The fourth Induction-cum-Orientation Programme of Sona Devi University was held on August 13, 2026, at the university’s campus in Kitadih, Ghatsila. The newly enrolled students displayed great enthusiasm and excitement throughout the programme. A special feature of the event was that the orientation programme was organised for the first time at the university’s Kitadih campus in the Ghatsila subdivision.
K. Ravi Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the students, he advised them to make constructive and responsible use of mobile phones. “Your life is in your own hands,” he said, emphasising the importance of time management in achieving success. He said that success can be achieved only through hard work, dedication and perseverance. He also advised students to choose their language according to the subject and urged parents to focus on the positive development of their children and provide them with proper guidance.
On the occasion, Sona Devi University Chancellor Prabhakar Singh welcomed all the distinguished guests and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their presence and encouragement. Addressing the students, he highlighted several important aspects of character building and quoted various inspirational thoughts to underline the importance of values and integrity.
He said that the university aims to develop its campus into a world-class institution so that its students can keep pace with the industry. “Knowledge is not something that remains confined to the pages of books and becomes silent; knowledge is that which transforms into the fire of ideas and creates innovation,” he said.
The Chancellor advised students to expand the boundaries of their thinking and develop a problem-solving mindset. He said that students should not limit themselves to becoming job seekers. Instead, they should undertake meaningful work that benefits society, aligns with their interests and can also become a source of livelihood. In doing so, they can become job creators rather than job seekers.
He called upon the students to bring a revolutionary change in their thinking and said that young people who make technology their servant and use it wisely will lead the world in the future. He urged students to work towards developing an independent identity and stressed the importance of ethics, honesty and a strong sense of duty in all their endeavours.
From the historic land of Ghatsila, known for its brave and inspiring legacy, Chancellor Prabhakar Singh called upon the youth to permanently abandon negativity, despair and shortcuts. He urged them to combine their immense energy, creativity and technological knowledge to make a historic contribution towards building a prosperous Jharkhand and a strong, self-reliant and innovative India.
Vice-Chancellor of Sona Devi University, Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua, welcomed all the distinguished guests attending the Induction Programme. While extending his gratitude to the parents and students, he said that such programmes inspire students and provide newly enrolled students with an opportunity to become familiar with the university campus and its academic environment. He particularly emphasised that the real strength of any institution lies in its ideas and its mentors.
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana presented the university’s annual report. She said that the university has signed MoUs with several leading technical educational institutions across the country to facilitate internship opportunities for students. She highlighted that Sona Devi University is the first university in Jharkhand to sign an MoU with Intel for Artificial Intelligence. The university has also launched its School of AI and Computing, further strengthening its academic focus on emerging technologies.
She added that the university has established strong academic partnerships with institutions such as NIT Jamshedpur. Students at Sona Devi University come not only from Jharkhand but also from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country. “This diversity is not merely a statistic; it is our strength,” she said, adding that students would learn from one another’s cultures and perspectives as much as they learn from their textbooks.
The Registrar urged students to attend classes regularly, maintain the required attendance and follow academic discipline and etiquette. She also highlighted the facilities available on campus, including a well-equipped library, modern laboratories, a career and placement cell, counselling and mentorship support, as well as various clubs and societies where students can explore interests beyond academics.
Several distinguished guests also encouraged the students and extended their best wishes for their bright futures.
Ghatsila MLA Somesh Chandra Soren advised students to focus on building their future. He said that merely taking admission does not determine one’s future; regular attendance in classes and commitment to studies play a crucial role. Encouraging the students, he said that having himself been an engineering student, he understands their aspirations and concerns well. He recalled that his late father, Ramdas Soren, had a dream of making Ghatsila a centre of education and said he would make every possible effort to fulfil that vision.
Baharagora MLA Sameer Mohanty won the hearts of those present with his simplicity and warmth. He said that learning continues throughout life. He also emphasised that studying in one’s mother tongue can enhance students’ learning and achievements. Drawing inspiration from five teachings of Swami Vivekananda, he encouraged students to work with patience and curiosity. He spoke about the need for education to evolve with changing times and stressed the importance of originality.
Former Baharagora MLA Kunal Sarangi, while motivating the students, said that admission to a university marks a new beginning in a student’s life. Life often teaches people new lessons, he said, adding that technology is changing rapidly and that the environment in which students learn makes a significant difference. Thanking Sona Devi University for promoting education in a region like Ghatsila, he said that establishing a university in the area was a noble initiative. He urged students to move beyond their comfort zones and continuously upgrade themselves according to the changing needs of the market.
Several eminent personalities from the region attended the programme. Prof. Miteshwar, Pirinit Shukla, several educationists and teachers, and Shaurya Chakra awardee Captain Javed also graced the occasion. Block Pramukh Sushila Tudu was also present.
Senior students of Sona Devi University presented a series of cultural programmes to welcome the newly enrolled students. A band from Kolkata also entertained the students with a lively musical performance.
The programme began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Assistant Professor of the Sanskrit Department, Kumari Nikita, performed the Vedic chanting, while Assistant Professor of the Department of Music, Dr. Sangeeta Choudhury, presented the university anthem.
The programme concluded with an atmosphere of enthusiasm, inspiration and optimism, marking a memorable beginning for the university’s newest batch of students.
