Alva’s Agamana – A Transformational Beginning at Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology

A Thoughtfully Curated Welcome for New Students

Alva’s Agamana is the official student induction program hosted by the Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodabidri. It’s more than a welcome event—it’s a thoughtfully designed journey that helps first-year students transition seamlessly into college life. Conducted annually in November, this multi-day event supports the academic, emotional, social, and ethical development of newly admitted students.

The 2021 edition, held from November 11 to November 22, included a variety of sessions such as guest lectures, personality development workshops, expert talks, bio-diversity tours, motivational speeches, and practical training modules—all aimed at shaping students into confident, competent, and socially responsible individuals.

Day 1: Setting the Stage with Purpose and Vision

The inaugural ceremony on November 11, 2021, began with an inspiring speech by Dr. Ramachandra, Additional Director, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He underscored the value of innovation, science, and defense technology in shaping India’s future. The event was presided over by Mr. Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation, who emphasized the institute’s mission to empower rural and urban youth equally.

All faculty members and first-year students gathered in the college auditorium, marking the beginning of their academic journey with optimism and excitement. This was not just a formal gathering but a defining moment that planted seeds of aspiration in the young minds.

Day 2: Wisdom from a Law Enforcement Leader

Inspiration and Motivation from Mangalore City Police Commissioner

N. Shashi Kumar, Mangalore City Police Commissioner, graced Day 2 with a powerful motivational talk. Emphasizing discipline, patience, honesty, and time management, he encouraged students to live authentically without hiding behind digital identities. “There are no shortcuts to success,” he stated, highlighting the power of hard work.

He also explained how UPSC examinations are transparent and open for everyone who believes in their potential. The talk ended with an engaging Q&A session, where he addressed student queries on law, governance, and ethics.

Dr. Prameela Kolake, HOD of Mathematics, curated and anchored this impactful session.

Day 3: Embracing Nature, Innovation, and Aspirations

 Exploring Biodiversity at Shobhavana Campus

Environmental awareness is deeply integrated into the Alva’s philosophy. On Day 3, students were taken on a guided exploration of Shobhavana Campus, led by Mr. Vrijulal M.V. (Centre for Environment Education) and Mr. Chaturved (IISc, Bangalore). They introduced various bird and butterfly species at Anandamaya Arogyadhama, enlightening students about India’s rich ecological diversity.

Later, Dr. Krishnamurthy M.S., HOD of Bhaishajya Kalpana (Alva’s Ayurveda College), conducted a live demo on medicinal plants, explaining their traditional and scientific uses.

Sessions on Design Thinking and Civil Service Aspirations

In a parallel technical session, Mr. Ashwin Shetty, former CTO of Airbus, explained the concept of Design Thinking, challenging students to approach problems creatively and empathetically.

In the afternoon, Mr. Abdul Ahad, IPS, SP of Anti-Corruption Bureau (GoK), discussed competitive exam strategies. He broke down the UPSC syllabus and emphasized the need for clarity, confidence, and consistency. He urged aspirants to love their nation and be legally responsible.

“Gratitude is the root of growth,” he said. “Only those who are thankful can lead with integrity.”

Day 4: Patriotism, Courage, and Real-World Leadership

Captain Naveen Nagappa – Hero of the Kargil War

The 4th dayAagamana program had a talk by Captain Naveen Nagappa, Kargil War Veteran &Sena Medal Recipient, followed by a talk by Col. Gupta. Nothing is impossible if we have a focused mind towards our goal, Success depends on the amount of efforts we put to achieve it, said Captain Naveen Nagappa, He advised the students, to define a goal in life and they should never have the feeling of giving up the goal by thinking ‘it is impossible’ at any point of time. Keep faith on your own self power. He then went on to explain how the Indian army won the battle of Kargil by overthrowing Pakistani soldiers, describing its role in the war.Our applause must always be given to the 527 brave soldiers who died heroically in the Kargil war and over 1300 soldiers who were seriously wounded in the battle.

He said that the Indian Army had won the Kargil war and the Indian army was not the only one with a large number of soldiers, but that India had never been inactive in the moral path.

Answering a question raised by the student stating why Israel, the smallest country geographically, is the strongest in the army, but geographically, economically and technically, India still imports weapons from the Western country he said “We Indians Must Self-Review”.He also stated that, While a large number of young people from Karnataka are coming forward to serve the country, the Army Training Center must start in Hubli or Bangalore to provide proper guidance and training.

Col. Gupta on Armed Forces Career Paths

Following this, Col. Gupta explained the process and challenges of army recruitment, inspiring students to consider serving the nation. He suggested that Army training centers should be made more accessible across Karnataka to encourage youth participation.

Quiz Competition – A Battle of Minds

The afternoon session featured a quiz competition conducted by Mr. Sathwik, a popular quiz master. Students actively participated, sharpening their general knowledge and logical reasoning.

Day 5: Scientific Curiosity and Academic Passion

Physics & Chemistry – The Backbone of Engineering

5th day had 2 guest talks, a talk on Physics by Dr. A P Bhat and a talk on chemistry by Dr. Arun M. Isloor(NITK).

Dr. A.P Bhat explained the fascinating world of physics. He showed variety of crystals both manmade crystal and nature grown crystal. He said crystal are self assembled atoms or molecules, it has many applications not only in optoelectronics but also in photonics.

Dr. Arun M. Isloor said therelevance of Chemistry in different branches of engineering and Chemistry is a study of atoms and molecules which is integral for every branch of Engineering. In every branch of engineering the knowledge of chemistry is important for research and development and for an all-roundknowledge will help as interdisciplinary subject.

Day 6: Emotional Intelligence and Social Awareness

 Addressing Mental Health with ‘Happy Engineering’

The sixth dayprogram had a talk on ‘Happy Engineering’ by Dr. P V Bhandary, Director, Dr. A V Baliga group and psychiatrist.

He said, it takes a lot of effort, externally and internally, to establish good aspects of life. With Our friends, we can make a difference in life, and might take the path of decline. So for our prosperity, we can make life happier if we follow the principles of SabkaSunana, DilkaKarna.In the lecture, the students were informed about test-fears, social-anxiety, depression, compatibility problem, the challenges faced by colleges, the psychological pressures of the students at the college level, the need for the subject, ways to manage it and the solutions to the challenge. Addiction to drugs is like being trapped in a maze.Once you get into that lore, it’s impossible to come back again. Therefore, young people should know that they can live a comfortable and beautiful life without falling victim to any evil.

In the next session Dr. Kurian, Principal Alvas college addressed the students about ‘Social Engineering’

 Creating Value from Waste

In the afternoon Ranjan Bellarpadi, Executive director, Mangala Resource Management Pvt Ltd, gavea lectureon ‘Social Entrepreneurship’. He explained how a waste can be transformed into a resource. He also demonstrated how a daily waste can be converted into a fertiliser.

Day 7: Soft Skills and Confidence

The seventh day featured personality development sessions by Mr. Ramani and Mr. Ajith. Through interactive training, students enhanced:

• Verbal and non-verbal communication

• Problem-solving skills

• Public speaking

• Team collaboration

These are essential skills that complement technical education and improve employability.

Day 8: Motivation and Teamwork

 Inspiring Future Leaders

The eighth day was led by JCI Soujanya Hegde, who delivered an energetic and relatable motivational talk, followed by an engaging session by Sri Bhoje Gowda (MLC) who encouraged students to focus on leadership, social responsibility, and perseverance.

BACCE Foundation had conducted management games. The aim of these games was to create skill, coordination and team work among the students. All the students participated in this event.

Day 9: Discovering Purpose and Inner Positivity

The final day of Alva’s Agamana 2021 was a spiritual and emotional crescendo. Deek Parassani, a renowned motivational speaker, delivered a session titled “Life is All Positivity.” He covered:

• Finding life’s true purpose

• Self-reflection strategies

• Conflict resolution

• Emotional healing

Over 400 students participated actively, asking questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Outcomes of Alva’s Agamana – Building Future-Ready Citizens

Alva’s Agamana aligns perfectly with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) which promotes multi-disciplinary learning and socio-emotional development. The event is not a formality but an institutional best practice that contributes to:

• Student retention and academic motivation

• Value-based learning and ethical awareness

• Career readiness and entrepreneurship

• Environmental and civic consciousness

“The true success of Alva’s Agamana lies in every student who walks away a little wiser, more confident, and socially aware.”

Join a Journey That Transforms You

Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology invites aspiring students from across the country to experience a holistic educational culture. From the very first day, through programs like Alva’s Agamana, we commit to your growth—not just as an engineer, but as a leader, thinker, and contributor to society.