Aarambh 2024

The inaugural event of the Data Science Association (DSA) at CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Pune, Lavasa, commenced with an air of excitement and anticipation. As students, faculty members, and esteemed guests gathered, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, symbolizing the promising future of this newly formed association. The event began with a warm and heartfelt welcome by the Head of the Department, Dr. Lija Jacob, who set the tone for the day by extending her best wishes to the Data Science Association for their forthcoming initiatives and endeavors. Her address emphasized the importance of such associations in fostering academic and extracurricular growth, encouraging the department's students to actively participate and benefit from the various programs and events that the DSA would offer in the future.

Following Dr. Jacob’s address, the presidential address was delivered by Fr. Justin P. Verghese, the highly esteemed Academic Coordinator of CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Pune, Lavasa. Fr. Verghese's speech resonated with inspiration and wisdom, as he conveyed his blessings to the DSA, expressing optimism about the bright prospects that lay ahead for both the association and its members. He emphasized the critical role that student-led associations play in nurturing leadership, collaboration, and innovation among young scholars. Fr. Verghese highlighted how the DSA office bearers, as well as the core committee members, represented the next generation of leaders tasked with carrying forward the legacy of the association. He acknowledged that these students, through their dedication and hard work, would not only elevate the association but also contribute meaningfully to the department, university, and the broader data science community. His words of encouragement fostered a sense of responsibility and pride among the newly appointed office bearers, as they prepared to take on the mantle of leadership.

The official inauguration of the Data Science Association was conducted by Dr. Jibrael Jos, the Associate Dean, who graciously led the ceremony with an air of formality and excitement. Dr. Jos, in his brief address, praised the initiative taken by the students and faculty in establishing the DSA. He reiterated the importance of teamwork, innovation, and the spirit of inquiry in the field of data science, reminding the students that associations like the DSA provide essential platforms for them to explore these values outside the confines of the traditional classroom setting.

The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone for the department, as the formation of the DSA symbolized a new chapter filled with opportunities for collaboration, learning, and personal growth.

 Following the official inauguration, Prof. Avichal Sharma took the stage to provide an overview of the proposed events and initiatives planned for the 2024-2025 academic year. Prof. Sharma’s presentation was met with much anticipation, as students eagerly learned about the exciting opportunities the association would offer in the coming months. He outlined a variety of academic and co-curricular activities that the DSA would spearhead, including guest lectures, workshops, coding competitions, hackathons, and collaborative research opportunities. Prof. Sharma highlighted that these events were designed not only to enhance the technical skills of the students but also to foster creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork—skills essential for a successful career in data science. He concluded his presentation by introducing the newly appointed office bearers and core committee members, congratulating them on their appointments. He also expressed his confidence in their ability to lead the association with vision and purpose, further strengthening the department’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. 

One of the highlights of the event was a guest lecture delivered by Ms. Priti Sable, an industry expert who has made significant contributions to the field of data science. Ms. Sable’s lecture focused on the importance of co-curricular and extracurricular activities in the holistic development of students, a message that deeply resonated with the audience. She emphasized that while academic excellence is critical, it is the experiences gained outside the classroom—through associations like the DSA—that truly shape a student’s character, leadership abilities, and problem-solving skills. Ms. Sable encouraged all students to actively participate in the events organized by the DSA, as they provided unique opportunities for networking, collaboration, and personal growth. She shared insights from her own professional journey, illustrating how associations and extracurricular activities played a pivotal role in her career development. Her talk was both inspiring and practical, as she highlighted the real-world applications of data science and the diverse career paths available to those in the field. She concluded by expressing her admiration for the initiative taken by the DSA and extended her best wishes for its success.

Another exciting part of the day’s events was the Batch Face-off, a lively competition where students from various years of the Data Science Department showcased their talents through performances. This segment added a fun and engaging element to the event, allowing students to display their creativity and team spirit. The Batch Face-off brought out a competitive yet collaborative atmosphere, as each group aimed to outshine the others with their performances. The audience, comprising both students and faculty, cheered enthusiastically for each performance, adding to the sense of camaraderie and unity within the department. The performances were judged on various criteria, including creativity, execution, and overall entertainment value. After much deliberation, the winning class, 5BSCEA, was awarded the highest score of 87, while 5 BSc DS followed closely behind with a score of 83. The performances concluded with each group sharing behind-the-scenes videos and aftermovies, offering the audience a glimpse into the hard work and preparation that went into their acts.

As the event drew to a close, Prof. Bijesh Thomas took the podium to deliver the vote of thanks. In his address, Prof. Thomas expressed deep gratitude to the various individuals and groups who had worked tirelessly to make the event a success. He thanked the student volunteers for their dedication, the core committee members for their leadership, and the faculty and supporting staff for their unwavering support and guidance. Prof. Thomas acknowledged that the event would not have been possible without the collective efforts of everyone involved, and he expressed his hope that this spirit of collaboration would continue as the DSA embarked on its journey for the year ahead. His words encapsulated the essence of the event—a celebration of teamwork, leadership, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the Data Science Association.

The inaugural event of the DSA was undoubtedly a success, laying a strong foundation for the association’s future. The blend of formal addresses, inspiring speeches, and engaging activities created a well-rounded and memorable experience for all attendees.As the students and faculty left the event, there was a palpable sense of anticipation for what the Data Science Association would achieve in the coming year.