FLAME University

Sruti Malladi, Advika Udumula, Pranjali Chhajed, and Kinjalkini Gautam, Undergraduate Students at FLAME University, presented their research at the Cities of Care Conference, organized by IIT Madras in collaboration with the University of Toronto. Their paper, “Warangal's Reservoir Revival: A Study of Water-System Policy Impact,” examined the historical cheruvu (reservoir) system of the Warangal region, originally built by the Kakatiya dynasty, and assessed how urbanization and the state government’s Mission Kakatiya have reshaped its significance. Drawing on in-depth fieldwork, including 34 interviews across six cheruvulu, the study highlights complex ground-level impacts on water access, agricultural practices, and waste flows, along with unintended consequences such as shifts in cropping patterns and rising environmental pressures. Know more: schoolofcities.utoronto.ca/event/cities-o…

Meet Atharva Shrivastava, a FLAME Alumnus whose journey exemplifies the power of aligning passion with purpose. With a deep-rooted love for sport, Atharva explored the intersection of academics and the sporting ecosystem at FLAME, shaping his learning through a sports lens and building a strong interdisciplinary foundation. From actively participating in events like Kurukshetra to gaining hands-on experience in sports management, he set the stage for global success. His pursuit of an MSc in Sports Management at Loughborough University, followed by international exposure with leading institutions including the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s, reflects his commitment to excellence.  Today, as Associate – Partnerships at Rajasthan Royals, Atharva contributes to impactful initiatives, carrying forward the spirit of sport and purpose. Read more about his journey here: flame.edu.in/happenings/int…

Prof. Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor at FLAME University, was featured on ET Education’s Leadership Discussion on “Advancing Higher Education in India,” in association with Coursera.  In this engaging conversation, he emphasised the need for universities to embrace learning, unlearning, and relearning, highlighting agility, outcome-based education, and the enduring importance of human-centric skills in an AI-driven world. He also discussed how micro-credentials, AI-powered learning, and stronger industry linkages can bridge the gap between academia and real-world readiness. Watch the full interview here: youtu.be/jxbdDOngv8M?si…

Tara Awasthi, Undergraduate Student at FLAME University, presented her research at the Eleventh Conference of the Society for the Study of Economic Inequality (ECINEQ) at the World Bank, Washington, D.C. Her paper, "Two Wheels, Many Goals: Estimating the Impact of Bihar's Cycle Yojna on Child Marriage Among Girls," investigates the socio-economic outcomes of a government-led bicycle distribution program in Bihar, India. The study evaluates how access to mobility influences educational participation and delays in child marriage among young girls, offering evidence-based insights into the intersection of gender equity, public policy, and development economics.

Mental Health Helplines are designed to provide short-term emotional support, de-escalate distress, and guide individuals toward longer-term care. However, gaps in their functioning raise important concerns about reliability and safety. Reports of inconsistent interactions ranging from unempathetic support to distressing exchanges point to deeper issues such as insufficient training, lack of psychological first aid, as well as the use of incorrect or insensitive terminology. Structural challenges, including understaffing, inadequate funding, and the emotional and financial strain on counsellors, further complicate service delivery. In this article, FLAME Alumna, Muskan Shah and Prof. Moitrayee Das, Faculty of Psychology at FLAME University, examine the systemic limitations shaping India’s mental health helpline ecosystem. They highlight how existing guidelines recommending trained professionals remain non-binding, resulting in variability in service quality across platforms. The article underscores that these helplines are not substitutes for therapy, but crucial entry points that must function reliably. Gaps in training, supervision, regulation, and infrastructure highlight the need for stronger accountability and standardisation. Actionable measures and robust frameworks can ensure that these support systems are both effective and trustworthy for those who rely on them. Know more: nenow.in/opinion/why-in…

Prof. Aditi Joshi, Faculty of Operations at FLAME University, was awarded the Outstanding Woman Researcher in Operations Research Award at the Venus International Foundation Annual Meet 2026, organized by the Centre for Women Development at the Venus International Foundation, Chennai. Recognized under the engineering discipline, the award honors her contributions to research and academic excellence in the field of operations. The conference celebrates the achievements of women researchers, academicians, and professionals across disciplines, including science, engineering, management, health, and social sciences, while promoting gender equity and leadership in research and innovation.

FLAME University’s Doctoral Program is designed for individuals who aspire to pursue rigorous academic research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge across disciplines. The program builds a strong foundation in theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, empowering scholars to explore original, interdisciplinary questions across areas such as Management, Economics, Psychology, Computing and Data Science, Environmental Studies, Humanities, and Sociology. Guided by faculty engaged in diverse research areas and supported by a collaborative academic environment, doctoral scholars are encouraged to undertake work that contributes meaningfully to both scholarly discourse and real-world practice. Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 Apply Now: application.flame.edu.in/application/Lo…

The Incubation Program organized by the FLAME Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is designed to support students to transform their innovative ideas into viable ventures through hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and practical workshops. The program gave students their first hands-on experience of building ventures, refining business models, shaping buyer personas, mapping markets, benchmarking competitors, and testing MVPs with real customers to explore product–market fit.  Under the mentorship of Prof. Vishal Shah, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Faculty of Entrepreneurship at FLAME University, students refined their business models, developed product-market fit, and gained the essential skills to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. FLAME alumnus Advait Makhija, Head of Marketing at UrbanPiper, joined the session as a guest speaker, sharing insights from his journey of building and scaling ventures such as Eatabl and driving global growth at UrbanPiper. He engaged with students on their presentations, offering practical feedback, strategic perspectives, and guidance for real-world application. The session featured student presentations across diverse categories, including consumer products, platforms, and impact-driven solutions.

The FLAME Centre for Legislative Education and Research and the India State Stories team hosted the India in Transition Conclave – Second Edition, marking a milestone in the India State Stories Project. Anchored by the launch of Mapping the Republic (1950–2025) and the Federalism Primer & State Pullouts (with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy), the conclave spotlighted India’s evolving federal landscape and territorial reorganization since Independence. Speakers included: • Shri Mahesh Bhagwat, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Telangana • Contributors from the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy • Members of the India State Stories research team A unique forum blending administrative experience, legal analysis, and research‑driven storytelling.

FLAME University is set to host the National Conference of Psychology 2026, themed "Bridging Theory and Practice: Psychology at the Workplace," on 27th–28th March 2026. The conference will explore how real-life contexts and policies work together in today's ever-changing landscape of technological shifts, diverse workforces, and hybrid systems. Moving beyond classical notions of productivity and efficiency, it will examine employee well-being, psychological safety, and personal growth as crucial aspects of organizational success and the future of the workplace. Bringing together policymakers, organizational leaders, researchers, and practitioners, the conference will offer evidence-based insights and actionable frameworks shaping the future of work. Conference Dates: 27th–28th March 2026 More Details: flame.edu.in/research/confe… Queries: psychconference@flame.edu.in

7 Days to Go | Online Cycle III With 20 majors, 22 minors, and 12 concentrations, the Undergraduate Program at FLAME University empowers students to craft academic pathways aligned with their aspirations. For those inclined towards design, the Undergraduate Design (B.Des) Program offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary foundation to envision, create, and shape the world around them. Across both programs, our transformative learning approach builds strategic thinking, sharpens judgment, and develops leadership acumen, preparing graduates for dynamic and evolving career landscapes. Your Greatest Story Starts Here. Application Deadline: 29th March 2026 Start your application: application.flame.edu.in/application/Lo… Know more about FLAME University programs: flame.edu.in/academics/ug

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