PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 23: The Ghatshila-based Sona Devi University celebrated its second annual festival ‘Shankhnaad 2.0’ at its Ghatsila campus on Tuesday.
The event brought together academicians, students, public representatives and guests, highlighting the university’s growing role in promoting quality education and inclusive development in the region.
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Addressing the gathering, Chancellor Prabhakar Singh stressed that serious commitment towards education is essential for progress in life.
Remembering late education minister Ramdas Soren, he said that Soren had extended unwavering support at every step and nurtured a strong vision of educating students from this region. The Chancellor reaffirmed that this vision would be fulfilled.
Highlighting the university’s commitment to inclusive education, Singh said that besides the government’s e-Kalyan Scheme, Sona Devi University is running its own scholarship initiative called SDUSAT, under which students can complete their entire education by paying fees for only one semester.
No deserving student, he said, will be forced to discontinue education due to financial constraints.
The chief guest of the programme, Ghatsila MLA Somesh Chandra Soren, said that his father and former minister Ramdas Soren aspired to develop the region into an educational hub.
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He recalled the establishment of a degree college at Musabani and underlined his father’s deep attachment to language and culture.
He informed that Raghunath Murmu University would be developed to promote linguistic education and assured that efforts would be made to establish a medical college in Ghatsila.
He also reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to economic hardship.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Braj Mohan Pat Pingua stated that Sona Devi University was established with the objective of fostering both educational and economic development of the people in the region.
Expressing confidence, he said the university would continue to progress steadily and contribute meaningfully to society.
Presenting the annual report, assistant registrar Archana Singh said the university aims not only to impart quality education but also to focus on character building.
She highlighted academic achievements and several MoUs signed with institutions to facilitate internships and training for students.
She further announced that law and nursing courses would be introduced soon.
Adding cultural depth to the event, Pooja Tiwari, Head of the SDU School of Electrical Engineering, recited a poem titled “Thoda Muskura Lo” based on the realities of life.
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The programme also featured devotional recitations, the university anthem, insights into Ghatsila’s history, classical and contemporary dance performances, and a solo dance by student Monali Mohanta.
The grand inauguration of Shankhnaad 2.0, held today, began with ceremonial lamp lighting.
MLA Somesh Chandra Soren also felicitated the winners of various competitions and extended his best wishes to the students for their future endeavours.
