October 20, 2024, will remain etched in our memory as one of the most remarkable beginnings of our academic life. It was the day Jagannath University stepped into its nineteenth year, and it was also the day we, the freshers of the nineteenth batch, officially began our journey at the Institute of Modern Languages—IML. The coincidence made the occasion doubly special for us. Our admission process had already been completed before this date, so when we stepped onto the campus that morning, we were not just newcomers; we were part of the university’s birthday celebration as well.
As we walked through the entrance, the campus greeted us with colorful lights, banners, and an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm. The decorations around the buildings shone in the soft morning sunlight, making the campus feel like a place ready to embrace new stories. Our excitement grew even more when we reached the IML Room and saw the beautiful graffiti created by our immediate seniors, the 18th batch. Their artwork wasn’t just decoration—it felt like a warm message welcoming us into a new family of languages, culture, and learning. Each stroke on the wall seemed to say that we belonged.
Our orientation was scheduled to begin at 9 AM in room Akhanda 1219—now divided into A and B sections. When we entered, we found the room buzzing with mixed feelings: nervousness, curiosity, and the thrill of stepping into the unknown. We took our seats and waited for the program to begin. Soon enough, our seniors took charge. They had clearly invested time and effort into making this day meaningful for us.
They began by introducing themselves first, sharing their names, experiences, and a little glimpse into their lives at IML. Listening to them made us feel reassured, as though we had guides ready to help us transition into university life. When it was our turn, we introduced ourselves too, following the same pattern. With every introduction, the room grew lighter, friendlier.
But the orientation wasn’t just about knowing names. Our seniors also explained the informal rules and etiquettes of campus life. They reminded us to treat seniors with respect, to avoid any kind of misbehavior, and to maintain the culture of harmony that IML takes pride in. Their tone wasn’t stern—it was caring and sincere, as if they were preparing us for a journey they had already walked. Then, as a token of welcome, they handed each of us a file, a chocolate, and a rose. The gifts were simple, but for us they symbolized the beginning of something beautiful.
Soon after, our respected teachers arrived. One by one, Debasish Sir, Protiva Mam, Montasir Sir and Arpita Mam addressed us. Their speeches were full of warmth and hope. They reminded us about the importance of discipline, curiosity, and dedication. They wished for our success and assured us that they would guide us throughout our academic journey. Listening to them, we felt a sense of belonging and a determination to make the best of the years ahead.
At 11 AM, the formal session ended, and we stepped outside to take part in a grand rally arranged by the entire university. Students from every department gathered with their respective banners. The energy was overwhelming—voices echoed across the campus, banners fluttered, and a stream of students moved in unison. We joined our department line and marched proudly, shouting inspiring slogans such as
“Biplob E Boliyan, Nirvik Jabiyan.”
But the most exciting moments were when we chanted:
“IML Ashche, Rajpoth Kapche!”
It felt powerful, as if we were becoming part of a long legacy of voices that had marched before us.
The rally moved from the campus to Ray Saheb Bazar Chattar and then back again. The presence of media personnel added to the vibrancy of the moment. Cameras flashed, microphones appeared, and for the first time, many of us felt the pride of representing our department publicly. The sense of unity and celebration was so strong that even the noise of the busy Old Dhaka streets faded behind our chants and footsteps.
After the rally, we returned to our department where lunch had been arranged. The food was wonderfully delicious—so delicious that we almost felt we should write a whole piece of literature just to honor its “amazing” taste!. It didn’t matter what was on the plate; what mattered was the bonding that took place over those plates. We introduced ourselves to more classmates, exchanged phone numbers, and slowly began forming friendships that we knew would shape our university life.
Then came one of the day’s biggest surprises: we received our student ID cards right away. Many of us didn’t expect it so early, but holding that small card made everything feel official. It was proof that we were now part of Jagannath University—not just visitors or aspirants, but full-fledged students with an identity on campus.
After all the formalities, we were encouraged to explore the university. So we walked through different corners of the campus, soaking in the sights—the lights, the graffiti, the familiar yet new environment. Some of us went home early, as responsibilities awaited. Others stayed back, wandering around, chatting, taking photos, and enjoying the first day of a journey we had dreamt about.
Throughout the day, campus buses kept running, ensuring that everyone reached their destinations safely by evening. As we finally boarded the buses and looked back at the campus one last time that day, we carried with us not just ID cards or roses, but a swirl of emotions—excitement, belonging, curiosity, and hope.
Our orientation day wasn’t just an official introduction to university life. It was a celebration of beginnings, a merging of personal dreams with the grand history of Jagannath University. It was the day we stepped into a new world—together, united, ready to begin our chapter as proud students of IML.
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