In a spirit of unity and renewal, students of the Social Welfare Studies Program (IKS) Class of 2024 at UIN Sunan Kalijaga held a warm and heartfelt syawalan gathering on Monday afternoon at the university’s Greenhouse venue. The post-Eid tradition, observed from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., offered a meaningful space for students to reconnect and reflect following the festive break.

The event opened with a serene recitation of Qur’anic verses—Surah Al-Baqarah 284–286—delivered by Fajar, followed by the singing of the Indonesian national anthem and the UIN Sunan Kalijaga hymn, led by Balqis Aulia Nasirodin. Zayina Syaoqilla and Irfan Haryo Waskito served as the event’s emcees, setting the tone for an afternoon rooted in tradition and student solidarity.

In his remarks, Wahab Amrullah, class president of IKS 2024, emphasized the value of nurturing relationships through silaturahmi, a cornerstone of Islamic, national, and humanistic brotherhood. He encouraged fellow students to see this gathering as the start of a more productive and meaningful network among peers.

Echoing this sentiment, Muhammad Izzul Haq, Ph.D,Head of the Social Welfare Studies Program, welcomed the students’ initiative and underlined the importance of early social bonding. “Harmony, camaraderie, and cohesion are the foundations of a healthy academic and social climate,” he said. Izzul also reflected on the Javanese philosophy behind syawalan, which encompasses four key values: Lebaran as a moment of reconciliation; Laburan, symbolizing the cleansing of the heart; Luberan, the spirit of sharing; and Leburan, a mutual forgiveness that mends relationships.

The gathering concluded with a prayer session, a round of handshakes among all participants, and a commemorative group photo. Each student also received a class jacket, symbolizing their collective identity and solidarity as the newest cohort in the IKS program.

The event marked more than a cultural tradition—it was a testament to the strong sense of community and care flourishing among IKS students as they begin their academic journey together at UIN Sunan Kalijaga.