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.

Indigenous Paradigm Matters: Reflections on the Doctoral Research Seminar

On 28 June 2025, the Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, hostedan engaging session of its Doctoral Research Seminar Series, featuring Ms. Ringngheti Khenglawt,  a Research Scholar in Sociology at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore. Her academic interests span soap opera studies, ideology, gender, tribal studies, and popular culture, with a particular focus on the Mizo community. She has published several works examining the intersections of culture, identity, and media.

Her work reflects a commitment to understanding and representing indigenous perspectives, and she continues to contribute to the field through her research on indigenous methodologies, such as employing Titi as a method in Mizo studies. Her presentation, “Indigenous Paradigm Matters: Claiming Titi as a Method in Mizo Research”, offered profound insights into the epistemological and methodological significance of indigenous approaches in social research.

The seminar foregrounded Titi—a Mizo mode of conversation, humor, and the act of doing—as an indigenous methodological tool. Far from being trivial or informal, Titi emerged as a powerful entry point into Mizo knowledge systems, illuminating how oral traditions, humor, and relational accountability shape ways of knowing. In positioning Titi as method, Khenglawt challenged dominant Western paradigms of detached objectivity, underscoring the ethical imperative of research that is accountable to the community it represents.

What stood out was her emphasis on researcher positionality. As an insider to the Mizo community, she illustrated how her identity, relationships, and cultural embeddedness enabled interviews that unfolded in natural storytelling forms. This reflexive stance blurred the rigid lines between “researcher” and “researched,” urging us to rethink knowledge production not as extraction but as a relational, reciprocal practice.

Two key cases reinforced this paradigm:

• Tlawmngaihna (respect, reciprocity, and responsibility) as the moral fabric of Mizo life, highlighting indigenous ethics in fieldwork.

• Titi and humor as central to social life and research practice, showing how playful engagement carries serious cultural meaning.

The session also opened space for broader decolonial reflections. Indigeneity, as articulated by Ms. Khenglawt, is not merely an identity marker but a liberating epistemic force—rooted in struggle, community, and relational knowledge. It is at once resistant to colonial epistemologies and generative of new modes of inquiry that move beyond decolonisation toward emancipation.

For participants, especially those researching outside their own cultural contexts, the session was deeply humbling. It raised critical questions of responsibility, reflexivity, and giving back. The speaker’s reminder—“You as a researcher represent Mizo outside the land—know it and let it be known”—echoed as both an ethical call and a methodological anchor.

The Department of Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) is focused on curating such intellectually vibrant spaces where postgraduate students can engage with grounded, context-specific methodologies. The seminar not only demystified indigenous research approaches but also made the research process more approachable, relevant, and ethically sensitive.

As we left the hall, what lingered was not just an academic takeaway, but a reminder: research is not neutral—it is always situated. And in that situatedness lies both our responsibility and our opportunity to practice sociology with sensitivity, humility, and criticality.

Exploring Gender and Emotions through Cinema: Screening and Discussion of Trevor (1994)

On 25th June 2025, the Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), hosted a movie screening and interactive session on the short film Trevor (1994), led by Dr. Sushma V. Murthy, Associate Professor in the Department of English and Cultural Studies. The session formed part of the department’s larger academic commitment to critical engagement with gender, identity, and social structures, drawing together students, Ph.D. scholars, and faculty members in a reflective dialogue.

The Academy Award–winning short film Trevor narrates the life of a 13-year-old boy who struggles with self-acceptance, same-sex desire, and rejection in a heteronormative environment. At once poignant and unsettling, the film foregrounds the themes of queerness, vulnerability, bullying, and the search for belonging. Its cinematic narrative provided a fertile ground for discussions around the intersections of gender, emotions, and cultural norms.

In her address, Dr. Murthy situated the film within a gender studies framework, foregrounding the idea of feeling “unhomely” within one’s body when societal expectations conflict with individual identity. She highlighted how emotions are deeply gendered, shaped by cultural scripts that valorize certain forms of masculinity while marginalizing tenderness, aesthetic sensitivity, and emotional openness in boys.

Her reflections emphasized that queerness must be understood not merely as a matter of sexual orientation but as encompassing broader emotional and expressive dimensions. This approach allowed participants to recognize how social structures frequently repress non-normative forms of expression, particularly in adolescence, where identity formation is at its most fragile.

The open conversation invited contributions from both students and faculty. Students reflected on the need for inclusive queer spaces and greater sensitization around gender issues. Notably, Dr. Sudhansubala Sahu (Department of Sociology) shared her insights around the evolving use of pronouns, underscoring how even within academic spaces, language becomes a site of negotiation and eventual transformation.

The session concluded with Dr. Suparna Mazumdar Kar, Head of the Department of Sociology, who underscored the importance of such engagements in bridging theory, empathy, and lived realities.

This event not only illuminated the psychosocial dimensions of gender identity and emotional well-being but also demonstrated the pedagogical power of cinema in social sciences. By situating Trevor within critical discussions on heteronormativity, toxic masculinity, and queer affirmation, the session deepened participants’ understanding of the intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

The discussion further pointed towards the institutional responsibility of creating emotionally safe and inclusive environments, where individuals of diverse gender identities can flourish without stigma. In doing so, it reflected the department’s continuing commitment to critical pedagogy, social justice, and the cultivation of empathetic scholarship.

Embracing Wellness Through Yoga: Session by Dr. Aiswarya V R

On 18th June 2025, the Department of Sociology, organized an engaging orientation session titled “Embrace Wellness through Yoga Techniques” to mark the International Day of Yoga 2025. The event was conducted in Room C907, Central Block, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, with 44 student participants in attendance.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Aiswarya V R (MSc, PhD), Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. With her expertise in psychology and student wellness, Dr. Aiswarya guided students through both the philosophy and practice of yoga, weaving together ancient wisdom with contemporary lifestyle needs.

The workshop was built around the Five Points of Yoga, a holistic framework that emphasizes:

1. Proper Exercise (Asana) – to keep the body flexible and strong.

2. Proper Breathing (Prāṇāyāma) – to enhance energy and focus.

3. Proper Relaxation (Śavāsana) – to reduce stress and refresh the mind.

4. Proper Diet (Balanced Nutrition) – to support overall health.

5. Positive Thinking and Meditation – to nurture emotional balance and inner clarity.

Students actively participated in gentle stretches, forward bends, and Trikonasana, while also practicing synchronized breathing techniques. Dr. Aiswarya further guided them through relaxation and mindfulness exercises, enabling participants to experience stress relief and improved bodily awareness in real time.

The session highlighted that yoga is not merely a fitness routine but a way of life, encouraging balance, self-awareness, and resilience. Students discovered how adopting yogic principles could support them in managing academic stress, emotional challenges, and lifestyle balance.

Feedback from the participants reflected that the session was calming, purposeful, and enriching, leaving many with a renewed perspective on integrating wellness practices into their daily routines.

The theme of this year’s International Yoga Day, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” served as a reminder that personal well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of society and the environment. By introducing students to yoga in the very beginning of their academic journey, the session underscored how education at CHRIST is not only about intellectual growth but also about nurturing the whole person—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Through initiatives like this, the Department of Sociology reaffirms its commitment to fostering holistic student development. In collaboration with the Department of Psychology, it continues to provide platforms where wellness, reflection, and academic rigor go hand in hand. Such sessions prepare students not only to succeed academically but also to navigate life with mindfulness, resilience, and social responsibility.

From Concept to Publication: A Guide to Edited Volume

On June 14, 2025, the Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), hosted a highly engaging and insightful session titled “From Concept to Publication: A Guide to Edited Volume.” The session was led by Ms. Suvira Srivastav, Professor of Practice at CHRIST University and former Publishing Director at Springer Nature, whose distinguished career spans over two decades in academic publishing and editorial leadership across global platforms.

Ms. Srivastav drew upon her vast experience to demystify the process of creating an edited volume, walking participants through each stage—from ideation and conceptualization to dissemination and impact. She elaborated on the distinctive role of edited volumes in academia, emphasizing how they serve as intellectual spaces that foster collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and critical engagement.

The discussion covered practical aspects such as:

• Structuring a call for chapters and framing it around a coherent theme.

• Curating contributors and ensuring academic diversity and quality.

• Managing peer review processes with fairness and transparency.

• Editorial strategies for balancing scholarly rigor with accessibility.

• The ethics of academic authorship and maintaining integrity in publishing.

Ms. Srivastav also addressed the broader ecosystem of academic publishing, reflecting on knowledge management, scholarly communication, and the evolving dynamics of global publishing platforms. Her reflections provided participants, particularly early career researchers, with clarity on how to move beyond the thesis and conceptualize their work for a wider scholarly readership.

For postgraduate students and emerging scholars, the session was both practical and inspiring. It offered a roadmap to navigate the complexities of academic publishing while underscoring the importance of collaboration, originality, and ethical responsibility. Many participants noted how the session illuminated the challenges and opportunities of editing scholarly collections, making the process more approachable and purposeful.

The Department of Sociology recognizes that academic publishing is a critical component of research training. Sessions like this align with our commitment to capacity-building, interdisciplinary knowledge creation, and preparing students for global research landscapes. By bridging theory with practice, this seminar reaffirmed the value of equipping young scholars with editorial and publishing skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“From Concept to Publication: A Guide to Edited Volume” was more than a technical workshop—it was a reflection on the power of academic collaboration and the ways in which publishing can shape disciplines, conversations, and communities of knowledge. The Department extends its gratitude to Ms. Suvira Srivastav for generously sharing her expertise and to all faculty and students who participated with such enthusiasm.

As the academic community at CHRIST continues to grow, we look forward to hosting more such initiatives that empower students to envision their research as meaningful contributions to global scholarly discourse.

Discussion Forum on "Justice in a Warming World: Kerala’s Climate Conversations"

 

The Department of Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) organized a thought-provoking Discussion Forum titled "Justice in a Warming World: Kerala’s Climate Conversations" on the occasion of World Environment Day 2025. The event brought together the PG students, PhD scholars, and faculty to engage critically with the intersections of climate change, environmental justice, and policy. The session began with a warm welcome address by Rohitkrishna A, student council representative from 3MSOC, setting the tone for the discussions to follow. This was followed by a brief introduction of the speaker by Anjali, PhD Scholar in the department. The forum was facilitated by Dr. Maya M, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, who opened the dialogue by sharing insights from her extensive fieldwork in Kerala, particularly with NGOs and tribal communities involved in eco-restoration initiatives. Drawing attention to the vulnerability of riverine ecosystems and referencing the Global Risk Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum, she highlighted the growing ecological risks facing regions like Kerala. Dr. Maya presented a five-point framework to explain how human societies contribute to their own ecological and social degradation, three of which directly relate to environmental issues: environmental damage, climate change, and the structural inability of societies to respond effectively to environmental challenges. Using Kerala as a focal point, she discussed the state's geographical sensitivities, citing the Wayanad landslides as a warning about the region’s carrying capacity. The discussion also examined bureaucratic inefficiencies, policy gaps, and the tension between political interests and ecological priorities. She offered a critical analysis of the 2018 Kerala floods, characterizing it as a man-made disaster, and emphasized the urgent need for Integrated Water Resource Management. Further, the dialogue explored how policy framing shapes ecological crisis management and questioned the role of various stakeholders, including the state, local bodies, NGOs, and communities, in fostering environmental justice. A key takeaway was the need to address climate change not just as an environmental issue but as a matter of social and ecological sustainability. A short, impactful video presentation illustrated human contributions to ecological degradation, setting the stage for a reflective closing by Dr. Maya, who stressed the collective responsibility to prevent and manage ecological crises. The session concluded with an engaging Q\&A segment, where participants discussed tangible action models such as sustainable community development, and the role of local governance structures, including panchayats, civil society, and government agencies, in building resilience. The event ended with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Rohitkrishna A, marking the conclusion of an insightful and timely conversation on justice and climate change.

Beyond Boundaries: Sambandh 2023's Three-Day Spectacle and the Power of Connection

Title: Beyond Boundaries: Sambandh 2023's Three-Day Spectacle and the Power of Connection"

On October 9, 2023, the Department of Sociology and Social Work inaugurated its annual Sociology fest, Sambandh. Dr. Victor Paul, the esteemed Director of the Centre for Social Action (CSA), spearheaded the inauguration, followed by a speech by our HOD, Dr. Suparna Kar, setting the tone for a three-day celebration of diversity and interconnectedness.

Commencing with a symbolic watering of the plant ceremony, faculty members joined hands, emphasizing collaboration and unity within the department.  The fest unfolded with captivating dance and music performances, lifting spirits and creating an educational atmosphere. The theme for the year was "Cultural Fusion Fiesta," aiming to break down barriers, promote acceptance, and celebrate the unique identity of each culture. 

The diverse lineup of events promised a grand celebration. Over the next three days, i.e. from 9th to 11th October, a total of nine events were organized spread across venues in the entire campus. The events started off with Time Traveler's Symposium, judged by our immensely knowledgeable Coordinator, Mr. Rajeev. A flashmob and open mic, with multiple eager performers set the tone for the next few days. While many came together for art and photography events like Paint a Poetry, a beautiful combination of poetry with painting, a duet concept or Through the Photographer's Lens, an event skillfully made to judge the best picture aligned with the theme of 'Capturing everyday Inclusivity'. These were ways of participants showcasing their hidden creative talent. 

Two events stood out as crowd catchers, events the Association thoroughly enjoyed organizing and the students couldn't get enough of it. Treasure Hunt was scheduled for 10th October and had a whopping total of 136 people, findings clues that had been meticulously placed at all the hot spots of the CHRIST Central Campus. Keya Pattavi, Shriansh Chakraborty, Arnav Mishra and Sneha Das from 1MAIS emerged victorious since they reached the final clue first and sent a complete image of the Sambandh puzzle. 66 students took part in the Blindfolded Conversation event. Participants engaged in 10-minute dialogues without revealing their identities. The decision to disclose afterwards added an intriguing element of surprise. This innovative event not only broke communication barriers but also created a platform for authentic connections and potential future interactions.

The last day was packed with an Art Exhibit where students could display materials, paintings, or objects that reminded them of their culture. Fusion Frenzy Battle, our last event held at Sky View, brought together people of all backgrounds, as they chose to dance and sing and represent their cultures. It was a beautiful experience for all those in the audience. In conclusion, Sambandh 2023 marked a cultural extravaganza, reflecting dedication to celebrating diversity, fostering unity, and creating an inclusive environment for all. 

Celebrating cultural richness and encouraging understanding among diverse communities, Sambandh 2023 aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. By fostering a three-day celebration of diversity and interconnectedness, the event promotes inclusivity, breaking down barriers and providing a platform for authentic connections. Initiatives like Blindfolded Conversations and Fusion Frenzy Battle create opportunities for individuals to engage irrespective of background, contributing to a more inclusive and equal society.