POWWOW 2024: Pearl Academy’s Innovative Approach to Freshers’ Induction
With a legacy of 31 years in creative education, Pearl Academy rolled out its distinctive four-day orientation program, POWWOW 2024, from August 6 to 9 across its campuses, to welcome the new batch of design aspirants.
The orientation kicked off with an inaugural event on August 5 at Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi, with simultaneous events at the Grand Magrath Hotel in Bengaluru, Mukkti Cultural Hub in Mumbai, and the Pearl Academy campus in Jaipur. The program was attended by both students and parents, marking a warm welcome from Pearl Academy. It encouraged them to strive for both academic and personal growth, setting a positive and motivating tone for their college journey.
POWWOW 2024, themed ‘Another Point of View,’ was not just an orientation but a truly transformative experience. The event celebrated the art of storytelling across diverse mediums and sensory experiences, offering new students an unforgettable journey of discovery and creativity. Over four immersive days, students delved into the transformative power of shifting perspectives and the richness of storytelling.
What sets POWWOW apart is its unique approach to welcoming freshers. It provides a seamless transition from the rigorous academic atmosphere of school to the vibrant and creative realm of design education at Pearl Academy. The event emphasises the concept of unlearning to learn anew, which helps students break free from conventional learning methods and embrace innovative thinking. The workshops are designed to foster connections among peers, helping students build lasting friendships with those who will accompany them on their educational journey.
Each year, POWWOW introduces a new theme, ensuring that the orientation remains fresh, impactful, and tailored to inspire and engage the new batch of design aspirants. This innovative approach helps students not only to acclimate to their new environment but also to unlock their creative potential, setting the stage for a successful educational journey at Pearl Academy.
At POWWOW’24, the freshers explored how stories unfold uniquely across visual art, music, performance, and more, through interactive workshops, engaging activities, and insightful discussions. The students had the opportunity to participate in immersive and sensory activities, divided into four zones, or isles: Canvas Cove: Sight and Insight, Symphony Shore: Echoes and Waves, Sensory Odyssey: Feel, Flavour, and Fragrance and Narrative Escapades: Body and Tech. Each zone was dedicated to a distinct sensory experience, stimulating one of the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell) through various paraphernalia, artwork, and workshops.
Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy, welcomed the students and emphasised how the institution is dedicated to the well-being and growth of each individual. She highlighted that every student receives personalised attention from the moment they enter Pearl Academy, and the support continues long after they graduate, with the institution guiding alumni in their endeavors whenever needed.
Commenting on the new students’ enthusiasm, she said, “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome students with such passion and drive at this age. PowWow is a one-of-a-kind orientation program designed to encourage students to explore their passions, discover new perspectives, and find their unique voices in the world of design. Our hands-on approach ensures that theoretical knowledge is complemented by practical skills, equipping the students with the ideal foundation to thrive in real-world scenarios. At Pearl Academy, we believe in nurturing potential and encouraging creativity. Our faculty and staff are committed to offering the best resources and assistance to help students achieve their goals.”
The thought-provoking workshops fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the newcomers, offering them a platform to share personal experiences and express their creativity. Led by a diverse array of experts such as Prerna Jain (Photographer, Author, and Storyteller), Rucha Rao (Baker), Harsh Gandhi (Verser Perfumery), Rukhsar Saleem (Entrepreneur, Coach, and Storyteller), and Ankit Gupta (Choreographer, Owner of Rudra Dance Studio, Delhi), these sessions provided more than just creative insights— they offered a fresh perspective that aligned students with Pearl Academy’s dynamic learning environment, setting the stage for their educational journey ahead.
POWWOW 2024 concluded on a high note, offering a unique opportunity to experience narratives in a whole new way. Each session enriched the participants’ understanding and inspired creativity, fostering innovative approaches to narrative expression.