Raina gives pep talk to SRM students

In a strong motivational speech, Indian cricketer Suresh Raina told students to set their goals and work to achieve them with a sense of purpose and enjoyment. "Just enjoy yourself, set your goals and achieve them with a smile," said Raina, who was the guest of honour at the inauguration of the 13th edition of Aaruush – the national level Techno-Management fest at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

"If you have education, you can achieve anything," he said.

One of India's most successful cricketers who played in a One Day International against England last year and has been out of action due to an injury, showed how fighting fit he is as he strode the stage at the Dr T P Ganesan Auditorium on the Kattankulathur campus accompanied by SRM Institute President Dr P Sathyanarayanan, Registrar N Sethuraman, faculty directors and student organisers.

"It is an honour to be invited for this fest at SRM and I just love the energy of the students," he said.

Director, Research and Innovation Centre, Government of India, Dr V Natarajan kicked off the 4-day event in which around 1000 students from various colleges in the country would participate.

"SRM will launch a national wide sports festival soon", announced

President of SRMIST, Dr P Sathyanarayanan. Addressing students he said, "Aaruush literally means a ray of hope (for future of students). This national level techno-management fest is a big opportunity for students to improve their knowledge. Students should observe from such events and find aspiration and innovation. Only through innovation can you find a path to win."

He also said that the event's tagline 'Rising in the Spirit of Innovation' should soon become a reality. "This fest is not just for students but for everyone in the institution. The management will also support to make this an international one."

Aaruush convenor Dr A Rathinam introduced Raina urging students to

enjoy the experience of interacting with the Vice Captain of the CSK

team.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal will be the chief guest at the valedictory function of the Aaruush fest on September 29.