Achi Thatha’s Kitchen – stories and recipes from my grandparents is an interesting book written by nine-year-old Aaryan Vittal, a student of Ekya School, J P Nagar. It is a recipe memoir book – recollections about his favourite recipes and stories associated as told by his grandparents. His grandfather, M Govindan, a retired KAS officer and role model of Aaryan, and his mentor, Archana Mohan, with whom he attended an eight-week sprouts program during which he wrote the book, formally launched the book at Ranga Shankara, a renowned theatre. Aaryan had already written a book about festivals and celebrations; everyone could relate to it and loved it. So it encouraged him to write more on similar lines. He felt grandparents love is so pure and unique, and he loved writing about and sharing it with everyone! He has also been inclined to read since he was two years, and he started picture books and slowly levelled up his reading. During the lockdown, Aryan submitted his first story about a wizard who collected his blessings, which had a great response; motivated by this, he started writing regularly and always loved to see feedback and respond to everyone! Aaryans creative story was selected to be republished by the international Borderless Journal, based in Singapore. Regarding the launch of his book, Aachi Thatha’s Kitchen, his teacher at Ekya JP Nagar said, Aaryan is a very inquisitive child. He keenly observes everything around always. Lockdown was a blessing when he learnt about Indian culture, festivals, grandparents, and their roots in Indian culture. He has amazed us with his latest achievement as a budding author. Young readers should read such books as they talk about food, culture, nativity, festivals, etc. We wish him all the best.

Marwadi University (MU) – the youngest institution to be recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat – hosted its first International Conference on Advancements in Smart Computing and Information Security (ASCIS 2022) in collaboration with Springer CCIS, GUJCOST & DST. The global conference, with participation from internationally renowned universities and eminent Indian institutions, brought forth fresh insights from academicians, researchers, and industry practitioners across multiple industry verticals. Out of a total of 206 research papers received, 130 were selected for conference proceedings on the tracks of AI and ML, smart computing, cyber security, and industry 4.0. Of these, 10 percent of papers were received from outside India. Papers spanned a diverse range of applicability domains including healthcare, agriculture, automobile, civil and mechanical engineering, pharma, cybercrime and sports. Noted global academic and industry speakers who attended ASCIS 2022 included Andrew Hodges, Senior Security Advisor, Asia Pacific & Japan, AWS; Dr. Shamala Subramaniam, Professor, Universiti Putra, Malaysia; Azaz Faruki, Founder, Digital Model Factory, USA; Dr. Ramkumar Lakshminarayanan, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Oman; Krishnakumar Sundaram, Senior Director, Global Sales, FirstQA Systems, Japan; and Dr.Vassilis C Gerogiannis, Professor & Head, University of Thessaly, Greece, among others. ASCIS 2022 was also attended by globally eminent experts from within India, promoting cutting edge research, with some notable attendees such as Dr. Ram Kumar G, Cyber Security & Risk Leader, Nisaan Motor Corporation, Bangalore; Dr. Kumar Rajamani, Senior Manager, Algorithm Development, KLA Tencor, Chennai; Dr Shankar Venugopal, VP, Mahindra-Chennai; Dr Padmavathi Ganapathi, Dean, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore, among others, Dr Priti Sajja, Professor, SP University; Mr Nitin Bawsay, VP Operations, Cin7; Mr Arun Narayanaswamy, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Smarthub.ai. “Smart Computing and Information Security is moving towards things to derive human-like thinking. In this sphere, complex challenges keep propping up that can be solved through joint collaboration of industry personnel and researchers. We have been progressing in this direction. The platform of ASCIS 2022 is a step ahead towards greater integration of industry and academia to move further on the technological front,” said Prof (Dr) Sandeep Sancheti, Provost, Marwadi University. The valedictory address was led by Dr. Nirav Mandir, Chief Human Capital Officer, SRK Exports.

By Soumita Biswas, Chief Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital Negative calorie food refers to those items that consume more energy during their digestion, in comparison to the amount of energy they give to the body. We can say that the calorie cost of digesting the food would be greater than its energy content. These foods are typically high in fiber and have a low glycemic index. Calories are an important component of food and everything we eat has calories. Calories are of 2 types. One is empty calories which don’t have much nutritive value but just have calories and promotes weight gain. Foods with high fiber and water content usually have fewer calories and we need more energy to digest them, these are called negative calorie foods. These foods help to lose weight as they are not only low in calories but also help to burn out more calories than others. Most negative calorie foods are plant-based. 10 negative calorie foods: Celery: It contains 16 kcal/100g.It is rich in fiber, vitamin A, C and Folate. It is one of the most popular negative food items as most of its calorie value is stored in cellulose. Our body receives very few calories from celery as it is full of undigested fiber. Berries: Colorful berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries typically contain just 32 kcal for a half-cup quantity. Berries are called negative calorie foods because of their low glycemic index & their protein content. It also contains antioxidants, which protects us from various cancers. Tomatoes: It has 19kcal/100g. Apart from its water content, it is an excellent source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, an antioxidant known to protect us from skin cancer. Carrots: They contain 41 kcal/100g. Its vitamin A content is good for the eyes. Carrot fiber content keeps the stomach full for a longer time thus helps in weight loss. Cucumber: It contains 15 kcal/100g. This vegetable has high water content which is great to satisfy thirst along with providing all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The water content present in cucumbers is great for hydration. Along with quenching thirst, this fruit provides dietary fiber and is good for irritable bowel syndrome and diabetic patients. Watermelon: It has 30 kcal/100g. Some of the benefits of watermelon rind include a healthy heart, provide hydration & regulation of blood pressure. Additionally, watermelon seeds also have many health benefits starting from the prevention of anemia to immune-boosting properties. The water content present in watermelon & vitamins A, B6, C along with lycopene act as an immune-boosting food. Apple: It provides 52 kcal/100g. Apple contains a good number of antioxidants, vitamin C & fibers. Apple’s high fiber content helps in weight loss & it also helps to boost cognitive performance. Quercetin, an antioxidant present in apples, is also associated with lowering the risk of type 2 Diabetes. Broccoli: It contains 34 kcal/100g. Its vitamin A content improves vision. Calcium, Phosphorus, vitamin K content is essential for healthy bone development. Iron and folic acid help to prevent anemia. Kaempferol, a flavonoid present in broccoli, has anti-inflammatory properties. Broccoli is also rich in Alpha linolenic acid (ALA)which is crucial for brain growth & development. Zucchini: It contains about 17 kcal/100g. It is packed with many important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This has a high fiber content & a low-calorie count. Fiber plays an important role in digestion. Zeaxanthin, present in Zucchini, plays an important role in preventing oxidative stress & improves eye health. Lettuce: It provides about 15 kcal/100g. Its vitamin C, Calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A content helps in boosting immunity. The fiber content of lettuce helps in weight loss. It is also associated with a healthy heart and maintaining eye health. Are there any side effects? There is no evidence that eating negative calorie foods leads to side effects. However, directly eating low amounts of calories is not advised if you are not under the supervision of a dietician. The calorie requirement to reduce weight is individualized. The requirement varies depending on the person’s height, weight, BMI, BMR, and physical activity. These foods can be added to our daily diet as snacks or cooking ingredients. Cucumber, tomatoes, carrots and lettuce can be used in various salads. Berries, apple or watermelon fruit can be used as a midmorning or evening snack. broccoli, zucchini or lettuce can be used in various preparations during cooking.

Apollo Hospitals, Asia’s foremost integrated healthcare services provider organised various activities to create awareness and support organ donation. Around ten donor family members were invited and felicitated as part of National Organ Donation Day awareness programme in Chennai. Staffs, nurses, donor families and public took part in programme and signed their pledge to support organ donation. Mime shows, Poster designing competition were also conducted to raise awareness on organ donation. Apollo hospitals has so far saved the lives of more than 10000 individuals through the organ transplant programme from the time of inception. Senior management and staff of the hostpial took a pledge to donate their organs commemorating the national organ donation day which falls on 27th November. Dr. Elankumaran K, Head, Liver Diseases and Transplantation Centre, Apollo Hospitals on “Transforming lives” through “Various solid organ transplantation, highlighted that, “A single organ donor could transform lives of so many, nearly nine lives can be saved and can help as many as 50 people. By donating an organ, a second lease of life is given to the person which equals a rebirth. We, as a group want to encourage more people to support this noble cause.” Mr. Shivkumar, CEO, Apollo group of Hospitals, Dr Venkatasalam, Director Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals Gream Road graced the occation.  Several awareness programs including poster competition for the Apollo staffs and has been awarded with prices. Special event was organized to express gratitude towards the benevolent act of the donors the families’ members.

Online Registration for the entrance test for Engineering 2023 admission at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (AEEE 2023) starts 27th Nov 2022 For More Details Log on to: https://www.amrita.edu/admissions/btech/ Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham ranked 5th by NIRF is going to start its registration for AEEE (Amrita Entrance Examination – Engineering) 2023 on November 27, 2022. Admission to B. Tech programs offered at Amrita School of Engineering – Amritapuri, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Amaravati is based on the rank secured in Amrita Entrance Examination – Engineering 2023 or JEE Mains 2023 or SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or Pearson UG Engineering Entrance Examination Score (PUEEE). If the applicant has both the AEEE 2023 rank and JEE Mains 2023 percentile, there is more possibility of getting into the branch with the highest priority with scholarship fees. Amrita Entrance Examination – Engineering 2023 will be conducted in the Computer Based Test mode across 140 cities in the country. The duration of AEEE 2023 will be 2.5 hours with 100 questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. The B.Tech branches offered across 5 campuses include Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence- CAI), Automation and Robotics Engineering (ARE), Mechanical Engineering (MEE), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ELC), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) & Electronics and Computer Engineering (EAC) to name a few. The eligibility for appearing in the AEEE test is 12th class or equivalent from a recognized board with not less than 55% in Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics separately, and an aggregate minimum of 60% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Over 200 students from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham get the opportunity to study abroad each year under various programs. Amrita varsity also trains its students through the four-year B.Tech course in soft skills with the award of 6 credits that goes into their degree and encourages them to undergo various certification programmes. Around 90 to 95% of eligible Amrita students get placed every year. The average annual salary for students passing out batch 2023 as on date is 9.20LPA . The highest salary offered for 2023 batch as on date is 56.95 LPA To register click on – https://www.amrita.edu/btech For more details, please refer to the link: https://www.amrita.edu/btech About Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham http://www.amrita.edu Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a multi-campus, multidisciplinary Institution of Eminence accredited by NAAC. It is also ranked the 5th Best Overall University in India in the 2020 National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF). Amrita continues to be the No. 1 Private University in India as per THE 2020 world rankings as well. The university has been awarded two UNESCO Chairs namely the UNESCO Chair for Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation & Development and the UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality & Women Empowerment. The university headquartered at Coimbatore is spread across six campuses in three states — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Amrita partners with academic, industry and governmental institutions across the world to accomplish human-centred, translational, and groundbreaking research. To date, Amrita has more than 500 collaborations from more than 200 signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Some of Amrita’s partners include Harvard University, Columbia University, King’s College London, KTH – Royal Institute of Technology, VU Amsterdam, the British Geological Society, University of Oxford, Italian National Research Council, Deakin University, and the University of Tokyo. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), a world-renowned humanitarian leader is the founder, Chancellor, and guiding light of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Amma’s words, thoughts, and vision for education and research have shaped the university’s mission and vision.