The School of Liberal Arts (SOLA) at Ajeenkya D Y Patil University (ADYPU) hosted Deeksharambh 2025, a warm and insightful induction ceremony to welcome its incoming cohort of students. Held on campus, the event marked the beginning of a transformative academic journey for students from across India, each bringing with them a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and perspectives.
The ceremony was graciously hosted by Assistant Professor Bindiya Naik, who extended a heartfelt welcome to the new batch and set the tone for an engaging and inspiring session.
This was followed by a keynote address by Dr. Sunny Thomas, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts. Dr. Thomas highlighted the vital role of liberal arts education in today’s dynamic world and emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum—spanning philosophy, politics, psychology, economics, literature, and the arts. Urging students to become well-rounded individuals, he underscored the importance of writing, research, co-curricular involvement, internships, and professional development through projects and publications. His address encouraged students to grow not just as learners but as ethical leaders and changemakers.
The event continued with a formal introduction of the SOLA faculty members:
- Asst. Prof. Eden Lobo – Psychology
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Amit Uttam Jadhav – Economics
- Asst. Prof. Manish Kumar – Political Science
- Asst. Prof. Swati Raja – English
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Sameena Mir – Sociology
- Asst. Prof. Bindiya Naik – Economics
- Asst. Prof. Kedar Kulkarni – Competitive Exams Mentor
Each faculty member shared their mentoring approach, reinforcing SOLA’s commitment to academic rigor, practical learning, and interdisciplinary exploration. Prof. Manish Kumar introduced the wide range of courses offered at SOLA, while Prof. Eden Lobo elaborated on the credit-based learning model, which empowers students to customize their academic paths. Dr. Amit Uttam Jadhav detailed the examination and assessment systems, ensuring students of a transparent and well-structured academic framework.
The program was further enriched by a keynote address from Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jain, Honorable Vice-Chancellor of ADYPU. Dr. Jain spoke about the university’s innovation-led vision and the transformative power of a liberal education. He encouraged students to embrace original thinking, build character, and approach challenges with resilience and creativity. He reminded them that leadership often begins with the courage to say “no” and the resolve to stay true to one’s values.
The ceremony concluded with an impactful note by Ms. Rebika Singh, Head – Human Resources, Ajeenkya D Y Patil Group. She offered valuable insights into the evolving demands of the professional world and highlighted the unique advantages that liberal arts graduates bring to the workplace—empathy, critical insight, and creative problem-solving.Deeksharambh 2025 was more than just an orientation; it was a reaffirmation of the School of Liberal Arts’ mission to nurture open-minded, socially conscious, and intellectually curious individuals. With this inspiring beginning, the students now embark on a journey rooted in dialogue, discovery, and purpose.
