Amrita School of Biotechnology welcomed its new batch of students in a unique induction program titled “SWAGATHAM 2016″ on July 27, 2016. The new students were greeted with a traditional welcome from their seniors, after which they each lit a deepam, signifying the light of knowledge, to be placed at the feet of Saraswati Devi, the Goddess of Learning.
This ceremony was followed by the official inaugural programme that commenced with prayers and the traditional lighting of the lamp. Prof. Bipin Nair, Dean (Biotechnology), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, gave the welcome address, in which he detailed the importance of Biotechnology and its very significant contribution to the modern day world, after welcoming the new students into the Amrita family.
Swamini Krishnamrita Prana, one of the senior-most disciples of Chancellor Amma, delivered the benedictory address. “Choosing Biotechnology as a career option, you have made your future brighter. But along with adapting new technologies, we should always embrace and blend them with our ancient culture and tradition, rather than blindly following the west,” said Swamini.
Prof. Krishnashree Achuthan, Dean (PG Programs), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, also addressed the audience and encouraged the students to benefit from the significant progress and achievements made by the School and Institution in the short time since their inception. She also reiterated the opportunity to take advantage of the unique environment, a blend of cultural, intellectual and spiritual richness.
The prestigious AMRITAVIDYANIDHI Scholarships were awarded to Ms. Ivy Rose Sebastian (M.Sc. Biotechnology), Ms. Nidhi (M.Sc. Biotechnology) and Ms. Sreesa Sreedharan (M.Sc. Microbiology).
Students were also informed about several extension activities at Amritapuri Campus, including the Global Youth Initiative, AYUDH. Ms. Nidhi Nair of AYUDH Amritapuri explained what it means to be an AYUDH member.The inaugural programme concluded with the distribution of Prasad by Swamini Krishnamrita Prana to all the new students.
After the official inaugural programme, students had an informal session, with their seniors which served as a fun-filled opportunity for the incoming students to interact with and get acquainted with one another. Students sprinted across the campus as part of a treasure hunt that doubled up as an opportunity to familiarize them with the campus, exhibited their talents on stage, and engaged in various games. The senior students also joined in the celebrations by staging song and dance performances.
The parents and the incoming students also had the opportunity to interact with their respective class counselors. The parents were introduced to and trained on the usage of the Amrita University Management System (AUMS) Parent’s Portal by which they could track their ward’s performance throughout the period of study at AMRITA.
The program initiated not just a new semester, but also many new members into the Amrita family.
