The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism organised Ignite 1.0, an overnight leadership and communication boot camp on 6 and 7 December 2025 at Don Bosco, Odxel. The camp aimed to help students “learn, unlearn and lead” by strengthening skills in communication, teamwork and interpersonal growth. A total of 23 FY, SY and TY students participated.
The programme began with a session on Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking and Social Etiquettes by Dr. Fr. Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor in Psychology. He encouraged students to understand their core self, communicate effectively and recognise how words and experiences differ among individuals. Activities, including a team-entangling challenge, highlighted leadership, patience and progress. He also stressed the importance of social etiquette, cues and body language.
The second session, led by Fr. Reegan D’Souza, VCDC, focused on Leadership, Teamwork and Time Management. Through collaborative activities, he demonstrated the value of coordination, clear goals and having a dream to work toward, supported by good time management. The day ended with a BBQ dinner and recreation.
Day two opened with a morning activity at beach and a prayer by Fr. Francis Britto, who spoke about balancing future aspirations with living in the present, and the determination needed to pursue meaningful goals. Mrs. Mylin Gonsalves, Psychologist & Counsellor led the third session on Building Meaningful Connections, emphasising authenticity, active listening and empathy. She encouraged self-reflection through the question “Who am I?” and activities promoting self-awareness and emotional resilience.
The final session, conducted by Waldorf educator Ms. Megha Gulati, explored Kindness and Empathy. Through discussions and paired activities, she prompted students to reflect on their place in the world, awareness, and how they contribute using their skills. Ignite 1.0 offered students a powerful space to develop life skills, build camaraderie and grow as future communicators by learning, unlearning and discovering themselves along the way.
