Many Voices, One Song: Reflections on First Year HEP Students’ Induction Workshop
A colourful day stuffed with fun-filled learning, transcending the class room confines to break its monotony. It was the bright morning of June 20th , 2019 and we the group of 85 1HEP (Hist, Econ, & Pol.Sc students gathered at the Panel Room in Block II, Christ University Central campus. A day-long workshop lay ahead to help and guide each one of us in taking our steady first step on the path of personal and academic growth. Dr. Fr. Jose CC, our Pro- Vice Chancellor and Director of the department of International Studies and History set the tone of the session with his inspirational presence and opening words of encouragement, in the process, introducing us all to Prof. Jibrael Jos, our friendly instructor cum facilitator.

The workshop spanned across a variety of activity-based pre and post lunch sessions, engaging the students in diverse ways to make them appreciate the value of collective thinking, integrated initiatives and united efforts. The morning session began at 9.00 am with students briefly introducing themselves and the different places they hailed from. This opened up new avenues of reaching out and connecting with one another. The sessions that followed saw us grouped together in teams, big and small, as we planned, designed and participated in wide ranging collaborative endeavours in the forms of music, dance, painting, poetry, acting and gaming exercises. Shared experiences of performing together in a group generated a strong sense of oneness besides giving vent to our latent creative potentials. Interestingly, in the process, we also went on to specially recognize those amongst us who exhibited impressive leadership skills in managing and co-ordinating their respective team activities effectively. Thanks to Jibrael Sir’s continuous direction and efforts which enabled us to innovatively pour our minds and hearts out both on paper and in utterances.

Towards the evening in the warm presence of Fr. Jose and Payel Ma’am we narrated our day’s experiences and learnings in addition to staging a chorus and a dance performance. Some of the verses composed by students were read out aloud along with showcasing select sketches by them. Finally, the workshop came to a close around 4.00 pm with one of our fellow-mates proposing the vote of thanks.

Indeed a well-spent day full of life and studded with memorable moments that left us feeling confident, spirited and craving for more! We are grateful to our teachers especially Fr. Jose for making it happen.