Sona Devi University induction programme urges students to embrace innovation, ethical leadership

PINAKI MAJUMDAR

Jamshedpur, August 13: Ghatshila-based Sona Devi University (SDU) organised its fourth induction-cum-orientation programme on Thursday, held at its Ghatshila campus for the first time.

The programme brought together newly enrolled students, parents, faculty members and distinguished guests, with speakers encouraging students to embrace innovation, use technology responsibly and develop strong ethical values.

K Ravi Kumar urges students to use technology wisely

Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar, who attended the programme as the chief guest, urged students to use mobile phones and technology judiciously and take responsibility for shaping their own futures.

“Your life is in your hands. Success comes when you value time,” he told the students, emphasising the importance of hard work, dedication and discipline.

He also advised students to use language appropriate to their subjects and urged parents to provide constructive guidance while focusing on the positive development of their children.

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‘Become job creators, not job seekers’

Sona Devi University Chancellor Prabhakar Singh welcomed the guests and urged students to focus on character building, innovation and social responsibility.

He said the university was committed to developing its campus to global standards and equipping students to meet the demands of industry and emerging technologies.

“Knowledge should not remain confined to the pages of books; it should ignite ideas and create innovation,” Singh said.

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He encouraged students to expand their horizons and develop the ability to find solutions to real-world problems rather than limiting their education to academic knowledge.

“Become job creators, not job seekers,” he said, urging students to turn their interests and knowledge into meaningful work that can benefit both society and themselves.

Singh also stressed the need to treat technology as a tool rather than allowing it to control their lives. He said students who learn to use technology wisely and responsibly would be better prepared to lead in the future.

He further called upon students to uphold ethics, honesty and a strong sense of duty, while avoiding negativity, despair and shortcuts to success.

Referring to Ghatshila’s rich history, Singh urged students to channel their energy, creativity and technological knowledge towards building a prosperous Jharkhand and a strong, self-reliant and innovative India.

SDU highlights academic partnerships and AI initiatives

Vice-Chancellor Dr Braj Mohan Pat Pingua welcomed the guests and said induction programmes were important for familiarising new students with the university’s academic environment and campus life.

He said the strength of an institution lies in its ideas and mentors.

University Registrar Nit Nayana presented the annual report, highlighting the university’s academic collaborations and technology-focused initiatives.

She said SDU had signed MoUs with several leading technical institutions to create internship opportunities for students. She also highlighted the university’s collaboration with Intel in the field of artificial intelligence and the launch of its School of AI and Computing to strengthen its focus on emerging technologies.

The university has also established academic partnerships with institutions such as NIT Jamshedpur, she said.

Nayana said SDU was attracting students from across the region and beyond, with enrolments from Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.

She urged students to attend classes regularly, maintain the required attendance and follow academic discipline. She also highlighted the university’s library, modern laboratories, career and placement cell, counselling and mentoring facilities, clubs and societies.

Legislators stress attendance and continuous learning

Ghatshila MLA Somesh Chandra Soren urged students to remain focused on their future and said securing admission was only the beginning of their academic journey.

He stressed the importance of regular classroom attendance in achieving academic success.

Soren, who himself studied engineering, said he understood students’ aspirations and concerns. Recalling the vision of his late father and former minister Ramdas Soren, he said transforming Ghatshila into an education hub had been his father’s dream and that he would work towards fulfilling it.

Baharagora MLA Samir Mohanty encouraged students to remain lifelong learners. He said learning in one’s mother tongue could improve understanding and achievement and referred to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda to inspire students to work with patience and curiosity.

He also emphasised the importance of adapting to changes in education while maintaining originality and independent thinking.

Former Baharagora MLA Kunal Sarangi described university admission as the beginning of a new chapter in a student’s life. He urged students to step outside their comfort zones, continuously upgrade their skills and adapt to the changing requirements of the job market.

Sarangi also appreciated the university’s efforts to promote higher education in Ghatshila and described its establishment as a significant contribution to the educational development of the region.

Cultural performances add colour to induction programme

The event was attended by educationists, faculty members and several dignitaries, including Prof Miteshwar, Pirinit Shukla, Shaurya Chakra awardee Captain Javed and Block Pramukh Sushila Tudu.

Senior students welcomed the newcomers with a series of cultural performances, while a Kolkata-based band added to the celebrations with a musical performance.

The programme began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Assistant Professor Kumari Nikita of the Sanskrit Department delivered the invocation, while Assistant Professor Sangeeta Chaudhuri of the Music Department presented the university anthem.

The induction programme concluded with a strong emphasis on discipline, innovation, ethical conduct and the responsible use of technology, with students being encouraged to apply their education and skills to make a meaningful contribution to society.