In May 2020, amid the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Srikanth Talluri, led a large-scale Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Artificial Intelligence and SaaS Product Design at Bharathiar University.

The program brought together 100+ faculty members and professors from the university and its affiliated institutions, creating a collaborative platform to explore emerging technologies and their role in reshaping education.

Bridging Academia with Future Technologies

The FDP was designed as an interactive, application-driven learning experience, moving beyond traditional lecture formats. Faculty members were introduced to:

• Core principles of Artificial Intelligence

• Foundations of SaaS product architecture and lifecycle design

• Real-world applications of digital technologies

• New approaches to curriculum delivery in a digital-first world

The sessions emphasized practical understanding, enabling educators to translate concepts into classroom and institutional innovation.

Empowering Faculty as Innovation Leaders

A key objective of the program was to help faculty transition from conventional teaching roles to innovation enablers. Participants explored:

• Integrating AI and product thinking into academic programs

• Encouraging student-led innovation and problem-solving

• Building interdisciplinary and future-ready learning environments

• Aligning education with evolving industry needs

A Timely Response to Global Disruption

Conducted during a period of uncertainty, the initiative addressed the urgent need for educators to adapt to new modes of teaching and learning. With physical classrooms disrupted, the FDP highlighted the importance of digital platforms, scalable education models, and technology-enabled learning systems.

Shaping the Future of Education

By leading this initiative at Bharathiar University, Mr. Srikanth Talluri reinforced the importance of equipping educators with the tools and mindset required for the future.

The program stands as an early example of how academia can proactively embrace change—transforming faculty into drivers of innovation, architects of learning ecosystems, and catalysts for student impact in an increasingly digital world.