University of Hyderabad (UoH) organized a Freshers’ Meet for recently admitted students for the 2018-19 academic year on August 10, 2018 at the Savitribhai Phule (formerly DST) Auditorium.
The gathering was welcomed by Deputy DSW, Dr. G. Padmaja, and the meet began with an expression of condolence by observing a two-minute silence for the recently departed souls of students.
Prof. Debashis Acharya (Dean, Students’ Welfare) briefed the students about the various facilities and activities being facilitated by the DSW office including provision of health insurance and psychological counselling. Prof. Darla Venkateswara Rao, Dy. DSW and Coordinator, Alumni Cell, introduced the students to the activities and vision of the Alumni Cell.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Appa Rao Podile congratulated the students on securing admission in UoH, and urged the students to stay humble and believe in equality. He also encouraged students to interact with, and care for each other. He pointed to the abundant opportunities and resources available in the University to help them attain academic excellence and aid in their personal development.
Pro Vice Chancellor-1, Prof. Arun Agarwal, briefed the students about the academic standard of the University He emphasized on the university’s ranking in the academic world, treasure of available opportunities and encouraged the students to tread towards innovative research and internships.
Pro Vice Chancellor-2, Prof. Prakash Babu P, extended his appreciation to the students for their success in securing admission despite competition with thousands of other aspirants. He cautioned the students about the factor of responsibility which goes along with freedom and liberty they enjoy in the campus. He pointed out that there is an important role each student has to play to ensure a healthy environment inside the campus.
Chief Warden, Prof. Vasuki Belavadi, wished the students a happy stay in the hostels, and explained about the facilities available to them in the hostels. He cautioned the students to be careful inside the campus and advised them not to visit restricted areas.
To emphasize the University’s zero-tolerance policy on ragging, a short film titled “Darpan: A Reflection” made by the students of Department of Communication was screened. The movie recently won a national film-making competition organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the students involved in making of the film were felicitated by the dignitaries
University’s Psychological Counsellor, Dr. Hemavathi, briefed the students about the availability of counselling service within the campus and urged the student community to seek support whenever required. Representatives of the insurance group informed the students about the health insurance scheme.
The session ended with an interaction where the students got their queries and questions addressed by Deans of Schools, DSW, Chief Warden, Controller of Examinations, Chairperson ICC, CMO, Chief Security officer (I/C), and other administrative officers, followed by light snacks.
-Inputs from Office of DSW and edited by R Sidharth, Department of Communication