[9.1.2008-13.12008]

�The aim of education is to enrich the character, strength of mind and enhance the power of intellect and to make an individual stand on one�s own feet�.

To realize this aim Pathways unit of Sahyadri Science College, Shimoga had organized a NATIONAL LEVEL WORKSHOP.  The workshop entitled �SOFT SKILLS FOR HARD RESULTS� was conducted from 9th January to 13^th January 2008 in the college for F.A.E.A scholars. 

In this competitive corporate world of the 21^st century, it is not enough to be the best in one�s own field intellectually.  Competence is the only one half of what is necessary to climb the ladder of success.

Inauguration of the workshop took place at 10.30 a.m. in Prof. C N R Rao Hall of the college. The function was inaugurated by Dr. Mohi ni Giri, prime moving force of Guild of service and War Widows Association, New Delhi. She inaugurated the workshop by lighting the lamp in a unique way. Calling upon two students from different states she asked them to light the lamp, as a token of Unity in Diversity. Explaining the esteemed fame of our country she stressed on the need to respect human values where the teacher, mother are respected.  We are here to give back to the society what we have gained from them.

DAY 1 - Afternoon Session: [2.00-5.00pm]

A class on Mental Ability and Aptitude Test was embarked by Dr. Vasanth Kumar Pai, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta.  It has become a dream of many to become MBA, MCA Degree holder or to be successful in competitive examinations.  Coming on to the properties of alphabets, languages, he said that Indian languages are called Indo-Aryan family of languages. Among these - Tamil, Bengali and Malayalam are philosophical languages; Urdu, Telugu and Hindi are musical languages;  Marathi and Gujarathi are spoken languages.   He made us to remember the number of each alphabet and explained the different methods of solving problems.  He informed us about the art of secret writing and its techniques.

Day-II: 10.1.2008

The second day�s morning session of the five day workshop was engaged by Mr. Harish Kumar, Managing Director, M/s Wenger Wattson Ltd., Bangalore.  Being an experienced person in the corporate world and having been an interviewee himself for hiring students for many companies, Mr. Kumar extended his guidance to all the student delegates.  The topic he chose for the session was �how to prepare a resume� and �Interview skills�. 

It was a day of Mr. Ramalingam.  The session was concerned with Self-awareness, Group dynamics and Personality development.  The humorous talk of Mr. Ramalingam boosted everybody�s confidence.  His initial purpose was to make students feel confident.   Mr. Ramalingam explained the necessity of cultivating positive attitude so as to lead a healthy life.  He covered some areas pertaining to self-awareness, where an individual must first know himself perfectly.  He also briefed on personality development and group dynamism which are the need of the hour to manage the work properly. 

DAY-IV: - 12.1.2008:

Mr. Sudarshan Rannore carried out the morning session on day IV of the workshop.  In his informative lecture, he suggested a few important tips regarding the preparation for an interview.  He gave the students, a questionnaire having questions that might be asked in an interview.  Mr. Rannore also stressed upon some factors related to Group Discussion.  Nowadays, Group discussion has become a part of all the interviews.  It is important on part of the students to get ready for every task.  He mentioned that, while discussing a topic in any group discussion, the following points should be taken into consideration. 

DAY-V:  13.1.2008: FIELD VISIT TO SRINGERI:

After four days of heavy sessions, a field visit was arranged as a part of concluding workshop.  These two places are part of Western ghats surrounded by ever green forests.  They are also one  among the 18 bio hot spots.  It represents the typical Malnad culture of Karnataka. Kuppalli, the birth place of famous Kannada Poet Dr. K V Puttappa also known as  �Kuvempu�.  In the midst of Western Ghats the tomb of the great poet lies in between many pillars which accounts for an architectural beauty.  The Poet�s home has itself been converted into a museum consisting of photos and books written by him.  The day�s excursion was continued and we moved to Sringeri, which is the abode of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, a well known philosopher.  The famous Sharadadevi Temple with its religious significance is situated on the Banks of River Tunga.  The temple is located in the scenic beauty of Western ghats.  It mesmerizes each and every one, as if one is lost in the beauty of nature.  A lunch was organized ranger at the forest department Guest house by one of the alumni of Pathways, who is a forest ranger.   The refreshing and enthusiastic journey, which was the �first experience� for many student delegates, concluded giving a feathery final touch to the National Level workshop.