Introduction

The Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, Haryana, continued the Aarambika 2026 – Freshers’ Induction Programme with Day 1 on 18 August 2026. The day was designed to provide the newly admitted students with a meaningful blend of academic enrichment, industry exposure, professional interaction, cultural expression, and team-building activities. The programme included expert-led sessions in the first half, followed by cultural performances and interactive activities that encouraged student participation and peer engagement.

Master Class: “How to Leverage AI for Ethical Learning: Engineering Skills for 2030”

The day commenced with a master class titled “How to Leverage AI for Ethical Learning: Engineering Skills for 2030”, delivered by Mr. Siddharth Rathore, Founder, Weskillai. The session introduced students to the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education and engineering. It emphasized the importance of using AI as a responsible and ethical learning tool while developing the technical and professional competencies required for the future of engineering. The session encouraged students to approach emerging technologies with curiosity, responsibility, and a continuous-learning mindset.

Industry Keynote: “What I Wish Someone Had Told Me in First Year”

The next session featured an industry keynote titled “What I Wish Someone Had Told Me in First Year: Lessons from Google, Engineering, AI & Building a Company”, delivered by Mr. Puru Kathuria, Founder, Lex AI. The keynote provided students with valuable industry-oriented perspectives on engineering, Artificial Intelligence, professional growth, and entrepreneurship. It highlighted emerging global professional trends and high-demand technical skill sets. The session was particularly relevant for first-year students as it offered practical insights into how their early university experiences, skills, choices, and learning habits can influence their future professional journey.

Professional Talk: “Code Without Borders: Building Your Legacy in Open Source”

The morning sessions continued with “Code Without Borders: Building Your Legacy in Open Source”, delivered by Ms. Bhawna Chauhan, GitHub Campus Expert, as an initiative of the FoSS Club, SRMUH. The session introduced students to the world of open-source development and collaborative technology communities. It encouraged students to explore opportunities beyond the classroom and understand how participation in open-source projects can contribute to technical learning, collaboration, networking, and professional development. The session motivated students to begin building their technical identity and contribute meaningfully to the larger technology community.

Cultural Performances

A vibrant cultural segment was organized during the induction programme, providing freshers with an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and express themselves beyond the academic environment. The segment featured the following performances: (1) Shayari Performance, adding a creative and literary dimension to the cultural programme. (2) Dance Performances, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere for the newly admitted students. (3) Flute Performance, adding a melodious musical element to the cultural segment. The variety of performances made the session lively and engaging while providing students with a platform to share their talents with their peers.

Post-Lunch Activities

The post-lunch segment focused on interactive, experiential, and team-building activities. The first activity, “The Apollo 13 Crisis”, focused on Crisis Management and Systems Thinking. Students participated in a simulated crisis scenario that encouraged teamwork, decision-making, communication, prioritization, and problem-solving. The second activity, “Corporate Trivia & Pop-Culture Showdown,” provided students with an engaging platform for team interaction, general awareness, quick thinking, and healthy competition. The activities were designed to help students interact with one another in an informal setting while developing essential interpersonal and collaborative skills.

Key Outcomes of Day 1

Day 2 of Aarambika 2026 successfully provided students with:

• Welcomed newly admitted students to the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
• Introduced students to the academic leadership of the Faculty.
• Familiarized students with the role of Applied Sciences in engineering education.
• Provided an overview of all six engineering departments.
• Introduced students to departmental heads and academic leadership.
• Created awareness about emerging areas and career opportunities across engineering disciplines.
• Familiarized students with student-centric university entities and committees.
• Helped students understand institutional support mechanisms and points of contact.
• Encouraged students to actively participate in academic, co-curricular, and university activities.
• Reduced the uncertainty associated with entering a new academic and campus environment.