Orientation Programme for Newly Admitted PhD Scholars Held at Assam University

way2barak, Dec 21: Assam University, Silchar, organised a day-long Orientation Programme for newly admitted PhD scholars of the 2025–26 academic session at the Bipin Chandra Pal Seminar Hall. The programme was jointly organised by the Assam University Research Scholars’ Forum (AURSF) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Assam University, with the objective of familiarising new scholars with the university’s academic framework, research environment, regulations, and support systems.

The programme commenced at 10:30 am with an opening session in which the host welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, and newly admitted research scholars, while also acknowledging the presence of special guests. This was followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Vice-Chancellor and other dignitaries, along with Saraswati Vandana, marking an auspicious beginning to the academic event.

The President of AURSF delivered the welcome address, after which the inaugural session continued with addresses by the dignitaries. The Vice-Chancellor of Assam University attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while the Director of IQAC, Dr. Piyush Pandey, and the Dean of Students’ Welfare, Prof. Anup Kumar Dey, delivered special addresses. They highlighted the responsibilities of research scholars, the importance of academic discipline, and the need to uphold ethical research practices throughout the doctoral journey.

The Director of IQAC later introduced “Her Voice Win” (Higher Education & Research – Voice of Women Intellectual Network), a flagship initiative of IQAC, Assam University. The initiative aims to empower women scholars and faculty members by amplifying their voices in academia, promoting leadership and mentorship, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and bridging the gap between academic research and societal needs. The brochure and logo of the initiative were formally inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor in the presence of the Director of IQAC, the Dean of Students’ Welfare, and Smt. Sanalambi Devi. Subsequently, Smt. Sanalambi Devi addressed the gathering, sharing valuable insights on academic excellence, research responsibility, and social engagement. On the occasion, certificates were presented to AURSF President Sandeep Das and Media Secretary Swapnodeep Sen for designing the logo of the initiative.

The session titled “Introduction to AURSF” was presented by Najima Begum, General Secretary of AURSF, who outlined the forum’s activities, roles, and support mechanisms available to research scholars. This was followed by an interactive session by Dr. Suman Baidya on managing stress, anxiety, and academic pressure in research life, with a focus on mental well-being, burnout prevention, and balancing personal and academic responsibilities.

After a brief tea break, the post-lunch academic sessions began with a lecture by Dr. Yashmin Choudhury, who spoke on how to begin the research journey, offering guidance on research planning and scholarly discipline. This was followed by a session by Prof. Atri Deshmukhya on gender sensitisation and safe campus awareness, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and safety within the university campus.

In the later part of the programme, Prof. Anup Kumar Dey delivered a lecture on academic overview and university ordinances, helping scholars understand research regulations and institutional expectations. The executive committee members of the Assam University Research Scholars’ Forum were then introduced to the newly admitted scholars.

The programme concluded with cultural performances, followed by the closing session and vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Secretary of AURSF.

A group photograph marked the successful conclusion of the orientation programme. Members present included Sandeep Das, President, Najima Begum, General Secretary, and other executive members of AURSF.