FLAME University

FLAME Undergraduate Research Day 2026 reflected a strong culture of academic inquiry, collaboration, and institutional support. Organized by the Undergraduate Research Committee with guidance from the faculty members, the event brought together students, researchers, and experts to engage with the theme “Reimagining Futures: Research in an Age of Opportunities."  From panel discussions and research evaluations to student-led presentations, the day was rooted in inquiry and interdisciplinary exploration. A key highlight was the depth and diversity of student research spanning technology, policy, psychology, sustainability, and more, showcased through oral and poster presentations and evaluated by an esteemed academic panel. The initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of faculty, partners, and student volunteers, whose contributions ensured a seamless and impactful experience.

Prof. Rupa Korde, Faculty of Public Policy & Economics and Tara Awasthi, Undergraduate Student at FLAME University, presented their research paper “Green Clauses in Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs): A Cross-Continental Analysis” at the 9th Regulating for Decent Work Conference (RDW), held at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva, Switzerland. The paper examines the limited presence of green clauses in CBAs across 67 countries, highlighting gaps in worker-focused environmental protections and emphasizing the need for stronger, more inclusive policies that support workers in the transition to a green economy.

In contemporary workplaces, productivity is increasingly equated with visibility rather than value. Employees often find themselves working harder to appear productive by staying online longer, attending excessive meetings, or signalling constant availability, instead of focusing on meaningful contributions. This pattern has given rise to the term ghostworking, describing the phenomenon of performing busyness while engaging in minimal impactful work. Research consistently shows that productivity cannot be measured by hours logged or meetings attended, and that once work extends beyond 40–50 hours per week, output per hour begins to decline. Constant presenteeism, shaped by job insecurity, unclear expectations, and toxic attendance norms, ultimately erodes both efficiency and well-being. In this article, Prisha Khanna, Undergraduate Student and Prof. Moitrayee Das, Faculty of Psychology at FLAME University, explore how organisational systems inadvertently reward impression management over substantive outcomes. They highlight how performance metrics often privilege visibility, reinforcing cycles of overwork and ambiguity. The piece emphasises that redefining what is rewarded through clear goal-setting, role clarity, and measurable deliverables can reduce uncertainty and curb performative productivity. When the focus shifts from time spent to value created, organisations not only strengthen accountability but also foster higher engagement and sustainable performance.

Prof. Anuradha Batabyal, Faculty of Environmental Studies at FLAME University, published her research in the Q1-ranked journal Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her paper, “Intrastrain variability in memory formation of freshly collected Lymnaea stagnalis: The influence of stressor type on memory,” explores how environmental stressors affect learning and memory formation in freshwater snails collected from pollutant-exposed ecosystems. The study reveals that different stressors activate distinct physiological and molecular responses that shape memory outcomes. It also identifies specific transcriptional markers associated with stress-induced cognitive disruption, highlighting the potential of Lymnaea stagnalis as a sentinel species in behavioral ecotoxicology. Read the full article here: sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

FLAME University's Doctoral Program is designed for individuals who aspire to undertake rigorous academic research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge across fields. The program builds a strong foundation in theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, enabling doctoral researchers to pursue original, interdisciplinary research across areas such as Management, Economics, Psychology, Computing and Data Science, Environmental Studies, Humanities, and Sociology. With mentorship from faculty engaged in diverse research areas and access to a supportive academic environment, scholars are encouraged to pursue research that adds meaningful value to both academic discourse and practice. Application Deadline: March 31, 2026  Apply Now: application.flame.edu.in/application/Lo…

The Department of Design, Art and Performance at FLAME University organized a session with Mr. Hrishikesh Pawar, an acclaimed contemporary dancer-choreographer, Artistic Director of the Centre for Contemporary Dance, Pune, and a trained Kathak dancer, on “Contemporary Dance from a South Asian Perspective.” The session traced the artistic dialogue between India and the West in shaping modern dance. He linked pioneers like Uday Shankar and Chandralekha with Western figures such as Anna Pavlova, Ted Shawn, and Ruth St. Denis, highlighting the twentieth‑century exchange of inspirations. His discussion offered students a South Asian lens on modern dance and deeper insight into the global contexts that shaped contemporary practice.

Congratulations to Unnati Shah, FLAME Alumna, on her research publication, “Study on Neuromarketing Analysis of Consumer Cognitive Perception of Packaging and Labelling,” published in the Journal of Technoarete Transactions on Entrepreneurship and International Business.  The study investigates the influence of neuromarketing techniques on consumers' cognitive and emotional reactions to packaging, emphasizing the significance of subconscious cues in the decision-making process. Using qualitative analysis and insights from tools like eye-tracking and EEG studies, it examines how elements such as color, shape, typography, and material influence attention, memory, trust, and purchase behavior. Through popular brands, the study shows that thoughtful packaging acts as a cognitive interface, driving emotional connection and brand loyalty.  Know more: technoaretepublication.org/entrepreneursh…

Join Borayin Maitreya Larios, Assistant Professor of Modern South Asian Studies at the University of Vienna, for an insightful session hosted by FLAME University’s India Centre. The session, “Beyond Sound: The Material Lives of Mantras in Contemporary South Asia,” will explore how mantras circulate across visual, material, and digital forms in contemporary religious life. Drawing on recent fieldwork in Varanasi and research from the MANTRAMS project, the talk will examine how printed objects, devotional artifacts, notebooks for likhita japa, and viral digital imagery reshape the meaning, authority, and everyday practice of mantras across South Asia. By situating mantras within their multisensory and multimodal environments, the session reflects on how sound, matter, and memory interact in the lived religious practices of communities today. March 24, 2026 | 11 AM IST Join via Zoom: flameuniversity.zoom.us/j/96923011045 Passcode: 543192 @ProfPankajJain

14 Days to Go | Online Cycle III FLAME University's Undergraduate Program is designed for academic excellence, interdisciplinary depth, and real-world readiness. The curriculum is structured to develop critical thinking, leadership capability, and the intellectual agility that today's professional landscape demands. The Undergraduate Design (B.Des.) Program is built on a human-centered design framework integrating creative problem-solving, emerging technology, and strategic thinking to produce graduates equipped for impact. Application Deadline: 29th March 2026 Apply now and take the first step toward an education that sets you apart. Start your application: application.flame.edu.in/application/Lo… Explore academic programs: flame.edu.in/academics/ug

The Postgraduate Programs at FLAME University are designed for individuals who value critical thinking, strategic perspective, and immersive learning. The academic experience emphasizes depth of understanding, informed decision-making, and leadership readiness. Across the MBA, MBA (Communications Management), M.Sc. (Economics), and Postgraduate Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (PGPEI), students engage with interdisciplinary frameworks, industry-informed approaches, and applied learning opportunities. This is a learning environment that nurtures intellectual growth while preparing students for evolving global and professional contexts. Online Cycle II applications closes today. Apply Now:  application.flame.edu.in/application/Lo…   Know more about the postgraduate programs: flame.edu.in/admissions/pg

Congratulations to Ayush Mittal, Postgraduate Student at FLAME University, for securing the first runner-up position at SaudaKar 2026, a national business competition organized by the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune. Among 387 registered participants, Ayush's performance stood out in a rigorous multi-round format that included a business quiz and a business plan presentation, demonstrating creativity, strategic thinking, and strong business acumen in a highly competitive field.

Guided by a commitment to academic excellence, applied learning, and intellectual independence, FLAME University's postgraduate offerings are designed to cultivate disciplined reasoning, research-driven insight, and leadership grounded in informed decision-making. Across the MBA, MBA (Communications Management), M.Sc. (Economics), and Postgraduate Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (PGPEI), students engage with a comprehensive academic framework enriched by an interdisciplinary curriculum and real-world exposure, supported by experienced faculty and industry collaboration. Application deadline for Online Cycle II: 15th March 2026. Apply Now: application.flame.edu.in/application/Lo… Know more about the postgraduate programs: flame.edu.in/admissions/pg

Congratulations to Sanaa Chandra and Khushi Arora, undergraduate students at FLAME University, on winning the 17th Young Psychologist Competition (YPC) & UG Research Conference, organized by the School of Psychological Sciences at Christ University, Bengaluru. Their paper, “Impact of Delivery Platform Speeds on Impulse Buying Behaviour and Post-Purchase Regret,” co-authored with Prof. Abhishek Sahai, Faculty of Psychology, at FLAME University, was presented under the theme “Psychology in Action: Insights for a Better Tomorrow.” The research highlights the application of behavioural science to evolving digital consumer environments. We commend the team for their thoughtful research and for representing FLAME University with excellence on a national academic platform.

Time urgency in the digital age increasingly shapes everyday social life. It appears as 'hurry sickness'; a chronic sense of time pressure marked by restlessness and the need to be quick. The article explores how social networking sites intensify this condition by amplifying the need to belong, which easily transforms into a fear of missing out. Features such as visible response times heighten rejection sensitivity, shifting communication from a voluntary exchange to an unspoken obligation to respond instantly. Although social networking sites make people feel more connected, they accelerate lived experience, making even trivial delays feel emotionally significant. This article by Shravani Shahane, undergraduate student and Prof. Moitrayee Das, Faculty of Psychology at FLAME University, explains how constant notifications and rapid feedback loops reinforce dopamine-driven attention patterns, embedding social media into our cognitive systems. As interruptions are internalised, fluctuating attention increases cognitive load and weakens sustained focus, rendering waiting uncomfortable and slowness anxiety-inducing. The article positions hurry sickness as a structural byproduct of platform design. It concludes by suggesting that reclaiming slowness by allowing delayed responses, tolerating silence, and detaching self-worth from constant responsiveness can help restore autonomy and recalibrate our relationship with time. Read the article here: nenow.in/opinion/hurry-…

Nikita Chaana, undergraduate student at FLAME University, presented her research poster at the 17th Young Psychologist Competition & UG Research Conference 2026 held at Christ University, Bangalore. The paper “The Modern-Day Paradox: Social Media Engagement & Loneliness Epidemic," co-authored with Prof. Moulika Mandal, Faculty of Psychology, at FLAME University, explores the complex relationship between increasing social media engagement and the rising experience of loneliness in contemporary society. The conference brought together young researchers and psychology scholars from across institutions to present emerging research and exchange ideas within the field.

The Industry Immersion Program at FLAME University connects classroom learning with real-world industry practice. As part of the Career Academies –  Strategy and Consulting and People and Talent Management, students visited Cybage and Encube Ethicals to gain insights into workforce management, leadership development, organizational strategy, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. At Cybage, students explored how workforce management, leadership development, and data-driven insights shape organizational strategy. At Encube Ethicals, they toured laboratories and manufacturing units to understand dermatology product development and the PACO value framework that emphasizes adaptability, ownership, and problem-solving. We extend our sincere gratitude to the teams at Cybage and Encube Ethicals for hosting our students and sharing valuable perspectives.

Congratulations to Shriyans Chaudhari, postgraduate student at FLAME University, on securing second place at the "Voyager of the Year 2026" Travel Article Writing Competition organized by the Indian Institute of Management Kashipur. The competition saw participation from 349 entrants across the country. Shriyans’ article, “Across Familiar Skies," reflects on a powerful real-life moment at the Ganges River in Rishikesh. Through a deeply reflective narrative, the piece explores themes of courage, empathy, and the quiet leadership that often emerges in extraordinary situations. Drawing from a real incident he witnessed during his professional experience in the hospitality industry, the article captures how moments of human instinct and responsibility can reshape our understanding of leadership and service.

The submission deadline for the FLAME Case Conference 2026 has now been extended to 1st April 2026. The conference invites scholars, educators, researchers, and industry professionals to submit original, engaging, and unpublished case studies. It brings together academic and industry perspectives to encourage meaningful discussions around innovative case teaching and research-based insights. Submission Deadline: 1st April 2026 Conference Date: 3rd July 2026 Know more: casecentre.flame.edu.in/conferences/fl…

The Industry Immersion Program at FLAME University is an integral part of the university’s experiential learning approach, connecting classroom learning with real-world industry practice. As part of the Career Academy - Branding and Communications, the MBA and MBA (Communications Management) cohort participated in an immersion designed to explore how branding strategy, consumer insight, and problem-solving take shape within professional consulting and design environments. At @Lokusdesign, a strategy-led design consultancy based in Pune, students explored how branding begins with human insight rather than visual identity alone. The session highlighted the importance of distinguishing between observations and insights and introduced the 4C framework of Core, Culture, Customer, and Communication, demonstrating how brands maintain their core identity while adapting communication and customer engagement over time. The immersion also included a visit to ABND, a Mumbai-based brand consulting firm, where students gained insights into the strategic rigor behind brand consulting. The discussion emphasized the importance of deep research, clear problem definition, and the role of consultants in identifying underlying business challenges before developing brand solutions. We extend our sincere gratitude to the teams at LokusDesign and ABND for hosting our students and sharing valuable perspectives that helped connect academic learning with the realities of professional brand building.

Niyati Vira, undergraduate student at FLAME University, presented her research paper at the International Conference on Indian Cinema held at the Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi. The paper is co-authored with Prof. Manjula Srinivas, Faculty of Media & Journalism at FLAME University; Prof. Ninad Patwardhan, Faculty of Psychology at FLAME University; and undergraduate student Siya Mittal at FLAME University. The paper "Reimagining Single Screens: Strategy, Insights, and a Business Model for Urban India" examines the decline of India’s single-screen cinemas over the past two decades and identifies strategic pathways for their revival. Combining stakeholder interviews with audience survey data, the research highlights gaps between audience expectations and current theater offerings while proposing practical strategies for operational redesign, digital integration, and diversified revenue models to revitalize single screens in India.