The Department of Biotechnology, SRM School of Bioengineering officially inaugurated its Students’ Association on 5th October, 2009 at Dr. T. P. Ganesan Auditorium, SRM University, Kattankulathur Campus. The esteemed guests for the function were Dr. G. J. Samathanam, Adviser & Head (TDT) DST, New Delhi, Dr. V. Subramanian, Vice President, Biotechnology, Rasi Seeds, Salem, Tamil Nadu and Dr. N. Barathi, CEO, Growmore, Hosur. The dignitaries from the University were Prof. P. Sathyanarayanan (Vice Chancellor), Dr. T. P. Ganesan (Pro Vice Chancellor), Dr. P. K. A. Muniswaran (Director E & T) and Dr. K. Ramasamy (DEAN, School of Bioengineering). The Welcome address was delivered by Mr. Borve Kharsyntiew, Vice President of the Biotechnology Students’ Association who described it as a necessary platform of interaction between students and stalwarts of the field. The students’ association will be aimed at conducting debates, quizzes, poster presentations, and journal clubs to broaden the horizons of the students. Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. Sathyanarayanan, then delivered the Presidential Address. He spoke of the association as a positive step towards bridging the gap between the industry and the academia. Dr. G. J. Samathanam, delivered the inaugural address and then christened the association as “Anveshna” which, in Sanskrit, stands for innovation and research. This is an apt name for the association as one of the primary aims of the association is to promote original and innovative works of budding student scientists. Dr. Samathanam, who, as the Adviser & Head (TDT) DST, New Delhi, inspired the students by laying emphasis on strengthening the concepts of science and encouraging them to look towards traditional methods as a solution to answering today’s problems. Dr. V.Subramanian, Vice President, Rasi Seeds, discussed the Opportunities in Biotechnology in an interactive session which saw an enthusiastuic response from the students present. Dr. N. Bharathi, CEO, Growmore shared with the students his innovative experiences which he employed to lower the running cost of his own industry. His presentation was well received. The function concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. K. Ramasamy. This inaugural event organized by the students of Biotechnology marked a promising beginning for “Anveshna” in its journey to encourage and promote innovative thinking among the students.