“DEEKSHARAMBH” Student Orientation Programme 2025–26

Introduction

The beginning of a student’s academic journey is an important milestone in shaping their personality, career, and overall life direction. In recognition of this, Subharti College of Hotel Management organized a six-day orientation programme under the title “DEEKSHARAMBH” for the newly admitted students of the academic session 2025–26. This programme was designed not only to welcome the students but also to introduce them to the academic culture, professional expectations, and ethical values of the institution.

The hospitality industry is a highly demanding profession that requires discipline, grooming, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and technical expertise. Therefore, an orientation programme such as DEEKSHARAMBH plays a vital role in creating the right foundation for new entrants by giving them exposure to yoga and wellness practices, lectures on career prospects, personality development, sustainable practices, entrepreneurship, stress management, and ethical awareness on issues such as ragging.

The orientation was scheduled from 18th August 2025 to 23rd August 2025 and consisted of daily sessions, guest lectures, practical exposure, and interactive activities. Each day started with a yoga session to instill mindfulness and physical fitness, followed by academic or industry-related activities. The following sections provide a detailed account of the six-day programme.

Day 1: 18th August 2025
Activities:

1. Yoga Session
2. Introduction about College, Programmes, and Teachers
3. Academic Guidelines and Code of Conduct
4. College Show-round

Objective:
To introduce students to physical and mental wellness practices, familiarize them with the college environment, academic programmes, faculty, and essential rules and regulations, and to make them comfortable with the campus infrastructure.

The inaugural day of the orientation programme began with a yoga session. This session was aimed at helping students focus their mind, body, and spirit, preparing them for the journey ahead. Yoga is deeply rooted in Indian tradition and has proven benefits such as reducing stress, improving concentration, and building resilience. For students entering a challenging professional field like hotel management, regular yoga practice will help them balance physical demands and emotional pressures. After the yoga session, students were introduced formally to the college, its programmes, and the teaching faculty. This segment was significant because it created familiarity between students and their mentors. Each programme was explained in detail, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma offerings. Faculty members shared their academic backgrounds and experiences, ensuring that students could approach them comfortably for academic and personal guidance. The next session focused on academic guidelines and the code of conduct. Rules regarding attendance, punctuality, dress code, examination protocols, and classroom behavior were highlighted. Students were encouraged to uphold values of honesty, professionalism, and integrity. They were reminded that the hospitality profession expects strict discipline, and their conduct within the college should mirror industry standards.
The day concluded with a college show-round. The students were taken to various sections such as the training kitchens, bakery labs, housekeeping and front office labs, classrooms, library, and cafeteria. The purpose of this activity was to make students comfortable with their new environment. It gave them an opportunity to witness the infrastructure that will support their learning and to appreciate the resources provided by the institution.

Day 2: 19th August 2025
Activities:

1. Yoga Session
2. Lecture on Introduction to Hotel Industry

Objective:
To inculcate the habit of discipline and wellness through yoga, and to provide students with a foundational understanding of the hospitality industry, its structure, scope, and career opportunities.

The second day commenced with yoga once again. The repetition of yoga practice in the morning was meant to establish discipline among students and encourage them to make wellness a part of their daily lives. The highlight of the day was a lecture on the introduction to the hotel industry. This lecture provided students with a broad overview of the hospitality and tourism sector, its evolution, and its global as well as national importance. Students were given insights into the different segments of the industry, such as accommodation, food and beverage services, travel and tourism, events, and leisure. The session explained the hierarchical structure of hotels, the role of various departments, and the career opportunities available. The faculty emphasized that hotel management is not limited to hotels alone but extends to airlines, cruise ships, resorts, theme parks, and luxury services. This lecture also helped students understand the expectations of the industry in terms of grooming, communication, customer service, and problem-solving. The session encouraged them to start envisioning their future roles and responsibilities within the sector.

Day 3: 20th August 2025

Activities:

1. Yoga Session
2. Guest Lecture on Role of Personality Development
3. Guest Lecture on Career Prospects in Hotel Industry

Objective:
To promote holistic development through yoga, highlight the importance of personality in hospitality, and create awareness about diverse career prospects in the industry.

The third day was focused on the personal and professional development of students. The day started with yoga, setting a positive and calm tone for the sessions that followed. The first guest lecture of the day was on the role of personality development. The expert explained how personality plays a crucial role in hospitality. Attributes such as confidence, politeness, communication skills, body language, grooming, and a positive mindset are indispensable for hospitality professionals. Students were advised to work continuously on improving their personality traits. Interactive exercises were also conducted to demonstrate the importance of first impressions, teamwork, and leadership qualities. The second lecture of the day dealt with career prospects in the hotel industry. An industry expert highlighted the various avenues available to graduates of hotel management, ranging from operations in hotels and restaurants to careers in event management, cruise liners, aviation, sales and marketing, and even entrepreneurship. Real-life examples of successful professionals were shared to inspire students. The session encouraged students to keep a long-term vision and to remain flexible in adapting to the dynamic nature of the industry.

Day 4: 21st August 2025

Activities:

1. Yoga Session
2. Guest Lecture on Eco-Friendly Lifestyle: Small Steps for a Big Change
3. Lecture on Hospitality Entrepreneurship
4. University Show-round

Objective:
To develop awareness about sustainability and eco-friendly practices, encourage entrepreneurial thinking in hospitality, and familiarize students with the broader facilities of the university.

The fourth day focused on sustainability and entrepreneurship. The yoga session reinforced the habit of starting the day with positivity and physical well-being. The guest lecture on eco-friendly lifestyle encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices not only in their personal lives but also in their professional careers. The concept of green hotels, waste management, energy conservation, use of biodegradable products, and water-saving techniques were introduced. The session demonstrated how small lifestyle changes such as reducing plastic use and conserving resources can lead to significant environmental impact. The next lecture was on hospitality entrepreneurship. The faculty explained how students could become job creators rather than job seekers. They were encouraged to develop innovative ideas for food businesses, boutique hotels, catering services, and event companies. Examples of successful entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry were shared to motivate students. The day concluded with a university show-round. Students were taken across the larger Subharti University campus, where they visited central facilities such as hostels, the central library, sports grounds, auditoriums, and medical facilities. This tour helped them understand the wide range of amenities available to them as Subhartians.

Day 5: 22nd August 2025

Activities:

1. Yoga Session
2. Guest Lecture on Stress Management and Emotional Stability
3. Hotel Show-round

Objective:
To train students in managing stress and emotions effectively and to provide them with real-time exposure to hotel operations and industry functioning.

The fifth day addressed the mental health and emotional needs of students. After the yoga session, a guest lecture was organized on stress management and emotional stability. Hospitality is a field known for long working hours, high customer expectations, and pressure-filled situations. The speaker guided students on how to manage stress through techniques such as time management, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The lecture also stressed the importance of emotional stability and resilience in handling difficult guests and situations. Following this, students were taken on a hotel show-round. This visit exposed them to a functioning hotel environment, giving them firsthand experience of how different departments operate in coordination. They interacted with hotel staff, observed real-time service operations, and understood the expectations of the industry. Such exposure is crucial in bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.

Day 6: 23rd August 2025

Activities:

1. Yoga Session
2. Guest Lecture on Ragging: A Menace
3. Activities on Ragging: Don’t Support but Report

Objective:
To create awareness about the harmful effects of ragging, emphasize the importance of a safe and inclusive campus environment, and empower students to stand against ragging practices.

The final day of the orientation programme focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment. The yoga session continued as the regular morning practice. The guest lecture on ragging was organized to sensitize students to the negative effects of this practice. The session explained the laws related to ragging, disciplinary measures, and the psychological trauma it can cause to victims. The students were made aware of their responsibility in ensuring a ragging-free campus. After the lecture, interactive activities were conducted under the theme “Don’t Support but Report”. These activities included role plays, group discussions, and awareness-building exercises. The purpose was to empower students to take a stand against ragging, report any incidents, and contribute to a safe and respectful academic environment.

Outcomes of DEEKSHARAMBH – Student Orientation Programme 2025–26

1. Holistic Wellness Awareness: The daily yoga sessions cultivated awareness among students about the importance of maintaining physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Students developed an understanding of how wellness practices can support them in handling stress and the demanding schedules of the hospitality industry. Many participants expressed willingness to incorporate yoga and mindfulness into their daily lives, thereby fostering a culture of discipline and self-care.
2. Familiarity with Academic Environment: Through the introduction to college programmes, faculty, and the show-rounds, students became familiar with their new academic setting. They gained clarity on the academic structure, course curriculum, and departmental facilities. The tour of the college and university created a sense of belonging and reduced anxiety about the new environment. Students also developed trust and comfort in approaching faculty members for academic and personal guidance.
3. Understanding of Professional Expectations: The sessions on academic guidelines and code of conduct instilled discipline and responsibility among students. They clearly understood the importance of punctuality, regular attendance, grooming standards, and ethical behavior. This outcome was crucial, as it prepared them to adopt the decorum expected both in the institution and in the professional hospitality world.
4. Industry Knowledge and Career Orientation: The lectures on the introduction to the hotel industry, career prospects, and hospitality entrepreneurship gave students an extensive view of the opportunities in the sector. They became aware of diverse career pathways, from hotel operations to event management, aviation, cruise lines, and entrepreneurship. This broadened their outlook and motivated them to set personal career goals.
5. Personality and Soft Skills Development: The lecture on personality development highlighted the significance of communication skills, grooming, teamwork, and leadership qualities. Students became more aware of the areas they need to work on to become industry-ready. The orientation encouraged them to focus on personal growth along with academic learning.
6. Practical Exposure and Real-Life Understanding: The hotel show-round offered students firsthand exposure to a professional hotel environment. They observed live operations of front office, housekeeping, food and beverage service, and food production departments. This visit bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping them visualize their future roles in the industry.

The DEEKSHARAMBH orientation programme of Subharti College of Hotel Management for the session 2025–26 was a comprehensive and well-organized event. By combining yoga and wellness practices with academic guidelines, professional insights, practical exposure, and ethical sensitization, the programme prepared students for both academic success and professional excellence. The six days were structured to cover the holistic development of students: physical and mental wellness through yoga, professional knowledge through lectures, career awareness through guest sessions, environmental and entrepreneurial insights through interactive discussions, practical exposure through show-rounds, and ethical responsibility through anti-ragging initiatives. The programme not only welcomed the new students but also instilled in them a sense of belonging, discipline, responsibility, and motivation to excel in the hospitality industry.