Bengaluru, 17 October 2025:  The FOSS Club, Department of Computer Science and Engineering – Software Engineering, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), hosted the Ice Breaker Challenge 2025 on 17 October 2025 at Seminar Halls 002 and 121, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JAIN Global Campus, Jakkasandra Post, Kanakapura Taluk. The vibrant one-day event brought together 75 first-year engineering students for an afternoon of engaging activities, teamwork, and community building.

The primary objective of the Ice Breaker Challenge was to ease the transition of first-year students into the university environment by fostering open interaction, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Centred around a creative Retro Theme Dress Code, the event seamlessly blended enjoyment with experiential learning, encouraging participants to communicate, collaborate, and build meaningful peer connections.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by the faculty coordinators, followed by an introduction to the FOSS Club and its role in promoting technical engagement and student collaboration. Dr Santhosh S, Programme Coordinator, inspired students with his address on the value of communication and teamwork in shaping a successful academic journey. Faculty members Dr Ramesh Babu, Associate Professor; Dr Janarthanan Sekar, Assistant Professor; and Mr Karthikeyan, Assistant Professor, also addressed the gathering, motivating students to make the most of their university experience.

The event featured six dynamic games designed to promote leadership, coordination, and creativity: Quiz, Pass the Buck, Balloon & Cup, Cat Walk, Balloon Stomp Battle, and Bumblast. Students participated enthusiastically in teams of seven, earning points through successful completion of each activity. The closing ceremony included a recap of highlights, declaration of winners, and presentation of prizes, including the Best Costume Award for the most creative retro outfit.

Reflecting on the event, Dr Santhosh S, Programme Coordinator, remarked: “The Ice Breaker Challenge was not just a fun event, but a learning experience that helped our first-year students understand the power of communication and collaboration. Such initiatives cultivate confidence, inclusivity, and a spirit of togetherness within our campus community.”

The session achieved its core objective of creating a welcoming environment for new students. Participants reported feeling more confident, connected, and motivated to engage in future university activities. The thoughtful blend of team-based challenges and a nostalgic theme helped transform hesitation into enthusiasm, while also promoting essential interpersonal and leadership skills.

Concluding with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr N. Shanthakumar, Faculty Club Coordinator, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Software Engineering, the Ice Breaker Challenge 2025 was a resounding success. It exemplified how interactive learning and creativity can enhance student engagement, transforming the start of an academic journey into a memorable and collaborative experience.