The School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, welcomed the new batch of students through an induction programme named “Swagatham 2018” which was held at the campus on July 18, 2018. The event brought in many new additions to the Amrita family. A memorable day, filled with fun, music, excitement and hope for the future, marked the beginning of an eventful journey for the new students at the School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
The day started with the new students receiving a warm and traditional welcome by their seniors. They lit lamps, symbolic of knowledge, to be placed at the feet of the statue of Saraswathi Devi, the Goddess of knowledge, which stands as the centerpiece in the college. The official inaugural function, conducted in the Amriteshwari Hall, began with a prayer and the traditional lighting of the lamp.
Dr. Bipin Nair, Dean, School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, gave the welcome address. He highlighted the growth of biotechnology in India and globally. He reminded the students that they were venturing into the ‘Sunrise Sector’ and motivated the new minds to explore the various learning opportunities provided by the college to learn and succeed in their fields. Swami Amritageetananda Puri addressed the gathering next, speaking about the value of spirituality in our lives. He told a memorable anecdote about Louis Pasteur, a microbiologist familiar to every biology student, to emphasize the importance of humility in search for knowledge.
The chief guest, Dr. Satya Prakash Dash, Director of Global Innovations at Impact Lab, PATH, addressed the students as well. He talked about the scope of biotechnology and the fields where it can be applied extensively. He urged the students to find sustainable solutions to looming world problems. Lastly, Prof. Bhavani Rao, Director of AMMACHI Labs and Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, spoke on the importance of integrating Satyam (truth), Shivam (auspiciousness), and Sundaram (beauty) in every aspect of our studies, work, and life in order to truly gain success.
The informal session paved a way for the new students to interact with everyone and be acquainted with the one another. Filled with music, dance and quirky games, the programs gave the new students a glimpse of student life and all the extra-curricular cultural activities of the School. The event, which will be cherished in memories forever, initiated a new academic year and introduced a pool of new talent into the Amrita family.
