Jaipur. The first day of ‘Orient 2026’ at JECRC University turned into an inspiring experience for 6,972 students, who began their college journey in the presence of prominent personalities from sports, space, cinema, international education and academia. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Padma Shri awardee Saina Nehwal, National Award-winning actor Vikrant Massey and Paul Oppenheimer shared their experiences with students and encouraged them to dream big and work towards achieving their goals.
Saina Nehwal Plays Badminton with JECRC Students
Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee and India's first World No. 1 badminton player Saina Nehwal spent memorable moments with students at JECRC University. She stepped onto the badminton court and played matches with more than 50 female students, encouraging them and sharing valuable insights into the sport.
Saina said that if any girl aspiring to make a career in badminton ever needs her support, she will always stand by her. She also expressed her willingness to attend the inauguration of a badminton academy at JECRC University in the future and assured her full support for such an initiative.
Addressing the students, Saina said success does not come from a single big opportunity but is built through daily hard work, discipline and self-confidence. Calling her parents her first role models, she urged students to prioritise their dreams, take care of their mental health and strive to become better every day.
Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Thrilling Experiences from Space Mission
Ashoka Chakra awardee Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gave students a fascinating glimpse into his space mission, filling the auditorium with excitement and curiosity. As only the second Indian to travel into space in India's 75-year space history, he presented a special 30-minute session featuring rare videos and photographs from his mission.
Through the presentation, Shukla shared glimpses of his journey to space, experiences inside the spacecraft, life in zero gravity and breathtaking views of Earth from space. He explained how the rocket accelerated from zero to nearly 28,500 kilometres per hour in just eight minutes to take him into space, describing the intense G-force and the body's unusual response during the journey.
He also explained how the sense of orientation changes in space, making it difficult to determine what is "up" and what is "down." Sharing his experience of zero gravity, he said that even the 420-tonne International Space Station feels remarkably light in orbit, allowing objects weighing thousands of kilograms to be moved with a gentle push.
Shukla further explained how bodily fluids shift upwards in microgravity, making the face appear slightly swollen and causing a temporary increase in height. He said the heart also has to work less to pump blood compared to conditions on Earth.
Speaking about the view of Earth from space, Shukla said the planet appears like one family, strengthening the sense of humanity and shared responsibility. He urged students to remain committed to their goals, learn from failures and dream big.
Referring to the new India, he said, “Today’s India is strong, courageous, ambitious and fearless. These very qualities make India ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ even today.”
“AI May Change Everything, But Human-to-Human Connection Will Never Change,” Says Vikrant Massey
National Award-winning actor Vikrant Massey participated in a special conversation with JECRC University Vice Chairperson Arpit Agrawal, sharing personal experiences from his life, career and struggles.
Massey revealed that before establishing himself in the acting industry, he had even worked at a coffee shop. He said success does not come overnight and is achieved through patience, continuous hard work and belief in oneself.
During the conversation, Arpit Agrawal asked Massey what students should write on their study tables or room walls as a reminder of something that would never change despite the rapid advancement of AI, the internet and new technologies.
Massey responded, “No matter how much the world changes or how far technology advances, one thing will never change, and I hope it never does — human-to-human connection.”
He emphasised that the human ability to feel, empathise and understand one another is far more important than any technology or AI. According to him, human connection is the greatest strength that can continue to make the world a better place.
Massey also said that the true meaning of success lies not merely in fame, recognition or achievements, but in peace of mind, the support of family and balance in life. He encouraged students to define success on their own terms, learn from failures and remain honest towards their dreams in every situation.
O.P. Agrawal Highlights Values, Discipline and Upcoming Medical College
JECRC University Chairperson O.P. Agrawal told students that the foundation of success is not education alone, but also the values received from family, strong principles, discipline and commitment to one's goals.
He urged students to engage in self-reflection and move forward with complete preparation to turn their dreams into reality. He also announced the upcoming launch of JECRC Medical College and Hospital, saying the institution will focus on modern medical education as well as providing better and accessible healthcare services to society.
He described the initiative as a reflection of JECRC's commitment to society and said it would play an important role in bringing positive change to the lives of people in the state.
6,972 Students from 28 States Join JECRC Family
JECRC University Head – Digital Strategy Dhimant Agrawal welcomed the students and said that 6,972 students from all 28 states of the country have become part of the JECRC family this year through Orient 2026.
He said this diversity reflects JECRC's growing national identity and also demonstrates that Jaipur is rapidly strengthening its position as one of India's leading education hubs. He encouraged students to develop a clear vision for their goals, maintain a curiosity for continuous learning and embrace new challenges.
He added that such inspiring interactions contribute to students' personality development, professional outlook and leadership abilities while preparing them to face future challenges.
JECRC Implements New Education Policy Provisions
JECRC University Vice Chancellor Prof. Victor Gambhir said the university has fully implemented the provisions of the National Education Policy. Students can now choose major and minor subjects according to their interests and benefit from entrepreneurship development programmes from the first year itself.