STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: EDUCATION IS A BETTER SAFE GUARD OF LIBERTY THAN A STANDING ARMY I, Lavu Raghuram, take this opportunity

to introduce myself .I am doing my B.Tech in Koneru Lakshmaiah College of Engineering(Autonomous) which is one of the finest institutions in imparting technical education in India. I wish to apply for graduate studies in Food Sciences at your esteemed University for Fall 2010. In what follows, I have tried to summarize my motivation towards graduate studies. Why Graduate Studies? An undergraduate course, offered the perfect combination of science and technology i.e., biotechnology though comprehensive in its curriculum, provides limited scope for specialization. The scope is limited to the theoretical study. Much of the integration of advanced technologies in any demanding field takes place at the graduate level. Then only, one C can fathom the depths of his respective field. By undertaking the graduate study in food science and technology, I do intend to assimilate creative abilities and acquire innovative skills from experienced researchers. I strongly believe in the fact that as long as human race survives food will be an integral part of our lives, which holds 100% truth if we do not consider the predictions of living on pills. The last decade has shown immense technological development in the area of food sciences. Be it genetically modified plants or crops, which stand tall with high nutritional content and more resistance power. During my study of Biotechnology at under graduation level, I realized my burning passion for food sciences and the technological advancements taking place in that field. Moreover, during the final days of under graduation, I started wondering if food biotechnology had any hidden doors yet to be opened. And soon as I got my hint, I started attending workshops related to food biotechnology, where stress was laid on effect of genetically modified crops on humans and our genetic makeup. This whole intertwined concept of food vs technology fascinates me a lot. All my paper works and presentations have been directed towards food sciences and my focus was on Effect of food coloring dyes on biological substances. Recently an article on organic food caught my interest, which focused on use of organic fertilizers. When the whole world is shifting towards a healthy lifestyle, it is a high time I play my role towards contributing my share in Food technology. I know these are just my basics and I have miles to go. The vast application potential and tremendous scope for research in food sciences has always fascinated me and I am keen to continue my academic pursuit in this field. This led to the zeal of pursuing Graduate study that calls for personal commitment in fulfilling the

crafts of independent research and dedicated involvement. In turn, I shall get intellectual satisfaction and gratification of becoming a contributor of knowledge. I have understood that my journey of education will not be quenched unless I do my graduation in the world education hub, USA. Academic Background : Schooling provided me the basic education that encompassed of teaching, learning and also something less tangible and more profound. Post schooling phase built channels to absorb it. Being the head boy of my school gave me a chance to learn qualities of leadership. Being an active participant in sports made me learn the qualities of team work and imbibed me with the passion for winning. Undergraduate studies have taken me to a completely new level. Various technical events and competitions brought me closer to the field I was passionate about, Bio-technology. In pursuit of knowledge, I have always adopted a rigorous approach in order to obtain an in-depth understanding of subject at hand. This is amply reflected in my consistent academic career. Through out my education, quantitative and analytical abilities have been my strengths. These excellent gave me an edge to be in the top 2% of about 0.5billion students who have written EAMCET, an entrance examination held at state level for pursuing under graduation.. I was given strong foundation by my tutors in core subjects like food biotechnology, down stream processing, immunology, microbiology, chemical engineering , virlogy, fermentation technology, , bio informatics, plant and animal biotechnology, enzyme engineering and biochemistry. With these subjects as base I have participated in two technical paper presentations at national level. I have also attended a training course on molecular and biochemical analysis of duchenne muscular dystrophy in INSTITUTE OF GENETICS AND HOSPITAL FOR GENETIC DIEASES, a central government hospital and research center. Besides this, I have done many projects as a part of my academic curriculum namely isolation of iron binding proteins, coloring dyes in food. I have excelled in my under graduation by being among top 5% of the class. Area of Interest: My main objective during my undergraduate studies is to get an overview of various fields in biotechnology and identify a field of interest in which I could pursue my research career. Of the many fields in the biotechnology spectrum, I am especially enthralled to subjects involving vast research oriented and useful for society. When I took up an project on effect of food coloring dyes on biological substances in my 6th semester, I found it extremely interesting and fascinating, for its effect on human

health and the way it's stimulates changes in the cells. During my school days, I was an active member of many activity clubs and the most heart-touching moment was when, I visited the completely destroyed regions of Bhuj, Gujarat, which had been destroyed by a massive earthquake. The survivors were heartbroken and completely shaken. But, their hopes lifted when food was offered to them. Only then I realized the immense importance food holds in our lives. Yes that day I have decided that my area of interest is food sciences and need to contribute my part towards this field. But then, I cannot do that with my limited knowledge gained in under graduation. So I have started searching for place where my dream can be fulfilled and found that US is the best place for pursuing higher studies in Food Science. I came to know that prominent personalities had emerged from here in this field. I also found that a lot of research and resources are going on in this field of study in US. Reason for Selecting University: Then I started looking for the best university in US and after referring through the catalogs of various universities I am convinced that food Science program in your University, is that channel through which I can realize my dream. The option for me to reach the best of the best institutions in the U.S is to have the key to open to a gathering of finest minds in a frontier of a unique blend of prestige and performance available at your University. An insight into the course of your University suggests excellent faculty, facilities and flexible curriculum, which will help me achieve my ambitions. I was also elated to find that some of the distinguished faculties of your university are Nobel laureates. I also find that there is a lot of research going on in the Food Science Institute (FSI) to integrate the expertise in food science across KState and also hope that I can as well participate in the research program to enhance my technical knowledge. I am confident that by the support of distinguished faculties and facilities at your University I can realize my goals. I am confident that I will match your high standards set by your University. I hope you will give me the privilege of being part of the graduate community in the food science institute. I sincerely thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my plans and aspirations through this statement of purpose (Lavu Raghuram) Keeping in mind my long-term goals, my immediate objective is to work towards a Post Graduation in Food Sciences. I am aware of the kind of dedication, perseverance and resolve I need to have for a fruitful career in Food sciences. I believe my background has not only qualified me technically but, also,

given me the right mind-set for such a career. I look forward to joining as a graduate student in your department and having a long and mutually profitable association with Kansas state University. Its no small dream, but then its not big either.