Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) hosted Ekam 2025, a unique in-person event designed for its online learners, at the university campus on Saturday. The annual gathering saw enthusiastic participation from students enrolled in various online programs offered by MUJ, including MBA, MCA, BCA, BBA, BCom, MCom, MA-JMC, and MA Economics. Learners from across India and abroad came together to interact with their peers and faculty members.
The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro President of MUJ. He introduced students to the vision of the Manipal group and recounted inspiring anecdotes from the life of its founder, Dr. T. M. A. Pai.
In his presidential address, Dr. N. N. Sharma, President of MUJ, announced two new initiatives aimed at enriching the experience of online students — a Campus Immersion Program and Research Mentorship. “These initiatives are designed to provide online learners with on-campus exposure and opportunities to enhance their research capabilities, thereby bridging the gap between online education and real-world application,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mallikarjun Gadapa, Director of the Centre for Distance and Online Education at MUJ, emphasized the importance of Ekam in the academic journey of online students. “This event is not just a campus visit, but a platform for learners to exchange ideas, build connections, and enrich their educational experience,” he noted.
Amrish Sinha, Founder and CEO of UNext Learning, expressed delight at the increasing enrolment in MUJ’s online degree programs and appreciated the significance of hosting events like Ekam. “It’s heartening to see so many students on campus. This event helps build a sense of community among our online learners,” he added.
The one-day event, held from 10 AM to 5 PM, featured a host of cultural performances, including music, dance, theatre, and poetry recitations by both students and faculty. Interactive sessions and informal discussions provided students a valuable opportunity to engage face-to-face with their mentors and peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Ekam continues to be an annual highlight for MUJ’s online community, contributing significantly to the holistic development of its learners.
