Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla to Welcome Bennett University's Class of 2026 as Chief Guest at UG Deeksharambh

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Gaganyatri (Astronaut) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will be the Chief Guest at Bennett University's Deeksharambh 2026, the university's annual induction ceremony for undergraduate freshmen, to be held tomorrow, August 12, 2026, at the German Hangar (N Block) on campus.

Group Captain Shukla will address the incoming batch of undergraduate students, sharing his journey and experiences as one of India's Gaganyatris with ISRO and drawing on his career as an IAF officer to inspire students to pursue excellence, discipline, and curiosity as they begin their higher education journey. His address is expected to be the centrepiece of the ceremony, offering new students a first-hand account of India's human spaceflight programme and the discipline it takes to get there.

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Deeksharambh will mark the formal start of the academic journey for the new batch of undergraduate students, bringing together the university's leadership, distinguished guests, and new students for a morning of celebration, guidance, and inspiration.

Alongside Group Captain Shukla, the event will also feature addresses from two Special Guests: Mr. Ronjan Sodhi, Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee, who will speak on the values of focus and perseverance in achieving one's goals, and Ms. Rubika Liyaquat, Senior Executive Editor at Times Now Navbharat and Vice President - Special Projects, who will share insights on communication, media, and navigating the world beyond the classroom.

Ahead of the ceremony, Dr. Raj Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bennett University, welcomed Group Captain Shukla's participation and extended a warm welcome to the incoming students, saying:

“It is a matter of great pride for Bennett University to welcome Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India's Gaganyatris, as our Chief Guest for Deeksharambh. His journey is a powerful reminder of what discipline, curiosity, and perseverance can achieve. As we prepare to welcome our newest Bennettians tomorrow, I want every incoming student to know that this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. I encourage you to embrace every opportunity this campus offers to learn, innovate, and grow into changemakers of tomorrow.”

The ceremony will also include the traditional Ganesh Vandana and lamp-lighting ceremony, felicitation of the guests, and cultural performances by student societies Rivaaz (Classical Dance Society) and Panache (Fashion Society). The day's proceedings will conclude with a vote of thanks, followed by a cultural evening for the newly inducted students.

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Deeksharambh is Bennett University's flagship orientation programme, designed primarily to bring convergence among various sets of expectations and to help incoming undergraduate students transition smoothly into campus life while introducing them to the university's academic ethos, values, and vibrant community.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a part of marketing collaboration between Careers360 and Bennett University.