writer by Sanjoy gorh
Dibrugarh University, Assam: Students of the first-semester MCA and BCA programmes received a practical introduction to Assam’s performing arts during a special demonstration lecture organised as part of a month-long Induction Programme. The session, which began on August 12, 2026, was organised by the Centre for Computer Science and Application to help new students gain exposure beyond their regular academic curriculum.
The two-hour interactive programme featured Dr. Jadab Borah, Assistant Professor at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Center for Studies in Performing Arts, Dibrugarh University, and a Sattriya Vaishnava artist associated with Uttar Kamalabari Sattra in Majuli.
Rather than limiting the session to a conventional classroom lecture, Dr. Borah used practical demonstration to introduce students to different aspects of performing arts and explain their artistic and cultural significance.
Performing Arts Introduced Through Practical Demonstration
The special session gave MCA and BCA first-semester students an opportunity to explore performing arts through direct demonstration.
Dr. Borah discussed different elements associated with performing arts while highlighting their importance as a form of artistic expression and cultural heritage.
For students beginning their university journey in computer applications, the session provided a different type of learning experience. It brought together academic life and Assam’s rich cultural traditions in an interactive setting.
The practical nature of the programme also allowed students to engage with the subject rather than simply listening to a conventional lecture.
Two-Hour Interactive Session Draws Student Participation
The demonstration continued for around two hours and included active participation from students.
The interactive format was an important part of the programme. Instead of keeping the session limited to a one-way presentation, students were encouraged to participate and engage with the demonstration.
Students Upasana Dutta and Pubali Gogoi assisted during the session, contributing to the smooth conduct of the programme.
Such activities can provide newly admitted students with opportunities to interact with teachers, resource persons and fellow students while becoming familiar with the wider academic environment of the university.
Dr. Jadab Borah Highlights the Cultural Significance of Performing Arts
Dr. Borah brought both academic and artistic experience to the programme.
As an Assistant Professor at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Center for Studies in Performing Arts, he works in an academic environment closely connected with the study of performing arts. His association as a Sattriya Vaishnava artist of Uttar Kamalabari Sattra, Majuli, also connects the session with one of Assam’s important cultural traditions.
Through the demonstration, students were introduced to performing arts not merely as performance but as an important part of cultural and artistic expression.
For students who may have limited exposure to traditional performing arts, such programmes can offer a first-hand opportunity to understand their wider significance.
Part of Dibrugarh University’s Month-Long Induction Programme
The performing-arts demonstration was organised as part of the month-long Induction Programme for first-semester MCA and BCA students.
Induction programmes are designed to help new students become familiar with their institution, academic environment and broader opportunities available during university life.
Including cultural and interactive activities within such programmes can give students a more diverse introduction to higher education.
For the Centre for Computer Science and Application, the event also created an opportunity to expose technology-focused students to an entirely different area of knowledge.
The combination of computer education and cultural learning reflects the broader university experience, where students can participate in activities outside their core subjects.
Faculty Members and Students Take Part
The programme was attended by faculty members and students associated with the Centre for Computer Science and Application.
Dr. Borah expressed his gratitude to the Chairperson of the Centre, Dr. Ujjal Saikia, and the faculty members for providing him with the opportunity to conduct the session.
He also thanked the students for their participation and involvement in the programme.
The presence of faculty members and student participants helped make the demonstration part of the wider induction experience for the new batch.
Why the Session Matters for New Students
For newly admitted students, university life is about more than academic classes and examinations.
Exposure to cultural activities can help students understand the social and cultural environment around them. In Assam, where traditions such as Sattriya are closely connected with the state’s cultural identity, introducing young students to performing arts can also create greater awareness of local heritage.
The session at Dibrugarh University demonstrated how an induction programme can combine academic orientation with cultural exposure.
It also offered computer science students an opportunity to experience a subject outside their normal academic field.
Sattriya and Assam’s Cultural Heritage
The involvement of a Sattriya artist from Majuli added particular cultural relevance to the programme.
Majuli has long been associated with Assam’s Vaishnavite cultural traditions and Sattra institutions. Sattriya itself occupies an important place within Assam’s performing-arts heritage.
Bringing this tradition into a university setting allows students to experience cultural knowledge in an educational environment.
For young people beginning their higher education journey, such direct interaction with artists and academics can make traditional art forms more accessible and engaging.
A Different Beginning for MCA and BCA Students
The induction session offered first-semester students a different kind of beginning to their university experience.
While MCA and BCA students will spend much of their academic life studying technology and computer applications, the performing-arts demonstration reminded them that education can also involve culture, creativity and interaction.
The two-hour session therefore served as more than a cultural programme. It became an opportunity for students to learn through observation, participation and direct engagement with an experienced academic and performing artist.
As the month-long Induction Programme continues, similar activities can help new students build familiarity with university life while encouraging them to explore interests beyond their core academic disciplines.
The performing-arts demonstration led by Dr. Jadab Borah ultimately brought together education, culture and student participation, giving the new MCA and BCA batches a memorable experience during the early days of their university journey.