Orientation Week 2024: Embarking on an Enlightening Journey

On August 17 and 18, 2024, Ashoka University proudly welcomed its newest cohort with a vibrant and engaging Orientation Week. This thoughtfully curated, week-long program was designed to integrate incoming students into the Ashoka community and lay the foundation for a successful academic journey.

The week commenced with a distinguished Welcome Session featuring key university leaders, including Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. Their addresses provided a comprehensive overview of Ashoka University’s illustrious history, current achievements, and future aspirations, emphasising the institution’s dynamic nature and the opportunities and challenges awaiting new students.

The opening days concluded with the incoming cohort meeting their respective Resident Assistants, and the paraprofessionals tasked with guiding students through the nuances of residence life at Ashoka. This engagement ensured a smooth transition as students settled into their new living environment.

The Orientation sessions on Day 3 began with a compelling keynote by Vice Chancellor Somak Raychaudhury, who discussed “21st Century University Education.” His examination of global educational trends and the pivotal role of research sparked curiosity and lively discussions among students, culminating in an engaging Q&A session.

Following the keynote, Ms. Jinny Uppal from the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy (CSIP) introduced students to the centre’s diverse opportunities, including research projects, internships, and rural immersion programs. She encouraged students to engage with and contribute to the centre’s initiatives, highlighting the importance of innovation and social impact.

Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Bikram Phookun, offered valuable advice on navigating academic challenges. Drawing on personal anecdotes, he emphasised the importance of resilience and adaptability. The day transitioned into an Academic Expo, which unfolded over three days, allowing students to explore various academic departments and pathways.

Over the next two days, students participated in a series of experiential workshops, which provided hands-on previews of diverse beyond classroom interests. A total of twenty-four workshops, blending fun with discovery, were conducted. Students were also introduced to their cohort leaders, who would assist with their acclimation to university life.

Day 4, the focus then shifted to broader societal issues and extracurricular activities. Dr. Madhavi Menon, Director of the Centre for Studies in Gender and Sexuality, led a thought-provoking session on “Introduction to Gender and Sexuality.” She explored gender fluidity concepts and challenged traditional binaries, fostering deeper understanding among students.

External speaker Mr. Obi Unaka led a session titled “Substance to Screen,” offering a comprehensive analysis of addiction. He addressed both substance abuse and behavioural dependencies, such as screen addiction, in a focused, interactive setting.

The day progressed with Sopaan, a treasure hunt that added an element of playful competition. Sports workshops followed, promoting team spirit and physical well-being while encouraging students to build connections with their peers.

Day 5, Ms. Reena Gupta, Director of the Office of Learning Support, provided insights into inclusivity by outlining support systems for students with diverse learning needs and physical disabilities. She shared transformative experiences from students who benefited from these services, underscoring Ashoka’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Ms. Arvinder J. Singh, Director of the Ashoka Centre for Well-being (ACWB), highlighted the university’s dedication to student well-being. She emphasised the centre’s confidential counselling services and a range of support options designed to assist students with academic and personal challenges.

In the session “Crafting a Diverse Class,” external speaker Ms. Arti Chaudhry underscored the importance of inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, setting a welcoming tone for the university environment.

The following day addressed university discipline and legal awareness. Ms Anu Singh, Co-chair of the Committee Against Disciplinary Infractions, detailed the university’s policies on infractions and addressed student questions in a lively Q&A session.

The day progressed with the event “A Decade of Ashoka,” featuring reflections from Mr Ashish Dhawan (Founding Chairperson, Board of Trustees), Professor Rudrangshu Mukherjee (Chancellor), and Mr. Eshwara Venkatesam (Pro Vice-Chancellor). They provided insights into the university’s remarkable journey over the past decade and shared its vision for future growth. Students engaged enthusiastically during the Q&A, asking Mr. Dhawan about his experiences and entrepreneurial journey.

Ms. Tatyana Kostochka, Co-Chair of the Committee Against Sexual Harassment, led a session on sexual harassment, covering issues of consent and outlining available resources for student support. This session, followed by a discussion on anti-ragging measures led by Professors Mukul Sharma and Aparna Chaudhary, reaffirmed Ashoka University’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive campus environment. The professors addressed various forms of ragging and clarified what constitutes ragging within a university setting. They also provided students with contact information for whom to reach out to if they witness ragging or become victims themselves.

On the final day of Orientation Week, the IT team, led by Ms. Annie Matthew, Vice President of IT, conducted an informative session on Ashoka’s digital infrastructure, covering university applications, MoveInSync, AMS, and Wi-Fi access.

Ms. Gitanjali Rana, Director of Global Education, presented global opportunities and exchange programs, encouraging students to connect with peers from international programs.

A town hall meeting with Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Rama Malik, followed, where students were engaged with her professional journey and campus opportunities. The pre-lunch closing event featured a significant town hall with Ms. Shalini Mehrotra, Dean of Student Affairs, and her team. This session allowed students to interact directly with the Office of Student Affairs team addressing questions about campus life and support services.

After lunch, Ms. Priyanka Chandhok, Vice President of Career Development and Postgraduate Studies, conducted a session on career development and placements, offering insights into future career prospects. Dr. Shantanu Ganguly, Director of the HDFC Library, and his team, then familiarised students with the library’s physical and digital resources.

In the session “Introduction to Student Government,” students were introduced to the roles and responsibilities of student leaders, outlining how they can contribute to shaping campus life. The grand finale, Shaam-e-Jazbaa, a beloved Ashoka tradition, brought together the incoming cohort for an evening of talent and creativity, including performances in dance, music, poetry, and film. The event was further enlivened by a surprise flash mob.

The Queer Mixer, supported by Professor Bittu and Ms Sunita Bansal, provided a welcoming space for a supportive and inclusive environment for all within the university community.

Orientation Week 2024 exemplified Ashoka University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and intellectually stimulating environment. Through a series of meticulously planned events and sessions, the week laid the foundation for a transformative academic journey, equipping students with the knowledge, resources, and enthusiasm needed for a meaningful and impactful experience at Ashoka.