The School of Design (SOD), Presidency University, successfully conducted Adhyaay – Deeksharambh, the Orientation Programme for the Batch of 2026, through a series of academic, experiential and creative-learning activities during June and July 2026. The programme commenced with “The Threshold” on 24 June 2026, welcoming 76 students and their parents to the University. The inaugural programme introduced students to the University and School of Design, academic expectations, institutional values and student support systems. The sessions included addresses by University leadership, an interactive session on transitioning to university life, and a keynote by Guest of Honour Mr Prasad Bidapa, who shared insights into creativity, professionalism and careers in the design industry. Students and parents were also introduced to the Department of Student Affairs, hostel and transport facilities, followed by admission document verification. On 25 June, “The Revelation” further introduced students to the interdisciplinary nature of design through talks by Mr Sujay L, Ms Archana Murali and Mr Midhun K, a panel discussion, interactions with School coordinators and an alumni session focusing on academic growth, portfolios, internships and career pathways.

The orientation continued with “Inner Canvas: Unblocking the Creative Self”, a three-day workshop conducted from 29 June to 1 July by multidisciplinary artist and integrative therapist Mr Jeetin Rangher, with faculty support. Through breathwork, body mapping, movement, non-dominant-hand drawing, visual journalling, cognitive reframing and reflective circles, students explored creative inhibition, emotional awareness, intuitive perception and personal expression. The programme was complemented by an educational visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) on 3 July, where 85 students gained first-hand exposure to visual culture, artistic expression, cultural heritage and the relationship between art and contemporary design. This was followed by “Flow & Form: The Art of Freehand Calligraphy” on 6 July, which introduced students to brush lettering, tools, stroke control, rhythm and hand coordination, and a Caricature and Comics Workshop on 7 July, conducted by Dr Gaman P, which developed skills in observation, exaggeration, character development, comic layouts, storytelling and visual communication.

Further experiential learning was provided through the “Material Heritage by Krishikala” workshop on 8–9 July, which introduced students to sustainable craft, natural materials, rural artisan livelihoods, biodiversity preservation and the transformation of bottle gourds into functional design products. The Excursion to Bangalore Creative Circus on 10 July exposed 89 students to sustainable design practices, adaptive reuse, circular design, material experimentation and the creative use of waste and reclaimed materials. A full-day Photography Workshop on 13 July introduced Foundation and B.Sc Multimedia students to framing, composition, lighting, observation and visual storytelling using mobile photography, culminating in a student-led mini exhibition. The masterclass “School to College”, led by Dr Ushy Mohan Das, supported students in navigating the academic, social and psychological transition to university, with emphasis on self-awareness, communication, wellbeing, teamwork and personal leadership. The programme culminated in Adhyaay: Exhibition Preparation Day on 17 July, where students curated and displayed their workshop outputs, creative projects and documentation, gaining practical experience in exhibition planning, mounting, space organisation, presentation and visitor engagement.

Overall, Adhyaay 2026 provided an integrated foundation for the Batch of 2026 by combining academic orientation, industry exposure, creative practice, cultural engagement, sustainability, personal development and experiential learning. The programme enabled students to develop visual observation, creative confidence, interdisciplinary thinking, communication, collaboration, reflective practice and professional awareness while establishing an early connection with faculty, peers, alumni and industry practitioners. The diverse activities also helped students understand the relevance of design across art, technology, culture, sustainability and professional practice, while encouraging them to approach their education with curiosity, empathy and a willingness to experiment. The culminating exhibition provided an opportunity to consolidate and communicate their learning, demonstrating the overall effectiveness of the orientation programme in preparing students for their academic journey at the School of Design.