Shaam Shaandar – Freshers’25 for Data Science

The Senior batch of MSc Data Science of School of Sciences, hosted a annual fresher’s celebration “Shaam Shaandar – Freshers’25” to extend a warm welcome to the incoming MSc Data Science students. The event was conducted in the MBA Auditorium and was designed as an evening of cultural celebration, interaction, and bonding between juniors, seniors, and faculty members.

The programme began with an energetic ice-breaking session, where fun activities allowed the juniors to interact, break initial barriers, and step into the spirit of camaraderie. This was followed by the Director’s Address by Fr. Dr. Lijo Thomas, who highlighted the importance of academic commitment, personal growth, and community building. The dignitaries’ segment also included addresses by Dr. Jibrael Jos, Associate Dean, and Dr. Lija Jacob, Head of Department, who encouraged the students to embrace teamwork, discipline, and innovation during their postgraduate journey.

The cultural sequence opened with a dance performance by the seniors, setting the festive tone for the evening. Soon after, the juniors took the stage with their own contributions: a soulful group song performance that captured their enthusiasm, and a poetry recitation by one of the freshers that reflected creativity and thoughtfulness. These acts stood out as heartfelt efforts by the new batch, showcasing their willingness to contribute and engage right from the start.

The evening continued with a series of vibrant performances, including boys’ and girls’ dance numbers, a group performance by seniors, and a video presentation that depicted the seniors’ journey in their first year at Lavasa. The video struck an emotional chord, reminding seniors of their beginnings while giving juniors a glimpse of the enriching experiences that lay ahead.

A highlight of the evening was the Mr. and Ms. Fresher competition, conducted in two rounds. The ramp walk round allowed freshers to display their confidence and personality, while the interview round tested their creativity, quick thinking, and individuality. The questions ranged from reflective self-descriptions to fun, situational prompts that made the interaction lively and entertaining. The competition not only entertained the audience but also gave juniors a platform to express their uniqueness beyond academics.

The event was kept engaging throughout with witty anchoring, interactive filler lines, and constant crowd involvement. The seamless coordination ensured that the evening was full of laughter, enthusiasm, and applause.

As the programme drew to a close, the grand finale group dance performance by seniors brought immense energy to the stage. The dignitaries then crowned Tanmay Gupta as Mr. Fresher 2025, and M P Mahesha as Ms. Fresher 2025, acknowledging their confidence, charm, and talent. The formal segment concluded with a vote of thanks, where gratitude was expressed to the university leadership, faculty members, technical teams, organizing seniors, and juniors for their spirited participation.

The celebration ended with a dinner gathering, allowing everyone to interact in an informal setting, further strengthening the bond between juniors and seniors.

In essence, Shaam Shaandar – Freshers’25 was not just an evening of entertainment but also a platform for integration, creativity, and relationship-building. The inclusion of music, poetry, dance, games, and competitions ensured that every student felt part of the celebration. The event achieved its objective of making the freshers feel welcomed while showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the MSc Data Science community.