The Journey changes tracks: From Online to Offline Campus Life

An induction programme was organised by the office of Dean Students’ Welfare (DSW) on 28th March 2022 at the Savitri Bai Phule Auditorium. The students from batch 2020-21 and batch 2021-22 since both the batches started their courses during the lockdown periods and were attending classes offline for the first time. It aimed to tell the students more about the University of Hyderabad and the various resources available to them.

The programme commenced with a Welcome Address by Prof. G Nagaraju, Dean, Students Welfare. He told the students about the history of the University and the achievements of many imminent alumni. He reminded the students that a university fulfils several purposes in a person’s life, like enabling upward social mobility. He professed that universities are bastions of modern rationality and critical thinking and are symbols of modernity.

He also informed the students about the University’s Institute of Emminence status, highlighting that the University sets high standards for research and teaching.

Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.J. Rao mentioned how happy all the professors in UoH are to finally see full classes and students around the campus. “Students are real, and they are more real when they are physically present on campus.” He highlighted the diversity of the different batches of students who have studied at the University and mentioned how it is like seeing a cross-section of India in one campus. He added that the University provides students with an opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classrooms and that students should act with discipline and embrace the campus culture. He stressed that by working through the structures set up by the University, students could achieve success like those who came before them. He also talked about how the University cultivates progressive liberalism and sensibility among its students. Drawing on the experiences of the alumni, he said that UoH is like a mothership from which several successful social scientists, academics, entrepreneurs, literary scholars and high profile people have built successful careers and that the new students have an opportunity to be a part of this glorious legacy.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.S. Sarraju added to the thoughts shared by Prof B.J. Rao, saying that the students have chosen UoH not just for their own but also for the country’s growth. He talked about the vibrant campus culture and institutions that students would have the opportunity to be a part of and that they would have to learn to respect and cohabitate with people with different kinds of perspectives. Speaking of the rich academic and non-academic resources, abundant flora and fauna, Prof Sarraju pressed that students would have to be responsible and avail all of the University’s opportunities.

Dr Devesh Nigam, Registrar and the Controller of Examinations for the University, talked about how lucky the current students are because they faced fierce competition and succeeded in becoming a part of a university that has achieved immense success since its inception. Referring to the numbers, he shared that in 2020, more than Sixty-Four Thousand students applied for the University, from which only Two Thousand were selected. In 2021,  more than Sixty-Three Thousand students applied for the University, from which less than Two Thousand students were selected. He also stressed that the students were the brand ambassadors of UoH, much like famous actors are the brand ambassadors for major brands.

Prof D. Vijaya Lakshmi, Chief Warden, insisted that students should think peacefully, live peacefully and act bravely. She also shared the success story of hostel accommodation at UoH, where 98% of students receive their rooms within 15 days. She added that students should use hostel facilities responsibly. Since the professors also act as wardens for the hostels, students should support each other, thereby supporting the professors as well. Prof B.V Sharma, Director, CIS, shared details about the mentorship programme and other support systems put in place for the students from CIS. Prof Geeta K Vemuganti, Dean, School of Medical Sciences, informed the students that the University has hosted 5 Nobel Laureates for discussions and lectures and reiterated that resources are available for those students who want to push themselves for excellence. She added that enthusiasm, punctuality, and discipline mould students towards that excellence. She also talked about horizontal learning from peers being a significant way for students to enrich their experience at the University. Prof Arun Kumar Patnaik, Dean, School of Social Sciences, further highlighted this by explaining that students must learn from books and people.

These conversations were very well received by students that filled the auditorium with their infectious enthusiasm.

This was followed by an interactive, Know Your University session, which was conducted by several professors.

Dr G Padmaja, Dy. DSW – 1 and Incharge of the Psychological Counselling Unit shared with students crucial information about the counsellors available on campus, online, and via telehealth for the students who might need any extra support. She impressed that stigma is unnecessary and that everyone can benefit from support through counselling. Dr Santosh R. Kanade, Dy. DSW – 2 and Incharge of the Fellowships and Scholarships Unit, shared information about various scholarships and fellowships available for the students. Dr Rajsree, CMO, shared important information about how the campus health centre helped students receive vaccinations and other medical support throughout the pandemic and stressed the importance of preventative behaviours to improve student health. She also shared that the University would conduct campaigns to administer booster shots. Dr K. V. Rajasekhar, Director, Physical Education and Sports, shared detailed information about the luxurious and world-class sporting facilities and gyms available to the students and insisted that sports culture should be a part of each students’ life for better health. Dr Sree Gyanmote, Convenor, ICC, stood in for Prof. Sita Vanka and explained to the students what constitutes sexual harassment, the composition of the ICC and the process of filing a complaint with it.

Prof. E. Hari Kumar, Chief Proctor, reminded the students of the code of conduct they’re expected to follow and reminded them that penalties could be severe. Dr Salman Abdul Moiz, Chairman, PGAB, let students know about the various skill development activities conducted by the placement cell and the internship opportunities that students can access through the Placement Cell. Dr B. Krishnaiah, Coordinator, Entry Into Services, notified students about the resources available to them should they want to study for the UPSC exams and other competitive exams. Dr J. Rani Ratna Prabha, Coordinator, UGC JRF/NET, briefed the students about the coaching programme for those who wanted to attempt the UGC JRF/NET exam and also stepped in for Dr Jyothi Hymavathi Devi to fill in students about the remedial classes offered for those who want to work on their English Language Skills.

The session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr G. Padmaja.

 

Contributed by Lavanya Rana, Department of Communications, UoH

 

Picture credits: Fazil Ali