Student Induction Program – ‘Deeksharambha’ for students admitted to the first-semester BSc Nursing course, for the academic year 2025-26, offered by Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, Manipal, was held from 1st to 7th August 2025. Guest lectures on various topics were conducted by departments of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and MCON to introduce students to the activities they would encounter during their time at Manipal.

The orientation program for B.Sc. and PBBSc Nursing students was held on August 1, 2025, at T.M. Pai Hall. The event began with an invocation by Ms. Sreelakshmi and her team from the B.Sc. Nursing cohort, creating a peaceful atmosphere for the occasion.

This was followed by a warm welcome address from Mrs. Geena Louis Dsouza, Lecturer at Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal, who greeted the freshers and dignitaries.

The Chief Guest, Lt. Gen. Dr. M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, then addressed the assembly. He highlighted the university's world-class facilities, stressed strategic strategies for achieving global learning outcomes, and encouraged students to participate in the affective aspects of education actively.

The Chief Warden, Colonel Manjunath Pai, conducted the hostel orientation session, which provided a comprehensive overview of hostel rules, facilities, and expectations. His address aimed to familiarize the students with the hostel environment, promote discipline, and ensure a smooth transition into campus life.

Following this, Dr. Geetha Maiyya, Director of Student Affairs, MAHE, provided an insightful overview of the Department of Student Affairs, outlining the support systems and student-centric activities available on campus.

After a short tea and refreshment break, Dr. Suba Sooria, Head of Nursing Services at Kasturba Hospital, delivered a thorough orientation about the hospital and its services, providing students with a vital understanding of the clinical environment they would encounter during their course.

Subsequently, the faculty and non-teaching staff of MCON were introduced department-wise by Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Dean of MCON. The program concluded with a note of encouragement and inspiration from the Dean, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the freshers.

The Orientation included interacting with the teacher guardians of the 1st semester BSc nursing, along with their parents, to complete admission formalities in the afternoon session.   

August 2, 2025

At 8:00 AM, the day began with an engaging welcome by Dr. Melita and Dr. Prima Dsouza, the Sports Coordinators at MCON, Manipal. They briefed the new entrants on the vast array of sports facilities available on campus, placing particular emphasis on the Marena Indoor Stadium, a world-class venue for indoor sports. They outlined its schedule and amenities, setting a vibrant tone for the orientation.

Following this, Dr. Savitha Prabhu from the Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing led a crucial session on substance abuse awareness. Her presentation included psychoeducation on commonly misused substances—alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis—highlighting their associated risks such as addiction, impaired cognition, and mental health issues. She also shared practical strategies for prevention and early intervention, fostering awareness and responsible behaviour among students.

The morning wrapped up with an orientation on ISO 14001:2004, led by Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi (Professor & Deputy Director, CCEID, MAHE). They familiarized the new students with the principles and practices of environmental management as applied at MCON, highlighting the institution’s commitment to sustainability and quality improvement.

In the afternoon, Mr. Shree Needhi Jogi, Secretary of the Student Research Forum, briefed the students about the various Student Research Forums at MCON and MAHE and discussed different opportunities available to students in research. He also explained the importance of publication. This was followed by an essential fire safety drill conducted by Mr. Leslie D'Souza, who described different types of fires and response techniques and demonstrated how to handle various fire emergencies.

Next, Mrs. Sheela Shetty, Assistant Professor (Senior Scale), guided attendees through MCON’s social media platforms, including the official website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube channels, enabling students to use these platforms effectively.

 Another orientation, led by Dr.  Maria Pais, the VSO Coordinator, introduced students to Voluntary Service Organization (VSO) activities, encouraging them to participate in various community service initiatives on and off campus.

The day’s academic orientation concluded with Mrs. Prima J J D’Souza, the Examination Coordinator, providing an overview of the E-pad examination system. She explained the digital exam platform, including login procedures, system navigation, and exam guidelines, ensuring students understood how to access and use the system smoothly.

Two simultaneous sessions were held for first-semester BSc Nursing students in the Afternoon. Mrs. Pratibha, Assistant Professor at MCON, conducted a session on Menstrual Hygiene, focusing on healthy menstrual practices, hygiene measures, and environmental care, directly contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. At the same time, Dr. Shashidhara Y.N., Professor at MCON, led a session on men’s health, emphasizing holistic well-being across physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions. The orientation concluded with a guided campus tour led by senior students, helping freshers familiarize themselves with key facilities and locations across the College campus.

August 4, 2025

The SNA advisor, Mrs. Shoba, and co-advisor, Mrs. Geena Louis Dsouza, along with the SNA president of the college, Mr. Rennon Dsouza, briefed about the Student Nurses Association (SNA). The president explained the students’ participation and activities organized by the SNA. He also explained the membership of SNA and TNAI, followed by Mr. Arnold Mokshith sharing his experiences attending the ICN congress held in Helsinki, Finland.

Mr. Anil Raj, Cultural Coordinator, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, gave an orientation on various cultural opportunities, including Freshers Day, Imprints, and ‘Utsav’ – an annual inter-college cultural festival, and activities of the cultural coordination committee. He spoke on various events conducted by the cultural coordination committee and the importance of participating in cultural events during the student period. Orientation on Applied Sociology was given by Mrs. Ranjani, Subject Coordinator, on the theory hours, assignments, and internal assessment plan.

As a part of Deeksharambha, the Department of OBG of Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, organized a guest lecture on “Communication Skills” for first-semester BSc Nursing students, featuring Mrs Prathiba Braggs, Lecturer, Department of Mental Health Nursing. The interactive session highlighted the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication in healthcare, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education. Subject orientation of Applied Anatomy was given by Dr. Bincy M George, Associate Professor & Division Coordinator, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, MAHE, Manipal. Following this session, the subject orientation of Applied Physiology was given by Dr. Sujatha Prabhu P, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, MAHE, Manipal. The class coordinators, Dr. Savitha Prabhu and Mrs. Geena Louis Dsouza, gave a detailed course orientation.  They have highlighted the subjects of the first and second semesters, examination pattern, internal assessment marks, evaluation, leave policy, dress code, rules and regulations, and other matters related to the classes. Class representatives for various committees were selected.

Following this, the students were briefed regarding the Anti-Ragging Committee by Dr. Melita Sheilini, Associate Professor, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. She explained the online submission of the anti-ragging declaration by students and parents and stressed the consequences of ragging on the campus. Mrs. Manjula, Assistant Professor, MCON Manipal, delivered a session on LPG safety measures. She briefed on the safety precautions to take before, during, and after using LPG and the safety tips.

August 5, 2025

At 8:00 AM, Dr. Savitha Prabhu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatric Nursing at Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal, conducted an orientation session for the students. She provided an overview of applied psychology and introduced the structure and benefits of add-on courses, elective modules, and value-added programs available at the institution, followed by Dr. Anjaline Dsouza, who discussed the team's employer reputation, MCON, oriented on the alumni group and its activities.

A session on “Good Study Habits and Reverence” was organized by the Department of Child Health Nursing on August 5, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Dr. Mathangi K, Assistant Professor at Manipal College of Dental Sciences, MAHE, Manipal, was the resource person. She emphasized key study habits—time management, discipline, goal setting, and active learning techniques such as mind maps, peer teaching, and mock tests. Dr. Mathangi highlighted the importance of reverence through punctuality, respect, and proper classroom behaviour, illustrating their impact on academic and professional success. The session aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting holistic growth in students. 

The Community Health Nursing Department organized a guest lecture on “Care and Affection to Patients” for first-semester BSc nursing students on August 5, 2025, from 2.00 to 3.00 pm, led by Ms. Reena D’Silva, Nurse Educator, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, who emphasized effective communication, empathy, and compassionate care required for patients during their clinical postings. The session is a part of the Deeksharamba orientation program, aimed at inspiring students to uphold SDG: 3 Good health and wellbeing in their practice. 

The Department of Fundamentals of Nursing conducted a guest lecture on “Time Management” for first-semester BSc Nursing students on 5th August 2025 between 3 and 4 pm through the MS Teams online platform. The session was led by Dr. Toni Bewley, Honorary Professor at Liverpool University, UK, and Adjunct Faculty at Manipal College of Nursing.  Dr. Bewley shared valuable insights on organizing time effectively to enhance academic performance and clinical preparedness. She highlighted the constructive use of mobile phones and digital media to foster skill development and promote compassionate patient care. This session contributed meaningfully towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education), particularly those related to quality education, good health and well-being, and industry innovation through digital literacy.

At 4.00 pm, Ms. Mitchelle Lewis, Coordinator of the Nursing Foundation program, provided an overview of the allocated hours for theory and clinical sessions and guidance on assignments, sessional examinations, and internal assessment.

August 6, 2025

Mrs. Pratibha Lydia Braggs, lecturer, Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing and English subject coordinator, oriented on the English subject and the requirements. The Department of Psychiatric Nursing organized a session on "Empathy and Stress Management", delivered by Dr. Soyuz John, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at KMC Manipal. Dr. John elucidated methods for accurately appraising stressful situations and introduced diverse coping strategies and practical activities to manage stress effectively. The session also highlighted the application of grounding techniques for relaxation, equipping students with hands-on tools to foster emotional resilience and maintain well-being. This session contributed significantly to achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑Being.

August 7, 2025 

The Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing organized a session on "Companionship" by Dr. Anil Kumar M N, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Dr. Kumar shared valuable insights on the emotional and psychological aspects of companionship, highlighting its importance in nursing and patient care. He emphasized empathy, effective communication, and emotional support through practical examples and interactive discussions. Students found the session inspiring and engaging, with active participation reflecting its impact. The program meaningfully contributed to SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑Being by promoting holistic care in nursing practice.