Rostrum Club at Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology
At Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, student development goes far beyond classrooms and laboratories. True education is about nurturing confidence, critical thinking, and leadership qualities that prepare young minds for a competitive global world. The Rostrum Club was established with this vision—to create a platform where students can sharpen their communication, debating, and public speaking skills while developing leadership and personality traits that will last a lifetime.
The word “Rostrum” itself means a stage or platform for speaking, and the club truly lives up to this meaning. It is a space where students step out of their comfort zones, voice their opinions, and learn the art of impactful expression.
Objectives of the Rostrum Club
The Rostrum Club at Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology has been designed with clear objectives that focus on holistic student development:
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Enhancing Communication Skills – Training students in public speaking, articulation, and effective body language.
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Encouraging Debate and Critical Thinking – Providing a platform for structured debates, panel discussions, and intellectual exchanges.
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Building Confidence – Helping students overcome stage fear and present themselves with poise in front of an audience.
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Leadership Development – Empowering students to lead, moderate sessions, and take initiative in club activities.
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Exposure to Real-World Challenges – Organizing events, guest lectures, and competitions to align students with industry-level expectations.
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Cultural & Intellectual Growth – Promoting healthy discussions on literature, current affairs, science, technology, and philosophy.
ROSTRUM – The Speakers’ Club at Alva’s is a platform for students to thought-process in various socio-cultural, political issues for over a decade. Rostrum brings in about 15 speakers a year and conducts activities like debate, panel discussion, campus parliament and many more.
Rostrum aims at preparing students for professional world, giving much impetus on academic and corporate aspects. With this thought in mind, Alva’s Education Foundation has provided a platform for students as an apt avenue for public speaking. The objective of this forum is to provide opportunities for its members to listen to great speakers; clarify their thoughts and dispel the doubts directly from the experts on prevalent social, economic, political topics. Our club has around 3200 students from various domains such as Engineering, Medical, Management, Arts, Commerce and Journalism degrees.
The following activities are the flagship events under Rostrum.
Guest Talks
Rostrum conducts around 15 guest talks in a year. The speakers’ are eminent personalities with expertise knowledge in their domain. The student governing board discusses and finalizes on topics which they feel is apt for the student members. The talk is followed by a Q/A session for 1 hour where students can dispel their doubts and get it clarified from the experts.
Some of the speakers of international repute hosted by Rostrum are
1. Guru Gaur Gopal Das, International Life Coach
The guest talk by Rostrum-the speaker’s club hosted Guru Gaur Gopal Das, International Life Coach at Nudisiri Vedike, Vidyagiri Campus with over 4000+ audience. They include, students from across Alva’s Education Foundation who purchased the book ‘Life’s Amazing Secrets’ and also invited across Moodbidri and Mangaluru.
2. Dr. Ravi N Margasahayam, International Space Station Safety (Retd.), NASA
Dr. Ravi N Margasahaya spoke about ‘Creating Masters: Shaping today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders’ at AIET Auditorium. He quoted that ‘Creating a master is something that cannot be taught, it is extraordinary, transformative and profound journey of life’.
3. Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer, Former Union Minister, INC
The guest talk on “Nehruvian Legacies and its discontents” by Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer was organized by Rostrum-the speaker’s club. The session started by Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer by telling the how the INC was started by the legendary leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
4. Padma Shri Dr. Dinesh Singh, Ex-VC, Delhi University
The guest talk by Padmashri Dr. Dinesh Singh on ‘Redefining education to enable the young’ was hosted by Rostrum- The speakers’ club on 22nd may,2018 at AIET Auditorium, AIET. He addressed the students of AIET, MBA on how transformation in education in the youth is the need of the hour. He took up his life lessons and shared his experience on how as an individual he has contributed to the field of education.
5. Padmashri Dr. A S Kiran Kumar, Ex-Chairman, ISRO
Chairman of the Space Commission A.S. Kiran Kumar said the ISRO has been a champion in demonstrating the use of space technology for societal good. Space technology, as the powerful enabler, provides a variety of vital inputs for holistic and rapid development of the country. ISRO has launched many satellites since the space programme was set up in 1969 for various scientific and technological applications.
6. Justice Santosh Hegde, Former Lokayukta, Karnataka
Hon’ble Justice N. Santosh Hegde spoke about various thing related to the topic i.e. the corruption in the country, mass communication (news channels) leaving their work ethics, media channel being tilted towards the political power, improper measurements taken by the government in administration, roads are not constructed even after the permission is granted, effect of social media in the public and youths, all this thing are making humans to forget humanism and morality in them.
7. Dr Subramaniam Swamy, Former Harvard Professor and Union Minister
Speaking on national growth, Dr Subramaniam Swamy said, “National growth takes place when the quality of living of the people goes up. The western world thinks that progress lies in material prosperity. The Hindu thinks material progress should be harmonized with spiritual values in order to be happy. More material prosperity leads to greed.
8. Amb. Kezaala Mohammad Baswari B,Deputy High Commissioner,Uganda High Commission
Speaking on leadership His Excellency said “To be a Leader is no person’s hierarchy, the one who deserves it can grab it”. The relation between Uganda and India was also put forward to students stating that the doors of Uganda are always open for their educational and entrepreneurial needs. His Excellency spoke also about Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution to Indian independence and his roles for the wellbeing of Uganda in the early British times.
9. Mr. Daya Nayak, Police Officer, Govt of Maharastra
Mr. Daya Nayak spoke about ‘Crime, Youth and Society’ to the student members of Rostrum at AIET Auditorium. He said moral policing will not make the system proper, instead citizens supporting police in maintaining and following law will definitely make the difference.
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion is an event where the students though process on topics on current affairs, conservative and reserved topics like Nationalism, Reservations, Demonetization, Triple talaq and many more. Domain Experts are also brought to discussions who throw light on facts and figures on those topics. Rostrum has conducted closed room panel discussion and events open panel discussions.
Debate Competition
Rostrum in association with Hindu Group conducts state level debate competition every year. Students from various streams and courses from across the state take part in this competition. Every year the event has set a new benchmark in terms of the quality of the debate. 580 students across the state participated last year. Topics like Swacch Bharat Mission, Farm Loan Waiver , Minimum Educational Qualification for Politicians, Credibility of Media, Socio-Economic value in Indian Cinemas were debated on by finalists last year.
Activities and Initiatives
The Rostrum Club conducts diverse activities throughout the year that keep students engaged and inspired.
Public Speaking Sessions
Members regularly participate in extempore speaking, storytelling, and speech contests. These sessions focus on improving diction, tone, and audience engagement.
Debates and Group Discussions
Debating is the backbone of the Rostrum Club. Students debate on national issues, ethical dilemmas, technological advancements, and global topics. Group discussions mimic real-world corporate hiring processes, giving members an edge in placement drives.
Workshops and Training Programs
The club organizes workshops on communication, personality development, and stage presence, often inviting professionals, motivational speakers, and alumni to guide students.
Rostrum Annual Meet
A flagship event where members showcase their talents in oration, debating, anchoring, and storytelling before a wide audience. This not only gives recognition but also boosts morale.
Collaborations and Competitions
The Rostrum Club collaborates with other clubs and departments of Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, hosting inter-college debate competitions, literary festivals, and panel discussions.
Benefits of Joining Rostrum Club
Being part of the Rostrum Club offers students lifelong benefits, both academically and professionally.
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Enhanced Employability – Communication and leadership are among the top soft skills employers seek.
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Confidence Building – Members learn to think on their feet, handle pressure, and voice opinions with clarity.
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Networking Opportunities – Interactions with guest speakers, alumni, and peers help students expand their professional network.
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Leadership Roles – Students often take up positions like President, Secretary, or Event Coordinator, enhancing their organizational skills.
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Balanced Personality Development – Members grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially, preparing them for life beyond college.
Why Rostrum Club Matters in Today’s World
In an era where artificial intelligence and technology dominate industries, the human touch of communication and leadership still stands out. Engineers and professionals need to be articulate, persuasive, and confident in expressing ideas. Rostrum Club ensures that students of Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology graduate with these crucial abilities.
Student Testimonials
“A Life-Changing Experience”
“Before joining Rostrum, I was hesitant to speak even in small groups. Today, I can confidently stand before hundreds and express my ideas. The training and encouragement at Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology transformed me.” – A Rostrum Club Member
“Boost for My Career”
“Rostrum helped me in my placement interviews. I was able to handle group discussions and personal interviews with confidence. Employers appreciated my communication skills.” – An Alumni Member
Future Vision of Rostrum Club
Looking ahead, the Rostrum Club plans to:
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Introduce podcast initiatives where students host shows on trending topics.
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Collaborate with international universities and online platforms for exchange programs.
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Launch digital storytelling and media presentations as part of club activities.
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Organize annual national-level debate competitions hosted by Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Why Choose Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology for Rostrum Club?
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Holistic Development – Education here focuses on academics and personality growth.
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Expert Guidance – Support from faculty mentors and guest professionals.
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Vibrant Campus Life – A culture of clubs, activities, and opportunities.
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Career-Ready Skills – Preparing students for both national and international careers.
Final Words
The Rostrum Club at Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology is more than just a student club—it is a movement that builds voices, nurtures leaders, and shapes personalities. With its activities, mentorship, and opportunities, Rostrum ensures that every student not only excels academically but also thrives as a confident communicator in society.
By joining Rostrum, students don’t just prepare for debates and speeches—they prepare for life.
