The 15th induction and orientation at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA) was conducted as Deeksharambh 2025, on July 13, 2025. The week-long orientation that followed till July 19, 2025 was curated to offer the incoming Batch of 2025-2029 glimpses of life at SSLA.
The incoming batch and their parents were welcomed by Dr. Shweta Sinha Deshpande, Director, SSLA to the SSLA community. The introduction of the faculty and staff by the Director was followed by an overview of the Liberal Arts programme at SSLA and the edge it offers. Dr. Afshan Majid, Deputy Director, SSLA, detailed the academic roadmap over the next four years, while Col. G. S. Radkar (Retd), Senior Campus Administrator at the Symbiosis Viman Nagar Campus, provided an overview of campus life, including hostel accommodation and support systems. Once the students broke off for ice-breaking activities, Dr. Deshpande led an exclusive "Parenting Young Adults" session for the parents.
The week-long orientation extensively covered key academic tools, including a comprehensive library briefing on physical and virtual collections, software (KOHA), and digital databases. Dr. Richa Minocha led a vital Gender Sensitisation session, discussing equality, equity, and institutional gender policies. Dr. Manjari Jonnalagadda introduced key Academic, Disciplinary, and Anti-Harassment Committees, emphasizing on the code of conduct, and internet etiquette. Further sessions included briefings on internship requirements by Prof. Anurupa Ghatge, the Community Outreach Programme led by Prof. Gayatri Mendanha and Ananya Dutta, and international opportunities by Dr. Vasudev Menon. Mr. Uday Sinha introduced "Research at SSLA", outlining the research methodology courses and project opportunities, while Dr. Kishori Kasat guided students through the learning management system – Moodle. The Exam department also clarified the examination processes.
Beyond academic insights, students enjoyed a virtual tour of Viman Nagar, sessions by the Symbiosis Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing, Symbiosis Centre of Health Care, and an outbound campus tour. The students of the incoming batch were also introduced to SSLA alumni and encouraged to join the various Cells, Clubs, Councils, and Societies at SSLA.
SSLA Director, Dr. Shweta Sinha Deshpande, welcoming the incoming batch of 2025 - 2029, and their parents to the SSLA community
Ice-Breaking sessions led by student volunteers at SSLA
Dr. Afshan Majid, Deputy Director, SSLA, detailing the academic roadmap over the next four years to the incoming batch
Senior Campus Administrator at the Symbiosis Viman Nagar Campus
Parents, students and faculty interacted over the lunch break