Student Engagement

A snail was once climbing a mango tree in winter. A grasshopper laughed at the snail and told the snail that there were no mangoes on the tree in winter. Mangoes come only in summer. The snail had patiently replied to him that by the time he will reach up there on the tree, there will be summer.

This story is not about the patience of the snail. But, it is a story of metacognition. The Snail knows that it knows. It is a story of self-awareness, acceptance and perseverance. It is the story of a snail that knows one’s limitations, is aware of where it wants to go, is working hard to reach there and is enjoying the journey.

This sums up the student engagement that we are trying to build at the Ahmedabad University. We aim to provide a platform to our students where they can relax, unwind, debate, deliberate, reflect, immerse and collaborate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities to know that they know. It is not an easy process since it just not about going on a stage to say a few words or sing a song or cook a dish. That is too simple and pretty obvious too. But the real challenge is to let the students know what happens to them when they go on that stage and are they happy about it? Or what is their top most feeling when they sit down with a blind person and read a book to him/her or take part in a debate or clay modelling workshop? Can they define that feeling? Can they be in that feeling? Can they learn something from that feeling? And lastly, can they turn that feeling into action for self and others?

For us, this is when engagement comes because it is rooted in self-awareness, empathy, resilience, camaraderie, reflection, expression and action. The students become engaged because they want to. They become engaged because they see that in this process they are the givers and also the takers. They become engaged because there is a realisation like the one that Po Panda (in Kungfu Panda) has: “There is no secret sauce”. The only thing that matters is one’s own self. We believe that this is a very big driver for our students that the only propeller is not outside them but inside them.

This realisation has led to a world of literature, quiz, drama, theatre, films, music, dance, debates, fine arts, social service, food, sports, fitness, photography, creative writing, entrepreneurship and a lot more through the 20 thriving student clubs at the University.

These clubs allow our students to express themselves, to hone their skills, to be self-aware and to be drivers of change.

The focus of student engagement at our University is to provide meaningful and engaging opportunities to our students to not only relax, rejuvenate and unwind from the rigours of their academic life but also give them a platform to develop a repertoire that would help them in their future endeavours. It refers to creating student-led cohesive & collaborative environment which would foster in them the spirit of entrepreneurship, social action, innovation, self-awareness and creative expression.

Going back to our snail’s anecdote, just as the snail starts in winter, our students also start this journey of self-realisation and deep learning right from their first year and it goes on till the last year of their studies and beyond (till they reach their summer and get their own mangoes!!) It is a continuous process of knowing and doing and learning. This is what differentiates us from the rest.

University Club Introductions

Astronomy Club

The Mission of the Astronomy Club is to foster curiosity and expand knowledge about various fields of astronomy and space science through observation, discussion, and exploration, creating an inclusive environment for learning and discovery. The Club aims to provide a platform to explore the wonders of space, from stargazing nights to workshops and expert talks. The Club encourages participation from individuals of all academic backgrounds, inviting them to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and ignite their passion for astronomy.