ASBM University celebrated “Akanksha,” the inauguration ceremony for the new batch of 2024-25. The event marked a significant milestone in the academic calendar, bringing together industry leaders, university officials, and eager students to commence the new academic year.
The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Biswajeet Pattanayak, Founder & President of ASBM University. Dr. Ashok Kumar Singha, Partner & Odisha Head of Ernst & Young, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was further distinguished by the presence of Guests of Honour Shri Shyam Sundar Choudhury, HR Chief of Tata Power Odisha Discoms (TPCODL), and Dr. Debabrata Dash, Head — Human Resources (East) of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India.
In his address, Shri Shyam Sundar Choudhury emphasized the importance of acquiring and continually developing core competencies. He pointed out that dependability, adaptability, and respectful behavior are prized possessions of a great corporate candidate. Dr. Debabrata Dash spoke about developing quality of thoughts and taking thinking from linearity to non-linearity. Referencing Kolb’s Learning Cycle, Dr. Dash emphasized that the current corporate world needs problem solvers, urging students to focus on developing their lateral and creative thinking alongside critical thinking.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singha, counseled the students through his life experiences to develop resilience, situational awareness, and promptness. He spoke of how rapid development and change can bring about instability and chaos, but noted that even this chaos arrives embedded with its own solutions. Dr. Singha advised the students to master the art of solution generation and concrete goal creation.
Prof. (Dr.) Biswajeet Pattanayak, while welcoming the freshmen, insightfully remarked that the recipe of life for everyone is different and advised the students to decode and shape the purpose of their own lives. He said that the driving force of a fruitful life is aptly balancing our rights and duties. Commenting that change is the only constant, he illuminated that the things of utmost importance in life are attitude and accountability along with a problem-solving mindset.
The welcome address was given by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ranjan Kumar Bal, while the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Phalgu Niranjana administered the pledge of the Honour Code to the students. The Academic Dean Prof. Manmath Nath Samantaray introduced the guests and also proposed a vote of thanks at the end.
This program was attended by the Vice-President of the University Prof. Dr. Kalyan Shankar Ray, Principal Director Prof. Dr. Smaraki Pattanayak, all the Deans, Professors, faculty members, and all students of the University. The day concluded with a colorful cultural program organized by senior students to welcome the newcomers, embodying the spirit of community and camaraderie at ASBM University.
The “Akanksha” inauguration ceremony set an inspiring tone for the academic year, providing valuable insights and motivation for the incoming students as they embark on their educational journey at ASBM University.