The first few days at university are rarely just about finding classrooms and remembering names. Students spend time figuring out where they belong, discovering what is possible and getting a first glimpse of life beyond the timetable.
For Shoolini University’s new batch, the induction programme, held from August 18 to 22, offered a first look at academic and campus life. Over five days, ‘Wow Week’ covered research, innovation, AI, startups, careers and international opportunities. Students met faculty, alumni and seniors, became familiar with student initiatives and campus resources, and explored more than 25 clubs. Performances and competitions brought students from different batches together.
Members of the music club Raag Rang opened the week with a Saraswati Vandana. Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla then delivered the welcome address and told the new students: “The future of India lies on your shoulders.” He encouraged them to work towards their goals, face challenges and make use of the opportunities available to them.
Chancellor Prof PK Khosla spoke about the importance of personality and principles beyond marks and degrees. Referring to the body, mind and soul, he urged students to stand by their principles and remain committed to doing something new. Sharing his own experience, he said, “I wasn't good at English, but I used to take help from my friends. Still, I became a topper.” He told the new batch: “Think what you want to do, and the rest will follow.”
Pro-Chancellor Prof Vishal Anand encouraged students to make the most of university life by exploring research, learning beyond their courses and taking up new opportunities. He spoke about Shoolini’s focus on patent-oriented research, its three incubation centres and how students could use AI to advance their research and participate in the Startup Marathon. He also shared plans for new infrastructure, including a research centre and an auditorium he described as ‘Olympic level’. His message was direct: “Build what matters.”
The students also took the Shoolini Oath, with a reminder to learn, enjoy, make friends and abide by the values of the family and the country. The conversation then moved beyond coursework to what students could explore during their time at the university.
Shoolini University Trustee and Founder Prof Nishtha Shukla Anand, Dean of the Faculty of Media and Liberal Arts, introduced students to Shoolini Upskill, a platform for short certification courses. These courses can be completed in under three hours and cover areas such as technology, business, finance, design, languages and communication. She asked students to think about their interests, dreams and aspirations, with one question: “What is your ‘side quest’?”
Chief Learning Officer Prof Ashoo Khosla explained the Shoolini Way of Learning and the flexibility students have in shaping their education. Drawing on her own decision to study medicine and later complete an MBA, she spoke about flexibility and responsibility. “Don't just earn a degree, build your mind and build the best version of yourself,” she said.
Students also explored the value of guidance through the monkey-and-banana experiment. Shoolini’s coaching ecosystem connects them with more than 400 coaches from across the globe for mentorship throughout their time at the university.
The discussion returned to research and entrepreneurship with Associate Prof Lokender from the School of Biotechnology. He encouraged students to become creators of knowledge and challenged them to identify a problem they wanted to work on.
Beyond the Classroom
On the second day, speakers explained student support services and campus responsibilities. They also discussed sustainability, international exchange, research, career preparation, academic resources and technology.
Shoolini University President Innovation and Marketing Prof Ashish Khosla discussed the pace of technological change and its impact on language and communication. He urged students to keep adapting.
Director of Sustainability and Community Projects Ms Poonam Nanda presented the sustainability and community work led by students. The initiatives included Shoolinians for You (SFY), YouWeCan, the Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign with #MyMotherMatters, Women of Substance, the Institute of Muscular Dystrophy, blood donation camps, digital detox, climate consciousness and body positivity.
Sessions on international engagement covered exchange programmes, study abroad and joint research, including collaborations with institutions in South Korea, Ireland and New Zealand. Students also heard how they could take part in research and innovation from their first year and how ranking frameworks assess universities.
The Career Development Centre outlined its support for corporate placements, internships, and government and PSU careers. It also shared tips on preparing a strong résumé.
Students explored academic resources including the Yogananda Knowledge Centre, “My Book My Choice”, MYLOFT and ProQuest. ProQuest provides access to more than 1.5 million e-books and research papers from publishers including Springer Nature, Wiley and Harvard University Press. Students also received information about the Campus Ambassador Programme and DigiCampus, which they would use for registration, timetables, examination slots and other academic processes. After the academic sessions, a DJ night and cricket match brought the new batch together with existing students.
Schools, Clubs and Performances
On the third day, students spent time within their academic schools. They began with aptitude and English-language testing, followed by a drug-awareness session. Senior students then performed a nukkad natak. Departmental induction sessions allowed the new batch to meet faculty members and understand their respective schools, while alumni from different disciplines also joined the interaction.
Once the departmental sessions ended, students turned to interests outside academics. More than 25 clubs set up stalls at the Club Mela and invited new students to register. With sustainability as its theme, the mela brought together different student communities on campus. Katha, the fashion club, staged a ramp walk before the evening moved to the DJ floor.
Senior students organised a Meet & Greet on the fourth day, continuing the interaction between batches. The event gave seniors and freshers a chance to showcase their talent. Saksham Dance Club, Satrangi Strokes, Raag Rang, Katha, Him Shobhla and other clubs took over the stage with dance, music, modelling and fashion performances.
The student anchors presented comedy acts inspired by Shatrughan Sinha, Amitabh Bachchan and Hera Pheri, drawing laughter from the audience. An Indian classical dance performance added variety to the evening. For students who had arrived on campus only a few days earlier, the event was another way to get to know their peers.
A Musical Finale
On the final day, the Himachal Police Orchestra, also known as Harmony of the Pines, brought the induction programme to a close. The orchestra performed a mix of Jai Ho, Vande Mataram, Chak De India, Himachali folk songs and Bollywood numbers. By the time regular classes began, students had met their faculty and peers, explored their schools and experienced campus life beyond the classroom.