FROM ME TO WE: THE POWER OF TEAMWORK

On August 18th, 2025, the School of Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organized an engaging team building session for all new undergraduate students. The event, titled “From Me to We: The Power of Teamwork”, was conducted in the Smart Room, Central Block, and facilitated by Dr. Anita Kumari and Prof. Milan Chakraborty from the Department of Data Science.

The session began with an interactive discussion on the question, “Why is team building needed?” Dr. Anita Kumari initiated the dialogue, explaining the importance of teamwork in both academic and professional life, followed by additional insights from Prof. Milan Chakraborty. Their explanations emphasized how collaboration not only enhances performance but also nurtures leadership, adaptability, and conflict resolution skills. This thought-provoking introduction encouraged students to reflect on how teamwork will play a crucial role during their academic journey and beyond.

Following the introduction, the session transitioned into a series of interactive activities designed to encourage openness, trust, and collaboration among students. The first activity invited participants to introduce themselves, allowing them to feel more comfortable, break initial hesitation, and create a friendly learning environment. Next, students were divided into small groups of five and were asked to identify three things they all had in common, excluding obvious similarities like being students or attending the same university. This exercise sparked active dialogue, encouraged observation, and helped students discover shared interests, experiences, and values—laying the foundation for deeper peer-to-peer connections.

The highlight of the session was the Group Storytelling activity, where each team created a short story based on themes such as teamwork, leadership, or college life. Groups were given 15–20 minutes for preparation and 5 minutes for presentation. This segment encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and cooperative effort, as every member had to contribute to the storyline. The performances showcased a mix of humor, imagination, and thoughtful reflections on teamwork, which kept the atmosphere lively and engaging. Students not only enjoyed the activity but also gained hands-on experience of collective problem-solving, coordination, and effective communication.

Towards the end, selected students were invited to share their reflections on what they had learned throughout the session. Their responses revealed key insights, such as the importance of trusting teammates, respecting diverse perspectives, and working towards common objectives with enthusiasm. Students highlighted how the activities made them more confident about expressing themselves, connecting with peers, and stepping out of their comfort zones.

The session concluded with a sense of unity and accomplishment, as participants recognized the essence of moving from individual effort to collective success. The event effectively bridged theoretical understanding of teamwork with practical demonstrations, ensuring that students not only heard about the importance of collaboration but also experienced it firsthand. This foundation will support their growth in academics, extracurricular activities, and future professional endeavors, making the session a significant milestone in their university journey.