A New Dawn for Student Leadership: Inauguration of Socius, the Student Association of the Department of Sociology

On 16 July 2025, the Department of Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Central Campus, marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of its official Student Association, Socius. The ceremony, held in Room 911 of the Central Block, was not just a formal gathering but a vibrant celebration of student initiative, collective spirit, and a renewed vision for sociological engagement. With the department now functioning as an independent entity, the launch of Socius symbolized a fresh chapter in student leadership and participation.

The program opened with a warm welcome by Ms. Gayathri Gurung (3MSOC), setting the tone for an event that balanced tradition with youthful energy. Dr. Suparna Kar, Head of the Department, delivered the Inaugural Address, where she reflected on the historical journey of student associations in the department and shared her vision for Socius as a platform rooted in inclusivity, collaboration, and academic growth. Her words underscored the importance of cultivating a community where learning extends beyond the classroom into collective action and leadership.

The event was further enriched by the address of Dr. Sudipta Garai, Faculty Coordinator of Socius, who commended the students’ commitment and enthusiasm in shaping this association. She highlighted the significance of student-led initiatives and democratic participation, affirming that the association represents not just a group of office bearers but the collective voice of the department. Dr. Oindrila Matilal and Dr. Sudhansubala Sahu, faculty members present at the ceremony, also lent their support to the association, reinforcing the strong bond between faculty mentorship and student leadership.

The badge distribution ceremony officially introduced the newly elected office bearers, who will take forward the responsibilities of Socius across academic, cultural, and social platforms. The association’s President, Ms. Aronee Mallik, in her address, shared the vision and upcoming plans for the year, affirming the association’s commitment to creating a vibrant student community that celebrates both intellectual inquiry and shared identity as Christites.

A highlight of the ceremony was the Oath-Taking Ceremony, administered by Dr. Sudhansubala Sahu. Students pledged to uphold the values of critical thinking, empathy, inclusivity, and social justice, echoing the core ethos of sociology. The oath was not merely symbolic but a collective commitment to use sociological knowledge responsibly and meaningfully in society.

The event also featured cultural performances by students across UG and PG programmes, which infused the ceremony with music, energy, and creativity. Performances ranged from soulful solos to collaborative group songs, reflecting the diversity and talent of the department’s student body. These artistic contributions served as a reminder that academic communities thrive when intellectual pursuits are harmonized with cultural expression.

As the event drew to a close with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Gayathri, what remained was not just the memory of a successful inauguration but the energy of a new beginning. Socius was launched with a vision to strengthen student participation, foster academic dialogue, and create meaningful platforms for sociological engagement, both within and beyond the university.

Looking ahead, the newly elected team has outlined plans for workshops, cultural activities, alumni networking, and community outreach, all rooted in the values pledged during the oath. With this, Socius stands as a symbol of the department’s growth into an independent academic space and as a testament to the vibrant leadership potential of its students.

The inauguration of Socius was more than the birth of a student association—it was the dawn of a renewed student movement within the Department of Sociology, one that promises to weave together academic excellence, critical inquiry, and a strong sense of community.

Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth: Career Orientation Session

The Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with the Placement Cell, organised a Soft Skill Training Program on LinkedIn on 14 July 2025 at Block 1, Room No. 126. The session was facilitated by Mr. Jackson Mendonza, Placement Officer (Postgraduate Programmes) at the Centre for Placement and Career Guidance, Central Campus. With his rich experience in talent acquisition, workforce planning, and student engagement, Mr. Mendonza brought valuable insights into harnessing LinkedIn for career growth and professional networking.

The session began with an interactive dialogue in which students shared their expectations and concerns regarding placements. They expressed interest in gaining clarity on resume-building, understanding the skill sets required for various roles, identifying internship opportunities through LinkedIn, and navigating desired firms along with pay structures. This exchange helped frame the discussion around practical needs, making the orientation both dynamic and relevant to the participants.

Mr. Mendonza emphasized that LinkedIn, when strategically utilized, serves not merely as a digital resume but as a powerful platform for personal branding and professional visibility. He guided students through the process of creating impactful LinkedIn profiles, underscoring the importance of tailoring content to reflect one’s career goals. Practical advice was shared on adding personal information appropriately, avoiding common errors, and highlighting achievements in a way that appeals to potential recruiters.

A key highlight of the session was the discussion on resume keywords and alignment with job descriptions. Mr. Mendonza advised students to extract relevant keywords from job postings and incorporate them into their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to increase discoverability in recruiter searches. He also shed light on the pay structures across sectors, offering students a realistic view of the employment landscape for social science graduates.

Throughout the session, the emphasis remained on building professional networks and connecting with like-minded individuals to expand opportunities. Mr. Mendonza encouraged students to approach LinkedIn as a space for learning, sharing ideas, and engaging with communities, rather than simply a job-seeking platform.

The event concluded with a call for further career enhancement sessions that address complementary aspects such as resume review workshops, skill-building modules, and sector-specific placement guidance. Students left the session better equipped with the knowledge to navigate the digital professional space, while also appreciating the broader career strategies discussed.

This initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to preparing students for the evolving job market by combining academic training with practical skill development. The collaboration with the Placement Cell not only strengthened students’ understanding of LinkedIn but also reaffirmed the role of social sciences in bridging people, organizations, and career growth.

Alumni Talk Series: Career in Corporate for Students of Social Science

The Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), hosted an insightful session as part of its Alumni Talk Series on 12 July 2025. The session, titled “Career in Corporate for Students of Social Science”, featured Ms. Ritu Basu, an alumna of the Department (Batch of 2013–2015) and currently a Process Lead at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Organized in collaboration with the Student Association, the event drew strong participation from postgraduate students eager to understand the intersections between sociology and corporate careers.

                                                                    

Ms. Basu began by sharing her professional journey, spanning diverse roles in public relations, community management, human resources, and corporate operations. Drawing on her experiences at leading organizations including Amazon and HP Inc (via Quess Corp), she highlighted how the foundational skills acquired during her sociology degree—critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and people-centered analysis—were directly transferable to her work in corporate structures.

Her talk illuminated how social science graduates can contribute to and thrive within corporate domains such as CSR initiatives, social research firms, corporate communications, financial services, and PR agencies. In doing so, she dismantled the conventional perception that sociology graduates are confined to academia or non-profit work, positioning the corporate sector as a promising and dynamic career pathway.

A central message of the session was the relevance of sociology in corporate environments, particularly in understanding organizational systems, human behavior, and communication flows. Ms. Basu emphasized the importance of cultivating professional ethics, resilience, and adaptability, alongside maintaining clarity of personal goals. She also underscored the significance of networking, continuous learning, and developing patience and perseverance as key strategies for navigating competitive corporate landscapes.

Her reflections on work culture, career progression, and skill-building resonated strongly with students. Through candid anecdotes, she provided practical advice on aligning one’s academic background with corporate demands while staying grounded in the values of integrity and social responsibility.

The interactive format of the talk created a space for dialogue rather than one-way instruction. Students were encouraged to ask questions about career choices, challenges in transitioning from academia to industry, and the evolving role of social sciences in corporate practices. This dynamic exchange enriched the session, ensuring that it went beyond abstract discussions to offer concrete insights and actionable strategies.

The event reaffirmed the Department of Sociology’s commitment to bridging academic learning with professional applications. Alumni sessions such as this provide current students with a deeper awareness of diverse career trajectories and help them envision possibilities that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. The overwhelmingly positive reception of this session reflects both its relevance and impact on student career preparedness.

The Alumni Talk with Ms. Ritu Basu was a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on how a grounding in sociology can be leveraged in corporate spaces with confidence and purpose. By drawing on her professional journey and offering thoughtful guidance, Ms. Basu not only inspired students but also underscored the enduring strength of a social science education in shaping versatile, ethical, and adaptive professionals.

Shield Her: United Against Cervical Cancer – A Step Towards Awareness and Social Change

The Department of Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bangalore and the Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India – Karnataka State Chapter, successfully hosted the 40th session of Shield Her: United Against Cervical Cancer on 1 July 2025 at the Hosur Road campus. The event brought together medical expertise, academic inquiry, and community engagement to address one of the most pressing yet under-discussed issues in women’s health — cervical cancer.

The session was led by Dr. Shobha K., Professor and Unit Head, Department of Gynaecologic Oncology at Kidwai Memorial Institute, and Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P.R., Senior Scientific Research Officer, CRL-KIMS. Both speakers provided a comprehensive understanding of the causes, risk factors, stages, and treatment of cervical cancer, alongside discussions on early detection, the role of PAP smear tests, and the importance of HPV vaccination as a preventive measure. Their insights were not only rooted in clinical expertise but also sensitive to the social stigma and cultural silence that often surround women’s health issues in India.

The programme witnessed the active participation of 104 beneficiaries, including 94 students from the Departments of Sociology and Public Policy and 10 faculty members. A key highlight of the session was the interactive Q&A round, where students raised critical questions regarding vaccine efficacy, long-term health impacts, and the cultural hesitations associated with screening practices. This exchange underscored the importance of equipping young people with accurate information to challenge myths and misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer.

The event also carried a symbolic moment of encouragement when participants interacted with the young ambassador of the programme, a girl who had recently received the HPV vaccine. Her presence served as a living testament to the importance of preventive action and inspired participants to advocate for wider awareness and uptake of vaccination. Informational pamphlets were also distributed, reinforcing the session’s educational objectives.

Beyond the medical dimension, the programme emphasized the intersection of health, gender, and society. It shed light on how cultural taboos and systemic silences around reproductive health contribute to delayed diagnoses and perpetuate stigma. By situating cervical cancer awareness within the framework of gender justice and public health, the session highlighted the critical role of academic platforms in creating informed, socially conscious citizens.

The Department of Sociology extends its sincere gratitude to the management of CHRIST University, the dedicated faculty members including Dr. Suparna Kar, Dr. Maya M., Dr. Sudipta Garai, and Dr. Sudhansubala Sahu, as well as the student leadership team led by General Secretary Shirsendu Tribedi and volunteers for their efforts in organizing and facilitating the programme. Special thanks are also due to President Rtn. Sukhen Padmanabha, Rtn. Srinivas Validananda, and Rtn. Gertrude Dsouza of the Rotary Club of Bangalore for extending this conversation beyond the university campus into the wider community.

This initiative reaffirmed that public health awareness must go hand in hand with social engagement and education. The collaboration across academia, healthcare, and civil society demonstrates the transformative potential of inter-sectoral partnerships in addressing women’s health challenges. As the global community works toward the target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, programmes like these are essential steps in bridging knowledge, breaking taboos, and fostering a culture of prevention and resilience.