Nagpur, 20th August 2026: The second day of the first year orientation programme began with an invigorating yoga session conducted by members of Shri Janardan Swami Yogabhyasi Mandal. The session was attended by the first-year students, who actively participated in various yoga practices and exercises.
The session emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy body and a fit lifestyle, particularly during student life. The participants were introduced to the physical and mental benefits of yoga, including improved flexibility, strength, concentration, stress management, and overall well-being. The instructors also highlighted how incorporating yoga and regular physical activity into daily routines can help students maintain a healthy balance between their academic responsibilities and personal well-being.
The session provided the students with a refreshing and energetic start to the day while encouraging them to develop healthy habits and a positive approach towards physical and mental fitness.
The yoga session was followed by a series of sessions during the first half of the day, focusing on student wellness, mental health, and academic discipline. These sessions aimed to equip the incoming batch of engineering students with essential life skills and practical insights to help them navigate their academic journey with confidence and balance.
The proceedings began with a warm welcome by Master of Ceremony Dr. Maithili Paikane. Dignitaries including Prof. Umesh Deshpande (Dean, Student Welfare), Dr. Poonam Sharma (Professor-in-Charge, Student Mentorship Programme), and Dr. Vaidehi Dakwale (Co-Professor-in-Charge, SMP) graced the inaugural session.
The first session, titled “Expanding the Boundaries of Time,” featured Heartfulness trainers Dr. Srikant Annavarapu and Smt. Sudha Peri. Dr. Poonam Sharma welcomed the speakers with saplings and mementos.
Dr. Annavarapu, an IIT Kharagpur and University of Arizona alumnus, alongside Smt. Peri, a multidisciplinary legal and psychology expert, provided students with practical frameworks for productivity. They introduced Stephen Covey’s Time Management Matrix, teaching students how to categorize daily responsibilities by urgency and long-term importance. The duo also emphasized daily meditation as a vital tool for mental clarity and academic success.
The second session shifted focus to emotional well-being and campus adaptation. Dr. Anshul Agrawal welcomed the keynote speaker, Dr. Suyog Vijay Jaiswal, Additional Professor and Officer-in-Charge of psychiatry at AIIMS Nagpur.
Dr. Jaiswal demystified mental health issues, explicitly distinguishing between distress and eustress (positive stress). Addressing the intense pressures of studying at a premier engineering institution, he reminded students that stress is a natural byproduct of ambition but warned against burnout.
Crucially, Dr. Jaiswal raised awareness about the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. He strongly cautioned the freshers against substance abuse, urging them to utilize institutional support systems and wellness centres like AIIMS Nagpur’s Shrutam Wellness Centre during times of crisis.
The morning session concluded with a formal vote of thanks. The orientation successfully provided the new batch with a balanced mix of philosophical guidance and clinical strategies for a healthy campus life.
The second half of the day was dedicated to activities designed to unleash the students’ creativity. During the advertisement session, trainers introduced students to the fundamentals of ad creation and explained how advertisements differ from the movies and reels they typically watch online. A comprehensive workshop covered the essential skills required to create an effective and engaging advertisement, with familiar television commercials used to make the concepts relatable. The students were then divided into groups and given the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge by creating advertisements of their own.
The second day concluded on a joyful note, filled with learning, creativity, and fun activities. The students had the opportunity to bond with their peers, build new connections, and enjoy meaningful experiences together.