The inauguration of the ANRF-PAIR Office and the launch of the SARAL AI Hands-on Training program on March 14th 2026, at the University of Hyderabad marked a significant milestone in strengthening research collaboration and innovation. The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, faculty members, researchers from Hub and Spoke Institutions, and students to celebrate the establishment of a collaborative platform to advance scientific research and technological development. The initiative is part of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) ‘s vision to promote high-quality research and foster partnerships among academic institutions across India.
The program began with the formal inauguration of the ANRF-PAIR Office by Dr Sivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, ANRF, New Delhi, symbolising the start of a new phase of collaborative research and academic engagement. The office will serve as a coordination center for research activities, capacity-building programs, and innovation initiatives under the PAIR framework.
Following the inauguration, the Project Director of the ANRF-PAIR program, Prof Bramanandam Manavathi, welcomed the gathering and addressed the participants, providing an overview of the initiative’s objectives and activities. Prof Manavathi explained how the hub-and-spoke model will enable knowledge sharing, research mentorship, and resource optimisation among partner institutions. The address also emphasised the importance of skill development and digital research tools, which led to the introduction of the SARAL AI Hands-on Training program.
The Chief Executive Officer of Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Dr Sivkumar Kalyanaraman, addressed the gathering. In the address, the CEO highlighted the importance of collaborative research ecosystems and emphasised ANRF’s role in strengthening India’s scientific capabilities. The CEO also spoke about the PAIR initiative’s vision to connect leading institutions with emerging universities to accelerate innovation, research productivity, and technology development. The CEO encouraged faculty members and young researchers to actively engage in interdisciplinary research and utilise the opportunities provided through the ANRF-PAIR platform.
Prof Jonnalagadda Anuradha, the Vice Chancellor, delivered an inspiring address, expressing pride in hosting the ANRF-PAIR hub and supporting initiatives that strengthen research culture within the institution. The Vice Chancellor highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage in advanced research areas such as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The Vice Chancellor encouraged participants to make the most of the SARAL AI training and contribute to impactful research that benefits society.
The Director of Research and Development at the University of Hyderabad, Prof Sabat L Samrat, also delivered an insightful address during the event. The Director highlighted the importance of strengthening research infrastructure and fostering a collaborative research environment within the institution. The address focused on the role of research and development in driving innovation, supporting faculty-led research projects, and encouraging students to engage in scientific inquiry and technological exploration.
The launch of the SARAL AI Hands-on Training program, moderated by Dr Ponnurangam Kumaraguru of IIIT, Hyderabad, was another key highlight of the event. The training program is designed to provide participants with practical exposure to artificial intelligence tools and methodologies, helping them develop skills relevant to modern research and technological advancement. The program ended with a formal vote of thanks by Dr Kannuri Nandakishore.
Overall, the inauguration of the ANRF-PAIR Office and the introduction of the SARAL AI Hands-on Training program represent an important step toward strengthening research collaboration, building technological capacity, and empowering the next generation of researchers and innovators. The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of ANRF and participating institutions to advancing knowledge, innovation, and national development.