Chandigarh: 4-day Orientation and Talent Hunt concludes at Govt College of Education
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 23, 2026: A four-day Orientation Programme and Talent Hunt for newly admitted students of B.Ed. and PGDG&C concluded at the Government College of Education, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh, on Saturday, with enthusiastic participation in academic, cultural, sports and recreational activities.
Held from August 19 to 22, the programme combined academic orientation with co-curricular activities, a talent hunt, sports and recreational events, and sessions on Universal Human Values (UHV).
The programme began with lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana. Dr. Sapna Nanda, Principal, Government College of Education, welcomed the students and chief guest Swami Bhitiharananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh.
Addressing the newly admitted students, Swami Bhitiharananda congratulated them on joining the institution and highlighted the important role of teachers in nation-building. He emphasised the need for self-reflection, joyful learning and the Indian ideal of “Acharya Devo Bhava”, encouraging the students to develop as responsible and committed educators.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Srivastava, Dean, introduced the students to the college and its academic environment. Faculty members briefed them about the scheme of studies, assessment and examination procedures, scholarships, attendance, library rules and other academic requirements.
Students were also introduced to various institutional cells, clubs and support mechanisms, including the Red Ribbon Club, UHV Cell, NSS Cell, Skill Development and Cultural Activities, Grievance Redressal Cell, Anti-Ragging and Equal Opportunity Cell, Internal Complaints Committee, Guidance and Counselling Unit, Alumni Association, Legal Literacy and Cyber Swachhta Mission, Eco Club, Electoral Literacy Club and Placement Cell.
The orientation also familiarised students with opportunities to participate in co-curricular, cultural, sports and extension activities during their academic journey.
As part of the programme, the NSS Cell organised a special session on “Spiritual Awakening for a Drug-Free Society” in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris, Chandigarh. Sister Rekha and Sister Sarla addressed the students on the theme.
ASI Babita and Head Constable Navin Kumar from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Chandigarh Police, along with NSS Programme Officers Dr. Balwinder Kaur, Dr. Aarti Bhatt and Dr. Upasna Thapliyal, sensitised students about substance abuse, self-discipline and making responsible choices.
The programme also provided students a platform to showcase their talents through the Talent Hunt and participate in sports, recreational and other co-curricular activities.
The outline of the Orientation Programme was prepared by Dr. Lilu Ram, Staff Secretary, and implemented by the Cultural Committee under the guidance of Dr. Vandana Aggarwal and Dr. Ravinder Kumar.
The UHV orientation was organised by the UHV Cell under the coordination of Dr. Sheojee Singh, Coordinator, with Dr. Nisha Singh and Dr. Ravinder Kumar as members. The academic session on Universal Human Values was facilitated by Dr. Garima Joshi, Co-Coordinator, UHV Cell, Panjab University.
The four-day programme concluded with students gaining an overview of their academic responsibilities, institutional opportunities and the broader values expected of them as future educators.