While juggling with quizzes, pulling off all-nighters, assignments, daily coursework, and the constant battle against sleep deprivation, the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences organized an evening to welcome the freshers of Batch ’24 (and to cheer up the otherwise mundane routines of the other batches).
Under the banner “Meet the Freshers,” the event unfolded on August 24th at the Central Lecture Theatre, IIT Madras. Like any other freshers’ night, this year’s event carried the freshers’ enthu-vibe, but it was distinctly embraced by the fresh involvement of the Department Secretary Council members, where this burst of new energy turned the night into a colourful and exciting extravaganza as students from each batch showcased their talents and lit up the room with their performances.
The evening kicked off with an array of exciting events – from dance performances to instrumental music and poetry readings to culminating a major surprise! Why have I been raving about the freshers’ enthusiasm? They took the stage with an original play that featured a crossover of characters from different fictional universes. This was a first for Freshers’ Night, and the freshers absolutely nailed it!
The night continued with a vibrant mix of poetry readings, group dances, and solo and duet performances followed by a game session. The session served as an icebreaker featuring the Headphones Game and the classic Musical Chairs. Freshers eagerly joined in with the older batches, with Musical Chairs taking a humorous twist as those who lost the round were challenged with a dare adding an extra layer of fun.
One of the most touching aspects of the evening was the opportunity to connect with students from different batches. The Central Lecture Theatre was packed, and for many, it was a chance to meet faces that had previously been only names or faces. This kind of social gathering is invaluable, helping to build networks and make connections that will be essential throughout our academic journeys. The energy in the room was palpable, and the shared experiences of the night fostered a sense of community that is crucial in a vibrant department like ours.
Another highlight of the evening was the participation of our research scholars. Typically buried in their busy schedules, their involvement in this event was a breath of fresh air for all. Their presence not only added a dynamic element to the evening but also underscored the importance of engagement in departmental activities. The research scholars gave a stellar dance performance that electrified the crowd, and they cheered for every performer from start to finish.
Another standout moment was the fashion -show themed “The 90s.” The Fashion Club members judged the runway, and winners were awarded in a crowning ceremony. All participants were featured on the Department’s official Instagram page.
The event concluded on a high – achieving its aim of uniting all the batches and fostering new connections. The Department Secretary Council members, along with the support of the Department Research Legislator, ensured that the event was a vibrant and memorable occasion.
A special thanks and shoutout to the Central Lecture Theatre staff for their unwavering support and cooperation, without which the event would not have been a success.
Report by Malavika B
Edited by Oishi Banerjee
Design by Malavika S J
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