Page 11 - Orientation Programme FINAL

The purpose of Deeksharambh is to help students in getting familiarized with the institution as well as its ethos.
Undoubtedly time is an important factor for such processes and that is why, it is suggested that the groups
which are formed during Induction Programme function as mentor-mentee network. These groups can work
on fulfilling requirements of newly admitted students with regards to linguistics / communication skills. Bridge /
preparatory courses may be offered for weak students in different subjects also. A student should feel free to
approach his faculty mentor or the student guide when facing any kind of problem, whether academic or
financial or psychological etc. For every 10 undergraduate first year students, there would be a senior student as a
student guide, and for a group of 20 students, there would be a faculty mentor. Such a group should remain for the
entire duration of stay of the student in the School. The groups of the students as well as teachers would be from
the same school/department. (On the other hand, it is good to mix the students of different departments in the
hostel.)

5.3.1 Follow Up after Induction (Same Semester)
It is suggested that the mentor groups meet with their faculty mentors for an hour every week, within the same
semester after the induction is over. This should be a scheduled meeting shown in the timetable. The groups are, of
course, free to meet together on their own more often, for the student groups to be invited to their respective
faculty mentor’s home for dinner or tea would be welcome. There could also be other activities such as nature
walk, etc. which help in building relationships among students and teachers beyond classroom. Further,
following items may also be included:

1. Organize three days field visits for social sensitization during the semester, for example to a village,
hospital, orphanage, etc.

2. Organize one visit to monument for the purpose of bonding as well as awareness about history or city.

5.3.2 Follow Up (Subsequent Semesters)
It is advised to maintain continuity in subsequent semesters. It is suggested that at the start of the subsequent
semesters, three days be set aside for full days of activities related to follow up. Show

inspiring films, arrange collective art work and cultural programme, conduct group discussions, and organize
lectures by eminent people. Subsequently, the group discussions can also be arranged once a month.

6. Summary
The goal of higher education is to nurture human beings responsible for their betterment and capable of
sustaining society and nature, besides enabling them to procure a position to earn their livelihood. The
incoming undergraduate students are often influenced by their parents and society to join higher study without
understanding their own interests and talents. There is high probability that students fail to develop an
understanding about the goals of Educational Institutes as well as higher education. The graduating student
must have knowledge and meta-skills related to his/her work, and as a citizen.
Deeksharambh should be designed for the new students to help them feel comfortable, draw their attention
towards exploring their academic interests and activities, reducing competition and making them work for
excellence, promote bonding within them, build relations between teachers and students, open new horizons of
life and leading to character building.
Mentoring based on Universal Human Values such as Truth, Righteous conduct, Love, Non-violence and Peace
can act as an anchor or pivot of the induction, and help in developing self awareness and sensitivity, feeling of
equality, compassion and oneness. Students’ attention need to be drawn to society and nature. Help them reflect
on their relationship with their families, which is extended to School as a family and connects students among
themselves and with teachers, so that they can share any difficulty they might be facing and seek help.

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