Gandhi Jayanti Commemoration: Seminar and Themed Reading Day
In observance of Mahatma Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary, St. Vincent College, Pune, organized a thoughtfully curated commemorative program on October 3, 2025, centered on the enduring relevance of Gandhian thought in contemporary society. Held in the intellectually resonant setting of the College Library Reading Room, the event comprised a thematic seminar followed by a Gandhi-themed silent reading session, embodying the college’s commitment to reflective learning, ethical inquiry, and civic consciousness.
The program was anchored in the theme “Sarvodaya through Swaraj: Reimagining Self-Rule and Collective Welfare in the 21st Century.” Drawing from Gandhi’s seminal work Hind Swaraj and his vision of Sarvodaya—the welfare of all—the theme invited participants to critically engage with the interdependence of individual moral autonomy (Swaraj) and inclusive social progress (Sarvodaya). In an era marked by political polarization, ecological crisis, and digital alienation, the theme served as a timely call to re-examine Gandhi’s integrated philosophy of personal discipline, nonviolent resistance, economic self-reliance, and participatory democracy.
Following the seminar, participants engaged in a silent, reflective reading session in the Library Reading Room. Curated selections from Gandhi’s writings were made available, including excerpts from Hind Swaraj, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, letters on nonviolence, and his essays on education (Nai Talim) and sustainability. Additional materials included scholarly commentaries on Gandhian economics, environmental ethics, and peacebuilding. Students, faculty, and staff read individually yet communally, embodying Gandhi’s belief in shanti (peace) as an active, inward discipline. At the session’s close, several students voluntarily shared brief reflections, noting how Gandhi’s emphasis on simplicity and moral consistency resonated with their own aspirations for purposeful living.
The integration of scholarly discourse (seminar) and meditative practice (reading) mirrored Gandhi’s own life, where action and reflection were inseparable. Feedback from participants highlighted the program’s depth, relevance, and departure from performative commemorations.
Participation in Zonal-Level Aavishkar Research Competition
On October 4, 2025, a team of seven undergraduate students from St. Vincent College, Pune, represented the institution at the Zonal-Level Aavishkar Research Competition, hosted by Annasaheb Magar College, Hadapsar, Pune. Organized under the broader Aavishkar initiative—a state-supported platform to promote research-based learning and entrepreneurship among undergraduate students—the competition brought together young scholars from colleges across the Pune zone to present original, solution-oriented research proposals addressing contemporary socio-economic, environmental, and civic challenges.
The St. Vincent College contingent showcased a diverse portfolio of well-conceived research projects, reflecting interdisciplinary curiosity, analytical rigor, and a strong commitment to socially relevant inquiry. Their submissions spanned domains including public policy, sustainable technology, circular economy, financial literacy, urban management, and pedagogical reform.
The students presented their work with clarity and confidence before a panel of academic and industry evaluators. Their ability to articulate complex ideas, respond to technical queries, and contextualize their proposals within real-world constraints was widely acknowledged by judges and peer participants alike.
This participation not only highlighted the research aptitude of St. Vincent’s students but also affirmed the college’s commitment to fostering a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and civic engagement. The experience provided valuable exposure to regional academic discourse, peer benchmarking, and the standards expected at competitive research forums.
Paper Craft Workshop: “Creative Reuse – Best Out of Waste”
In alignment with its commitment to environmental sustainability and creative pedagogy, St. Vincent College, Pune, successfully organized a Paper Craft Workshop on October 11, 2025. The event was conceptualized to promote the ethos of “Best Out of Waste” by encouraging students to transform everyday paper waste into aesthetically pleasing and functional art pieces. The workshop served as a hands-on platform to foster eco-consciousness, creativity, and resourcefulness among participants.
The college had the privilege of hosting an experienced and passionate paper craft enthusiast, as the Resource Person for the session. With a dynamic and engaging teaching style, he demonstrated a variety of paper-based decorative techniques using minimal tools and recycled materials. He began the session by introducing the principles of upcycling and the environmental impact of paper waste, setting a thoughtful context for the creative activities that followed.
This initiative underscored St. Vincent College’s ongoing dedication to sustainable development and experiential learning. By integrating environmental awareness with artistic expression, the workshop not only imparted valuable skills but also inspired a mindset shift toward mindful consumption and creative reuse. The event concluded with a vote of thanks to the resource person for his insightful and inspiring guidance, and to the organizing team for their seamless coordination.
The success of the Paper Craft Workshop reaffirms the institution’s belief that small, conscious actions—when multiplied across a community—can lead to significant environmental impact. It is hoped that such initiatives will continue to empower students to become stewards of sustainability in both personal and professional spheres.
Participation in National Webinar for International Girl Child Day
In observance of International Girl Child Day, the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF), in collaboration with the National Women’s Commission and St. Joseph College of Arts and Science for Women, Pagalpatty, Salem, jointly organized a National Webinar on October 10, 2025. A delegation of students from the AICUF Unit, St. Vincent College, Pune, actively participated in this virtual event, engaging with national discourse on gender equity, constitutional rights, and the empowerment of girls in Indian society.
The webinar was anchored in the theme: “From Silence to Strength: Realising the Constitutional Promises for Women.” The session aimed to critically examine the gap between constitutional guarantees of equality and the lived realities of girls and women across socio-economic strata. It served as a platform to amplify student voices, foster legal awareness, and encourage active civic engagement in advancing gender justice.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Manoranjinii, Advocate, High Court of Karnataka, whose expertise in constitutional law and gender rights provided a rigorous, grounded perspective on the legal frameworks safeguarding girls’ rights. Students from St. Vincent College’s AICUF unit engaged attentively throughout the session, contributing to the Q&A segment with thoughtful questions on policy implementation, youth-led advocacy, and the role of educational institutions in dismantling patriarchal norms. Their participation reflected the unit’s commitment to social transformation through informed dialogue and ethical leadership. This webinar not only broadened the students’ understanding of legal and social dimensions of gender equity but also reinforced the college’s mission to nurture socially conscious, ethically grounded leaders committed to justice and inclusive development.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Jayanti Commemoration: Seminar and Themed Reading Day
In reverent celebration of the 94th birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam—the visionary scientist, beloved educator, and former President of India—St. Vincent College, Pune, organized a distinguished academic commemoration on October 15, 2025. Held in the tranquil and intellectually vibrant Library Reading Room, the event featured a thematic seminar followed by a silent, reflective reading session, embodying the college’s steadfast commitment to nurturing scientific temper, ethical leadership, and nation-building through education.
The program was anchored in the theme “Ignited Minds, Empowered Futures: Cultivating Scientific Temper and Moral Leadership for National Transformation.” Inspired by Dr. Kalam’s seminal work Ignited Minds, the theme emphasized his core belief that “Empowering the youth with knowledge, vision, and integrity is the surest path to a developed India.” It invited participants to explore the synergy between scientific reasoning, ethical responsibility, and civic imagination—cornerstones of Dr. Kalam’s life and legacy.
The seminar was followed by a contemplative reading session dedicated to Dr. Kalam’s writings and speeches. Curated selections included excerpts from Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, India 2020, and his parliamentary addresses on education and innovation. Special emphasis was placed on his letters to students, reflections on failure, and his “Vision 2020” roadmap for India’s development. The Library Reading Room was thoughtfully arranged with biographical displays, timelines of Kalam’s scientific contributions (including his role in India’s missile and space programs), and quotes such as “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
At the conclusion of the session, several students shared personal insights, noting how Kalam’s humility, work ethic, and unwavering optimism offered a powerful counter-narrative to cynicism and apathy. The event transcended ceremonial tribute, functioning as a dynamic pedagogical intervention that connected scientific excellence with ethical citizenship. By situating the commemoration in the library—a space symbolizing inquiry and integrity—the college reaffirmed its mission to produce graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also conscientious contributors to society. The seamless integration of scholarly discourse and reflective reading mirrored Dr. Kalam’s own life, where deep study and public service were inseparable.
Diwali Rangoli Design Competition
In celebration of Diwali—the Festival of Lights—St. Vincent College, Pune, organized a Rangoli Design Competition on October 17, 2025, in the college. The event aimed to promote Indian cultural heritage, foster creativity among students, and mark the spirit of Diwali through a traditional art form that symbolizes welcome, prosperity, and communal harmony.
The competition was open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students. Participants worked individually or in small groups to create original rangoli designs using colored powders, flowers, and eco-friendly materials. Emphasis was placed on aesthetic composition, thematic relevance to Diwali, and adherence to traditional motifs such as lotus patterns, diyas (lamps), and geometric symmetry, while also encouraging contemporary interpretations.
A panel of faculty members served as judges, evaluating entries based on creativity, neatness, cultural authenticity, and overall visual impact. The judging process was conducted impartially, with winners selected across categories that recognized both traditional excellence and innovative expression.
Best from Waste Competition
In celebration of Diwali—the Festival of Lights—St. Vincent College, Pune, organized a “Best from Waste” Competition on October 17, 2025, as a meaningful and forward-looking extension of the festival’s core ethos. Rooted in the cultural spirit of Diwali yet oriented toward contemporary ecological imperatives, the event sought to harmonize festivity with sustainability by encouraging students to reimagine waste not as refuse, but as a resource with untapped creative potential. This initiative underscored the institution’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship, responsible citizenship, and innovation in alignment with national and global sustainability goals. Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, the competition welcomed individual participants as well as small collaborative groups, each tasked with designing original, functional, or decorative artifacts using exclusively repurposed, recycled, or upcycled materials.
A panel of faculty members was entrusted with the evaluation process who judged by criteria that included creativity, technical execution, adherence to eco-friendly practices, relevance to the Diwali theme, and overall visual and conceptual impact. The assessment process not only honoured artistic merit but also acknowledged the environmental consciousness embedded in each creation. At the conclusion of the event, certificates of participation were conferred upon all entrants in recognition of their commitment to sustainable expression, while select outstanding designs were awarded special commendation during a brief yet dignified closing ceremony.
Diwali Potluck Celebration and Student Dance Performances
In keeping with the spirit of Diwali—the Festival of Lights—St. Vincent College, Pune, organized a Diwali Potluck Celebration on October 18, 2025, followed by a series of student-led dance performances in the college auditorium. The event was conceived as a modest yet meaningful observance of the festival, emphasizing the values of sharing, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation.
The potluck was held early in the morning in the college. Students and faculty members contributed a variety of homemade food items, including sweets, savories, and regional specialties, which were arranged on shared tables for communal enjoyment. Participation was entirely voluntary, and those who did not bring food were equally welcomed to partake, reinforcing the Diwali ethos of unconditional generosity and collective celebration. The informal gathering fostered a sense of warmth and camaraderie across year groups and departments, reflecting the college’s commitment to nurturing a cohesive and caring academic community.
Later in the day, student volunteers presented a sequence of dance performances in the college auditorium. The selections spanned diverse Indian traditions and contemporary interpretations of dance forms. Each performance was rooted in cultural expression and aligned with Diwali’s themes of light, joy, and renewal. The presentations were brief and devoid of competitive elements, focusing instead on participation and the celebration of India’s pluralistic heritage.
The event was coordinated by the cultural committee and Student Council with guidance from faculty advisors and support from the administrative staff. Emphasis was placed on simplicity, sustainability, and inclusivity throughout—evident in the use of eco-friendly serving materials and the open invitation extended to all members of the college community.
The Social Transformation Initiative in Nagaland and Assam
From October 22 to 29, 2025, a dedicated social transformation initiative was jointly undertaken by the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) Pune Unit and the Fransalian Association for Social Transformation (FAST), with active participation from Dr. Gilbi John, AICUF Coordinator and senior faculty of St. Vincent College, Pune. Building upon the foundational ethos of previous outreach programs—particularly the September 2025 AICUF-FAST initiative in Assam—this expanded mission extended its impact into Nagaland and bordering regions of Assam, engaging diverse communities including tribal youth, educators, women’s collectives, and local church networks.
The program was anchored in three interwoven themes: financial literacy as a pathway to dignity, leadership rooted in service and ethical discernment, and civic empowerment through contextual education. Recognizing the unique socio-cultural fabric of Northeast India, the team adopted a dialogical and participatory approach, ensuring that all sessions were co-created with community input and respectful of indigenous knowledge systems.
Dr. Gilbi John played a pivotal coordinating role throughout the two-week immersion, facilitating workshops on budgeting, savings, cooperative economics, and responsible financial decision-making tailored to the realities of rural and semi-urban households.
The program also included capacity-building sessions for teachers and catechists, equipping them as “multipliers” of financial and civic literacy within their institutions. Dr. John, drawing on his academic background and field experience, emphasized pedagogical strategies that blend classroom learning with real-life application—such as school-based savings clubs and student-led community audits.
The success of this mission underscores St. Vincent College’s evolving role as a catalyst for nationwide, values-driven engagement, extending its mission far beyond the campus into the heartlands of India’s most vibrant and vulnerable communities.