Interaction with Students of IIT Palakkad

Date: 27-Jul-2026

Location: IIT Palakkad, Kerala

On 27th July 2026, IIT Palakkad, Kerala, hosted an inspiring interactive session by Shivakumar, SAFIER (Integral Education wing of Sri Aurobindo Society), for its first year students as part of their Orientation Programme. About 450 students doing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across engineering, science, and interdisciplinary fields, including B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, MS, and Ph.D, participated. The event was organised by Dr Sujata Priyambada Palai and Dr Kusum Dhochak of the Yogshala department.  

Drawing on the natural beauty and unique geography of the Palakkad region—nestled between the Western Ghats and marked by the famous Palakkad Gap—Shivakumar set a reflective tone before turning to a central question: Is academic excellence alone enough for students to thrive in the world beyond campus? Through lively discussion, he guided the audience to recognise the need for additional qualities such as clear communication, resilience, empathy, and the ability to convert a job into a meaningful career.

Shivakumar outlined three foundational pillars, organised around the innate genius within every one of us, as essential for becoming happy and successful human beings, in whatever field of action we choose. He also brought out the true meaning of Yoga, and how to convert every activity, from studies to sports to life, can become a form of yoga. The session concluded with an open interaction, leaving students with a practical roadmap for personal growth during their time at the institute.