📚 Knowledge Connect (15): Research Grants

• DBT - Emerging Frontiers in Biotechnology
• DST - Recovery and Recycling of End of Life Solar PV Panels/Modules
• DST - Special Call on Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) deployment in Cement Sector
• DST - Cognitive Science Research Initiative
• DST - NEW AND EMERGING ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES (NEST)
• WADA_Scientific Research Grants
• ICAR- NASF -Welfare-Indian Council of Agricultural Research/National Agricultural Science Fund
• Ministry of Coal- Coal Ministry Invites Proposals for Research & Development in Coal Sector

Research Grants Open Throughout the Year

• DBT - epromis
• BIRAC - Early Translation Accelerators (ETAs)
• BIRAC - BioNEST Scheme
• CSIR - Research Grants
• Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST)
• Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM)
• IGSTC - Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)

Book Recommendation: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

 

Money isn’t just math—it’s deeply personal and psychological. In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel unpacks the hidden behaviors and emotions that shape financial decisions. Through captivating stories and timeless lessons, you’ll learn why wealth is more about mindset than income or investing tricks.

“Doing well with money has little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave.”

For young engineers about to start their careers, this book offers valuable insights on patience, risk, and the importance of humility in building long-term wealth.

Get smarter about money and life—this essential read is available now at our library. 

Check our OPAC!

Book Recommendation: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

 

What’s your reason to jump out of bed in the morning? Ikigai unlocks the timeless wisdom of Okinawa, where people live longer and happier lives by finding purpose in small everyday joys. It blends philosophy, science, and inspiring stories to help you discover your own ikigai—the sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect.

“Ikigai is the reason for being. It’s what gets you up in the morning.”

This gentle guide teaches you how to cultivate mindfulness, embrace community, and focus on what truly matters. For students navigating the pressures of engineering and life, it’s a reminder to balance ambition with well-being.

Discover your ikigai at our library — your path to a fulfilling and meaningful life awaits.

Check our OPAC.

Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear

What if tiny changes could lead to extraordinary results? In Atomic Habits, James Clear reveals the surprising power of small habits and how they compound over time to transform your life. Whether you want to excel in studies, work, or personal growth, this book offers a practical blueprint to break bad patterns and build good ones.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

From the neuroscience of habit formation to real-world examples, this book shows you how mastering 1% improvements daily can create remarkable outcomes. It’s not about motivation—it’s about making habits so simple and attractive that success becomes inevitable.

Looking to rewire your daily routine and achieve your biggest goals? Grab this life-changing book at our library and start building better habits today!

Check it out on our OPAC!

Tales and Thoughts – Session 3: Emotions, Creativity, and Stories That Spice Up Life 13th August 2025

🎭 Tales and Thoughts – Session 3 Recap

📅 Date: 13th August 2025

Session 3 of Tales and Thoughts was an inspiring blend of creativity, self-expression, and storytelling that left everyone a little more thoughtful—and a lot more expressive!

🎭 Mood Masks: Emotions Take Shape

We kicked things off by diving into the fascinating world of emotions through the making of Mood Masks. Participants explored the many faces we wear—sometimes hidden, sometimes bold—and gave them life through art. From joy to confusion, calm to chaos, each mask became a powerful, personal window into the inner world of its creator.

This wasn’t just craft—it was catharsis.

✍️ Doodle Chain: Connecting Through Creativity

Next came the Doodle Chain—a collaborative burst of imagination where everyone added their spark to a growing visual story. One doodle led to another, and by the end, what started as simple lines became a shared tapestry of wild ideas, quirky characters, and unexpected turns.

It was proof that creativity thrives in connection—and laughter.

📚 Storytelling and Book of the Day: Bhujia Barrons

The storytelling segment took a deliciously entrepreneurial turn with the introduction and recommendation of the book Bhujia Barrons.
Participants learned about the spicy journey of a small-town snack empire that grew to national fame—full of grit, ambition, and, of course, bhujia! The story sparked a conversation around family businesses, legacy, and the blend of tradition and modernity.

Everyone left a little hungrier—not just for snacks, but for stories of perseverance and innovation.

Special Recognition: Verbal Gymnast Award
We were delighted to reward Mas. Sarthak Chaurasiya (SE-ELEC) with the Verbal Gymnast Award for his outstanding storytelling and eloquence throughout the session. 

Tales and Thoughts continues to be a safe and vibrant space for creativity, curiosity, and conversation. Session 3 was no exception—thank you to everyone who brought their whole selves to the circle. See you next time with more tales to tell and thoughts to share!

🎓 IEEE Explorer Challenge – August - September 2025

🧠 Search. Learn. Lead.

📅 Duration: 1 Month | 🏆 Winner Title: IEEE Explorer + Certificate of Excellence
📚 Use IEEE Xplore – ASPP and CSDL access only

🔍 Objective:
Boost your research skills by finding answers through IEEE Xplore Digital Library using ASPP and CSDL packages.

📥 How to Participate:

• Submit your answers via Google Form (link provided by your faculty).

• Include title, authors, year, and link where possible.

• Responses evaluated on accuracy, insight & effort.

🥇 Top scorer wins: IEEE Explorer Certificate & recognition!

📍 Use only IEEE ASPP and CSDL content from ieeexplore.ieee.org

Week 1 – Trends in Tech

Week 2 – Deep Dive

Week 3 – Applications

Week 4 – Ethics & Emerging Areas

Buffalo Grid Project

 

Summary of Buffalo Grid Project 

Introduction 

In 2017, Buffalo Grid sought to adapt its mobile phone charging technology from rural India to urban audiences in New Delhi. This project involved user-led research to identify innovative opportunities for their services. 

Key Points 

• The project aimed to find strategies for making Buffalo Grid's technology suitable for urban users. 

• An ethnographic research mission was conducted in New Delhi, incorporating user interviews and field observations. 

• Interviews were held with a diverse group, including a chai shop owner, a job-seeking maid, a student with safety concerns, and a bank manager, capturing their technology usage and charging needs. 

• Visual tools helped overcome language barriers during conversations. 

• An aspiration workshop with design students generated ideas for a desirable technology service, focusing on safety, accessibility, and reliability. 

• The final deliverables included a strategic roadmap that outlined actionable steps and a future service strategy tailored for urban customers. 

• This work was part of the Innovate UK Design Foundations program to promote human-centered design. 

Conclusion 

The project successfully transformed Buffalo Grid’s product into a service that meets urban users' needs, highlighting the importance of user-centered research in developing effective technology solutions.

Source of Newspaper Clipping: Maharashtra Times dated 12th August 2025