I am pleased to release this issue of ITIHAS. As usual, SASTRA was a host to a number of events where persons of national eminence participated. The staff and students of SASTRA have registered their indomitable presence both inside and outside the campus in various fields. 

The First Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Lecture, the Fourth Alangadu Shri Viswanatha Seshadri Iyer Endowment Lecture on "Trends in Computer and Communication Technologies", Second University Day celebrations, the Second Annual Day celebrations of SRC at Kumbakonam, the Fourth Academic Council meeting, Annual Sports Day are some of the major activities of the quarter.

The visit of His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal to the campus on 21st May 2003 added sanctity to the activities of the University for the ensuing academic year.

The SASTRA Counselling for B.Tech. admissions was inaugurated by Dr. A. Gnanam, Former Chairman of NAAC, Bangalore on 23rd June 2003. The admissions were made through transparent system whereby the candidates could themselves choose their branches of study during the counselling depending on the rank secured. The rush for admissions SASTRA continues to be unabated.

Rapid construction of various mega blocks is going on in tandem at the main campus and at the Satellite Campus, Kumbakonam bearing testimony to the ever expanding activities of SASTRA. 

Many plans and projects are on the anvil for the future. I wish the freshmen, the students and the faculty all the best for the academic year 2003-2004.

Prof. R. SETHURAMAN

Vice - Chancellor

The Second University Day was celebrated at the SASTRA Campus on 4th April 2003. Padmashri Dr. N. Balakrishnan, Chairman, Division of Information Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore delivered the University Day address and distributed the Kamakoti Medal and various special awards and prizes to the students.

Prof. R.Sethuraman, Vice Chancellor, SASTRA presided over the function. Prizes work Rs.4 lakhs were awarded to students in the form of books.