Investiture Ceremony of OIA

The Office of International Affairs (OIA), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organised the Investiture Ceremony for the academic year 2026–2027 to formally induct the new OIA Student Committee. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new term of student leadership and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to internationalisation, intercultural learning, and global engagement.

The event was graced by  Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), as the Chief Guest. His presence added significance to the occasion, particularly in highlighting the role of cultural exchange and international understanding in today’s interconnected world.

In his address, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe emphasised the importance of empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity in building meaningful relationships across borders. He encouraged the newly inducted student leaders to develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and contribute actively to promoting international understanding within and beyond the university. His message highlighted how students can play an important role in strengthening intercultural connections through their participation in academic activities, international programmes, and collaborative initiatives.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing OIA Student Committee. The outgoing members shared a retrospective of their activities and experiences, reflecting on their involvement in international initiatives, global immersion programmes, diplomatic engagements, and other activities coordinated by the Office of International Affairs. Their experiences offered valuable insights into the responsibilities associated with student leadership and the importance of teamwork in organising and supporting international engagements.

A key highlight of the programme was the formal induction of the new Student Committee members, who took their pledge of office and accepted their responsibilities for the upcoming academic year. The committee will support various OIA initiatives, including international event coordination, student mobility activities, intercultural programmes, and engagement with international visitors and delegates. Through these responsibilities, the students will have opportunities to strengthen their organisational, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while contributing to the university’s internationalisation efforts.

The OIA Student Committee serves as an important link between the Office of International Affairs and the student community. By encouraging student participation in international activities and promoting awareness of global opportunities, the committee contributes to creating a campus environment that values cultural diversity, international perspectives, and collaborative learning. The committee members are also expected to support the planning and execution of OIA events and initiatives, helping create meaningful experiences for students and international guests alike.

The Investiture Ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of responsibility and enthusiasm among the newly inducted members. It marked not only the transition from one committee to another but also an opportunity to build upon the work of previous student leaders and explore new possibilities for engagement.

As the new committee begins its term, the Office of International Affairs looks forward to continued student participation, stronger intercultural connections, and meaningful international initiatives throughout the academic year. The ceremony reaffirmed the importance of student leadership in advancing the university’s international outlook and fostering a learning environment that encourages global awareness, mutual respect, and collaboration across cultures.