Author: blog

More students than ever are choosing to be data scientists, research scientists, and business analysts. These careers are driven by cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

In fact, AI and ML have already begun to transform human lives positively. For example, daily chores have become easier and flawless with programmed machine technology. The first thing we do in the morning is to unlock our mobile phones using biometrics such as face ID. This uses AI.

Personalizing what you want to see on your feed on social media platforms, automatically activating tools such as Grammarly, spell-checking when you compose a mail, use of google maps, and even amazon recommendations are all monitored by AI.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging branch of computer science with multiple approaches. It works on building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.

In modern science, AI has three stages:

Stage 1: Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)

When an AI system is programmed in such a way that it performs a set of instructions only for the specified data, then it is termed Artificial Narrow Intelligence.

Stage 2: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

When an AI system is programmed in such a way that it can totally mimic human intelligence and behaviour, then it is termed Artificial General Intelligence. In simple words, it is the Artificial Intelligence system that can make decisions similar to human beings.

Stage 3: Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)

When an AI system is programmed in a way that its decision-making ability and the capability to mimic human intelligence is way better than a human, it is termed as Super Intelligence. It is the system that surpasses human abilities.

List of Artificial Intelligence Courses

Courses on AI are offered as BTech courses in India. One can further delve deeper into the intricacies of AI and opt for the MTech course too.

Undergraduate Level (4- year course)

BTech Computer Science (BTech CSE) with a focus on AI is an undergraduate course. Students can choose the programme after they pass out of class 12.

Postgraduate Level (2-year course)

After the undergraduate course, you can also go for a postgraduate course in AI.

Online Certification Courses

With the rise of edutech companies, learning online has become easy. They have made learning computer science courses online easy and effective. There are many reputed online edutech organizations that offer AI certification courses. Some of these courses are offered by Google, MIT, and Stanford University. In India, Aaddoo Software offers similar services.

Syllabus for BTech AI

While the syllabus for BTech or MTech in Artificial Intelligence varies on the length of the course and the institution, some key courses include:

• Neural networks
• Deep learning
• Pattern recognition
• Natural Language Processing (NPL)
• Robotics
• Automation
• Use of
• Sensors
• New programming languages
• Database management and Big data

Career in AI

There has been an exponential growth in career opportunities for AI graduates. Some of the popular professional jobs roles are:

AI Engineer:

An AI Engineer is responsible for making the system intelligent enough to think independently. The system can analyze fed data to learn.

ML Engineer:

Machine learning engineers build predictive models using vast volumes of data. They have in-depth knowledge of machine learning algorithms, deep learning algorithms, and deep learning frameworks.

Data Scientists:

Data scientists collect, clean, analyze, and interpret large and complex datasets by leveraging both machine learning and predictive analytics.

Research Scientist:

There needs to be continuous research as AI is a continuously evolving technology and it can become a full-fledged thinking machine. The role is to fine-tune the ML algorithm, examine how and what data can be fed to the AI system to make it work optimally.

Cloud Solutions Architect:

With the rise of cloud solutions, there is a growing tendency towards SaaS or software as a service. Therefore, it is the duty of the Cloud solutions architect to guide customers in using AI in the cloud platform.

Business Intelligence Developer:

They’re responsible for designing, modelling, and analyzing complex data to identify business and market trends.

Robotic Scientist:

Robotic Scientist designs, test, and build robots that are productive, safe to operate and economical to purchase.

Game Programmer:

A Game Programmer is responsible for designing, programming, simulating and testing the automated machinery and processes such that to complete the tasks in the gaming industry.

Top Companies that Hire Artificial Intelligence Engineers

With the pandemic, artificial intelligence has become more popular and is being considered a popular career option. Most of the top companies want to hire AI engineers today. Some companies that hire AI & ML engineers include:

• Amazon
• Google
• Facebook
• Talentica Software
• Capgemini
• Flipkart
• Samsung
• TCS
• Airtel

Why Study Artificial Intelligence at Shoolini University

It’s difficult to decide which course to choose from, especially in times like these. Luckily, we are on it! Shoolini University offers counselling to students to help them decide which course to choose. If you are keen to explore these options, you may fill in your details below and our counsellor will get in touch with you.

Shoolini University is one of the top-ranked engineering schools in India. International ranking agency QS marked the Faculty of Engineering School as Diamond Rated. The department is committed to excellence in qualitative teaching, holistic and robust learning and pro-active research. The university features advanced research centres with well-equipped laboratories. Students also make use of the 190+ global alliances that Shoolini University has with several foreign universities. As a part of our exchange programs, students get the exposure required for the changing dynamics in the targeted field. Engineering at Shoolini University helps to expand your career in AI and get placed in renowned companies like Microsoft, AWS, and many more.

List of programmes provided by the Shoolini University

Since this is a modern subject that gets evolved and is upgraded every passing day, the syllabus varies from university to university. Shoolini University provides a globalized curriculum as per industry needs and offers courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

• Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
• B Tech CSE Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• B Tech CSE Big Data Analytics
• B Tech CSE Cloud Computing
• B Tech CSE Cyber Security
• B Tech Artificial Intelligence (Summit Research Program)
• M Tech Computer Science & Engineering
• MSc Data Analysis
• PhD Computer Science and Engineering
• PhD Data Science
• B Tech Bioinformatics
• PhD Big Data
• B Tech CSE LEET Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• B Tech CSE LEET Big Data Analytics
• B Tech CSE LEET Cloud Computing
• B Tech CSE LEET Cyber Security
• MCA
• BBA Computer Science & Entrepreneurship (4 Years)

Start your journey as an engineer professional today!

Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCP) in the environment and resolution of water pollution came under the scanner at the virtual networking event. MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University, hosted the event in association with Lancaster University, UK, on Wednesday.

Dr Binoy Sarkar from Lancaster University presented the project introductory remarks and proposed a plan for the development and implementation of data-informed research, technology development and assessment, outreach, engagement and education activities at the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region, known as a pharmaceutical and personal care hub.

The event began with the welcome address by Prof Atul Khosla, Vice-Chancellor, Shoolini University. He emphasised the need to develop techniques to make sewage water drinkable at Shoolini.

Addressing the panel of participants, guest of honour Prof PK Khosla, Chancellor, Shoolini University, said everyone should take a collective pledge to conduct research in the areas concerned with the Himalayas for climate change and water conservation.

The panel discussed the global issues of water pollution and methods and techniques to tackle them. The speakers spoke about topical issues of concern, such as, ‘What is in the Water, Research on Emerging Pollutants in Surface Water in different Rivers of the World, Fate of Micro and Nano Plastics and Pharmaceuticals as Emerging Contaminants, etc. 

Prof Suparna Mukherji, Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, India, delivered a lecture on ‘Pharmaceuticals as Emerging Contaminants: Challenges in Monitoring and Removal from Water and Wastewater’. Prof Gopala Krishna Darbha, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India, talked about the fate of micro and nano-plastics in the lower Ganga River Basin. Prof Gurjot Kaur, Shoolini University, shared her views on, ‘What is in the Water? Interaction of Pharmaceuticals with Micro Plastics in Wastewater’. Prof Le Thi Phuong Quynh, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Vietnam, discussed the issues on ‘Research on Emerging Pollutants in Surface Water in Hanoi City’. Sharing views on, ‘Emerging Pollutants Research in Malaysian River Water’, Prof Sarva Mangala Praveena, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, highlighted the river water pollutants in Malaysian river water.

The event concluded on the note of working at the ground level and formulating techniques that directly impacted the livelihood of the general population. Concluding remarks and a vote of thanks was presented by Dr Santanu Mukherjee, Shoolini University, and organiser of the event. He said our future projects should focus on research on pharmaceutical products in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Earlier, Prof YS Negi, Shoolini University, introduced the speakers and said we should look into ways to conserve our water resources and make sure they were not polluted.

Engineers are the building blocks of the nation. The profession is promising, brings prestige, and results in better earnings in life. However, there are several streams of engineering available to BTech aspirants today. With the entire pandemic situation, engineering has moved to more focus on aspects of artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc. This also means better opportunities will be available to students in the coming future.

There is a great demand for BTech graduates in both India and abroad. They are sought by the private and public sectors. Engineering results in a career that is rewarding and challenging at the same time.

List of Top Engineering Degree Courses, Career Opportunities, and Scope

There are numerous courses and career options in Engineering. Typically of 4 years, it is an extensive course that delves in some theory — but it is primarily practice-oriented. However, it is important to choose the college of engineering carefully. To choose the best engineering institution, you need to ensure that the college has great faculty, it offers practical opportunities to learn, and the placements are helpful. However, the most important thing to learn is the course you want to choose when you pick a BTech programme.

Based on these parameters, here are the best engineering degree courses and career options for an engineer:

1. Computer Science Engineering

Computer Science Engineering (CSE) is an academic program that integrates the field of Computer Engineering and Computer Science. It has roots in electrical engineering and mathematics. A CSE curriculum emphasises the basics of computer programming and networking. It encompasses a variety of programs that relates to computation, algorithms, programming languages, program design, computer software and hardware. To be able to pursue a Computer Science Engineering degree program, students should possess great analytical skills, critical thinking and good programming skills. Additionally, basics of machine learning, web development knowledge and creativity are skills that enable a successful future.

List of Courses in Computer Science Engineering:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Data Analytics
• Computer Graphics
• Information Security
• Systems Architect
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering

Career Options and Its Scope:

There is immense scope for Computer Engineers in India. One can take up a promising job as well as look at work opportunities abroad. On completion of this course, companies tend to offer good salary packages. Computer engineers in India can get numerous jobs in private firms and top companies like TCS, Wipro, Microsoft, Google, Infosys, HP, Samsung, Accenture, HCL, Cognizant, Adobe, and Oracle and so on.

2. Information Technology

Information technology or IT is the twin branch of Computer Engineering, which deals with the use of computers used to handle processes in business operations and other technologies. It is also the technology meant for improvements in home and entertainment uses. Essentially, this technology is used to solve business or organisational problems on a broad scale. It constitutes the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information. It covers various subjects like artificial intelligence, web-based applications, IT networks etc.

List of Courses in Information Technology:

• Statistical Analysis Systems
• DB-MySQL-SQL Server
• Java or J2E and its frameworks
• Microsoft Technologies
• Data Science
• Gaming Developer/Services
• Information Security

Career Options and Its Scope:

A positive attitude and a passion for technology with great communication skills can help an IT employee succeed and advance. There are a few challenges along the way but a promising career lies ahead for IT Engineers that can truly provide a great living. There are plenty of jobs in the private sector as well as in the government sector. Some of the top recruiters in the IT sector in India are WIPRO, TCS, IBM, Google, Amazon, Oracle, Tech Mahindra etc.

• Computer Support Specialists
• Information Security Analysts
• Network Systems Administrators
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Software Analyst
• Web Developer

3. Electronics and Communication Engineering

Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) is an engineering degree that deals with designing, researching, developing and testing of electronic circuits, devices, and integrated circuits used in various systems. It also deals with visualising and manufacturing electronic devices, communication equipment, and broadcast systems. Students should acquire certain skills like a methodical mind, strong IT skills, teamwork, project management, etc. to be a good ECE.

List of Courses in Electronics and Communication Engineering:

• Signal Processing
• Telecommunications Engineering
• Control Engineering
• Instrumentation Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• VLSI Design Engineering

Career Options and Its Scope:

Electronics engineers find jobs in India as well as abroad. Experts in this field find opportunities in two industries — Telecom and Software. Consider a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering if you want to pursue a career that is dynamic, exciting as well as challenging. Salary packages offered to electronics engineers vary on a variety of factors such as working skills, credentials, working region, recruiters etc. There are plenty of jobs in the private, public and government sectors like BEL, DMRC, Siemens, Intel, Philips Electronic, Motorola, Wipro, TCS, HCL and ISRO.

• Electronics Engineer
• Field Test Engineer
• Network Planning Engineer
• Electronics and Communications Consultant
• Customer Support Engineer
• Electronics Technician
• Research and Development Software Engineer
• Senior Sales Manager

4. Civil Engineering:

One of the oldest branches of engineering, civil engineering deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical environment. It includes infrastructural projects and public works such as roads, canals, airports, pipelines, railways and so on. There are some mandatory skills that are required for a civil engineer so that they can stand out in the crowd. Many of these are soft skills such as being a team player, the ability to visualise, negotiating skills, problem-solving skills, good time management skills, and a passion for learning.

List of courses in Civil Engineering:

• Structural engineering
• Architectural engineering
• Transportation engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Hydraulic engineering

Career Options and Its Scope:

There is a high demand for Civil Engineers with specialisations in areas such as construction, geotechnical, transportation, and environmental engineering. It is the best branch from the growth perspective because the global demand for skilled civil engineers is here to stay. Some popular job recruiters who hire civil engineers include WS Atkins Consultant Limited, Aecom Corporation, L&T Limited, Afcons Infrastructure Limited, as well as government’s public infrastructure projects.

• Structural Engineers
• Contracting Civil Engineer
• Site Engineers
• CAD Technician
• Construction Engineers
• Geotechnical Engineers

5. Mechanical Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering applies a combination of physics, engineering, mathematics and material science to design, manufacture and analyse mechanical systems. A study of mechanical engineering helps students to comprehend the working mechanisms of heavy machineries. Skills expected from mechanical engineers are effective technical and budgeting skills, problem-solving and analytical skills, leadership and team-working skills, verbal and written communication skills, active listening, and critical thinking.

List of courses in Mechanical Engineering:

• Biomechanics Engineering Biomaterial
• Combustion/ IC Engine Modeling
• Dynamics, Controls and Vibrations
• Fluid Mechanics /Computational Fluid Mechanics
• Manufacturing
• Solid Mechanics-Computational Mechanics
• Automotive

Career Options and Its Scope:

The future and scope of mechanical engineers are bright in India as well as abroad. It is an evergreen field, immune to the impact of economic recession. Students with mechanical engineering degree have a plethora of opportunities in the areas of aerospace, automobile, chemical manufacturing plants, research, and development, among others. They have job opportunities in both private and government sectors where the growth will be immense and will be paid hugely. The job recruiters who hire mechanical engineers include Numerous Maharatna and Navratna companies such as NTPC, BHEL, IOCL, NHTC or globally-recognised companies such as MRF, Royal Enfield etc.

• Project Manager
• Senior Engineer
• Manufacturing Executive
• Mechanical Engineer
• Instructional Designer
• Service and Maintenance Engineer

How Shoolini University Can Help You?

Yes, there are too many options to choose from. It’s difficult to decide which course to choose from, especially in times like these. Luckily, we are on it! Shoolini University offers counselling to students to help them decide which course to choose.

Shoolini University is a top-ranked engineering school in India. International ranking agency QS marked the Faculty of Engineering School as Diamond Rated. The department is committed to excellence in qualitative teaching, holistic and robust learning and pro-active research.

It is notable that Shoolini University has collaborated with IBM for access to the latest technology platforms and for students to earn Certifications in a total of 180 professional modules. Engineering at Shoolini University helps getting placed in big renowned companies like Microsoft and AWS Academy. Start your journey as an engineering professional today!

Solan, July 26

The pilot phase of the VE-Coaching programme run under the guidance of Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla concluded with emphasis on the power of collaboration.

Thanking the coaches for giving back to the community and to the students, Prof Atul Khosla said shared learnings that would make the young generation and the world step into a successful future.

Ms Payal Jindal Khanna, Senior Coach at Shoolini University, said the coaching programme aimed at achieving the broader mission and vision of the institution in helping students discover their true potential. She said the action plan at the university under this project was to adopt a strategic and comprehensive approach to enable personal and professional development in the lives of students.

International coach Ms Nellie Cabane expressed her views about the VE-Coaching Programme and said it would greatly benefit the students.

The response from the 22 empaneled coaches was encouraging. Through the entire four months starting from April, the partnership between them and the university flowed seamlessly, truly reflecting the spirit of building humanistic bonds of friendship. Amazing testimonials were shared by the students, both before and during the pilot phase.

Prof Kuldeep Rojhe, Director MBA and PG Programme, delivered the Vote of Thanks to all attendees. He said the coaching programme left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of students.

Solan, July 19

Education rating agency QS IGAUGE, in a first-of-its-kind initiative, organised the Himalayan edition of the conference on ‘Redefining Institutional Strategy for Excellence’ (RISE). The conclave was jointly hosted by Shoolini University, Solan, and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun.

Focussing on the Himalayas as a destination of global learning and research, several luminaries of the education world discussed the advantages of the Himalayan region to promote education. The panelists, during the session titled, ‘The Himalayas as the next Global Destination for Research and Learning’ deliberated how, from the ancient times, the Himalayas had always been a great centre of education.

The debate on the topic, ‘Global Rankings — Research vs Learning and Teaching’ focused on what defined the quality of an institution. Speakers for the motion, Dr Sunil Rai and Prof BR Mehta, emphasised the importance of research. He said that research-enhanced curiosity, uniquely attributed to humans, led to scientific and cultural development. Research also increased the application for the betterment of society and humanity, he added.

Countering the comments, the speakers against the motion, Ms Sharmila Katre and Mr Rahul Gupta, said research may be a way of getting noticed as first among equals but learners/students did not really prefer it. They mentioned that focus should be more on learning and understanding, rather than on research.

With the pandemic keeping us on our toes for the last 15 months, there was an interesting and relevant discussion on whether the future of education was virtual or face-to-face.

Concluding the session, Shoolini University Pro Chancellor Mr Vishal Anand said, “There are four pillars of building a great institution. The first is good governance; the second, conservation of the environment; then comes preservation and promotion of culture; and finally, sustainable and equitable socio-economic development.”

Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Atul Khosla stressed the need for higher education in India, mentioning that both UPES and Shoolini University had similar demographics and topography, and the coming together of these two would make sure that Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh would soon become world-class centres of learning.

Earlier, UPES Vice Chancellor Dr Sunil Rai appreciated Shoolini University for its support in creating the platform, which showcased India as the next destination. He pointed out that both UPES and Shoolini University were located in the serene Himalayas, which had a peaceful environment, and promoted good health and brotherhood. Universities like these, he said, fostered an atmosphere of learning and wisdom, and the research conducted on herbs in these biodiverse regions would benefit all mankind.

Solan, July 7

In the latest rankings of SciVal research, the top international agency, two Shoolini univ scientists, Dr Pardeep Singh and Dr Pankaj Raizada have been placed at the third and fifth place in India with a total number of 67 papers and 2193 citations.

In the worldwide rankings, Dr Pardeep holds the 241st position and Dr Pankaj Raizada has been placed at the 259th rank.

Elsevier group owned SciVal research tool provides access to the research performance of over 20,400 research institutions and their associated researchers, from 234 nations worldwide, based on the number of publications, citations and Field Weight Citation Index (FWCI). 

As per SciVal Data from 2016-2021, the research topic Photocatalyst has emerged as a prominent research area in Shoolini University with 110 papers and an FWCI of 4.23. The photocatalytic process uses light and chemical compounds called catalysts to remove pollutants from water, air, and soil. It can remove most of the pollutants without any toxic effects. These methods are cheap and have no toxic effects on the environment. 

At Shoolini University, the Photocatalyst Research group is working actively to discover new catalysts. This group is working in collaboration with Prof Vijay Thakur (UK), Prof Van-Huy Nguyen (Vietnam), Prof Quyet Van Le Vietnam) and Dr Aftab Aslam Parwaz Khan ( Saudi Arabia). The Photocatalyst group is mentored by the Shoolini University Chancellor, Prof PK Khosla, Vice-Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, and Dean Academics, Prof Sunil Puri. 

Prof. Pardeep is Head of the School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Shoolini University. He is in the top 2 per cent scientists’ list ranked by Stanford University. He has been awarded the DST- Fast Track Young Scientist Award (2013) and Vice-Chancellor Young Academician Award (2019). Dr Pankaj Raizada is Associate Professor at Shoolini University. Her specialised area is Inorganic Chemistry. She is a Young Scientist Awardee under the Department of Science and Technology with New Delhi with a Fast Track Project and HIMCOSTE, funded Project from the HP Council for Science Technology and Environment, Shimla. She has been positioned in the Top 2 per cent in the Single Year Category by Stanford University World Ranking, 2020.

Scientists report a novel cold-tolerant bacterium from the Pangong Tso Lake, Leh Ladakh, which produces a red pigment with germ-killing properties

A team of researchers from Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India have discovered a psychrophilic bacterial strain, called Rhodonellum psychrophilum GL8, at the high altitude Pangong Tso Lake in the Himalayas. The red pigment isolated from this bacterium possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and skin cell growth stimulating properties. This novel bacterial biopigment promises to be useful for the development of antimicrobial smart fabrics, medicated bandages, and natural food colouring and preservatives.

Dyes and their vivid colours have fascinated humankind even beyond recorded history. Archaeology offers evidence of the dyeing of garments in the Bronze Age and during the heyday of the Indus Valley Civilization. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the world relied on natural dyes sourced from plants such as indigo, turmeric, saffron, beans, and paprika. The Industrial Revolution brought with it synthetic dyes that were much cheaper and readily available for use in the cosmetics, textile, pharmaceutical, and food industries. But a side effect of this wanton application of synthetic dyes has been the steady contamination of our soil and water with the toxic chemicals released from these artificial products.

In recent decades, people have become aware of the negative effects of synthetic colourants and the demand for naturally occurring non-toxic dyes has been increasing by 10–15% annually. In their search for eco-friendly bio-colourants, researchers have identified microbes as potential sources of pigments that promise to be environmentally friendly and economical, besides being non-toxic, inexpensive, and readily available. Another advantage of using pigments of microbial origin is, unlike certain plant or fruit dyes, their production is not dependent on seasonal fluctuations, and, given the right growing conditions of the microbes, they can be mass-produced like synthetic dyes!

So where does one look for these colour creating critters? According to a team of researchers from Shoolini University, India, in some of the most unimaginable and inhospitable environments, it seems! Led by Professor Kamal Dev from Shoolini University’s Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, the team has discovered a novel strain of a Gram-negative extreme cold-tolerant species of bacterium from the freezing waters of the Pangong Tso Lake in the Himalayas, which produces a brilliant red pigment. As Prof. Dev explains, “Synthetic molecules are slowly being replaced by biological ones with diverse functions. The Himalayas hold within it a unique heritage of biological diversity. The overall objective of this study was to characterize the production of pigments by the microbes of high-altitude lakes in the Northwest Himalayas for solving the emerging problems of health, food, and environment. In our quest, we isolated and characterized a red pigment-producing strain of Rhodonellum psychrophilum.”

The researchers confirmed the novel status of this strain of Rhodonellum psychrophilum, which they called ‘GL8’, through phylogenetic analysis, and subjected the isolated pigment to chromatographic and spectrometric techniques to identify the constituents. They found that the red pigment extracts contained a mixture of 2-methyl-3-butyl-prodigine, Prodigiosin, 2-methyl-3hexyl-prodigine, 3, 4-Didehydrorhodopsin, anhydrorhodovibrin, alloxanthin and Tetradecanoyl-hexadecanoyl compounds. They further characterized the pigment by testing for bioactive properties. The results revealed that indeed, GL8 is special! 

How special is this ‘GL8’? In their study published in Process Biochemistry, the team report that not only is the pigment produced by GL8 a wonderful colourant, but it also has a multitude of useful biological properties. For instance, its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity makes it perfectly suited for application in the manufacture of smart fabrics with an antimicrobial finish. Additionally, this pigment has anti-oxidant properties, and acts as a bio-enhancer, augmenting the effects of established antibiotics and anti-fungal agents, making it an ideal candidate for use as a food preservative. Interestingly, the pigment also showed growth stimulating properties of murine skin cells but no toxicity to human cells, which may open avenues for its application in expediting wound healing. In fact, the researchers have filed patents based on their impressive discoveries, which they believe will provide unique local solutions to global problems of nutrition, medicine, and the environment.??

Puzzling on the question of why a minuscule microbe would possess such a diversely powerful pigment, Prof. Dev speculates, “Melanin pigment in our skin protects us from hazardous UV radiation, which can cause skin cancers. Similarly, many living organisms produce some unique pigments as survival strategies in response to harmful radiations, pollutants, or freezing conditions.”

Whatever may be the reason for its evolution, there is no denying the usefulness of this pigment to humans. While the researchers explore this wonder microbe to unravel its superpowers further, the world holds onto the hope for applications of its currently identified anti-microbial properties to fight the increasing incidences of pathogenic infections, like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We have our fingers crossed!

Reference

Authors	Garima Bisht, Srishti Srivastava, Ritu Kulshreshtha, Anuradha Sourirajan, David J Baumler, Kamal Dev
Title of original paper	Applications of red pigments from psychrophilic Rhodonellum psychrophilum GL8 in health, food and antimicrobial finishes on textiles
Journal	Process Biochemistry
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2020.03.021
Affiliations	Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA Microbial and Plant Genomic Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA  Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India

About Professor Kamal Dev

Dr. Kamal Dev is a professor at Shoolini University’s department of Biotechnology and Microbiology. He received his PhD from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore in Biochemistry and postdoctoral research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. He is currently working on ways to harness extremophilic microbial biodiversity of the Himalayas for societal benefits and develop phytochemical-based formulations to manage multi-drug resistance. He is also the coordinator for the DST-FIST facility on proteomics at Shoolini University and a visiting scientist at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, USA.

Researchers from Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India, report the isolation of a non-toxic red pigment from the novel bacterium Rhodonellum psychrophilum GL8, which may soon revolutionize the fields of nutrition and therapeutics

 Solan, July 2

Solan-based Shoolini University has been ranked at the 20th position across India and Number One in Himachal Pradesh in the latest Education World India Private Universities Rankings.

The rankings were tabulated by the Delhi-based Centre for Forecasting and Research (C-fore) with diligent care to classify and segregate autonomous private colleges, government autonomous colleges, and non-autonomous colleges based on the criteria set up by the University Grants Commission.

Shoolini University has shared the 20th position with Chitkara University, Rajpura, and has emerged Number 1 in Himachal Pradesh, scoring 1073 points in different categories. It scored 274 points out of 300 in Research and Innovations, 135 points out of 150 in the Competency of Faculty and 134 out of 150 in Infrastructure and Facilities.

The University has been ranked joint 4th among private universities in North India, comprising the states of Haryana, Punjab, J&K, Uttarakhand but barring the NCR, with Ashoka University, OP Jindal University and Thapar University (Deemed) ahead of it.

Chancellor Prof PK Khosla said he was delighted with the improved rankings and congratulated all the faculty, staff, and students for the achievement. He further said the University would continue to focus on research and was on the right path to be among the top global universities.

Shoolini University Vice-Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla said the consistent improvement in the rankings of the University indicated that “we are on the right track” and would strive harder to further improve in the years to come.

Earlier this year, Shoolini University was ranked the top university by Scimago in the Northern region comprising Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Chandigarh and 16th in the category of research across the country.

EW India Private Universities Rankings 2020-21 were conducted by over 150 field personnel of the highly reputed Delhi-based market research and opinion polls company Centre for Forecasting & Research Pvt. Ltd. They interviewed 4,168 sample respondents comprising 2,214 faculty and 1,126 final year students of 162 universities, and 828 industry representatives in 25 cities countrywide.

Solan, June 30
Continuing to create awareness and engagement about pressing issues of global significance, Shoolini University organised an International Webinar on Molecular Simulations under the Shoolini Science Web Series. The key speakers at the webinar, an initiative of the School of Physics and Materials Science, were Dr Leonardo Belpassi, Researcher at the Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Perugia, Italy, and Dr Loriano Storchi, Associate Professor, Universit? G D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
All faculty members, research scholars and students of the School of Physics and Materials Sciences, Shoolini University, attended the webinar. The virtual event was organised on the Zoom platform and was live on Shoolini University’s YouTube channel as well.
Welcoming the guest speakers, Prof Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Dean Sciences, thanked them for accepting the proposal to speak on ‘Four-component Dirac-Kohn-Sham calculations: State of the Art and Computational Advancements’.
Shoolini University Chancellor Prof PK Khosla congratulated Prof Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Dr Anirban Saha and the entire team for organising such interactions of global importance and thanked Dr Leonardo Belpassi and Dr Loriano Storchi for sparing their time to be the speakers for the day.
Dr Belpassi talked about the basics on the need of relativity in chemistry, the algebraic approximation and Dirac-Kohn-Sham approach with some examples of actual calculations for understanding the chemical bond in a relativistic framework. Next, Dr Storchi discussed the technical part about the most significant computational aspects.
Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla congratulated the School of Physics and Materials Science for organising the wonderful event and sharing the utility of the digital world. He further shared that such international events with the participation of illustrious speakers from across the globe had become possible due to COVID-19 generated circumstances. “We are truly becoming ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family) now.
Earlier, Dr Anirban Saha, Assistant Prof of Physics, introduced the speakers to the audience. Dr Pooja Dhiman, Assistant Prof of Physics, proposed the vote of thanks to both the speakers.
Student interaction with the renowned speakers was engaging and interesting. The webinar was moderated by Assistant Prof Gun Anit Kaur.

Emphasising the significance of meditation, Shoolini University Chancellor Prof Prem Kumar Khosla said everyone must make 15 minutes of meditation a part of their lifestyle. He was speaking during the fourth webinar, ‘Self Realisation through Yoga Meditation’ at Shoolini University. The event was organised by the Yogananda Centre for Theology (YCT), of which he is the Patron.

Other eminent speakers at the event were, Dr Kedar Nath Banerjee, Professor Emeritus, Spiritualism, Shoolini University. Dr Banerjee has done his B Tech from IIT Mumbai and PhD in Economics and Management from Lisbon University, Portugal.

Prof Khosla said meditation and Yoga were an inseparable part of Indian and Hindu heritage. Talking about Mahavatar Babaji and Lahari Mahasaya Ji, he explained how they had rejuvenated the science of Kriya Yoga. He shared many stories from the Autobiography of a Yogi (a famous spiritual classic) and explained all about Pranayama and its significance in the day-to-day life of every individual.

Dr Kedar Nath Banerjee talked about Ashtanga Yoga in the modern context. He briefed about the Vedas and the Upanishads. “Everyone wants peace, tranquillity, and bliss,” he said, explaining how Patanjali Sutra was dedicated to mental and physical wellbeing. “Our main goal should be to attain eternal peace and bliss, which is possible only by understanding the importance of Astanga Yoga,” he stated.

YCT Chairman Mr Vivek Atray presented the closing remarks and shared how Sri Paramahansa Yogananda spread the message of Yoga meditation throughout the world. YCT Coordinator Dr Prerna Bhardwaj and Assistant Prof Dr Supriya Srivastava organised the webinar along with Dr Lalit Sharma, Assistant Prof from Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University.