Medhavi Skills University welcomes new batch with police-led ‘Building Bonds’ session

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Medhavi Skills University Sikkim welcomed its new batch of students for the academic year 2026 with ‘Prarambh’, an orientation programme held at Manan Kendra here Wednesday.

The main highlight of the programme was ‘Building Bonds’, a community policing initiative of the Sikkim Police, which featured an interactive session and roleplay led by Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva. The session saw participation from Sikkim Police officials of different ranks, along with faculty members and students of Medhavi Skills University Sikkim.

“Building Bonds is a meaningful approach led by the Sikkim Police to build trust between the police and citizens, with a special focus on youths. The initiative aims to change perceptions and break barriers so that members of the public feel comfortable approaching the police, while also developing a realistic understanding of policing,” Sachdeva said.

The session covered a range of issues, including criminal laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023. It also addressed POCSO, crimes against women and children, emerging cyber and AI-related crimes, effective use of police helplines, digital arrest scams, sextortion, cyber love scams, drug abuse etc.

DSP Mingyur Tempo Nadik, addressing the students, stressed the importance of discipline, academic excellence, respect and responsible citizenship.

“As police officers, we have had the privilege of witnessing both the best and the worst of society, and one lesson has remained constant: the choices we make today determine the lives we lead tomorrow. Success is not built overnight, nor is failure. Both are the results of the habits, decisions and values we cultivate every day,” Nadik said.

He said discipline was the foundation of a successful life and encouraged students to develop self-control, respect time, honour commitments and remain accountable for their actions.

“Talent may open doors, but discipline keeps them open. Your years at university are an investment that will shape your future. Be curious, read beyond your textbooks, ask questions, challenge ideas respectfully and develop skills that prepare you not only for employment, but also for leadership,” he said.

Nadik also urged students to respect their parents, teachers, friends and classmates, while emphasising the importance of respecting the law.

“As young citizens, you carry a responsibility that extends beyond your personal ambitions. Our nation needs graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also ethical, compassionate and responsible. Stay away from substance abuse, violence, intolerance and the misuse of technology. Use your education to solve problems, uplift communities, protect the environment and contribute positively to society,” he said.

“Whatever profession you pursue, never measure success solely by the position you hold or the wealth you accumulate. Measure it by the lives you touch, the values you uphold and the difference you make in the lives of others,” Nadik added.

He urged the students to “dream boldly, work tirelessly, remain humble in success, resilient in failure and unwavering in their principles”.

Additional Superintendent of Police Prawin Lamichaney also briefed the students on community policing and the importance of police and citizens working together to create a safer environment.

“Police and the public have a shared responsibility, and each has an important role to play. Students are also an important part of society. A safer environment can be created when the police and the public stand together,” he said.

Gangtok SHO Niraj Khatiwada informed the gathering that an MoU was signed between Medhavi Skills University Sikkim and the Sikkim Police in 2025. The agreement focuses on scholarships for the families of Sikkim Police personnel and providing opportunities for quality education and skills development.

Kuldeep Sharma, co-founder and pro-chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, said ‘Prarambh’ is organised every year to give new students an opportunity to begin their university journey with guidance from distinguished personalities.

“Every year, we organise this orientation programme in a way that allows us to invite dignitaries from across the country to guide our students as they begin an important journey in their lives,” Sharma said.

He described the ‘Building Bonds’ session as an informative and impactful interaction between the police and the community.

“It was a 120-minute session that was very informative and meaningful. More than 1,000 students present at Manan Kendra, along with our partners, team members and students participating online, had the opportunity to learn about policing, how the police support us and the importance of safety. We are thankful to DGP Akshay Sachdeva and the entire Sikkim Police team for giving us their valuable time,” Sharma said.

Pravesh Dudani, founder and chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, said the new academic year marked an important beginning for the university’s fresh batch.

“This year, more than 500 students have taken admission across undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programmes, with around 60 per cent of them coming from Sikkim,” Dudani said.

He said students had also joined the university from several other States, including West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar.

Addresses were also delivered by SSB Gangtok DIG A. Hemochandra and ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids director Dr. Sankar Prasad Das.

The programme was followed by interactive sessions and cultural presentations.