Introductory program for first-year civil engineering students – “Let’s Draft the Plan Smartly”

The Department of Civil Engineering has been conducting several activities to provide an orientation to the basics of architectural drafting using SketchUp Pro, while also familiarizing students with the academic environment, faculty, and facilities of the institution

The  Dept organized an introductory program titled “Let’s Draft the Plan Smartly” on 5 August 2025, exclusively for the newly admitted B.Tech Civil Engineering students. 

The event began with a soulful prayer by Ms. Yamini Vijayan (S5, CE Dept) setting a graceful tone for the day. A warm welcome address was delivered by Mr Kiran Babu A R (Asst Prof, CE Dept) who highlighted the purpose and scope of the program. The presidential address was given by Dr. Abhilasha P S (HoD, CE Dept)  emphasizing the department’s commitment to providing quality education and early exposure to technical tools and practices.

The technical session, “SketchUp Pro for Beginners” was conducted by Mr. Renjith R (Asst Prof, CE Dept) Designed as a hands-on workshop, the session introduced students to 3D architectural modeling through SketchUp Pro. The interactive format encouraged students to engage actively with the software, guided effectively by the resource person. The session was smoothly supported by the technical staff members Ms. Ranjitha (Trade Instructor, CE Dept) and Ms. Reshma (Trade Instructor, CE Dept), who ensured the seamless execution of the training.

In the afternoon session, students interacted with their respective Group Tutors — Ms. Chithra M  (Asst Prof, CE Dept), Ms. Ponsy Paul  (Asst Prof, CE Dept), and Ms. Roshni Vijay  (Asst Prof, CE Dept) — enabling rapport building and academic orientation. A campus visit followed, during which the tutors guided the students through the various amenities of the college and the departmental laboratories, helping them gain familiarity with the infrastructure and learning resources.

Adding a motivational dimension, Mr. Nandan K. V.(B.Tech CE, 2020–2024 batch), engaged with the students and shared valuable insights from his academic journey and career path. His interaction connected classroom learning with real-world experiences, inspiring the freshers to explore opportunities and chart their own paths effectively.

The day concluded with a feedback session, where students expressed their positive experiences and reflections, followed by a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Anjali P Sasidharan  (Asso Prof, CE Dept) acknowledging the efforts of the faculty, lab staff, volunteers, and students.

The initiative left the students motivated, well-oriented, and inspired as they embarked on their engineering journey, marking a successful beginning to their academic life in the Department of Civil Engineering at Vidya.