, professors, graduates, parents and other guests for such a milestone event was truly an honor, to say the least. I was greatly humbled by the praise I received for this performance and thankful to the Vice-Chancellor for noticing my talent and allowing me to showcase it.
What is your take on the role of arts/artistes in building the culture of an institution and how would you like to contribute and inspire the incoming batch?
The thing about art is that, it’s transformative. It contributes to building a culture by advocating self expression, bringing people from different backgrounds together, and acts a common medium of understanding between individuals. Furthermore, it is a way to learn about and explore its plethora of forms. I would like to contribute by representing Carnatic Classical Music whenever I can. To the incoming batch, I would tell them to take initiative and do things outside of their comfort zone. I would also want to reassure them that they will be okay, and that they will survive college. No seriously, they will!
To view Srinidhi’s performance from Convocation 2023, please click here.
On 12 – 14 May 2023, the students of the ARTS228 Music from Mud Pottery Course showcased their impressive collection of clay musical instruments at the Atrium of Krea University’s campus. The event drew a diverse crowd of faculty, students, and research fellows, all eager to witness the intricacies of the instruments. From rattles, pellet bells and ocarinas to udu drums, marimbas and panpipes, the display featured a range of aerophones and idiophones, each with its unique sound and design.
Visitors were treated to a demonstration of how each instrument works, the basics of clay, and the art of pottery. The event was a testament to the talent and creativity of the students, who poured their hearts into the making of these beautiful instruments. Posters and pictures of the instruments were also on display, allowing visitors to take a closer look at the remarkable craftsmanship that went into their creations. Overall, it was a delightful celebration of music and art, leaving all attendees inspired and filled with admiration.
The students enrolled in this course have had the opportunity to engage with a new art medium. ‘It was nice to interact with clay and something so earthy and natural,’ says Mallika Sobhrajani, a student from the SIAS Cohort of 2024, and adds that her favourite piece is the amplifier. ‘You do not need to know anything about music, to use it – you can just put your phone in it, and play music. I actually wanted speakers since a long time, and now I have one that I made myself,’ she adds, emphasising the joy of having created an object both aesthetically appealing and of practical use.
Even for those with prior experience in music and instrument-making, the course had a lot to offer in terms of novelty. Anu from the SIAS Cohort of 2024 is a guitar player, and music is an important part of his life. ‘I’ve made instruments before, but not using clay,’ he says. ‘One of the things I enjoyed most was working with the clay and getting the feel for the material. In the academic setting, I have not had much prior experience of working with my hands.’
Producing instruments out of clay requires not only technical skills and creativity, but also the right attitude and perseverance. Soumya Mati, another SIAS student from the 2023 Cohort, shares some of her experience: ‘The panpipe is my favourite instrument because it not only take a lot of skill to make, but it also took a lot of confidence and belief in my abilities. So when it was finally ready, I had this sense of achievement, accomplishment and happiness for having learned something new, unique, which I wouldn’t have got from any other course.’
As a skills course, Music from Mud has given the students an opportunity to experiment with new art forms, to benefit from the interwoven pedagogy which is at the heart of this course, and to maintain their mental wellbeing. Kaveri Bharath, Visiting Faculty at SIAS, and a Course Instructor for the ARTS228 Music from Mud course believes that a practical course such as this one helps students ground themselves. ‘Students at universities have a lot of intellectual matter going in, but they don’t have enough for their hand-eye coordination and for their tactile learning. So a practical course like this is definitely a must. Krea has the whole idea of interwoven learning, and interwoven learning does not get more interwoven than working with clay, because you need to know some geology, some geography, some history, you need to have chemistry and physics on your side, mathematics in calculating the tones and notes, to make the instruments. You have to have all of that, and then also be creative. These students have been fabulous – out of the 27 students who have taken the course, only one had previously worked with clay,’ she says.
These instruments were created in Krea University’s pottery studio. While a number of upgrades are in the pipeline, the establishment the pottery shed on campus is a significant milestone – it is the first arts space that has been commissioned at Krea, specifically for the Global Arts practicums. The project was made possible with the support from the Vice-Chancellor and the Deans, and through the joint efforts from Kaveri Bharath, Visiting Faculty at SIAS, the Campus Development and Campus Operations Teams.
‘A number of people were integrally involved in this project to get it finished on time for the third trimester, under very tight timelines,’ says Dr Sumitra Ranganathan, Divisional Chair, Literature & the Arts, SIAS. ‘Accommodations have been made to ensure that the space is inclusive and accessible, and to ensure the facility’s buildout over a period of time,’ she adds.
Mr Ramakrishnan Durairaj, Assistant General Manager, Operations Team at Krea University, says the pottery studio project is the outcome of joint efforts of many individuals and teams at Krea. ‘Operations Team worked with Campus Development Team, Professor Sumitra Ranganathan, Professor Srajana Kaikini and Professor Kaveri Bharath in finalising the location, the plan and other requirements needed for setting up the the pottery studio. In the later phase, after the construction of the studio was completed, the Operations Team helped in setting up the infrastructure required for the smooth operation of the pottery class,’ he explains.
The Campus Development Team – Mr K S Jaysankkar (Department Head), Mr N Senthil Kumar (Senior Manager), Mr V S Arunachalam, Mr N Siva, and Mr G Vaikundaraj – share a common sentiment of fulfilment and joy at the completion of the pottery studio at Krea. In a joint statement, they say, ‘The thought of bringing up a clay/pottery studio at Krea came with a deep committment of nurturing this age-old practice and helping the students feel closer to the environment. We, the Campus Development Team, immediately recognised a close connection with this art form, since it deals with soil, which is directly tied in with our profession. The pottery studio is a result of much thought, many rounds of discussions, always done collaboratively. This approach helped us overcome a number of challenges, including the tight deadlines. Kudos to our team, to the engineers, staff members, and all the construction labourers who worked tirelessly for many days and nights to finish the work on time. It gives us immense joy to see that this space now serves the student community, and enables them to learn and grow.’
This marks the humble start of a multitude of projects that shall be envisioned and nurtured within the welcoming walls of this pottery studio. Anticipate a delightful array of tales brimming with creativity, artistry and joy.
