UditVani, Jamshedpur : Sona Devi University resonated with academic pride and cultural vibrancy as it hosted its second annual festival, Shankhnaad 2.0, at its Ghatsila campus today.
The grand celebration reflected the institution’s unwavering commitment to quality education, social inclusion and holistic development of students from the region.
Addressing the gathering, Prabhakar Singh, Chancellor of Sona Devi University, emphasised that meaningful progress in life is possible only when education is pursued with seriousness and dedication.
Paying tribute to former Education Minister Ramdas Soren, he recalled the late leader’s constant guidance and support, noting that his dream of educating the youth of this region would certainly be realised.
The Chancellor also highlighted the university’s student-centric initiatives, stating that in addition to the government’s e-Kalyan scheme, Sona Devi University has introduced its own scholarship programme, SDUSAT.
Under this innovative scheme, students can complete their entire course by paying the fee for just one semester, ensuring that financial hardship never becomes a barrier to education.
The chief guest, Somesh Chandra Soren, the new MLA from Ghatshila, said his father, the late Ramdas Soren, envisioned transforming the region into a hub of higher education.
Recalling the establishment of a degree college at Musabani, he underlined his father’s deep commitment to language and cultural education.
He informed that Raghunath Murmu University would be developed to promote linguistic studies and announced that efforts would be made to bring a medical college to Ghatsila.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure uninterrupted education for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Vice-Chancellor Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said the university was established to catalyse both educational and economic upliftment of the region.
Expressing optimism, he stated that Sonad Devi University would continue to expand its academic footprint and contribute constructively to society.
Presenting the annual report, Assistant Registrar Archana Singh outlined the university’s vision of combining academic excellence with character building.
She highlighted ongoing academic activities, collaborations through multiple MoUs for internships and training, and announced that Law and Nursing programmes would be introduced in the near future.
The cultural segment added colour to the celebration, with Pooja Tiwari, Head of the SDU School of Electrical Engineering, presenting a thought-provoking poem titled “Thoda Muskura Lo”.
The programme also featured devotional recitations, the university anthem, insights into the history of Ghatshila, graceful welcome dances and a captivating solo performance by student Monali Mohanta.
The festival, inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, concluded with MLA Somesh Chandra Soren felicitating winners of various competitions and extending his best wishes to the students.
Shankhnaad 2.0 emerged not merely as a celebration, but as a powerful statement of Sona Devi University’s mission to make education accessible, meaningful and transformative for all.
