GENESIS - Nuovo Inizio

 

    Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences held its annual inauguratory event, Genesis, on the 5th of February 2022. The event, hosted on Microsoft Teams with an attendance of close to 300 students, was an incredible success. It magnified the institution's glory by continuing the long legacy of student governance with the esteemed leaders of MAPS – Manipal Association of Pharmacy Students.

The function, coordinated by Professor Krishnamurthy Bhat, began at 16:30 with Nidhi Agarwal and Rajeshwari Subramanian introducing the event. After a beautifully sung invocation song by Rupa Acharya, which welcomed the student body, honoured the faculty and set the tone for the evening. Virtual lamps blazed with glory on everyone's screen, symbolising that the momentous occasion was officially in tow.

Succeeding that, the Chief Guest for the evening was officially introduced – prominent scientist, Director of Corporate Relations at MAHE, and a professor of various esteemed departments, Dr Raviraja N Suryanaryan. His speech, highlighting the necessity of focus in an area of one's passion and the importance of student life with a balanced ratio of work to enjoyment, was well received by the audience, reacting with hearts and applause.

The General Secretary of the Academic Year 2021-22, Deepak Karunakaran, then gave a speech with much gusto, emphasising the importance of every council and committee within the institution's structure and assurance that he would "endeavour to make the most of the opportunities presented to him."

This was followed by an impressive speech by the President of MAPS for 2021-22, Abipsa Mehndirata. She highlighted her illustrious past in various councils and promised the student body that she would work tirelessly to ensure that academics would not falter in these trying times and that they could always rely on her to listen to their concerns. Her speech, praised highly by the Principal himself, was a beacon of light and her strong communication skills undoubtedly served as a great reminder of her abilities.

Sanal Simon, the Vice President of MAPS, then went forward and voiced his ambitions for the year ahead, relating a few occasions about his past within the hostels of Manipal and the greatness of the institution. He also urged the students who had newly joined the college to step out of their comfort zone and experience everything they could.

The highlight of the evening was a reassuring speech from Dr C. Mallikarjun Rao, the Principal of Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, who assured the students that the quality of education at the institution would not falter given the current situation. He voiced his anticipation for the Diamond Jubilee of MCOPS that would take place in the year 2022-23 and, towards the end, quoted a line that would surely inspire every student enrolled in the institution. "Roll up your sleeves, channel your energy and do something great!" he exclaimed with a smile.

The glorious event ended with a short vote of thanks from the Vice President and a traditional dance routine by Madhuja, whose moves would serve as a refined culmination for the evening. A video montage introducing the revered committees played at the end, with a short introduction of oneself from the members and the secretaries. Manipal Digest would like to extend a hearty congratulations to those that comprise the newly formed councils, including the Academic Council, Cultural Council, Sports Council, Editorial Board, Student Exchange Committee, Community Development Council, and the Innovative Communication Club.

The new leaders are set to embark on a journey with incredible opportunities and guide the students throughout the year. They are eagerly looking forward to taking up the roles and responsibilities and ensuring that MCOPS stays true to the title of "institute of eminence."

-By Om M Khandeparkar