What happens when passion meets purpose? For actor, artist, animal activist and filmmaker Samyukta Hornad, it has meant building a life that moves seamlessly between cinema, animal welfare and wildlife conservation. At an engaging interaction with students of BMS College of Commerce and Management, Basavanagudi, on October 9, Samyukta offered a glimpse into the many facets of her journey, showing how following her interests shaped the person she is today.The session marked the launch of Bangalore Times on Campus, a new initiative by Bangalore Times that aims to take conversations with inspiring personalities beyond the page and into college campuses. More than 300 students and members of the faculty were part of the first interaction, which also coincided with the launch of Clock It, a brand-new tabloid targeted at Gen Z.Making the presentation as personal as the journey itself, Samyukta used a series of cutely designed slides that she had illustrated herself to tell her story. From her work as an actor to founding Praana Animal Foundation, her journey reflected how a deep-rooted love for animals could evolve into a larger mission. Through Praana, she has been involved in animal rescue and care, including operating an animal ambulance service unique in the country.Samyukta is now also exploring storytelling beyond acting, directing and producing films and documentaries centred on wildlife conservation and human-animal conflict. Giving the students a preview of this creative journey, she screened the first look of her film Crossing Paths, along with a still-in-production rap song that will feature in the film, offering a glimpse into her evolving approach to cinema and conservation.The conversation struck a chord with the students, who came prepared with thoughtful questions about her choices, challenges and the journey that brought together her diverse interests. While some wanted to know what lessons she had learnt when it came to creating an impact beyond personal success, others posed existential questions on choice. Samyukta fielded their queries with insight and practicality, drawing from her own experiences to underline the importance of pursuing one’s passions while remaining open to the possibilities they can lead to.“It was a pleasure to host Bangalore Times on Campus today, featuring the inspiring Samyukta Hornad. The session was engaging, insightful and full of energy, offering our students a wonderful opportunity to interact with a multifaceted personality from the worlds of cinema, creativity and social impact. A special appreciation to you for your excellent moderation, which made the conversation lively, seamless and engaging. Heartfelt thanks to the Bangalore Times team and Samyukta Hornad for making this an enriching experience for our students,” said Prof Pankaj Choudhary, the principal of BMS College of Commerce and Management.The interaction set the tone for Bangalore Times on Campus, which seeks to create a space where young people can engage directly with individuals from entertainment, creativity, culture and beyond. By bringing such conversations into the classroom, the initiative hopes to encourage students to look beyond conventional career paths, explore their interests and discover how personal passions can translate into meaningful work.The faculty at BMS College of Commerce and Management share their feedback:The Bangalore Times on Campus session was highly informative, engaging, and meaningful. It was a valuable learning experience for both students and faculty. A special highlight was Samyuktha Hornad’s session on pet care and wildlife rescue, where she shared valuable insights drawn from her personal experiences. Her inspiring journey emphasized the importance of compassion, empathy, and responsible action towards animals. The session was particularly relevant for Gen Z students, encouraging them to develop greater awareness and sensitivity towards animal welfare and to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.Dr. Priya Srinivasa, Assistant Professor, Department of CommerceI sincerely appreciate the Bangalore Times initiative of connecting with young minds. The interaction with Ms Samyuktha Hornad ma’am at BMSCCM was lively, insightful, and relatable for our students. In today’s time, such face-to-face interactions are much needed to help students to become more mindful, expressive, and grounded individuals.Dr.Pratibha Singh, English Language DepartmentBangalore Times initiative to visit the campus and interact with the Next Gen, shows their zeal to excel. Their visit to our institution, BMSCCM was interactive, allowing students to get a sneak peek into the other side of Sumyuktha Hornad’s personality. I believe the next gen should be more engaged with such initiatives to shift focus from always being ‘online’ to being mindful individuals.Ramkishore MR, Department of EnglishThe Bangalore Times on Campus session was an insightful and meaningful experience for both students and faculty. Ms. Samyuktha Hornad’s session on pet care and wildlife rescue was particularly inspiring, as it highlighted the importance of compassion, awareness, and responsible behaviour towards animals. Her real-life experiences made the session engaging and relatable, encouraging students to look beyond academics and understand their role in creating a more humane and responsible society. Overall, it was a valuable initiative that offered meaningful learning beyond the classroom.Abhigna J, Assistant Professor, Department of ManagementThe Bangalore Times on Campus session was extremely interactive and informative. Ms. Samyukta Hornad’s talk on pet care and rescue of wild animals was truly enlightening. Her personal experiences and journey in the field of animal welfare were truly inspiring. The session was well-received by the students and encouraged them to be more kind and empathetic towards animals.Anvitha Mallya K, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, BMS College of Commerce and ManagementAs a faculty member, seeing our students actively engaged beyond standard classroom lectures was truly rewarding. The Bangalore Times on Campus initiative offered a vibrant platform that brought relevant social issues straight to our institution. Hosting Ms. Samyuktha Hornad at BMS College of Commerce and Management provided our students with practical, eye-opening insights into animal welfare and urban rescue, fostering a fresh perspective on empathy and civic action. It was a deeply valuable session that enriched both student perspectives and our role as educators in shaping well-rounded individuals.Nikhil P Kattatt, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, BMS College of Commerce and ManagementThe Bangalore Times on Campus session was highly informative and engaging. It proved valuable not only for our students but for the faculty as well. A key highlight was Samyuktha Hornad’s session, where she shared insightful perspectives on pet care and wild animal rescue. Hearing about her personal journey was truly inspiring, and her insights were particularly timely and much-needed for Gen Z students, motivating them toward greater empathy and responsible action regarding animal welfare.Lekha R, Assistant Professor, Department of Management
