Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) warmly welcomed the newly admitted students of the Spring Semester 2026 with a colorful orientation program on Saturday (January 10, 2026) on the university campus.
The program was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Khaliquzzaman Elias, renowned writer and academician, as the Chief Guest. During his speech, he encouraged the new students to engage with literature with full rhythm. He emphasized the importance of literature in human life, saying that despite the dominance of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), literature remains essential for building courage, clarity, and character.
Prof. Elias noted that literature nurtures imagination and reflects love, compassion, and awareness of people’s rights. Expressing concern over the excessive use of AI by young people, he urged students to think and write independently, using technology only as a supportive tool. He encouraged the newcomers to remain creative and morally grounded in their academic journey.
Earlier in the afternoon, the program began with new students and their guardians receiving flowers and badges as tokens of love. The formal session started with the hoisting of the national flag and the NDUB flag, accompanied by the national anthem.
Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick D. Gaffney, CSC, Vice Chancellor of NDUB, delivered the opening address, welcoming the freshers to the NDUB family. He said the undergraduate journey of the new students had begun and would require patience and adaptation. He noted that NDUB would help students develop critical thinking, discipline, and values such as truth, integrity, and compassion. Emphasizing that true learning moves from memorization to creativity, he assured the university would provide both knowledge and wisdom to prepare students for life.
A documentary highlighting the history, vision, and activities of NDUB was then screened, prepared by the Public Relations Office. Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, Deputy Registrar of NDUB, then spoke on the legacy of the Holy Cross Congregation and its role in establishing value-based education at NDUB. The program also featured experience sharing by a current student and reflections from a new student.
Dr. Br. Subal Lawrence Rozario, CSC, Registrar of NDUB, introduced the administrative and faculty members, while Fr. Badhon Hilarious Rozario, CSC, Deputy Exam Controller, presented an overview of office services available to students. Fr. Binoy Sebastian Gomes, CSC, Deputy Proctor, explained the university’s code of conduct.
Colorful dance performances by students added vibrancy to the program. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Ashim Gonsalves.
