Teachers day celebration and cultural program
On September 5, 2025, St. Vincent College celebrated Teachers’ Day with a thoughtfully curated cultural program organized entirely by its students—a heartfelt tribute that honoured the teaching fraternity not through spectacle, but through sincerity, creativity, and intellectual reverence. The date, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, was observed not merely as a ceremonial occasion but as an opportunity to reflect on the enduring role of educators as architects of critical thought, ethical discernment, and lifelong curiosity.
The program opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance through knowledge, followed by a choral rendition of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Where the Mind is Without Fear,” chosen for its evocative alignment with the ideals of enlightened education. What followed was a sequence of student-led performances that blended artistic expression with pedagogical homage. The event concluded with a communal breakfast prepared and served by student volunteers, reinforcing the ethos of care and reciprocity that had defined the morning. In its simplicity and sincerity, the Teachers’ Day celebration at St. Vincent College reaffirmed a timeless truth: that gratitude, when expressed with thoughtfulness, becomes its own kind of learning.
A New Emblem for a Timeless Mission:
St. Vincent College Unveils Its Redesigned Logo
On the occasion of Teachers day on September 5, St. Vincent College, Pune, proudly unveiled its newly designed institutional logo at the hands of the Director, Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta. The logo is a visual embodiment of the college’s enduring identity and evolving spirit. Conceived with thoughtful input from Dr. Franklin Salvi, the emblem is more than a graphic; it is a symbolic map of our values, our community, and our guiding philosophy.
The design is structured as a shield divided into four quadrants, each rendered in a distinct colour that represents one of the college’s four sports houses—a vibrant nod to the camaraderie, competition, and collective spirit that animate campus life. These colours are not merely decorative; they signify the diversity of talent and passion within our student body, united under a common purpose.
At the heart of the emblem, each quadrant carries a profound symbol rooted in the Ignatian tradition:
• The sun in the blue quadrant radiates warmth and energy, symbolizing the enlightenment that knowledge brings and the boundless potential of every student.
• The candle in the green quadrant represents the light of faith, conscience, and service—illuminating the path toward ethical action and compassionate leadership.
• The open book in the yellow quadrant stands for the pursuit of wisdom, the foundation of academic rigor, and the lifelong love of learning that we strive to instil.
• The cross with the IHS monogram and “AMDG” in the red quadrant anchors the logo in our Jesuit heritage. IHS, the Christogram, signifies our commitment to spiritually inspired service to education, while AMDG (“Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam”—For the Greater Glory of God) reminds us that all our endeavours, intellectual and moral, are directed toward a higher purpose.
Encircling this central quartet, the name “ST. VINCENT COLLEGE – PUNE” is inscribed at the top, and our motto, “LEAD-ME-TO-LIGHT,” flows along the bottom. This Sanskrit-inspired phrase, echoing the original “(Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya),” is not a passive plea but an active invitation—an aspiration to be guided by truth, justice, and understanding in all that we do. This new logo is a testament to who we are and who we aspire to become: a community where intellect meets integrity, where competition fosters unity, and where the light of knowledge and faith guides every step forward.
Alumni Elections
On Thursday, September 14th, 2025, St. Vincent College conducted democratic elections for the key leadership positions of President and Secretary of its Alumni Association—a process marked by transparency, institutional continuity, and a shared commitment to strengthening the bond between past and present members of the college community. The election was convened in accordance with the association’s bylaws and overseen by the college management, ensuring procedural integrity and fairness throughout. The process began several weeks in advance with a formal call for nominations, circulated among registered alumni through official channels. Eligibility criteria emphasized sustained engagement with the college, a demonstrated record of professional or community contribution, and a clear vision for alumni involvement. After the newly elected team assumes office, the focus will now shift from selection to stewardship: translating vision into action, and goodwill into tangible support for the generations that follow.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ASEZ and St. Vincent College, Pune
St. Vincent College, Pune, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), formalizing a collaborative partnership cantered on student-led volunteerism and sustainable development in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This MOU establishes a structured framework for joint initiatives that foster civic responsibility, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Under the MOU, St. Vincent College pledges institutional support to the ASEZ student chapter by facilitating access to campus facilities for organizing workshops, awareness forums, clean-up drives, tree plantation events, and educational seminars. The college also commits to promoting ASEZ’s core campaigns—including “Green Campus,” “Mother’s Street” cleanups, crime reduction through environmental beautification (guided by the Broken Windows Theory), and outreach to underprivileged communities.
The agreement outlines clear channels for ongoing coordination between ASEZ representatives and the college administration, ensuring effective planning and execution of activities. It emphasizes mutual benefits: while ASEZ gains a committed academic partner to amplify its grassroots impact, St. Vincent College reinforces its identity as a socially responsible institution that nurtures ethically grounded, globally aware, and action-oriented youth leaders.
This MOU reflects a shared vision of transforming campuses into hubs of sustainable action and civic engagement, where students actively contribute to building safer, cleaner, and more equitable communities—locally and in solidarity with global sustainability efforts.
FDP on faculty preparedness for accreditation
From September 9 to September 15, 2025, St. Vincent College organized a week-long Faculty Development Program (FDP) on the theme “Faculty Preparedness for NAAC Accreditation,” aimed at deepening institutional understanding of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) framework and aligning academic and administrative practices with its evolving criteria. The program was designed not as a procedural checklist exercise but as a reflective, capacity-building initiative that encouraged faculty to view accreditation as an opportunity for continuous institutional improvement rather than a compliance-driven audit.
The FDP commenced with a conceptual orientation to the NAAC’s revised accreditation framework, particularly the emphasis on Outcome-Based Education (OBE), learner-centric pedagogy, and data-driven decision-making. The lead resource person for the program was Dr. Yashodhan Mithare, a respected faculty member of H. V. Desai, whose insights grounded the discussions in both theoretical clarity and practical institutional experience. Dr. Mithare, clarified the shift from input-focused metrics to demonstrable outcomes in teaching, research, extension, and governance. This foundational session helped dispel common misconceptions, framing accreditation instead as a holistic mirror reflecting an institution’s ethos, effectiveness, and engagement with societal needs.
Subsequent days were structured around the seven NAAC criteria. A significant portion of the program focused on documentation—the backbone of the Self-Study Report (SSR). The FDP also addressed the often-overlooked dimensions of institutional values and best practices. Faculty engaged in dialogues on embedding ethics, sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement into everyday academic life—not as add-ons but as integral components of institutional identity. A session on writing compelling narratives for the SSR highlighted the importance of storytelling grounded in data, where qualitative insights humanize quantitative indicators.
Felicitation of Teachers and Toppers of our College
On 13th September staff members Dr. Gilbi John, Ignatius sir, Shaheen Sayed and Student Bhoomi Dhanesh were felicitated by Bharatratna Mualana Azad Social, Education and Sports Association
Students Make us Proud in sports.
Aarav Khandagale of std XI won the 100 mtr and 50 mtr, backstroke swimming at Zilla Parishad Swimming competition and qualified for Zonal level.
Mohamad sayed from 12th has won 2nd place in Wushu, (a ancient chinese martial art) in the junior college Zilla Parishad Tournament
Mr.Aditya Jadhav of M.Com wins another Gold medal at inter zonal competition and got selected for All Indian inter university to be held at (Kurukshetra haryana )
Seminar on the teachings of Mother Teresa
On Thursday, September 16, 2025—the death anniversary of Saint Mother Teresa—St. Vincent College commemorated her life and legacy with a solemn and reflective lecture titled “Compassion as Resistance: Mother Teresa’s Ethic of Proximity in an Age of Indifference.” The event, organized under the auspices of the Mother Teresa Vidyarthini Manch (MTVM) and spearheaded by its convener, Dr. Sr. Madhuri Brahmane, brought together students, faculty, and members of the college community in a shared moment of remembrance and moral inquiry.
The program commenced in the college auditorium with a quiet invocation, followed by the ceremonial garlanding of a portrait of Mother Teresa. Students from MTVM, dressed in simple white saris with blue borders in homage to the Missionaries of Charity, placed floral tributes at the base of the photograph—a gesture not of veneration alone, but of commitment to the values she embodied. The keynote lecture was delivered by two Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity from the Dhole Patil Road convent in Pune. Speaking with understated grace and profound clarity, they anchored their reflections in Mother Teresa’s lived philosophy: that true compassion begins not with grand gestures, but with the courage to stand close to suffering—without flinching, without agenda, and without expectation of reward. They emphasized that in today’s world, where social distance is often normalized through digital mediation and systemic apathy, Mother Teresa’s “ethic of proximity” constitutes a quiet but radical form of resistance.
Investiture ceremony
On Thursday, September 16, 2025, St. Vincent College held its annual Investiture Ceremony—a solemn and significant occasion marking the formal induction of student leaders into various institutional bodies that contribute to the college’s vibrant academic and extracurricular ecosystem. The ceremony, conducted in the college auditorium with quiet dignity and purpose, served not merely as a ritual of appointment but as a reaffirmation of responsibility, service, and collective stewardship.
The event began with a reflective invocation, setting a tone of mindfulness and commitment. This was followed by the formal introduction of the newly selected office-bearers of key student organizations—including the MTVM (Mother Teresa Vidyarthini Manch), AICUF (All India Catholic University Federation), the Media Committee, National Service Scheme (NSS), Event Management Team, and Cultural Committee. These students had undergone a rigorous selection process involving interviews that assessed not only their organizational skills and prior involvement but, more importantly, their integrity, empathy, and capacity for collaborative leadership. Their appointments reflect a deliberate effort by the college to cultivate a student governance model rooted in merit, inclusivity, and ethical engagement.
Following the Chief Guest’s address, the formal investiture took place. Each student leader stepped forward to receive their badge — a symbolic gesture that underscored the trust placed in them by the institution. The act was accompanied by a brief pledge, articulating their commitment to uphold the values of cooperation, transparency, and accountability. Faculty coordinators of each committee stood alongside their teams, signaling the importance of mentorship and institutional support in nurturing student-led initiatives. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, delivered with poise by a student representative, and a group photograph that captured a moment of shared anticipation.
Tally sessions conducted for commerce students by ICA
From September 9 to September 15, 2025, St. Vincent College, in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA), Pune, successfully conducted a week-long intensive training series on Tally Prime, designed specifically for undergraduate and postgraduate commerce students. The program was conceived not merely as a software tutorial but as a structured immersion into the practical dimensions of accounting automation—bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in classrooms and the operational fluency demanded by modern accounting practices.
The sessions commenced with a foundational overview of accounting principles as they translate into digital workflows. Rather than launching directly into button-clicking demonstrations, the facilitators—qualified Chartered Accountants and certified Tally trainers from ICA—first contextualized the role of accounting software in today’s business ecosystem. Emphasis was placed on data integrity, audit trails, and regulatory compliance, framing Tally not just as a tool for bookkeeping but as an instrument of financial accountability. Each day built logically upon the previous one. The pedagogical approach of the instructors reinforced conceptual clarity alongside technical skills.
The collaboration with ICA ensured that content adhered to industry standards while remaining pedagogically sound for learners at the undergraduate level. In sum, the program achieved its dual objective—equipping students with a market-relevant digital skill while deepening their understanding of accounting as a disciplined, rule-governed practice.
Seminar on stock market for the Commerce Students
On Thursday, September 25th, 2025, an online seminar titled “Understanding the Stock Market: Foundations for Commerce Students” was conducted exclusively for undergraduate and postgraduate commerce students. The session aimed to demystify the complexities of equity markets by grounding participants in core principles, practical mechanisms, and contemporary relevance—without resorting to jargon-heavy exposition or speculative hype.
The seminar opened with a concise historical overview of stock markets, tracing their evolution from informal trading posts to today’s algorithm-driven, globally interconnected exchanges. This contextual framing helped students appreciate the market not as an abstract financial construct but as a dynamic institution shaped by economic needs, regulatory frameworks, and technological progress. The speaker, a seasoned financial educator with a long experience in capital markets, emphasized that understanding the stock market begins with grasping its primary functions: capital formation, price discovery, and liquidity provision.
Following this foundation, the session delved into the mechanics of trading—how orders are placed, the role of brokers and exchanges, and the distinction between primary and secondary markets. Particular attention was paid to demystifying commonly misunderstood concepts such as market orders versus limit orders, bid-ask spreads, and the settlement cycle. Visual aids and real-time analogies (e.g., comparing stock exchanges to digital marketplaces) ensured clarity without oversimplification.
Ethical considerations and behavioural biases received thoughtful treatment. The speaker highlighted how overconfidence, herd mentality, and loss aversion can distort investment decisions—even among professionals. This segment resonated strongly with students, many of whom acknowledged their own susceptibility to such biases when simulating trades in classroom exercises.
The seminar concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the democratization of investing through fintech platforms, the rise of passive investing via ETFs, and the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. Rather than advocating any single investment strategy, the speaker encouraged critical thinking, continuous learning, and disciplined financial planning.
Aavishkar Competition College Level
On September 20, 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, hosted its College-Level Aavishkar Research Competition—an initiative designed to cultivate a culture of inquiry, innovation, and socially conscious scholarship among undergraduate students. Held in the College Library Reading Hall, the event provided a structured yet supportive platform for young researchers to present original project proposals, engage with expert evaluators, and receive constructive feedback aimed at refining their ideas into viable contributions to academic and public discourse.
The competition featured seven distinct research projects, each reflecting a thoughtful engagement with contemporary challenges across economic, environmental, civic, and entrepreneurial domains. The event was graced by two distinguished experts: Dr. Yogesh Mate and Prof. Shahzad Nariman, whose presence lent both academic rigor and practical perspective to the evaluation process. Their feedback went beyond technical critique; they encouraged students to consider scalability, ethical implications, and stakeholder impact—guiding them to think not just as analysts but as responsible knowledge creators.
The organization of the event reflected careful planning: held in a conducive academic space, timed to allow deep engagement, and structured to balance presentation with dialogue. The diversity of topics showcased the interdisciplinary curiosity of St. Vincent’s students, while the quality of proposals indicated a growing maturity in their ability to frame problems, gather evidence, and propose actionable solutions.
Ecology Workshop in Desur, Karnataka
From September 25 to 27, 2025, six students and a faculty member from St. Vincent College, Pune, participated in an ecology-focused residential workshop organized by the Jesuit Higher Education Association of South Asia (JHEASA) in Desur, near Belagavi, Karnataka. Hosted at a Jesuit novitiate, the program brought together students from St. Vincent’s, St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai), institutions in Goa, and local Belagavi communities for a three-day immersive engagement centered on ecological awareness, sustainability, and ethical responsibility toward the natural world. The workshop was structured to move participants from reflection to action—from conceptual understanding to lived experience—through a blend of expert-led sessions, collaborative creativity, and field-based learning.
Though brief, the workshop succeeded in cultivating what might be called “ecological literacy with conscience”—an understanding that environmental challenges cannot be addressed through technology or policy alone, but require a transformation in perception, values, and daily practice. The integration of theory, dialogue, field observation, and creative expression ensured that learning was multidimensional. For the St. Vincent’s contingent, the experience was not merely informative but formative: it deepened their commitment to sustainability as an ethical imperative and equipped them with concrete examples of community-led resilience. As they departed from Belagavi, they carried not only memories but a renewed sense of purpose—to translate insight into action, both within the college and beyond.
Feast of St. Vincent and seminar on his teachings.
On September 27, 2025, St. Vincent College commemorated the Feast of its patron saint, St. Vincent de Paul, with a solemn yet uplifting celebration that honored his enduring legacy of compassion, service, and institutional integrity. The day’s observance—marked by prayer, reflection, and communal gathering—was not a mere ceremonial formality but a deliberate reconnection with the foundational values that continue to shape the college’s educational mission and ethical vision.
The program was presided by Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J., the Director of the institution. In his homily, Fr. Misquitta offered a nuanced portrait of St. Vincent de Paul—not as a distant historical figure cloaked in sanctity, but as a pragmatic reformer whose life was defined by responsiveness to human need.
The feast day also served as an occasion for institutional reaffirmation. In an informal address after the cultural segment, Fr. Misquitta linked St. Vincent’s vision to the college’s ongoing initiatives: its commitment to inclusive admissions, its support for MTVM’s outreach programs, and its emphasis on value-based pedagogy. He reminded the audience that naming an institution after a saint is not an act of branding but a covenant—a promise to align daily practices with enduring ideals. This covenant, he stressed, is renewed not through annual rituals alone but through the quiet choices made in classrooms, offices, and community engagements throughout the year.
In its structure and spirit, the Feast Day celebration achieved what such observances ought to: it anchored institutional identity in a living tradition, invited critical engagement with foundational values, and reminded all present that education, at its best, is inseparable from service.
Hosting the District Interact Assembly of Rotary club
On September 27, 2025, the Rotary Club of Pune, in collaboration with St. Vincent College, Pune, successfully hosted the District Interact Assembly—a dynamic and thought-provoking gathering of Interact Club members, Rotarians, educators, and youth representatives from across the district. Held on the vibrant campus of St. Vincent College, the event served as a vital platform for dialogue, reflection, and action on pressing social issues affecting today’s youth.
The Assembly brought together students from various schools and colleges affiliated with Interact Clubs to engage in meaningful discussions centered on themes such as mental health awareness, digital well-being, gender equity, substance abuse prevention, civic responsibility, and sustainable development. These topics were selected to resonate with the lived realities of young people and to empower them as agents of positive social change in their communities.
A significant aspect of the Assembly was the active involvement of St. Vincent College as both host and intellectual partner. The college not only provided logistical and infrastructural support but also ensured academic and organizational synergy. Faculty members along with the college’s Interact Club advisors, played a crucial coordinating role—facilitating breakout sessions, moderating panel discussions, and mentoring student delegates throughout the day. Their engagement exemplified the institution’s dedication to extending classroom learning into real-world civic engagement.
The program featured interactive workshops, youth-led presentations, and collaborative problem-solving exercises, where participants proposed actionable solutions to local challenges—from reducing campus waste to promoting mental health first aid among peers. The energy, creativity, and sense of responsibility displayed by the young attendees reflected the success of Rotary’s Interact model in cultivating compassionate leadership.
By hosting the District Interact Assembly, St. Vincent College reaffirmed its identity as a socially responsive educational institution—one that bridges academic excellence with ethical citizenship. This Assembly stands as a testament to what can be achieved when service organizations and educational institutions unite with a shared vision: to equip young people with the knowledge, empathy, and courage to build a more just and sustainable world.
Street play by NSS unit of St. Vincent College as part of the National Street Play Competition
The National Street Play Competition was held on 26th and 27th September 2025 at Dr. D.Y. Patil Law College, Pimpri, Pune, in collaboration with the NSS Department of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). The event sought to foster awareness of social and constitutional values among youth through the dynamic medium of street theatre.
The NSS Unit of St. Vincent College, Pune participated actively in the competition with a street play titled “Savali Sanvidhanachi” (The Call of the Constitution). The performance emphasized the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution, the rights and duties of citizens, and the importance of safeguarding democratic values in everyday life.
Eight NSS volunteers from the college conceptualized and enacted the play, delivering a performance that was both engaging and meaningful. Their presentation was well received by the judges and audience alike, noted for its clarity of message, creative expression, and energetic delivery.
Through this experience, the students not only honed their communication and collaborative skills but also deepened their own understanding of constitutional ideals. The NSS Unit of St. Vincent College commends its volunteers for their commitment, teamwork, and dedication to promoting civic awareness through art.
Social Transformation program by AICUF in Assam
From September 19 to 25, 2025, a dedicated team from St. Vincent College, Pune—collaborating with the Fransalian Association for Social Transformation (FAST) and the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) Pune Unit—undertook a purposeful outreach journey across Assam, engaging students, educators, women’s self-help groups, and tribal communities in dialogues centered on financial literacy, leadership development, and social empowerment. Guided by Fr. Joseph Chettany and led on the ground by Dr. Prof. Gilbi John (St. Vincent College), Mr. Aditya Gade (ACCA Member), and AICUF leaders Miss Andrea Vaz, Miss Loren Rosarius, and Miss Candice Fernandes, the initiative sought not merely to disseminate knowledge but to co-create spaces of mutual learning and ethical reflection. Their introductory workshops introduced foundational concepts of financial literacy—budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, and long-term financial planning—tailored to the lived realities of students and young adults. A dedicated Leadership and Personality Development session for local youth, focusing on emotional intelligence, communication, and service-oriented leadership—qualities essential for community stewardship in rural and semi-urban settings was also conducted in many places. The team also conducted a specialized workshop for teachers, recognizing educators as multiplier agents of financial awareness. The session equipped them with pedagogical tools to integrate financial concepts into everyday teaching, thereby embedding economic literacy into the school’s cultural fabric.
Throughout this six-day immersion in Assam, the team’s approach remained dialogical rather than didactic. They listened as much as they taught, adapting content to local contexts and honoring indigenous wisdom. The journey exemplified how education, when rooted in empathy and reciprocity, becomes a catalyst for dignified, self-determined progress—aligning perfectly with FAST’s mission of social transformation through informed, values-driven action.
Social Transformation program by AICUF in Meghalaya
From September 26 to 30, 2025, a transformative program rooted in the Ignatian ideal of Magis—“the more” or “greater service”—was conducted in Meghalaya under the collaborative guidance of the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) Pune Unit and the Jesuit community of Kohima. Hosted in the serene hills of the Northeast, the initiative brought together students, educators, and local youth in a shared pursuit of deeper reflection, ethical discernment, and committed action. Far from being a conventional workshop or seminar, the program embodied the Jesuit educational vision: to form individuals who are not only intellectually competent but also compassionate, conscious, and committed to justice.
The theme of Magis served as both compass and catalyst throughout the five-day immersion. It was not interpreted as a call to do more in terms of quantity, but to seek greater depth, authenticity, and alignment with the common good in all endeavors—whether in personal choices, professional aspirations, or community engagement.
A distinctive feature of the program was its dialogical structure. Rather than top-down instruction, facilitators from AICUF and the Kohima Jesuits created spaces for mutual learning. Local youth shared insights about land stewardship, matrilineal social structures, and the challenges of preserving cultural identity amid rapid urbanization. In turn, visiting students from Pune listened, asked questions, and reflected on parallels and contrasts with their own contexts. This exchange fostered what Ignatius called “finding God in all things”—recognizing wisdom, dignity, and divine presence in diverse cultures and lived experiences.
The collaboration between AICUF and the Kohima Jesuits proved especially fruitful, blending AICUF’s grassroots youth mobilization with the Jesuits’ long-standing commitment to integral human development. The presence of Jesuit formators ensured that spiritual depth accompanied practical learning, while AICUF’s student leaders brought energy, relatability, and peer-to-peer engagement.
Garbha workshop
A two-day Garbha workshop was organized at St. Vincent College, Pune, on 29th and 30th September 2025, aimed at introducing students to the traditional Gujarati folk dance form and fostering a deeper appreciation for India’s cultural heritage. The workshop was designed not merely as a dance session but as an experiential learning opportunity to connect students with the cultural and community spirit embedded in Garbha—a dance historically performed during Navratri to celebrate the divine feminine and community togetherness.
Over the two days, participants engaged in guided practice sessions led by experienced instructors, gradually building confidence in their movements and coordination. The sessions concluded with a small informal presentation where students performed together, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and cultural immersion. Feedback from participants highlighted not only their enjoyment of the dance but also a renewed interest in exploring other traditional art forms. By integrating cultural education with active participation, the workshop successfully aligned with the college’s broader goal of nurturing well-rounded individuals who value and carry forward India’s rich artistic traditions.