Latest news with #SAU
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
South Asian University: A global campus for regional excellence
1 2 South Asian University (SAU), established jointly by the eight SAARC nations, represents a shining example of regional cooperation and educational diplomacy. Proposed at the 13th SAARC Summit in 2005 and operational since 2010, the university was envisioned as a centre of excellence to foster academic collaboration and cultural unity across South Asia. Located in a modern, fully residential 100-acre campus in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, SAU provides world-class education to students from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This University is currently under the bright vision of the President, Prof. K. K Aggarwal. President, Prof. K. K Aggarwal. Diverse and expanding academic structure SAU currently offers postgraduate and doctoral programmes through five key faculties: Economics, Legal Studies, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Social Sciences, which include departments like Sociology and International Relations. The university envisages plans for new faculties in Earth System Sciences, Management, Humanities, Physical and Chemical Sciences, and a Faculty of Undergraduate Studies. Introducing the virtual campus The Virtual Campus of South Asian University's mission is to provide world-class business education through its MBA, Executive MBA, and BBA programs byintegrating the intellectual capital of globally renowned faculty with advanced digital pedagogy. The Virtual Campus aims at AI, Data Science and digital business education. The focus will be on expanding the global faculty network, enhancing digital teaching capabilities, and establishing a Virtual Centre for Excellence in Business Research. Introducing the Faculty of Arts and Design In addition to this, the Faculty of Arts and Design, which aims to foster creativity, communication skills, and cultural awareness has been inaugurated on January 31, 2025, by Hon'ble President Prof. K.K. Aggarwal. This Faculty currently offers skill-based short-term certificate courses in Cinematography, Visual Communication, Hindi Language Proficiency, and South Asian Music (ITSA). Infrastructure and campus development SAU's lush green campus in South Delhi provides a modern, eco-friendly, and secure environment. Facilities include residential hostels, faculty housing, a well-equipped library, laboratories, seminar halls, and performance spaces that foster learning and innovation. The campus architecture—designed through a regional competition—is inspired by South Asian aesthetics, promoting a sense of belonging and unity. Global recognition and alumni success Degrees from SAU are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India and by educational bodies across SAARC nations. SAU alumni are excelling globally—pursuing research, policy work, teaching, and professional careers at reputed institutions and organizations. Their success speaks volumes about the quality of education and academic mentorship provided at SAU.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SAU introduces interview-based hostel allotment process, students fear bias
New Delhi: The South Asian University (SAU) has, for the first time, introduced an interview-based process for allotting hostels, triggering protests from students who fear the move could lead to arbitrary rejections and target those critical of the administration. An email marked to new joinees by Dr Navnit Jha, associate dean of students, outlines the new process. Students applying for hostel accommodation for the 2025–26 academic year will be interviewed between July 25 and 29 via Google Meet, with allotment results to be declared on July 31. The new rule applies to both fresh and returning students, according to the updated criteria on the university's website. Hostel occupancy is scheduled to begin on Aug 16. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi A group of students has criticised the change, calling it opaque and highly subjective. "This opens the door to deny hostel access to dissenting students. There is no transparency or clear criteria for the interviews," a student representative said on the condition of anonymity. The inclusion of interviews marks a significant shift from previous years, when rooms were allotted based on merit and need, as per the students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If A Cat Bites Their Owner Heres What It Really Means Gloriousa Undo They have demanded that the university roll back the policy and ensure "fair and non-discriminatory" access to accommodation. The updated eligibility guidelines, available on SAU's website, state that only students whose parents are not residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) can apply. Priority is to be given to students from SAARC countries other than India. Most important, under the new system, equal weightage will be given to academic merit (marks, CGPA, or rank) and the interview. Applicants are also required to submit a recent character certificate issued by their previous institution. Notably, all resident students must submit a fresh application each academic year, meaning even those currently staying in hostels must now appear for interviews. This has raised concern among the returning students. A new student, requesting anonymity, said: "It is troubling that hostel allotment now depends partly on an interview. There is no clarity on what will be assessed or how. This creates unnecessary anxiety even before the semester begins." One student feared that the policy could be misused. "Now, with this interview system requirement, there's a fear that students who have raised concerns or criticised the administration could be denied allotment." She added, "Recently, several disciplinary action reports have come out of SAU against students. Those students could now be singled out and penalised." TOI reached out to associate dean of students Dr Navnit Jha, but received no response.
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indigenous livestock breeds: Indonesia seeks research partnership with SAU
HYDERABAD: In a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation in agriculture and livestock innovation, a high-level delegation from the Consulate General of Indonesia in Karachi visited Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam to explore collaborative research on Sindh's indigenous breeds of cattle, goats, and sheep. Led by Acting Consul General Dewanto Priyokousumo, the Indonesian delegation expressed keen interest in developing academic and technical partnerships between Indonesian institutions and SAU. The discussions focused on breed improvement, food security, and climate-resilient livestock production, with a special emphasis on facilitating faculty, expert, and student exchange programs. During an in-depth meeting held at the university's Committee Room, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted SAU's expertise and ongoing initiatives in genetic conservation and livestock productivity. He underscored the university's research on native breeds such as Red Sindhi and Tharparkar cattle, and goats including Kamori, Tapri, Bari, and Pateri, along with the Dumbi sheep. 'These local breeds are critical to the rural economy and possess natural resistance to climate stress, heat, and disease. Their low-input, high-output potential makes them globally significant for sustainable agriculture,' said Dr. Siyal. He further noted that SAU is actively working with national and international organizations to conserve and improve these valuable genetic resources. Acting Consul General Dewanto Priyokousumo praised the scientific leadership of SAU and emphasized Indonesia's intention to initiate bilateral academic agreements that address shared priorities in food and animal nutrition. He noted the strong alignment between Indonesia's needs and SAU's expertise in climate-adapted livestock research. Arya Polosy, Consul for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs, stated that the delegation aimed to identify collaboration opportunities not only with the university but also with the Government of Sindh. He expressed optimism about launching joint projects that could strengthen agricultural innovation and food systems in both countries. The visiting delegation toured key facilities at the university including the Animal Reproduction Model Farm, Institute of Food Science and Technology, M.H. Panhwar Farms, and other research units. Detailed briefings were given on the university's academic initiatives, innovation projects, and field-based research. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
19-07-2025
- News18
Bangladeshi Scholar Expelled From University Over Clash On Non-Veg Food On Shivratri
Last Updated: The disciplinary action was based on the findings of the university's Proctorial Committee, which investigated the incident. A doctoral student from Bangladesh has been expelled from South Asian University (SAU), and the students' mess secretary was fined Rs 5,000 following a clash over the serving of non-vegetarian food on Maha Shivratri this year. The incident took place on February 26, when a disagreement broke out between two student groups — the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Both sides blamed each other for the altercation. While SFI accused ABVP members of attempting to impose their dietary choices on others, ABVP claimed that serving non-vegetarian food on a fasting day was 'insensitive" and hurt religious sentiments. Though the police were called, no formal complaint was filed and the situation was eventually dealt with internally by the university. 'Following a detailed proctorial enquiry, the university has found doctoral candidate Sudipto Das guilty of serious misconduct due to multiple instances of indiscipline. The university has ordered his immediate expulsion, permanently disqualified him from applying to any future programmes at SAU, and instructed him to vacate the hostel premises within 24 hours," a senior university official said. The expulsion order also cited a previous suspension in 2022 for similar behaviour. The disciplinary action was based on the findings of the university's Proctorial Committee, which investigated the incident. view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:43 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Science
- Business Recorder
Climate-resilient agriculture: SAU, FAO agree to expand collaboration
HYDERABAD: In a concerted effort to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable water use in Sindh, the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have agreed to deepen their cooperation on joint initiatives. The agreement was reached during a high-level review meeting held at FAO's provincial office in Tandojam on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor of SAU, and Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan. Also present were Dr. Julius Muchemi, Head of FAO Sindh Office; Ms. Emelda Berejena, Project Manager of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported initiative; Ms. Amna Bajwa, Programme Head; along with other technical experts. Participants reviewed the progress of several collaborative projects between SAU and FAO, particularly in climate-vulnerable districts such as Umerkot, Sanghar, and Badin. These joint efforts aim to promote adaptive farming practices through improved irrigation efficiency, short-duration crops, intercropping, seed development, and agricultural marketing. Highlighting the university's contributions, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal noted that SAU experts are working directly with farmers to pilot innovative techniques and conduct field-based training. He added that the university's FLUX Tower is actively recording meteorological data to support crop planning and early warning systems. Additionally, SAU's communication team is conducting outreach and awareness programs, while university graduates working with FAO are contributing to food security initiatives in the field. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Florence Rolle emphasized that with the support of the Green Climate Fund, FAO has initiated the installation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across Sindh to strengthen data-driven agricultural decision-making. 'Our goal is to ensure that these tools enhance local planning and pave the way for sustainable development,' she stated. Dr. Julius Muchemi shared that nine AWS units are currently being installed in Sanghar, Badin, and Umerkot. These stations will continuously monitor key agro-meteorological parameters, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, soil temperature, and electrical conductivity. Ms. Emelda Berejena further elaborated on the broader institutional platform being developed through FAO's collaboration with SAU, research centres, and agricultural extension departments. 'This integrated framework is bridging science, technology, and farming communities to build long-term climate resilience,' she said. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance institutional engagement, strengthen climate-smart agriculture, and scale up collaborative research and planning efforts across Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
