Your education must serve society and the nation
-Tamil Nadu Governor
Urging students to view education as a means to serve society and the nation, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated Deeksharambh 2026, the orientation programme for over 3,500 first-year students at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, on Saturday.
He also launched Amrita Lex Initio 2026, the flagship lecture series of the Amrita International School of Law.
Addressing the students, the Governor said education should go beyond earning degrees and building careers. Encouraging students to understand the values behind knowledge and apply them in their lives, he remarked that while Diksha marks the beginning of learning in a chosen discipline, Shiksha is a lifelong journey.
Drawing from the Mahabharata, he urged students to practise what they learn and called upon them to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through excellence, innovation and service.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Bipin Nair, Registrar, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, welcomed the gathering. Sampujya Swami Purnamritananda Puri, General Secretary of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, delivered the benedictory address, while Amma, Sadguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, shared her blessings through a video. Dr. Anil G. Variath, Dean, Amrita International School of Law, presented an overview of Amrita Lex Initio 2026.
Sudheesh Manalil, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, Coimbatore, graced the occasion on the dais along with other dignitaries. Nava Subramaniam, Dean, Amrita School of Business, presented a memento to the Chief Guest, and Sasangan Ramanathan, Dean, Amrita School of Engineering, delivered the vote of thanks.
Deeksharambh 2026 marks the beginning of the academic journey for students from the Schools of Engineering, Business, Law, Physical Sciences, Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Arts, Humanities & Commerce, Architecture, Agriculture, and Social & Behavioral Sciences.
“Over the coming days, the students will participate in sessions on yoga and meditation, universal human values, departmental orientation, motivational talks and campus familiarisation, reflecting Amrita’s commitment to holistic and values-based education.
Amrita Lex Initio 2026, a year-long academic initiative of the Amrita International School of Law, will bring together eminent jurists, legal experts, policymakers, academicians and industry leaders to engage students on constitutional values, jurisprudence, ethics, leadership and emerging areas of law, fostering intellectually rigorous and socially conscious legal professionals,” said a press release from Amrita.
