The Curtain Raiser Workshop of the 8th Social Sciences Research Colloquium (SSRC) 2025–2026 marks the formal commencement of the international conference on “Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Social Science Research,” scheduled for 21st and 22nd January 2026. As a prelude to the main conference, the curtain raiser features a hands-on workshop titled “Data to Decision: Hands-on Training with PLS-SEM,” conducted by Dr. Muhammed Sajid, Department of Economics and Finance, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus. The workshop aims to equip participants with practical skills in applying Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) for empirical research in the social sciences. Designed for faculty members, research scholars, and postgraduate students, the session sets the academic tone for SSRC 2026 by fostering methodological rigor and interdisciplinary research competence.