BU News

At IIIT Delhi, five BU students—Sanya Bhattacharjee and Priyansh Pabreja from BAJMC, Pranjali Limaye from the Law program, and Maher Siddiqui from BTech—participated in an improv fiesta competition, a popular style in theatre known as improvisational theatre. In this event, multiple teams received a prompt on the spot and seven minutes to prepare before performing.

By Raghav Srivastava EnacuSphere, a one-day festival celebrating sustainability, was held at Bennett University, on February 2 nd , at The German Hanger. The ENACTUS event brought together students, faculty, industry leaders, small businesses, and community members to explore innovative solutions to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and find sustainable ways of living. The event commenced at 10 am, attracting footfall of students across campus. The event’s main focal point was the innovative ‘ Flea Market ’ organised by students of several universities. (Students are seen at the EnactuSphere event at the German Hanger. Photo courtesy: Raghav Srivastava) The event was organised with different sections playing on simultaneously along with the flea market. One of which was Sustain-A-Spark, a brainstorming bonanza. A competition that brought in young thinkers, social entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are dedicated to creating positive social and environmental impact through their ideas. The participants picked out a bowl of chits about a specific real-life problem under any given Sustainable Development Goal. For instance, 'Debt Cycle' under the No Poverty drive. The solutions should align with their respective as well as Enactus principles, emphasising sustainable and scalable solutions that empower communities to create lasting positive change. The ideas were presented in front of a professional panel of judges and were evaluated based on criteria such as social impact, sustainability, scalability, feasibility, innovation, and the potential for long-term positive change. (Young entrepreneurs presenting their sustainable development ideas. Photo courtesy: Raghav Srivastava) To entertain the audiences, Enactus had organised an innovative fashion spotlight program, ‘Trashion Show: Fashion Walk ’, where Outfits designed by university students from using sustainable methods like best out of waste were showcased with gleaming music and models presenting the designs on a red carpet. ‘Turning trash into treasure in the most stylish way possible’, was the tagline of the event. From plastic bag ball gowns to cardboard capes, a catwalk of creativity and sustainable style was showcased in the Trashion Show to enhance the creative plaque of the students and possibly inspire people to promote sustainable fashion trends. (A glimpse of Trashion Show glimpse. Photo courtesy: Raghav Srivastava) The participants at the Flea Market were enthusiastic and enthralling, “We feel it’s a great opportunity for all of us, to explore more by participating in such events and gaining experience. I have a team of 8 members with me who are my juniors and it has been a great experience today at the stall here and interacting with students and faculty here at Bennett,” said Ashvin, a second-year student from Motilal Nehru College, University of Delhi. (Stalls showcasing tote bags at the flea market. Photo courtesy: Raghav Srivastava) Students from several universities attended the event and put up their stalls. “I am from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, but I am here today to represent the brand ‘The Baker’s Room by Sonal’ and we have had a wonderful experience here selling our products as you can see, we have only two items left of the eight to nice that we had brought to sell so today was an amazing day for us,” said the student at a stall. The organisation team of Enactus Bennett pulled off this event like a piece of cake. “It was obviously fun to conduct this event and we are thinking of making this event an annual thing, and incorporating more colleges next time,” said Swarna, a second-year BAJMC student at Bennett, who is a part of the organising team. (Stall at the flea market selling jute bags, tote bags and handmade journals. Photo courtesy: Raghav Srivastava) The event offered a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The aim of Enactus to promote sustainable thinking inspiringly sparked an ambition among students.

By Shreya Singh Chandel A hybrid interactive seminar on the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its forthcoming forms was held at Bennett University (BU) on February 1, 2024. Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Ajit Abraham , introduced viewers and attendees to the concept of Generative AI in an engaging lecture. This session conducted by Dr Abraham was the first one in the series of seminars on Computing and Mathematical Sciences , devised to enhance BU students' learning. It was an open-to-all session as Dr. Abraham believes AI is bound to play a major role in the growth of not just computer sciences, but also law, medicine, media, business, films and the art sector. Generative AI is an AI tool that produces images, texts, video and audio clips by employing prompts and hints given by users. The day-to-day examples of Generative AI are platforms such as Dall E 2 and Craiyon . Dr. Abraham talked about the fundamentals of AI and emphasized its benefits. As the discussion continued, the topic of Generative AI was talked upon, and the audience was briefed on the uses of Generative AI in their respective fields. When it comes to AI, numerous stereotypes revolve around it. ‘AI will create unemployment’ and ‘AI will take over mankind someday’ are popular beliefs that undermine the ethical values that are attached with the use of AI. “The idea behind AI is to provide aid to mankind. AI was introduced only to enhance the quality of efforts put in to complete a task. Moreover, no matter how advanced AI gets, jobs do require the human touch that no form of technology could ever reciprocate. You can use AI to help out a man with physical labour, but you cannot use AI to transfer a patient from one ward to another,” he said. Faculty members and students attended the seminar through physical as well as virtual mediums. While some students were seated in the auditorium, others joined in through Zoom , and the rest witnessed the session through a YouTube live. The student body found the session insightful and worthy of their time as they praised Dr. Abraham’s ideas and gai ned a chance to polish their knowledge. “I’m working on many research papers for the GAI, and I got to know where I can utilize it more to bolster the quality of my work and knowledge,” Aarti Jain, a PhD Scholar from the School of Computer Science Engineering and Technology, said.

By Mohak Kapoor Creativity, determination and struggles are the tenets of going up the advertising world's ladder of success, Wieden and Kennedy Delhi Office Head Shreekant Srinivasan said on Thursday, addressing students of the Times School of Media. Giving a guest lecture on the “Power of Advertising to Change Human Behaviour,” Srinivasan who has worked on brands such as Maggi, Thums Up, Royal Enfield and Havells , talked about "Wiedenisms to stoke the interest of students who had gathered in large numbers to listen to him. “These values are what form the core of the brand here at W&K,” he said, sharing his backstory from the 1990s and how a Roberto Baggio Johnnie Walker advertisement inspired him to get into the field of advertising. He walked the audience through the ingredients of what makes for a great ad. These, he said, included mixes of inspiration, human insights, great storytelling and, lastly, the craft to give shape to an idea. He showed a set of advertisements by popular brands such as Apple , Nike , Chrysler , and Levi's to help students understand the formula of success better. “Be ready for a lot of struggles. The industry is a great place for individuals with talent. You will need to be thick-skinned and grind constantly for the first four to five years to make your mark,” he said when asked for tips for newbies entering the industry. He also stated that being well informed about the ongoings of the advertising industry is a great tool one can have in the arsenal. Artificial intelligence , he emphasised, will be a major force defining the future of the advertising industry. The future will be content, and it will be a challenge for professionals to capture spaces in people’s heads through ads in the era of information overload due to social media, he said. (The reporter is a Semester IV BAJMC student)

By Pranavi Ambati Greater Noida : Connecting with students through classrooms, the gymnasium, the sports complex and cultural events is how the newly appointed Dean Student Affairs (DSA) Dr Tanveer Ahmed intends to encourage open dialogue. “Students come to universities with academics in mind, definitely. However, when staying on campus, they find themselves challenged by aspects beyond academics. As the Dean Student Affairs, I want to create an environment where their voices are heard and valued,” he said. An Associate Professor with the School of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, Ahmed has a wealth of experience in the domains of machine learning, data analytics and natural language processing. It is his empathy for students and wanting to collaborate with them on projects that makes him the perfect fit for handling the charge of Dean Student Affairs. “I have envisioned a multi-layer operational model, starting at the school-level up to office of the Dean Student Affairs. The needs of the student community can then be addressed in a systematic manner, depending on the nature of the grievance,” Ahmed said, elaborating on the systematic changes he wishes to implement for facilitating students’ grievance redress. Dean Student Affairs Tanveer Ahmed poses for a snapshot with the Bennett University Student Council on which he relies to engage with the student community Alongside making solid reforms, Ahmed plans to redefine the vantage from which the office of the Dean Student Affairs is looked at. He hopes to foster team spirit and, he said, he has a few ideas about them in his playbook. “Among other measures, I plan to hit the gym and engage in some fitness activities with the athletes. By doing so, I can gain the confidence of the students in an environment they are comfortable in,” he said. “Slowly, I will engage with the clubs that conduct year-round activities and events on our campus. If given a chance, I would like to learn some dance steps from Rivaaz. Their classical dance performance on Republic Day truly impressed me,” the DSA said. (The writer is a Semester IV student of the BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.)

By Radhika Gupta Bennett University ’s official literary and debating society Cerebrum, organized an MUN orientation on 31 st January 2024 for students aspiring to be global ambassadors and future leaders. “At Bennett we have a lot of enthusiastic first year students curious about the MUN culture here and additionally those who have heard about MUNs from their friends but are unaware about its true meaning, so we organized this orientation for them. We explained the rules and procedures for how the MUN committees are run, difference between UN and Indian committees and the type of deliberations and discussions that are held there to those present" said Pranavi Ambati, the secretary of Cerebrum. “This orientation will also help the students participate well when we host an MUN here at Bennett sometime in April this year” added Pranavi. About a hundred students were present at the event and interacted with the Cerebrum members by answering questions and asking queries about MUN’s that were held previously in the campus. Akhilesh Pratap Singh, Head of MUN dept at Cerebrum explaining the procedure to the audience Photo Credits: Mohak Kapoor MUN’s or Model United Nations are stimulations where each student works as a representative of a country and solves a problem with other delegates. These are conferences held not just in Indian institutions but all across the globe as these help hundreds of thousands of students think like a leader, understand international relations and boost their confidence through public speaking. The MUN orientation held at Bennett will mark the beginning of a new journey in diplomacy for many of its students.

By CHIRAG KALRA Bennett University and the University of York , a prominent collegiate research institution with its headquarters in York, England, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) on Wednesday. Professor Charlie Jeffery , vice chancellor of York University, made the visit to Bennett University's campus. The joint venture is anticipated to promote information sharing, cooperative research initiatives, and student exchange programmes, giving Bennett University's academic endeavours a global perspective. This partnership has enormous potential to benefit both universities by expanding knowledge and improving the academic environment as a whole. "We plan on providing summer school opportunities to students at Bennett University and York University. This is not limited to any one school; rather, summer school will be available to all schools within both universities," said Charlie Jeffery. The partnership between Bennett University and the University of York is expected to have a significant effect on the landscape of education and research for years to come, especially with Professor Charlie Jeffery joining the team as an essential collaborator. "My biggest impression of Bennett University is that the staff and students here are really enthusiastic, and just like Bennett University, our campus is full of greenery, very welcoming, safe, and offers lots of opportunities for interaction between the staff and students," added Charlie Jeffery. The University of York was established in 1963 and at present incorporates over thirty departments and centres that provide a wide range of subject areas. It has been under the direction of Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery since September 2019 and is now ranked #167 in the QS World University Ranking 2024. Jeffery, a former senior vice-principal at the University of Edinburgh, places special emphasis on the nexus between social well-being, education, and research. Amongst his numerous experiences include positions as Chair of the Political Studies Association of the UK and at the Economic and Social Research Council. Committed to equitable economic growth, he establishes collaborations to increase access to chances and education.

By Pranavi Ambati The Office of International Relations and Corporate Outreach of Bennett University has proven its commitment towards global education by announcing BAJMC student Amairah Chaand Dhupar ’s acceptance as an exchange student at Ca’ Foscari University, Venice. Dhupar’s Italian odyssey traces its roots back to last year when shamanic anthropologist Prof. Stefano Beggiora from Ca’ Foscari University’s Department of Asian and African Studies visited Bennett University as part of his India tour. In addition to addressing the student cohort of the BA JMC programme, he also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Times School of Media that enabled this semester abroad exchange programme. For Dhupar, this initiative has been a reward, providing her invaluable international exposure. Beside education, she is set to immerse herself in the richness of Venice – its history, art and tranquility. “The environment of study inevitably influences education. Therefore, you must try to gain at least one international education experience in your formative years,” said Prof. (Dr.) Abhay Bansal , who heads the Office of International Relations and Corporate Outreach in the capacity of its Dean . “Our MoU with Ca’ Foscari is just the tip of the iceberg. There are more opportunities to explore this semester for students from all schools at Bennett University, be it the School of Law or the School of Management,” he added. (The writer is a Semester 4 student of the BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.)

By Aditi Shrivastava The Student Council of Bennett University released its first newsletter of their tenure, the Fall Edition, on Tuesday, January 29. This newsletter covers all insightful articles, event highlights, and student spotlights that created a buzz on the campus. It was designed by the content and design team, a part of the Student Council's Media and Innovation group. “The decision to create a newsletter was driven by the need to ensure that information reached all students, considering not everyone is active on social media and not everyone follows the club's social media handles. The newsletter provided a clear overview of events, which is often easier to understand than the continuous stream of updates on social platforms. Its purpose was to prevent information from getting lost or overlooked,” Jahnavi Raina, Vice President of the Media and Innovation of the Student Council, said. Student Council 2023-2024 of Bennett University. (Photo courtesy: Student Council) “We are a 15-member team which worked hard just to make sure that the newsletter covers every detail so that students don’t miss out on any highlight of any past events. It took almost three months for our team to file the content and design it accordingly and after taking such a long time we are glad to announce it today. We are just hoping for the best reviews now,” Nevedhya Purohit, Member of Student Council, said. “This newsletter revived all the memories of the past, be it garba night, Independence Day, and Bluemoon. It reminds me about the day when we all dressed up in retro outfits, and it beautifully describes my six months spent in this college,” Manan Grover, a BBA student, said. Beside an information tool, the newsletter aims to foster a sense of community among the students and help them relive the memories of several fun events, which are regularly organised on the campus.

By Shreya Dattatraya Chougule The students at Bennett University emerged victorious at various competitions at Odyssey’24, the annual fest of Indraprastha Institute of Technology , Delhi. The final rounds held on 19th and 20th of January 2024 gave Bennett University winners in categories like actings, instrumentals, photography and open mic. Ansh, the acting club of the university backed first position in Improv Fiesta. At this competition, the team of 5 students had to prepare an original script on the given prompt within 6 minutes. Ansh portrayed their take on How they would pitch movie ideas to Virus, a character from the 2009 film 3 Idiots. “The news of us winning the first prize felt unreal yet euphoric. Knowing how capable my team was, I knew we would ace this act. We focused on comprehending the topic well and presenting as many references as possible. Considering other colleges were also doing their best we did get a little worried, however we trusted our preparation and spontaneity,” said Sanya Bhattacharjee, Joint Secretary, Ansh. The students at the university also showed exceptional performances at other performing arts competitions like, the Unmute: Open Mic, where Ankita Dwivedi and Ghanishtha Jodha of BAJMC Sem II won third place at Hindustani Poetry and English poetry respectively. Along with this Bennett University proved to be a house of talent with Jayesh Anand of BTech Sem II winning second position at Rang-e-Raga, the Classical Solo Instrumental competition. Siddarth Rishi, BTech Sem IV, brought the University, it’s final win at the Odyssey’24 with third place at Tasveer-e-Darbaar, the photography competition. The participants went through an initial priliminary round where they were later shortlisted for the finals. Bagging prizes at one of the grandest fests in the region, Bennett students have now given a platform for their collegemates to follow, as they await more such chances in the future.

By Maansi Sreejith Bennett University ’s Movie Club, Sunset, organized a special screening of four patriotic films - Uri , Border , Chak De India , and Rang De Basanti for the enthusiastic student body, in tribute to India’s 75th Republic Day . The choice of these films resonated with the spirit of the occasion, showcasing tales of valor, sacrifice, and unity. Sunset’s Joint Secretary, Gaurav Chaudhry, said, “We chose to screen Uri, Border, Rang De Basanti, and Chak de India for their diverse themes and cultural significance. These movies resonate strongly with audiences due to their patriotic narratives, historical context, and valor of the Indian Army.” The screening provided students with the opportunity to revisit some of Bollywood’s most memorable patriotic masterpieces, creating an immersive experience that resonated with the essence of the Republic Day celebration. Gaurav adds, “The audience response was overwhelmingly positive. They were deeply engaged, discussing the films, and enjoying the experience together. It was heartening to witness their enthusiasm and connection with the stories portrayed.” Students at Bennett University were visibly excited about the choice of movies. One student, Shreya Singh Chandel from the School of Media, exclaimed, “Watching Uri on the big screen gave me Goosebumps. It is incredible how these movies still manage to evoke such strong emotions even after all these years. The audience was not only captivated by the on-screen performance but also moved by the underlying message of patriotism, courage, and resilience portrayed in each film.” Bennett University's celebration of the 75th Republic Day ended with the screening of these movies, which not only entertained but also inspired a sense of pride and gratitude among the student body, fostering a deeper connection with the nation’s rich heritage.

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh In a heartfelt celebration of patriotism and togetherness, Bennett University marked the 75th Republic Day , wrapping up a week filled with the vibrant "Hamara Uttar Pradesh " festivities. The occasion impeccably weaved together diverse cultural expressions, thought-provoking reflections, and captivating performances. The Dean of the School of Computer Science and Technology, Abhay Bansal, set the tone for the event by urging everyone to reflect on the values that bind the nation. In his opening remarks, he emphasized, "Let us not forget how we have achieved this freedom." Advaita, the university's musical society, commenced the performances, enrapturing the audience with a soul-stirring rendition of " Vande Mataram " and "Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walon," prompting a collective participation from the crowd. Vaibhav Lavania, a first-year MBA student, added an emotional touch to the celebration by reciting a heartfelt poem depicting the emotional journey of a mother writing to her son in the army during the Kargil War . Verve, the western dance club, infused the atmosphere with fervour through a powerful performance on patriotic Bollywood songs, evoking passion and love for the country and its brave soldiers. Cerebrum's Shaurya Singh Pundir recounting India's remarkable milestones Photo credit: Kamakshi Deshmukh Cerebrum, the Literary and Debating society, presented a rich tapestry of literary excerpts, featuring lines from Gurajada Venkata Apparao's Desabhakti , Hiren Bhattacharyya's Assamese exploration of patriotism, and powerful lines from Bal Gangadhar Tilak ’s poem. Prakhar Shukla, a core member of Cerebrum, quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 1949 speech, emphasizing that, "Independence is not just a joy; it is a monumental responsibility. With independence, we lose the excuse of blaming others for anything going wrong." Adamya Veer Singh, the Joint Secretary of Cerebrum, shared, "Being part of Cerebrum is like being a literary tour guide. We take you through great works that can reshape how you see the world!" Another core member wrapped the performance with a stirring speech, recounting the tales of India's remarkable milestones. The reminder echoed loud and clear – we, as Indians, are unique, and pride in our country is not just an emotion but a birthright. Rivaaz, the classical dance club, captured the audience's attention with a beautiful mix of classical dance styles, dancing to heart-touching songs like "Ae Watan" and "Jeete Hai Chal," earning cheers and applause from the crowd. The lively performance reached its pinnacle with a spirited dance to the timeless classic "Jai Ho," adding an exciting vibe to the celebration Ansh's Priyansh Pabreja takes center stage as Azad Singh, weaving a tale of freedom Photo credit: Kamakshi Deshmukh The event reached its finale as Ansh, the dramatics and theatrical club, unfolded a story of courage, independence, and sacrifice through the character of Azad Singh. Priyansh Pabreja, a second-year student and the actor behind Azad Singh, conveyed, "It was a moment that sent shivers down my spine, filling me with pride as I narrated stories of bravery and freedom." As the final notes of the national anthem resonated through the Bennett University campus, a collective hush fell upon the crowd. In the midst of this poignant moment, Anshu Mishra, a second-year Films student covering the event, shared her thoughts warmly, "Despite the heavy fog, I couldn't help but feel that the event was truly special. The performers delivered outstanding acts, and the fat that even the guard didis and bhaiyas contributed to the event was a heartwarming touch. Kudos to all of them."

By Medhansh Das A plantation drive was organised at Bennett University by the the Alexis Social Service and Welfare Club in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee on Thursday, January 25. This event was a part of the university’s weeklong celebration, “Humara Uttar Pradesh”, to mark the commencement of the new semester. It aimed to foster a sense of community and responsibility among students, encompassed diverse activities such as digital poster making, painting, poetry competitions, and a bonfire. Kritivardhan, the sub-head of the Alexis club , expressed optimism about the event's potential impact on students. He emphasised the urgent need for sustainable development in the NCR region given its burgeoning population. "I hope this event will give out a message to the students of Bennett to think of the future and sustainable development of our Earth, and right now it is the need of the hour," he said. A student plants a sapling inside the campus. (Photo by Vaayun Sachdeva) The plantation drive symbolised a proactive step toward fostering a greener and healthier environment, with students actively participating in planting trees and saplings within the campus premises. The collaboration between the Alexis club and the Sustainability Committee underscored the significance of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges. By engaging in a hands-on approach to tree planting, students connected with nature, realising the importance of individual contributions to preserving the ecosystem. Beyond the immediate visual impact of the newly planted trees, the event carried a symbolic significance, representing the collective responsibility of the student community towards sustainable living and environmental conservation. The act of planting trees communicated a powerful message about the imperative of ecological balance, highlighting the role individuals, even within an academic setting, play in contributing to a greener and healthier planet. The Bennett University community, through this initiative, showcased its commitment to sustainable practices and its role in shaping a more environmentally conscious future. (The writer is a Semester III student of the BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

Ms Shruti Jain, the head of the Placement Committee points out it's main aim and it being more than just getting students placements .

By PRANAVI AMBATI Greater Noida : Within a quaint auditorium, poets at Bennett University celebrated the timelessness of the verses penned by leaders of the Indian National Movement in the much anticipated ‘ Voices of Yore ’ poetry recitation competition . Conducted by CEREBRUM – the official Literary & Debating Society, the poetry competition was part of the week-long ‘ Hamara Uttar Pradesh ’ campaign leading up to the Republic Day celebrations. The recitation competition dated January 23, 2024 saw students challenge themselves in reciting the poems written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore , poet-activist Sarojini Naidu and Hindi litterateur Harivansh Rai Bachchan, among others. In a unique twist to the competition, participants were also assigned a tone in which they had to deliver the poem. The tone of their performance and consequently, their fates rested on the spin of a wheel. A first-year student pays close attention to the words of the poem he is set to read out loud. (Photo Courtesy: Mohak Kapoor) “The idea we had when contemplating the event was to explore how the tonality of a literary composition changes with a change in era. To add an element of surprise, it was decided to have both the poems and the tone be presented to the participants on the spot,” explained Pranavi Ambati, who is serving as the Secretary of the CEREBRUM Club . “We thought that participants would be daunted by the spontaneous nature of the event. However, we had walk-in registrations while the event was in progress, with registered participants calling their friends to also join in. It shows that the event was a fun experience for them – which is what we as a club were hoping for,” added the Joint Secretary Adamya Veer Jain. Alongside them, the participants were also judged by the Student Council President Aryan Jindal as well as the Vice President Clubs & Committees Diksha Diwaker. Criteria of judgement included ‘poetic recitation’, ‘clarity of speech’ and ‘adherence to the tone’. The results of this competition that showcased the timelessness of poetic compositions will be declared on mail on January 25, 2024. The winners will then be felicitated at the Republic Day celebrations on the campus on the 26 th . “I participated in the competition as I found the poster featuring the black-and-white stills of the poets extremely gripping. And the experience was just as fun! Who would have ever thought of reading aloud Sarojini Naidu’s ‘To the God of Pain’ in a humorous tone?” said Aditi Raj, a second-year BA LLB student who was among the gathered participants. (The writer is a Semester-4 student of the BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.)

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa Silhouette , the official art club of Bennett University held a Painting Competition in the lead up to India's 75th Republic day to ignite the patriotic spirits of the students of the university. Themed around Republic Day, the participants took to the canvas to illustrate their artistic images on the monumental occasion with a winner yet to be announced. "I am proud to have coordinated such an event that combined the official opening of the Ram Mandir with the start of Republic Day week. We wove strands of patriotism through an art competition, colorful Rangoli, and honoring the spirit of Jayshree Ram." said Nemal Rizvi, the secretary of the Silhouette Art club to explain the purpose of the event. Byash Chand Sah, the Joint Secretary explained his experience of the event, "I hope the patriotic and secular nature of the country shines through this competition and through the participants' entries," he said. Along with this event, Silhouette’s creative team also made a fantastic rangoli in the campus to announce the return of Lord Rama with Sita in his arms, surrounded by diya lamps. In the lead up to Republic Day, more events are yet to come with Silhouette giving us a taste of people creativity. Below are the entries of participants in the competition.

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh Bennett University 's School of Computer Science and Engineering Technology hosted a dynamic Industry Hackathon , becoming a magnet for top talent from over 20 institutes and universities, including IIT Kharagpur, IIIT Ranchi, and more. The event, featuring a grand prize pool of 50,000 rupees, brought together a diverse array of tech enthusiasts eager to tackle real-world challenges in Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science . The hackathon comprised 100 enthusiastic teams, with 30 making the cut to present their pioneering prototypes. Among the standout projects was Amartya Saran's endeavour—a chatbot designed for a car transportation company. Saran and his team’s innovation focused on curbing carbon emissions, addressing challenges such as data collection, interpretation and visualization. Saran reflected on his creation, saying, "Developing a chatbot that contributes to environmental sustainability is not just a technical challenge; it's a promise to a greener future. I believe technology can be a powerful force for positive change." Shivansh Pande, along with teammates Raghav Juneja and Arman Jindal, took a novel approach by developing a chatbot that seamlessly provided users with updates on the hackathon in real time. Pande expressed openness to collaborations, emphasizing the potential application of their technology to solve real-world challenges. Pande stated, "Our chatbot is more than just information delivery; it's a gateway to promoting meaningful discussions. We welcome collaborations and discussions on how this technology can be applied to make a lasting impact." Dr. Abhay Bansal, the Dean of the School of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, expressed hope for increased participation and future accomplishments. He said, "Looking forward to more participation and continued great achievements in the future. I hope these initiatives make our students industry-ready!" In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the synergy between academia and industry is pivotal for success. Driven by a commitment to nurturing innovation and imparting practical skills, the Industry Hackathon presented an exciting opportunity for college students to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving abilities. The hackathon not only showcased the remarkable collaboration and innovation between institutions and industry players but also underscored the pivotal role of students in driving meaningful change. As these budding tech enthusiasts actively engage in such platforms, Bennett University leads the way in molding the future leaders of the tech industry.

By Radhika Gupta An online digital poster making competition called Patriotic Palette was organized in Bennett University on 21 st January 2024. The university’s student council was the team behind the event. The competition- Patriotic Palette is a part of a larger series of events organized under the name ‘Humara Uttar Pradesh ’. This includes a weeklong of competitions, bonfire events, and plantation drive so that the students can showcase their talents, have fun and relax during the chilly weather. “We live in the modern era where the traditional painting and conventional designing are decreasing while online designing is trending, therefore this online poster competition was organized by us for the students," said Jahnavi Rana the 20-year-old vice president of Media and Innovations group in the student council at Bennett University. One of the objectives of the event was also to help students inculcate a new skill set and the best 3 posters will be selected in the council’s design team. "We will be judging the entries based on creativity, originality and the kind of software they use to make the posters on the given themes,” added Jahnavi . Online registration forms were shared where the students were expected to submit their entries latest by 24 th January 2023. The posters were to be made either on the topic of the Republic Day of India or Humara Uttar Pradesh. Screenshots of the creative process were also to be shared with the council and would be a part of the judgement. The winners will be announced on Republic Day and would be awarded with gift vouchers up to Rs.5000.

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa Bennett University concluded its celebration of the National Youth Week 2024 on Thursday, with the event " Bookverse : Unveiling Wisdom Through Words." The event provided a platform for students to share their literary passions and recommendations. Avid bibliophiles gathered between A and B Blocks, as students wrote their favourite quotes and books that had impacted them. The event aimed at celebrating the effect stories have on us as individuals. From timeless classics to modern gems, the diverse range of books named on the board showed the varied tastes and interests within the students of the university. “The Youth Week was held to celebrate the work of Swami Vivekananda , one of the best writers till date, and we at NSS thought of no better way to conclude the week but with a small celebration lead by literature,” the president of NSS Vansh Gupta said as he explained the event. "This event was only possible because of my team at NSS, we had no outside help and were able to make this week a nonstop thrilling event with competitions, talks and prizes," Gupta said. As the event unfolded, the youth week came to a close and with a board filled with the favorites of students, one couldn’t help but call it another success from the NSS team. (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme)

By Radhika Gupta The open mic event, organised as part of the National Youth Week on the campus to commemorate Swami Vivekananda Jayayanti, drew a huge crowd on Thursday night. Students participated is big numbers. Members of the National Social Service Council organised the event. “In order to celebrate Swami Vivekananda's Jayanti, we came up with the idea of celebrating National Week in Bennett University . The Open Mic was organised so that the students could get a platform to showcase their talent. More than 20 people participated, sang Bollywood songs, played instruments and narrated poems and shayari at the event. I recited a shayari on heartbreak. Overall, we enjoyed hosting the event and all the new members of NSS learnt how to organize major events too,” NSS president Vansh Gupta said. The open mic was the 6 th event in a seven-day activities organised to ensure youth engagement and learning. Before the event, posters were placed all across the campus, and emails and online forms sent to students to ensure maximum participation. “I was the first performer at the open mic event but since I am a frequent performer, so I wasn’t nervous. I sang two songs- ‘Without me’ by Halsey and ‘Kesariya’ from the movie Brahmastra by Arijit Singh. I also played the guitar for other participants who wanted me to provide background music during their performances. It was an enjoyable experience and the environment felt supportive too as proper encouragement and mic support was provided to us” BAJMC student Prithvi Abhay said. The three winners of the open mic event will be announced by NSS heads on January 18 and they will be given books written by Swami Vivekananda as prizes. “There were three students whose performances stood out and were the highlight of the event- Ratan and Divyansh who spoke beautiful self-composed shayari and Malika who sung a beautiful Bollywood song. They are the winners,” Shradha Grover, vice-president of social media wing of NSS, said.

By Anmol Singh Sethi The National Service Scheme (NSS) conducted a movie night Cinemingle for the students of Bennett University on the fourth day of the National Youth Week to celebrate the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and encourage youth engagement. “We showed four movies that we thought would encourage students - 1 2 th Fail, Chhichhorey, 3 Idiots and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” NSS member Nikshay Sharma said. The movies had the common theme which encouraged students to soldier through their hardships and pursue their dreams. He also said that one of the purposes of the Youth Week is to engage students in fun activities and this movie night helped them do just that. The movies were shown in classrooms NLH 101,102,103 and 104. These are big classrooms which can accommodate around 250 students in one class. “We are expecting a turnout of around 800 students,” Nikshay said before the commencement of Cinemingle. There was a buzz around the campus before the movies started. The tuck shop was filled with students waiting in lines to buy their snacks for the movie. The students had their eyeballs glued to the screens and had their hands acting as a claw machine that picked and dropped food from their snack bags to their mouth. The fact that students got to watch college themed movies on campus along with their batchmates added to the immaculate atmosphere across the four classrooms. “It was a lively night. Students singing along to the songs made the experience interactive and enjoyable,” Afreen, a first-year liberal arts student, said. She pointed out that some people were shouting out famous dialogues during the films scenes which was a new experience to her. This was just one of the events that the NSS conducted. Therepart, Versecraft and Takeshi’s Castle were the other events that were conducted during the first three days of the Youth Week. The students are now looking forward to the fifth day which is packed with exciting events. “I’m looking forward to Bookverse that will take place on the January 18,” Sarvagya, a BTech firsr-year student, said.

By Prithvi Abhay Shankaregowda The ongoing Youth Week activities to commemorate Swami Vivekananda Jayanti saw a clutch of game competitions as part of its Day 3 activities. The Takeshi’s Castle themed sports activities were a huge draw among the student community with participants engaging in fun games like three-legged race , Tug of War and Tank to name a few. The Bennett University Student Council organised the event in association with the National Service Scheme ( NSS ). The event started at 2 pm on the university's lush football ground, with a three-legged race. As many as 25 pairs participated. Protyoya Datta and Tarun Dagar from BTech CSE bagged the first prize. The second game was ‘Tank’ in which groups of five chained their hands and battled each other. The participted got so involved in the games that they demanded another round, “The game of Tank is fun and I will be playing another round. The organisers have put in a lot of thought and effort in making the games interesting,” CSE first year student Khushi Tanwar said. After a short refreshment break, two rounds of Tug of War were played. The Takeshi’s Castle game in which the participants had to hop to the finish line with their feet bound by ribbons, eat a piece of cake and hop back to the start line was a big draw. The fourth game was Red Light Green Light which had been inspired by the Netflix show Squid Game. Nikshay Dhingra bagged the first position, followed by Shreya Pandey. A huge crowd had gathered to see the games. “We had a good time. Watching my friends fall was hilarious. It was a fun-filled week of exciting activities. I’m looking forward to the open mic on Wednesday,” first-year BTech student Keshav Sharma said. A book on the life of Swami Vivekananda was the prize given to all winners. The day ended with an impromptu jig by the participants. “I am happy with the response of today’s event as the volunteer team worked hard to organise the games. We gained a lot of new memberships for the NSS,” second year BTech student and an NSS volunteer Jatin Singhal said.

By Joya Bhuyan and Vivikta Negi The Times School of Media ended the semester on a high by putting up an engaging photo exhibit titled Photo Walk , Tales of Chandni Chowk. This was part of the final assignment for the Digital Photography course. The Photo Walk, curated by first semester students, was graced by award-winning photojournalist and Deputy Photo Editor of Open Magazine Ashish Sharma who commended their effort as the guest of honour. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Sharma shared valuable insights with the budding journalists on their work, taking the time to carefully observe every display and critically analyse each aspect down to the minutest details. His professional criticism accompanied with positive feedback was met with awe in his expertise, leaving students feeling proud and acknowledged for hard work done. The Photo Walk drew in huge applause from the Faculty for the variety of snapshots propelling many a photo story, as also for continuing TSOM 's long-standing tradition of inviting industry stalwarts to interact with students. As the title suggests, the pictures constituting the Photo Walk were clicked in Chandni Chowk. Semester 1 students were taken on a field trip to the infamous market as part of their photovoice assignment. They were tasked with selecting a theme and clicking pictures using digital cameras either owned by them or issued by the university, showing TSOM’s commitment to hands-on learning and a practical curriculum. Students had captioned the photographs, aptly capturing the narrative behind them. The photographs were displayed on the walls of two classrooms of the newly-built P Block of Bennett University, in a gallery-like fashion, with reflective captions pasted alongside the prints. The Photo Walk showcased diverse subjects ranging from the old architecture in Chandni Chowk, to portraits of shops and street vendors populating its long-winding narrow alleys. “It was a great learning experience. I got to do something I had never done before. There were a lot of challenges but it was an exciting assignment," TSOM's first semester student Shreya Kiran said. Her classmate Saanya Gupta said she had a lot of fun with her group in creating the snapshots of her first-ever live assignment as a media student. (The report has been written by TSOM's Semester 1 students)

By PRANAVI AMBATI Greater Noida : Amid thunderous applause and proud smiles of the faculty and parents, Bennett University ’s graduating Batch of 2023 received their degrees, decked in graduation robes and hats that were later tossed into the air. Graced with the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who attended Bennett University’s 5 th Convocation on the campus on December 7 as Chief Guest, and Zerodha Founder Nikhil Kamath who was the Guest of Honour, the campus was energized to confer upon its graduating cohort the results of their hard work and perseverance. Other dignitaries included the State’s Minister of Higher Education Yogendra Upadhyay and the Minister of State for the Public Works Department Brijesh Singh. In his address, the Chief Minister congratulated Chancellor Vineet Jain for establishing a state-of-the-art private university in Uttar Pradesh and for fostering a culture of progressive education. “I am happy to see that the university is achieving the principles envisioned under the National Education Policy 2020 in the 7 years of its establishment so far,” he said. The Chief Minister’s address reiterating the Prime Minister’s ‘Panch Pran’ or five resolves to a developed India was preceded by a tree-planting ceremony, symbolic of the growth, prosperity and nurturing of young minds. He was also presented with a painting depicting the coronation of Lord Rama as a token of appreciation by a student-artist Harshit Agarwal at the university. As many as 982 degrees were conferred at the convocation which was declared open by the Chancellor, alongside officiating Vice-Chancellor Ajith Abraham , Registrar Dhirendra Singh Parihar and the Deans of the respective schools, who formed the academic procession. “I am confident that the education imparted at Bennett University has prepared you to be individuals who use the knowledge and skills for the betterment of the society,” the Chancellor said in his address. He also took the moment to share his vision for the university in the coming years, with the launch of an interdisciplinary school in the field of artificial intelligence. “Incoming students shall now be able to major in AI, with specializations in some of the hot areas like FinTech, healthcare, robotics, economics and marketing,” he added. “We have over 80 plus functional Memorandums of Understandings. We are optimistic of growing these to over 120 collaborations in the coming academic year. Our focus is on positioning Bennett University as a world-class institute of research and innovation,” Abraham said. On behalf of Bennett University, he announced the presenting of D.Phil. Honoris Causa to Kamath for his contributions in the field of business. In addition to the 982 degrees, 21 PhD degrees were awarded. Meritorious students with distinguished academic and co-curricular journeys were recognised for their calibre. The Chancellor’s Gold Medal, 4 Chancellor’s Silver Medals and 17 Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medals were bestowed on students of various Schools. The top honour of Chancellor’s Gold Medal was conferred on Aaviral Agarwal, who pursued the three-year BCA programme. Kushagra Joshi , recipient of the Chancellor’s Silver Medal (All Rounder Student) and the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal for Batch Topper in BBA Hons, was at a loss of words due momentary elation. “I was aware that medals would be conferred on me. However, the bigness of the moment truly sunk in when I walked up to the stage and was given the medal,” Joshi said. His highlight of the day? “Seeing pride on my parents’ faces,” he said. The Times School of Media’s best student Shambhavi Upadhyay was the proud recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold medal. “My years at Bennett University shaped me as a person and gave me the vision to attempt the UPSC exam. The Gold medal means a lot to me,” Upadhyay said in a voice overwhelmed with emotion. (The writer is a Semester-3 student of the BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.)

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa Bennett University’s 5th Convocation Ceremony was a grand affair with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath calling it a world class campus and congratulating Chancellor Vineet Jain for striving to take the university to heights of excellence. “Bennett has proven to be a world class university with so much range and many schools for courses and education and with 30+ industrialists linked to the advisory board of Bennett for advice and placements,” he said in his speech as Chief Guest. He mentioned the importance of a harmonic and advanced society that is always moving forward in the world, “I am very happy that Bennett University has been on the forefront of making society a better and more advanced place in many aspects since its inception as a platform for higher education,” he said. He also highlighted the Bennett University's role in positioning India as a global leader in technology, research, development and industry. “India will lead the world in technology, research, development and industries due to our higher education institutions,” he added. He exhorted the Faculty members and students to work on bringing back the glory of higher education on which ancient India sat at the global level. “From Kanchi and Kashi, India was known and respected worldwide as a hub of higher education institutions of repute. We should, together, try and reach those heights of excellence again,” Adityanath said. Talking about the first duty of citizens, he exhorted students to put nation before anything else. “If I had to choose between the country and my family, the country would come first,” he said. He said, by 2047, India would become a superpower in the real sense of the term. “Panch Pran outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make India a superpower by 2047,” he said. “When all the 142-crore people of India speak together and all together with the goal of moving ahead, there is no way we won't progress ahead,” the Chief Minister added. The ceremony was marked by inspiring speeches and notable guests like State Cabinet Minister for Higher Education Yogendra Upadhyay, and the commencement of a new academic journey for the graduating students. Nikhil Kamath , the Founder and CEO of Zerodha, shared his wisdom with the students, “My advice to students is don't learn on the syllabus and look at the world for your interests and more knowledge which is the need of the day.” The convocation ended after a four-hour activity which kept the students excited. It symbolized not just the culmination of academic journeys but also the beginning of new endeavors for the graduates, armed with the wisdom shared by accomplished speakers from various fields. (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa Bennett University 's Times School of Media ( TSOM ) took a significant step towards building an international partnership when it hosted St Petersburg-based HSE University Professors Oksana Arutiunian and Mikhail Tyurki , along with their students . They were visiting Bennett University to explore the possibility of launching a student exchange programme with TSOM. This visit holds great importance for both the department and the university as it could lead to Bennett University and HSE University working together to offer exciting international opportunities for their students. Tyurki, a former international journalist, had lots of interesting stories to share from his time reporting on countries like China, Japan and Europe. The meeting was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajith Abraham, TSOM Dean Sanjeev Ratna Singh, Film School Professor Gauri Chakrobarty , and Assistant Professors Vidhanshu Kumar , Meera Shirodkar, and Saurabh Sharma. They talked about how students from both universities could learn from each other and explore different cultures. Interacting in a casual exchange about the cultural diversity of the counties they delved into topics such as sports, cinema and performing arts. The Russian students had just come from a set where they had been working on an exciting project– the documentary "My Guru" which will showcase the culture of Punjab, including its economy, education system, IT industry and fashion. The Russian students visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Wagah border. This project not only shows how amazing Punjab is, but also highlights the strong connection between Indian and Russian cultures, Tyurki. Chakrobarty talked about the importance of gurus in Indian culture. She shared her experiences of growing up in a culturally rich environment and how, when she was a child, gurus were more like a third parent and would take up pupils to pass their teachings down through. Tyurki lightened the mood by mentioning that famous Indian songs, like "Disco Dancer," are loved in Russia and it was a small part of their childhood that they had to thank India for. This visit and the discussions are proof of Bennett University's TSOM department's commitment to give students a chance to explore the world. If the two universities work together, it could be an amazing opportunity for students to learn from each other and experience different cultures. The chance of an exchange student programme between Indian and Russian universities is a major step. It means that students from both countries can learn from each other and have more exposure to international relations. This partnership could be a bridge between two countries, helping students become better at what they do while also understanding different cultures. This exciting visit is a step toward a more global education system. The two universities are looking forward to the partnership and all the benefits things it could bring to the students. As they work together, they'll open up new horizons for students and make them more aware of the world around them. It's a win-win situation for everyone. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Pragya Singh Bennett University welcomed freshers with a flourish at Bluemoon on Wednesday. The 8 th edition of the event was held with the theme, ‘Retro- Relive the 70s and 80s’. While the campus was abuzz in a blur of velvet shirts, bellbottoms and polka dots, the food stalls were one of the main attractions among the students. With an array of the favourite brands, students milled in groups for a break from the usual mess food. Ranging from Biryani Blues to Berkos the students enjoyed everything from Hyderabadi to Chinese cuisine. However, golgappes remained a favourite among students as they milled around the stall through the crowd to get more. While golgappes were popular among the students, there was more to offer. “My all-time favourite has always been pizza, so Chicago Pizza here is the best”, Shaurya Ahlawat, a third-year student said. The fragrance of all sorts of food mingled in the grounds as the students laughed and talked while they migrated from one stall to another. “I think it is commendable the level of hygiene and cleanliness that is being maintained by the food joints, especially given that they set the stalls very quickly”, Abhay Jain, a BAJMC student said. Content and full to the stomach, the students went back to watch the performances further as the party raged on.

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa Bennett University 's campus came alive tonight with vibrant colors, pulsating rhythms, and an electrifying atmosphere as the eagerly awaited annual cultural extravaganza, Bluemoon 8.0 unfolded. This renowned event, a highlight on the university's calendar, showcased a mix of talents and creativity through captivating cultural performances. With each passing year, Bluemoon continues to raise the bar, uniting students, clubs , and enthusiasts in a celebration of dance, music, and various performing arts like never before. The heart of the event showed in its diverse and dynamic club performances, and this year, Rivaaz (Indian dance), Advaita (Music), Verve (Western dance), and Panache (Fashion) truly stole the spotlight. Rivaaz enthralled the audience with their mesmerizing choreography, effortlessly dancing on various tunes of retro Hindi songs and Punjabi beats. “We’re so proud of the team who prepared such an amazing dance in such a short notice, I couldn’t have asked for a better opening event,” the Secretary of Rivaaz, 2nd year BAJMC student, Simarpreet Kaur said. Verve followed Rivaaz up by captivating the crowd with their enchanting dance moves, effortlessly grooving to a mix of Retro Western tunes and contemporary moves. ”We try and give it our all out there whenever there’s a performance, tonight was no difference, I hope we didn’t disappoint," the Secretary of Verve, 2nd year B.Techstudent, Sarthak Anand said. Panache wowed the crowd with their stunning runway showcase, strutting in the latest styles while mxing it up with some thematic retro fits. To top it off, they added an unexpected twist, concluding with a surprise dance performance to the song “Disco Dancer” that left the audience in awe. ”panache has always been about fashion but this idea of adding a dance felt very appropriate and the whole club is satisfied with the performance," the Joint Secretary of Panache, 2nd year BAJMC student, Shreya Talwar said. Advaita delighted the audience with their captivating performance by rendering retro Bollywood songs that transported listeners to a bygone era. ”We couldn’t be happier by our performance and the crowd’s response after all the hard work we put in for this performance," the Secretary of Advaita, 3rd year B.Tech student, Abhinendra Singh said. To finish the night from the clubs’ side, Advaita had another performance called ‘Cypher’ which featured two of their members Aman Yadav and Adhyay Bansal who rapped a remix of the song ‘Khatta Flow’ by Seedhe Maut and KR$NA. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Shreya Singh Chandel The titles of Mr and Ms Fresher were handed out at BlueMoon 8.0, the fresher’s party held for freshman year students at Bennett University (BU), on the 27th of September, 2023. The title of Ms. Fresher was bagged by Ghanishta Jodha and Siddhant Chauhan was crowned as Mr. Fresher for the batch of 2023-24. ”I wanted people to hear me out in the form of poetry, that I performed during the talent hunt held a week preceding the event. I never thought that I would manage to get myself to bag this position of honor, but I’m very grateful for it,” says Jodha, fixing her sash that reads ‘Bluemoon 8.0, Miss Fresher.’ Chauhan, on the other hand, claimed that he had faith in himself and the fact that the Mr. Fresher sash had his name written all over it. “I believed in myself and I had a feeling that I had a shot at winning this,” claimed Chauhan. A talent hunt was held for the freshers a week before the party by the student council and the performing clubs and it witnessed an active participation from the freshmen. However, after thorough auditioning and marking, a total of fourteen finalists were chosen to present themselves by ramp-walking on a bigger stage at the fresher’s party. The fourteen participants who entered the semi final round were told to win the hearts of Judges Daisy Khound , North-West Diva 2023 and Anushka Lekharu, Femina Miss India Assam 2023, and the finalists did a pretty good job. “It was a challenge, you know, picking the top 7 out of the semi finalists and finally, picking the two winners. All of them did a beautiful job,” Khound told the audience. The top 7 finalists chosen by the judges, apart from Jodha and Chauhan were Aryan Chaudhary , Aarchi Sharma, Vishesh Guha Majumdar , Shivali Agarwal, Harsh Kumar . The 7 Finalists were given another challenge in the form of a situation game, where the guest host, RJ Rabia from Radio Mirchi, gave the contestants a hypothetical situation, through which they had to answer their way out. Apart from the Ms. And Mr. Freshers, the title of ‘Best Walk’ was awarded to Aarchi Sharma and the crown of ‘Best Dressed’ was given to Harsh Kumar. The night ended with the winners being awarded gift hampers from Hi Life, the sponsors of the event, and a cash prize of INR 2500 to Mr. and Ms. Freshers and INR 1500 to ‘Best Walk’ and ‘Best Dressed’ from the University.

By Pranavi Ambati With less than eight hours to the much-awaited Bluemoon 8.0, Bennett University’s annual freshers’ night function, the N-Block was lit up for clubs to rehearse and ensure they put on unforgettable performances. The theme for Bluemoon 8.0 is ‘ Retro Vision ’ and everything from the set to the costumes are designed with the intent of transporting the freshmen crowd into the 60s, and allowing them to experience dainty backdrops and nimble acts, contrasted by bold outfits and props. “The theme was chosen in a very democratic manner,” said Vice-President Clubs & Committees Diksha Diwaker, on behalf on the Student Council . The fifth-year law student has been overseeing the run-through, aided by the Team Club Relations. “As you know, the BU Student Council is largely divided into five wings, each headed by a Vice-President. The instructions from the Office of the Dean Student Affairs were for each wing to pitch an idea for the theme, with an elaborate explanation of how the theme could be realized through stage designs, music setlist, promotional material, etc. Once the 5 pitches were presented, voting was conducted,” she explained. It was no surprise then that ‘ Retro ’ received the most votes. While the theme was decided upon and announced by the Student Council, performing clubs were free to interpret the theme and exercise autonomy in deciding on the elements of their individual recitals. Joint Secretary of the western dance club ‘Verve’, second-year law student Navya Mishra said, “Retro reminds me of old-school romance the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, as well as Hema Malini & Jeetendra. The same is reflected in our choice of songs.” Over at Ansh, the theatre society of Bennett University, Secretary Diksha Arora shared that they too had a similar line of thought. “Nostalgia and yearning for the then Hindi-cinema landscape is what we wish to evoke,” she added. At the programme run-through that began at 11:00 pm, the rehearsal hall was filled with performers – old and new faces alike. 2 nd year BTech CSE student Riya Gupta was one among the many first-timers. “I enjoy losing myself to the beats of Bhangra and Rivaaz’s choreographies have always mesmerized me. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to sign up,” Gupta said. With the zeal of the performers and organisers at an all-time high despite it being late in the night, it is inevitable that a grand event would be put up on the evening of Bluemoon 8.0. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.)

By Medhansh Das The Times School of Media ’s placement board organised it’s second masterclass with Mr Joel Anthony , the CEO of Compass India Support Services Private Limited, a global foodservice and support services company. The first masterclass saw a more advertising approach, this session delved into the world of sales and marketing. Having worked in big known Multinational Companies (MNCs) such as Philips and LG , Mr Anthony had years of experience and knowledge that he shared with the students. His enthusiasm and dedication were greatly appreciated by both the students and faculty when they learned that Mr Anthony came directly to Bennett University after catching a flight from Mumbai, where he had attended yet another summit by the Times group (a summit held by The Economic Times ). His masterclass explored the world and life of a salesman, using various analogies and life stories of his own journey. “Sales can be a very rewarding career, if first you know to sell yourself” said Joel beginning his session. Mr Anthony imparted some precious wisdom saying, “The two most important things that I have learned in my 30 plus years in this career is, that your first impression is your lasting impression and second, great things never come from your comfort zone”. Having worked in many international companies Joel told the students that different cultures can teach you different things. “What are the qualities that you look for in a future sales employee before hiring them?” asked a BAJMC fresher to which Mr Anthony replied, “Fire in the belly, learning agility and good communication skills is all that I personally look for”. A few tricks he shared from his own experience as a salesman were that it was the small wins that kept him going and that a salesman is only as good as his last sales. He ended his session with a very thoughtful quote: “The grass is not greener on the other side, its greener where you water it”. All in all, this masterclass was yet another successful placement activity held by the Placement Committee, with more such professional coming for masterclasses in the near future. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA JMC programme.)

BY Chirag Kalra All eyes are focused on the boxing team's tryouts on the second day of sports trials being held by the Bennett University's Sports Committee since it is the first time a combat sport like boxing is being offered to the students. The trial process required the applicants to go through and pass three stages, including a basic fitness test, pad work to gauge how hard they punch, and sparring, which is a mock combat match to give them a taste of what they'll be practising for! “The boxing team's first important job is to put up a core team that will represent the university in both intra- and extra-campus competitions. Secondly, we don't limit the combat training to only the members of the core team; rather, we are pleased to train other students who merely want to learn about the sport, so the training is accessible to everyone. We encourage everyone who is interested to join us in the evenings for healthy practice sessions as five days a week, from Monday to Friday, have been scheduled for the training session.” Farhan Bhatti , vice captain of the boxing team, said. Students of all genders participated in the trials, demonstrating the university's dedication to gender equality in athletics. Particularly strong impressions have been made by female boxers, who have demonstrated their skills and endurance. “It's the zeal and the abundance of requests for us to start coaching the sport that we have been getting from students in all batches, especially freshmen. We had been teaching boxing to students unofficially before, but as more students enrolled in the institution and expressed a strong desire to participate, we had to start teaching it professionally. As a result, we now have a coach and a large place for them to practise and learn,” Raunak Shukla , captain of the boxing team, said. The Bennett University's boxing team trials were not only a chance for students to explore their love of boxing, but also a sign of the university's commitment to promoting a culture of quality and sportsmanship. Students excitedly anticipate the announcement of the new team members who will represent the university in the competitive world of college boxing as the trials continue.

By Pakhi Dave Clubs have always played a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant campus life of Bennett University . These student-run organizations are not just about extracurricular activities; they are platforms that empower students to explore and hone their diverse talents. With a whopping 25 clubs on campus, including Pulse, Advaita, Verse, Rivaaz, and Ansh, Bennett University proudly provides students with avenues to excel in their chosen areas of interest. The process to select the next generation of club leaders is now in full swing, with members of the Student Council at the helm. Led by Club Relations Head Diksha Diwaker, the council is entrusted with the task of identifying students who will take these clubs to new heights. Each interview , a critical component of this selection process, lasts between 10 to 15 minutes. It serves as an opportunity for candidates to articulate their vision and plans for the respective clubs they wish to lead. What's notable about this process is its inclusivity. All students who aspired to become club leaders were encouraged to apply. A comprehensive application form was released, allowing students to express their interests and aspirations. Additionally, core members were given the opportunity to apply for positions as secretaries or joint secretaries. To maintain order and ensure a seamless interview process, a waiting hall adjacent to the interview room was thoughtfully arranged. It was a scene of palpable excitement, as students waited their turn to share their passion and ideas. Niharika Lal, the Sub-Head of Club Relations, expressed the collective enthusiasm , stating, "Even we are excited to meet and interview the new leaders of Bennett Clubs . We wish them the best of luck in leading the various clubs of the University and helping the council in supporting our students." As the interviews conclude, Bennett University eagerly awaits the results that will soon be announced. This selection process embodies the spirit of inclusivity, enthusiasm, and dedication that defines Bennett University's commitment to nurturing student talents and passions.

By Medhansh Das Bennett University was adorned with fervor and devotion as students came together to celebrate Janmashtami , the birth of Lord Krishna , in a spectacular evening event on the university campus. The eve of Janmashtami was celebrated with a musical evening filled with bhajans and songs dedicated to lord Krishna performed by the students. A beautiful rangoli of a peacock was created for the occasion by the students which attracted a lot of passersby, especially the newly admitted freshers of the university, with Janmashtami being the first festival that they will celebrate in the campus. Students came in great numbers adorned in traditional ethnic attire. The evening began with melodious songs and bhajans which even the audience joined in and sang. Despite there being a lot of technical difficulties, the power of devotion reigned supreme. Each song was followed by chants of “Hare Krishna” and “Radhe Radhe”. "Its been a while since I have celebrated Janmashtami, the serene and yet enthusiatic atmosphere of the evening definitely made me excited about the festival again" said Khushi, a first year B. Tech student. The musical performance was succeeded by an equally enjoyable round of shayaris and a quick quiz round about the life of Lord Krishna. After this several dance performances took place which were mainly centred around the gospels of Krishna and Radha . The evening served as a beautiful reminder of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual values that continue to thrive among the youth in India . For this special occasion, the boys' common room is open for the night for both girls and boys to offer their prayers and the student council is even offering special food made for students fasting on Janmashtami. The writer is a Semester III student of the BAJMC programme.

By Rishi Bhushan In the town hall held on Wednesday, the Placement Committee of the Times School of Media (TSOM) convened to announce the establishment of a Prep Board which will operate under the Junior and the Senior Board. The Prep Board, comprising 10 members from semester I, will be elected through a rigorous selection process and will work closely with the senior boards of the Placement Committee to facilitate skill-building, mentorship and job placement opportunities for their fellow seniors and eventually themselves. “Even though the semester I students won’t be getting placed till semester V, it is a great learning curve for all of you and understand how an organisation operate,” said Shruti Jain, head of the Placement Committee, while addressing the semester I students. In attendance were also the students' heads of the committee along with the senior and the junior boards. The Placement Committee aims to provide industry-ready students of the TSOM with one hundred per cent placement in top-tier companies. The current board, which also happens to be the inaugural board of the committee, has been actively working to achieve this target since the placement drive starts in October. Shruti Jain also announced the schedule for an upcoming masterclass with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Compass India Support Services, Joel Anthony , who will talk about shaping vision and growth in startups with the students of TSOM. The Placement Committee, in addition to the primary aim of placing the students in companies, will also provide them with masterclasses with media professionals, mentorship programs and networking events which will equip the students with skills and knowledge to excel in this dynamic field.

By Rishi Bhushan School of Computer Science Engineering and Technology ( SCSET ) kicked off the academic year with an exhilarating ‘Club Carnival’, aiming to introduce the freshers to the exciting world of extracurricular technology domains and give recognition to the 24 clubs and chapters that fall under the SCSET cabinet. With a colourful array of booths, interactive displays and student volunteers explaining to the freshers the functioning of their respective clubs, the carnival was a vibrant celebration of the technology’s multifaceted applications beyond the classroom. “The main aim of this carnival was to make freshers aware of the different domains they can explore. The chairpersons of different clubs wanted to do this in a ‘town fair’ format because it increases the chances of networking since you meet new people,” said the general secretary of the student cabinet of SCSET, Satvik Dayal. Dayal also mentioned the overwhelming participation of students in the carnival, with more than five hundred students having already registered for different clubs and chapters. The dean of SCSET, Dr Abhay Bansal, explained how the main of these clubs is not extracurricular activities, but to develop skills that are compatible with industry and turn the incoming freshers into industry-ready professionals. The booth that turned the most heads due to the display of a fully-functioning motorsports car, was the stall of the Automotive Club under the mechanical engineering department. Puru Gupta, vice-captain of Bennett Motorsports, said, “This is more of a passion project which a few passionate people started and now we are looking to expand on their legacy. We want freshers to join in and learn from the seniors of our club and then make race cars that win competitions.” The Automotive Club was formed in 2022 and they have successfully built a functioning race car. With over eight lakh rupees already invested in the car, Bennett’s team managed to secure the 32 nd position among 77 teams from across India in an engineering competition held at the Buddha International Circuit in 2022. Another club that attracted freshers was the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC), a club that is completely backed by the Google Corporation. GDSC aims to provide students with exposure to Google’s extensive resources and conduct seminars with engineering professionals at Google. The president of the club, Om Sarraf, said, “The freshers enrolling with us will be taught coding, regardless of whether they know it or not. We will have professionals from Google explain to them the intricacies of the art and the heads and co-heads of the club will grill them and support them for the rest of their journey.” Alan Turing Club (ATC) was also among the clubs where freshers flocked to register themselves. The main aim of ATC is to educate the students in competitive coding. Suhani Taneja, a fresher attending the carnival said, “I am not very well versed with coding but visiting all the stalls here I am getting a roadmap of how I will proceed. The robotics club and the data science club are something that interest me. I looking forward to joining them.”

By Pranavi Ambati Standing tall with a strength of 45 representatives, the Bennett University Student Council was officially bestowed with their tokens of charge at the Badging Ceremony this Friday, September 1, 2023. The official student body at Bennett University , the BU Student Council comprises students from across various schools and batches, providing for diversity in representation and thought. Constituted after several rounds of interviews and with the intent of creating an enterprising university community, the body is tasked as being a channel of effective communication between the university administration and the student community, whose interests they stand to represent. Guided by their mission statement, “Of the students, by the students, and for the students”, the members were already seen fulfilling their duties for an entire week before the investiture ceremony – from helping the incoming freshmen at the registration desk, to organizing various cultural events in the freshers’ week. It was thus, a proud moment for them to be collecting their badges as a mark of their work’s acknowledgement. Among the dignitaries present at the badging ceremony for the Student Council 23-24 and who conferred upon the student representatives their badges and stoles were Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajith Abraham, Chief Operations Officer Mr. Sudhanshu Varma , Chief Finance Officer Rajesh Kunnath, Associate Vice President Finance Mr. Manish Gaur, Vice President Marketing & Admissions Ms. Hitankshi Thukral, and Vice President Human Resource Ms. Preeti Shah. Also in attendance were the Dean, School of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, Dr. Abhay Bansal, Dean, School of Law Dr. Pradeep Kulshreshtha, Deputy General Manager (Administration) Mr. Abhishek Pathak and Assistant Director of Sports, Dr. Arun Kumar. The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp, followed by a cultural dance performance by Bennett University’s very own classical dance club, Rivaaz. Club members Shreya Chougule and Nimisha Gupta’s captivating presentation of the Ganesh Vandana and the Mahabharata was met with great reception. The much-awaited moment had formally arrived and the distinguished dignitaries took to stage to award the badges and stoles to the chosen representatives – beginning with the 22 sub-Heads, 16 Heads, 5 vice-Presidents, and finally, the President and the Advisor . Fourth year B. Tech CSE student and President of the Student Council 23-24 Mr. Aryan Jindal led his team with a pledge, affirming responsibility unto their roles. The repetition of the pledge by his team was symbolic of them pooling in their individual capabilities and striving to work as a one, under a united banner. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Aditi Shrivastava Bennett University ’s Campus lit up again as the students were excited to be a part of the evening of the ongoing freshers' week, held by the student council of the university . The excitement went up when all the clubs such as Panache , Advaita, Rivaaz , Verve , and Cerebrum introduced themselves with outstanding performances which left everyone awestruck. Being arguably the most successful club, Panache set the stage with their Bollywood-style ramp walk. This time around, they selected a theme based on college life where they described various phases of college. The team of 12 members charmed everybody with their walk and unique act. “We wanted to portray something that should be relatable for the seniors and something that freshers will soon be experiencing so that everybody presents over there finds the act interesting and also it was our way of telling everybody that panache is not only focused on ramp walk but also adds a little bit of dance to make the act interesting”, said Shreya Talwar, Member of Panache. After throwing a grand Fashion Show by Panache, the students were excited to witness the faceoff between the two Dance clubs of the university, Verve, the western dance club, and Rivaaz, the traditional dance club. The healthy faceoff showcased their different styles and dedication. “The faceoff occurred after so a long time, Because of fresher’s week we were able to display how Verve and Rivaaz our different from each other Although it was a healthy competition and we both respect each other’s dance, it was our way to to showcase the skills” said Utkarsh Gangwalia, Member of Verve. The Drama Club, Ansh , displayed yet another outstanding performance. Their skit was based on expectations every fresher usually has before coming to the college against the reality they are going to experience soon. “The whole idea was to show the freshers the 'bitter' reality along with the 'sweet' truth that they are going to find their family on campus with time. We all have gone through it, so we thought of showcasing it to them,” said Sanya Bhattacharjee, member of Ansh. Students were mesmerised by the 'Mushaira' presented by Cerebrum, the literary club of Bennett University. Members of the Club played on their belief that there was a poet in everybody’s heart. "To welcome the freshers, we chose two of Rahgir's recitals that were centered on the ideas of new beginnings and the experiences that are universal to first-year students. 'Kaccha Ghada', for instance, metaphorically likens freshers to newly crafted earthen pots - ready to be filled with emotions, but also fragile to external force," said Pranavi Ambati, member of Cerebrum.

By Pragya Singh The first day of Deeksharambha or fresher’s orientation included an address by guest speaker Mr Rudra Kasturi, CFO, Times Group. Starting off his speech with a warm welcome to the TSOM freshers, Mr Kasturi spoke of his own love for the media industry and how it has grown over the years. He further went on to shed light on the rapidly transforming face of media. He stressed on the growing importance of artificial intelligence and its entrance in media. The use of AI in writing stories by decreasing time and increasing efficacy irreplaceable. “It’s of crucial importance these days. We could only write a limited number of stories in a day. With AI we can write any number of stories in little time.” He further highlighted the workings of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). He said that after an event has happened one needs to write and publish the story as soon as possible. “If there are already 10 other pages that have published a story on that topic, Google even won’t bother indexing the page", he said. He said that this is where AI helps in writing of the story quicker so it can be published faster. He said that contrary to popular belief, almost 80% of traffic on Times of India web page comes from searches with social media directing the least percentage of traffic. “Since the lion’s share of users come from searches, Google should have a good image of your website, so it ranks the page high”, he said. Speaking with respect to his own journey, he urged the students to follow the growth hacking cycle which includes analysing, ideation, prioritising, and testing. He said that if one doesn’t analyse and gather insights, and base their testing and prioritise, one will not see success.

By Pranavi Ambati From a guest lecture on creativity in marketing, to an afternoon of cultural events - Day 2 of the freshers ' orientation at the Times School of Media was as diverse as the media mix out there. Efforts worth an entire week saw their culmination on 26 August 2023, resulting in a show of applause. Morning with Mayur Hola , CMO Subway Freshmen at the Times School of Media got an excellent opportunity to learn from Mr. Mayur Hola, Chief Marketing Officer at Subway. Centering his address on the theme of 'Creativity in Marketing: The New Frontiers', CMO Hola stressed on the transformative power of 'earnt media' as opposed to 'paid media'. Sharing case-in points from his work at Subway and his former stint at OYO, CMO Hola spoke at length on the effective curation of social media posts to prompt greater engagement , which ultimately paid way for user-led marketing. "Among all these tweets here, not one is posted or planted by Subway. These are all people's words put out on social media. What we did was wait for them to gain enough traction, which they did and once the engagement was deemed about right, we interacted with them on our main handle," he said, as he shared Subway's digital marketing that understood the demands of the algorithm, and used it to their advantage. Thus, it was also only right for him to advise students to upskill and learn how to employ AI tools, while emphasizing that at heart, communication must involve a human story with human emotions. Students - freshmen and seniors on the organizing committee - had many questions to ask of him, ranging from how certain brands own conversations, to an amusing query about his favourite football team. Afternoon of performances & delight Post-lunch lazy was all but missing as the orientation hall was filled to the brim with a sea of talented freshers and seniors. Starting off with an invocation of Lord Ganesha, Bharatnatyam dancers Shreya Chougule and Nimisha Gupta sent the audience in awe with a beautiful depiction of Mahabharata. Their performance was followed by a short skit by Semester-3 BAJMC students that drew on Bollywood's portrayal of budding college romance. Singing choir and dance troupe were also featured in the line-up. There was no dearth of talent as the freshers too took to the stage and displayed their fortes; Shreya Kiran put on a stand-up comedy, while Prithvi sang an original composition 'Voices in my head' to the strums of a guitar. Ashiti Jha was announced the 'Best Kalakaar' for her graceful footwork and lively expression to the track 'Ghar More Pardesiya'. Adding a refreshing twist to Bollywood film concepts with usage of social media for the plot, students of Semester-3 BAJMC Hindi Language put on a play which they titled 'Social Voshal'. Their entertaining employment of classic dialogues from films like Sholay and 3 Idiots was received with much enthusiasm and mirth. Onward a path of learnings Dr. (Prof.) Gauri Chakraborty, faculty for BA Films, Television & Web Series, delivered the vote of thanks, congratulating the entire student team and the technical staff for their hard work. She beautifully captured the 3 hour long cultural show in her words, "In media, art is not extra-curricular; it's co-curricular." Her statement found resonance in the applause that the hall broke into. To each individual's much appreciation, a high-tea with a buffet of delectable dishes drew curtains on the long but lovely day. (The writer is a third-semester student of the BAJMC programme.)

By Pragya Singh The first day of the Times School of Media's Freshers' Orientation was kicked off in style with an interactive session held by by Times Group's Chief Growth Officer of Digital Innovation and an expert in Artificial Intelligence Rudra Kasturi . Starting off his speech with a warm welcome to TSOM freshers, he spoke of his own love for the media industry and how it has grown over the years. He shed light on the rapidly transforming face of media and stressed on the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the media industry. “It’s of crucial importance these days. We could only write a limited number of stories in a day. With AI we can write any number of stories in little time,” he explained. He highlighted the workings of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). He said that after an event has happened one needs to write and publish the story as soon as possible. “If there are already 10 other pages that have published a story on that topic, Google even won’t bother indexing the page”, he said. He said that this is where AI helps in writing of the story quicker so it can be published faster. Contrary to popular belief, almost 80 per cent of traffic on the Times of India web page comes from searches with social media directing the least percentage of traffic. “Since the lion’s share of users come from searches, Google should have a good image of your website, so it ranks the page high”, he said. Speaking with respect to his own journey, he urged the students to follow the growth hacking cycle which includes analysing, ideation, prioritising and testing. He said that if one doesn’t analyse and gather insights, and base their testing and prioritise, one will not see success. The writer is a Semester V student of the BAJMC programme

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh Bennett University 's Times School of Media left a remarkable imprint on its fresher's orientation with a captivating second-day event brimming with cultural performances and engaging activities. The vibrant event was hosted by senior students Piyush Kumar Jain and Ashvin Soin who took the students on a journey to an energetic and inspiring campus life. A stand-out moment of the day came courtesy semester 3 BAJMC students, who skilfully presented a cinematic portrayal of college life, infused with the charm of iconic Bollywood characters like Rahul (SRK), Anjali (Kajol), and Amitabh Bachchan. The theatrical rendition garnered thunderous applause from the exuberant crowd, showcasing both the students' creativity and the audience's enthusiasm. The day sparkled with dazzling talent of freshers who also took the stage in a face-off. Ambika Jain's rendition of "Kho Gaye Hum Kahan" resonated emotionally, while Shreya Kiran's stand-up comedy left the audience in splits. Prithvi Abhay's original composition "Voices in My Head" stirred hearts and Ankita Dwivedi's soulful poem left a poignant impact. Ashiti Jha's graceful classical dance performance added a visual feast to the eclectic mix. Amidst the festivities, Maitri Bansal, another semester 3 BAJMC student, orchestrated an interactive pop quiz for the newcomers. The quiz rewarded participants for identifying radio tunes, guessing Bollywood songs, and nailing the dance steps of trending tracks. "There's incredible potential within each fresher, and I sincerely hope for their prosperous journey in the realm of media," Maitri said. The evening came to a crescendo with an enchanting musical performance that led to a sea of flashlight-lit moment among the audience, uniting everyone in a shared euphoria. Taking a thought-provoking turn, semester 3 BAJMC Hindi and Bachelor of Arts in Film, Television and Digital Production ( BAFTW ) students portrayed the modern sway of social media on our lives. Through an engaging skit, they highlighted the blurring lines between real and reel existence. While urging the incoming students to embrace media studies and delve into the intricacies of the industry, they also encouraged a balance by spending quality time with family and friends, effectively drawing the line between the digital and the tangible. The festivities concluded with a pleasant high tea, offering a moment of relaxation for both the students and the Faculty. The event not only celebrated the cultural diversity of the campus but also provided an apt platform for freshers to get acquainted with the colourful array of media studies at Bennett University. As a new chapter unfolds, Bennett University's Times School of Media has truly prepared the foundation for an exciting and fulfilling academic journey for its newest members. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication)

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa “A legacy brand like Air India has the pressure of delivering perfection to the market. With its recent rebrand, I feel they missed the mark as I feel if a brand should rebrand, it should be for a damn good reason,” the Chief Marketing Officer at Culinary Brands , Mayur Hola , said when asked about his opinion on the recent Air India rebranding. Talking at a session of Deeksharambh 2023 of the Times School of Media 's orientation programme for the fresher batch, held an engaging session on brand positioning and brand identity amongst other major factors in today’s advertising scene. Hola is a prominent figure in India's Advertising and Marketing industry and has more than 20 years of experience working under companies like Ogilvy, Oyo and McCann to name a few, before reaching to be the CMO of Culinary Brands where he is working at present. Hola discussed the importance of brands adapting to the ever-changing consumer as they face the constant consumption and bombardment of notifications, emails and ads, “You don’t just launch a product at the back of a social media post, a brand can only create the initial momentum, but the rest of the job is on the consumer to complete,” he said to help the freshers perceive the reality of the industry. He laid emphasis on the importance of having versatile and informal advertising that help the consumer relate to and spread the brand’s message throughout different social mediums, “Brands should talk more like human beings and not be the background wallpapers of social media,” he asserted. When talking about a brand’s relationship with current events and how it must remain relevant in the age of reels and constant clicks, Hola had his two cents on the matter, “The most important question for an advertiser to ask themselves is how an event is linked to your brands purpose, and if it isn’t, you don’t necessarily need to engage with it,” Following his lecture, a short Q and A session took place where students asked him insightful questions about brand USP, brand management and competitions in the market,” ending a good session with insightful answers involving women safety, online trolling amongst other modern social issues. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.

By Shubh Bhardwaj The last session of day 1 of the Orientation of TSOM freshers concluded with a power-packed session by RJ Divya from Radio City . "How many of you thought that you have taken Mass Comm. as a course so you are cooler than your friends with Physics Honors or BCOM honours”, as the students were hesitant to raise their hands, she said, “You are right.” She described how her career as an RJ took off and how her ability to talk about everything came into use and now she gets paid to do it. The session focused on increasing self-confidence and giving motivation to students that they can make it big in life, “if you think you will be able to fulfil your parents’ dreams at the age of 18, then you cannot but give yourself 3-5 years and you will be able to do it,” she said. Podcasts and radio are audio mediums that are very powerful, audio gives power to not just the speaker but also the listener too to interpret the message in whatever way they want to. In her session she also made the students play a game in which they introduced their fellow mates by describing them uniquely which will help them remember the person in public and give such introductions which would create the image of a person in one’s mind. This visualisation helped students communicate without the use of visual communication and boosted their confidence as they addressed their batchmates. "The event was a huge success as we received a lot of appreciation for the work we did, RJ Divya gave us a lot of insights on the communication industry and the prerequisites to be in it and the most essential one, being happy," said Hemant Kumar, head organiser of the event.

By Pakhi Dave In a spirited inauguration ceremony, Bennett University welcomed its new batch of students of 2023 with a dynamic day 1 orientation . The occasion was hosted by Chirag Kalra and Vidisha. The ceremony started by lighting the ceremonial candle by the Times School of Media 's Dean, Dr. Sanjeev Ratna Singh, and Rudra Kasturi, the Chief Growth Officer at Times Internet. The stage was then commandeered by Dean, TSOM, who delivered an inspiring address, offering insights and motivation to the eager freshers as they embarked on their educational journey. Following this, the gathering was privileged to hear from Rudra Kasturi, our chief guest, whose discourse centered around the utilization of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in the appropriate context. Kasturi further emphasized the institution's commitment to establishing cutting-edge AI labs, fostering an atmosphere of innovation. Enthusiastic cheers erupted as the faculty of TSOM was introduced, highlighting the reverence and anticipation for the upcoming academic year. The students were subsequently divided into groups, each accompanied by faculty members, to explore the university's advanced laboratories and studios , offering a sneak peek into their learning environment. After an invigorating lunch break, the second half of the day sustained the same fervor. RJ Divya, a popular radio personality at Radio City 99.1, engaged the freshers in a lively and interactive session. Her mantra of "take it easy" reverberated as she urged the students to find joy in their college experience while striving for excellence. The day concluded on a high note as the freshers enthusiastically grooved to the beats of the trending track "Badal Barsa Pani," accompanied by the hosts. The event proved to be an exceptional prelude to what promises to be an eventful and enriching academic journey for Bennett University's new cohort. With an infectious atmosphere of excitement, motivation, and camaraderie, the day 1 of the orientation programme undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the freshers, setting the stage for their years ahead.

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh In a burst of excitement and enthusiasm, Bennett University welcomed its freshers ' batch of 2023 with a dynamic orientation day that left a lasting impact on newcomers. The campus buzzed with a contagious energy as the day unfolded with a series of engaging activities and informative sessions. The Times School of Media (TSOM), a beacon of experiential learning, hosted an engaging orientation programme, leaving the freshers inspired and eager to start their academic journey. "The orientation was beyond amazing! Seniors welcomed us with warm camaraderie, making us feel at home instantly. The radio workshop was a delight, and I can't wait to dive into the world of films and media," Jagneet Singh, a budding film talent, said. Trish Paatni's journey from Kolkata to Bennett University was fuelled by aspirations. "The TSOM holds the key to my dreams and this orientation has consolidated that belief further. It was a refreshing start to my college life, and I'm eagerly looking forward to day 2," he said. RJ Divya from Radio City added an electrifying touch to the day, regaling students with anecdotes from her career and even providing a platform for some to showcase their own RJ talents. The session not only bridged the gap between the professional world and academia but also left the students charmed and motivated. Rudra Kasturi's elucidation of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in media illuminated the potential that lies ahead. He shed light on the forthcoming AI labs within the university, underscoring the integration of technology in media studies. His insights sparked a multitude of ideas among the attendees, hinting at the transformative role AI is poised to play in the industry. "Witnessing the dedication of the second and third-year students in organizing this event has been incredibly rewarding. The enthusiasm among the newcomers is inspiring and strengthens the spirit of unity on campus for sure," Pratham Maheshwari, a third-year BAJMC student and a key student-coordinator for the orientation said. In a nutshell, TSOM's orientation day set an energetic tone for a new college journey. With interesting sessions, friendly interactions and valuable insights, the path ahead for these aspiring media professionals looks bright. As the day came to a close, excitement for their upcoming academic experiences started becoming the drawing room conversation.. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA in Journalism and Mass Communication)

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa The Times School of Media and the School of Computer Science Engineering and Technology held a joint interactive session to discuss the importance of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in today’s media landscape and the ethics that go along with it. Chief Growth Officer of the Times Group Rudra Kasturi, Principal Product Manager of Microsoft Avishek Mazumdar and Microsoft's AI specialist Anil Arora - all experts in the field of Artificial Intelligence - helmed the interesting talk. The event, titled, “Exploring the AI Frontier” was kicked off by the TSOM Dean Sanjeev Ratna Singh, with Vice-Chancellor Prabhu Kumar Aggarwal giving the inaugural speech in which he announced Bennett University 's collaboration with Microsoft to set up an Artificial Intelligence Centre for Excellence. Dean of Engineering Abhay Bansal talked of the Chancellor, Mr Vineet Jain's, vision for the university in which the students would get the best of the best of an evolving professional world, he said. In this context, he pointed out that Bennett University will be the first private university in India to have an Artificial Intelligence Centre, besides being the proud owner of a supercomputer. This neatly tied in with the core message that Bennett University has always exhorted its students: “We Will Prepare India to Move with the Times.” “What I as an individual thought was that AI is here, that is a fact. So I must think about building something new in the labs to train myself and my employees in the direction of the future,” Kasturi told students as he navigated through his experience in adapting to AI. “We must ensure that media students such as yourself know everything about AI as it is the future,” he said while concluding his lecture and why he thinks students of Bennett University require crucial knowledge about the everyday growth of the AI industry. Mazumdar then took the stage and prompted a discussion on the Internet’s growth from a singular and more limited search option, to a broader and more diverse chat search option, introduced by Bing . “Be a dreamer, don't worry about AI destroying your future, but focus on how it may build on it,” he said in response to some students raising concerns of job security. He discussed the key differences in language learning engines like ChatGPT and Bing Chat and showcased how Bing reigns superior in terms of credibility, accessibility and user interface. "We strive to be factually accurate as Bing chat provides citations for every fact it provides, the better you are with your prompts, the better the output Bing Chat or any AI will produce,” he said. Arora was the final speaker and he focused on the actual functioning and creation of AI models in the industry. He delved deep into what makes the generative models for text and imaging tick and how one can possibly learns the ins and outs for an edge in today’s market. “While GPT 4 is a massive leap in modern AI technology, it may still hallucinate from time to time. So an art like prompt engineering is very important,” he said, emphasising the importance of both the skill of asking the right questions and for the right job. The talk was followed by a short Q &A session wherein students clarified their doubts on AI solutions and their implications for jobs and in Education. The event ended with the guests gathering with the students for a group photo. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh India is on the moon , or should we say, over the moon after the Vikram Lander crouched safely on the South Pole surface of the moon. India is the first country in the world to have achieved this feat as the southern part of the moon is known to be treacherous due to extremely big craters and hostile landing conditions. ISRO telecast the event live on several platforms and Prime Minister Narendra Modi waited with baited breath in South Africa’s Capital Johannesburg to applaud the historic moment. The landing took place with pinpoint precision touching the surface exactly at the anointed hour of 6.04 pm, August 23, 2024. The decent took half hour with the velocity being brought down to zero in a calculated manner so that the previous disaster was not repeated. The epochal event came in the special month of celestial happenings that happen once in many centuries. The conclusion of years of hard work and dedication, the Chandrayaan-3 mission has catapulted India into an exclusive league of space-faring nations. With the Lander accomplishing its soft landing on the Moon's previously uncharted south pole, India becomes the first and only country to have achieved such a feat. This area is renowned for it's enormous craters and hostile landing conditions- making India's success even more impressive. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it establishes India's mastery in space exploration and underscores the country's commitment to advancing scientific boundaries. The successful landing is especially notable considering the setbacks faced during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. The previous endeavour encountered anomalies in the braking system of the lander 'Vikram,' which ultimately resulted in a crash landing on September 7, 2019. However, the hundreds of brilliant minds at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) persisted, meticulously analysing the shortcomings and working tirelessly to rectify them. Key to the success of Chandrayaan-3 has been the exceptional coordination and dedication of ISRO scientists across multiple centres. Led by the capable hands of P Veeramuthuvel, the son of a former Railways employee, the mission has been a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Veeramuthuvel's leadership and commitment have played a pivotal role in scoring the mission's complex components to ensure its success. As the nation held its collective breath during the soft landing, the moment was shared with students and space enthusiasts alike. The Student Council and Astronomy BU at Bennett University organized a live telecast of the event, allowing students to witness the historic landing firsthand. Piyush Kumar Jain, a member of the student council, expressed his delight, stating, " We're thrilled to have arranged this event, and witnessing the live broadcast alongside so many enthusiastic students was a truly incredible experience.” The atmosphere at the event was nothing short of electric, with the crowd erupting in chants of "Vande Mataram" and "Jai Hind." Among the attendees was Raga Sri Nithya, a 4th year law student, who beamed with pride, saying, "This moment fills us with immense pride as Indians and shows the world what our country can achieve with willpower and skill." As the nation celebrates this groundbreaking achievement, there is no rest for ISRO. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a momentous announcement, revealed plans for another ambitious mission. Dubbed Aditya-L1, the upcoming mission is set to study the sun, delving into its mysteries and contributing to our understanding of the solar system and beyond. As the world watches in admiration, the pursuit of discovery remains ongoing, while Aditya-L1 stands prepared to elevate our nation's scientific enthusiasm toward new horizons. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication)

By Shreya Dattatraya Chougule Greater Noida: The Radio Studio and Television Studios at Times School of Media (TSOM) of Bennett University have been revamped to shape students into media professionals. Starting this August, students and faculty at TSOM will work in renovated Radio and Television Studios. This initiative was taken by the management and Professor Sanjeev Ratna Singh, Dean TSOM, to help students prepare according to industry standards. “We want our students to become content curators for which they’ll need the best equipment. There is a synchronisation between Bennett University and the industry where we are able to use their resources. It also shows how closely the University will be working with the Times Group.” said Singh. The studios have not just received a physical makeover, but a lot of new equipment has been added. The TV Studio now has a multicamera setup, television sets, table and carpets from the film city, green screen, and new lighting setup of 11 lights in addition to the earlier arrangement. “If we look at the television studio alone, it has been improved in four different ways, leading to an enhanced visual experience,” said Singh. The faculty has applauded the benefits of the revamp. “The enthusiasm level of Professors will be high with the increase in operational capacity. We will be able to create multiple programs like weather and talk shows,” said Gunjan Sharma, Assistant Professor at TSOM. Even the Radio Studio has been rejuvenated through a well-thought out process. It has been secured against any sound spillover with instalment of double glass and soundproofing on all walls including the roof. The table at the studio is brought from the Radio Mirchi Studio. “Radio is all about audio, however, it must have some ‘zing’ to it. How does one sound happy? It’s because of your surroundings. Therefore, we brought in the changes it needed,” said Singh. “The radio studio has been very well received by all the faculty and the students. An attempt to make it replicate the professional studio has been achieved. The students will have a great experience working here,” said Deepak Kumar, Sound Engineer, TSOM. Many other projects including a Mobile Journalism studio, Community Radio Station and a Film Studio are now under way.

By Shagun Pandey At Bennett University , entrepreneurship is nurtured in the Bennett Hatchery. It offers new aspiring entrepreneurs the physical space, funding, training, mentoring, and resources they need to start their first significant thing. It is open to all students, faculty, and staff. The Bennett Hatchery transforms the dynamic curriculum of Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship into cutting-edge start-ups developed by students, faculty, and staff from all academic fields. It is a recognised incubator by the UP government. It has also generated more than 116 crores in funding and around 200 jobs. The incubator at Bennett University has even launched more than 75 businesses. Bennett University’s Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is in collaboration with the Babson college which is known for its world class entrepreneurship education. The Bennett hatchery team is headed by Dr. Vinod Shastri, Mr. Manish Mathur who is the senior head and Mr. Shubham Awasthi, senior program executive.The Bennett Hatchery is not just available for the university students but also for the external aspiring students and their startups . The Hatchery at Bennett University just registered itself as a separate operating system, effective July 6, 2023, in accordance with the UP-government’s directive. Presently, it is known as the Bennett Hatchery Foundation. Since the business is officially registered, it will have its own resources and be eligible to receive assistance from the UP-state government. They will now be able to give the entrepreneurs more support in terms of resources. To better help the startups in terms of PR, branding, etc., the foundation will now be in contact with the Times group or the parent group. According to the government's directive, the foundation may even own a stake from the incubated firms ranging from 2 to 9.5%, in exchange for which it offers them all the assistance and resources they need. “More than 20 startups have been launched from the hatchery to date, and more than 20 of those are succeeding greatly. The INSTA DAPP, which has made it simpler for customers to deposit bitcoins and earn interest over time, is one of the two firms that deserves to be mentioned. It is currently valued at between 800 to 1000 crores. Recently featured in the Forbes under 30. One more of the successful firms from the Hatchery is SAVART, a fintech startup. This is valued at about 400 crores.” says Mr. Manish Mathur, senior manager at the Bennett Hatchery. Given the rise of start-up culture in India, we are sure that hatchery has something exciting to offer on the table, till then we can continue hatching-Ideas!