The much-awaited Freshman Social ‘NABARUN 2025’ was held on 29th August 2025 at Jagannath Barooah University, organised by the Students’ Union (2024–2025). The event served as a vibrant platform to welcome the new members of the JBian family and to celebrate their talents in a spirit of togetherness.

The inaugural meeting was presided over by Iman Boruah, President of the Students’ Union. The occasion was graced by Prof. Jiten Hazarika, Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Jyoti Prasad Saikia, Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath Barooah University, as the Guest of Honour.

Other distinguished dignitaries present included:

Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, Registrar

Dr. Surajit Sharma, Dean of Academic Affairs

Dr. Jibon Saikia, Dean of Research and Development

Mr. Subhasish Sarmah, Dean of Students’ Affairs

Dr. Minakshi Phukan Hazarika, Dean of Social Science and Humanities

Mr. Porag Sarmah, Dean of Commerce

Dr. Gautam Kalita, Dean of Science and Technology

The gathering was further enriched by valuable speeches from eminent personalities.

Prof. Jyoti Prasad Saikia, Vice-Chancellor of JB University, in his inspiring address, urged the freshers to uphold the legacy of the institution by blending academic excellence with cultural vibrancy and social responsibility.

Prof. Jiten Hazarika, Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University, highlighted the importance of inter-university cooperation, research, and holistic development, encouraging the students to dream big and contribute to society.

Mr. Subhasish Sarmah, Dean of Students’ Affairs, welcomed the freshers warmly, emphasizing the role of discipline, participation, and unity in shaping their university life.

Dr. Jolly Borthakur, senior faculty member, shared words of wisdom, urging the students to balance studies with co-curricular activities while nurturing creativity and critical thinking.

Jugantar Madhab Saikia, a proud JBian, expressed his delight at being part of the occasion and motivated the freshers by sharing his personal experiences of growth and bonding at JB University.

The purpose of the gathering was explained by Sachin Saikia, Vice-President of the Students’ Union, who spoke about the significance of the Freshman Social in promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. The vote of thanks was offered by Prapti Pratyasha, General Secretary (In-Charge), who also anchored the inaugural session with grace and confidence.

Awards and Scholarship Distribution

As part of the day’s proceedings, a special session was dedicated to the distribution of cash awards and scholarships for the year 2025. Students were honoured for their outstanding academic achievements across different disciplines.

Some of the key awards included:

• Anil Chandra Barooah Memorial Award (Best Graduate) – Nupur Saikia (Mathematics)

• College Fund Award (Best Graduate) – Nupur Saikia

• Rajendra Nath Barauh Memorial Awards for highest marks in Economics, Political Science, and Assamese Majors – Sibangee Dutta, Tuhin Bhagawati, and Ayana Sakalaya respectively

• M.L. Phookan Awards for highest marks in B.Sc. majors and Geography – Nupur Saikia and Trishita Goswami

• Joy Chandra Bora Memorial Award (Highest marks in Political Science Major) – Tuhin Bhagawati

• T.N. Sarma Award (Highest marks in Sanskrit Major, BA) – Monisha Kalita

• Bani Khound Memorial Awards (2022–2025) – Mehak Sharma, Barasha Gogoi, Baishali Borah, and Nupur Saikia

• Phanidhar Datta Scholarship (meritorious student with rural background) – Prerana Borah

• T.C. Maheswari Scholarship (economically backward but meritorious student in Commerce stream) – Dipangar Das

The distribution of these awards and scholarships added a sense of pride and motivation to the occasion, inspiring the freshers to aim for academic and personal excellence.

Following the formal proceedings, the event turned festive with colourful cultural performances by both freshers and senior JBians. The blend of music, dance, and creative expression made the evening memorable, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the newcomers.