Clay Modelling Workshop

 

The Centre for Academic and Professional Support (CAPS), Christ University Pune Lavasa, recently hosted a Clay Modelling Workshop that brought together over thirty student leaders from different wings, including Operations, Peer Training, Connect Wide, PR & Media, Content, QC, and Research. The session blended creativity with leadership development, offering participants a unique space for reflection and collaboration. The workshop was led by Dr. Sangeeta Jawla, a distinguished scholar in folklore, gender studies, and creative arts. She guided students to see clay not just as a material, but as a metaphor for communication, patience, and adaptability qualities essential for effective leadership. For many, working with clay was a grounding experience. The act of shaping soil with their hands encouraged mindfulness and reminded participants of the value of slowing down, focusing, and creating with intention. Dr. Jawla connected the process to leadership styles, asking students to observe whether they approached the clay with care, rigidity, or haste. These patterns reflected their communication tendencies and leadership behaviours within CAPS. The session also explored the cultural narratives of traditional potter communities. The potter’s wheel was presented as a symbol of resilience, continuity, and community, offering deeper insight into how creativity and culture intersect with leadership. Beyond individual reflection, the workshop strengthened bonds among participants. Shared laughter and experimentation created a warm environment where leaders could step away from routine responsibilities and engage in creative discovery. By the end, students carried more than clay artefacts, they left with renewed perspectives on communication, empathy, and leadership. The workshop reaffirmed CAPS’s commitment to nurturing leaders holistically, through intellectual, emotional, and creative growth.