Canteen Day – 1st February 2025 (Staff Edition)
On 1st February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held a special “Staff Edition” of its annual Canteen Day, with teaching and non-teaching staff voluntarily conceptualizing, managing, and operating food stalls across campus. Themed as “Seed Funding Day,” the event opened with a talk framing seed funding as a metaphor for the foundational support staff provide to students and the institution. All proceeds were donated to Jeevdan Care Centre, Pune, embodying the college’s commitment to social outreach. The day was celebrated as “Bollywood Day,” with participants dressed in attire inspired by Indian cinema, infusing the campus with festive energy, nostalgia, and a sense of unity.
Beyond fundraising, the event served as an exercise in servant leadership and cross-departmental collaboration, with staff modeling humility, hands-on engagement, and institutional pride. Shared responsibilities in planning, cooking, and serving strengthened interpersonal bonds and reinforced a collective identity. The initiative aligned with NAAC’s emphasis on value-driven institutional culture and NEP 2020’s vision of holistic, service-oriented education. Comprehensive documentation—including photos, donation acknowledgment, and participant testimonials—has been archived, affirming the event’s potential as a recurring practice that nurtures community spirit and ethical responsibility.
The “100 People Project”: Outreach Visit to Prem Niwas – Home for the Aged
On 1st February 2025, the AICUF unit of St. Vincent College, Pune, organized an outreach visit to Prem Niwas – Home for the Aged as part of its “100 People Project,” launched to mark the centenary of the All India Catholic University Federation. Eighteen student volunteers engaged with elderly residents to build intergenerational connections, promote empathy toward the psychosocial challenges of aging, foster a spirit of service, and bring companionship through joyful interaction. The program began with warm introductions, followed by group singing, light-hearted games, and heartfelt storytelling, creating a reciprocal exchange of memories and emotions between students and residents.
In addition to emotional support, the team donated essential food items—including fresh fruits and nutritious biscuits—to contribute to the residents’ well-being. The visit concluded with visible reluctance to part ways, and many students expressed a desire to return, underscoring the genuine bonds formed. Post-visit reflections revealed heightened gratitude, humility, and social consciousness among participants. The initiative exemplified the transformative power of compassionate presence and reinforced St. Vincent College’s commitment to nurturing empathetic, socially responsible leaders through holistic, value-based education.
Seminar on Foreign Education.
On 3rd February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with Cross Border Education, organized a lecture-cum-workshop on “Foreign Education,” hosted by the Career Guidance Cell. Targeting final-year Arts and Commerce students, the session provided a detailed overview of studying abroad, covering key destinations—including the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand—with insights into their academic environments, post-study work rights, visa policies, and scholarship opportunities. Counselors emphasized aligning course and university choices with personal goals, financial readiness, and career aspirations, while highlighting affordable or tuition-free options in countries like Germany and Norway.
The workshop detailed essential requirements such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, and SAT, along with strategies for effective preparation. It also walked students through critical application components: crafting a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), securing Letters of Recommendation (LORs), building a holistic profile, and managing documentation and timelines. The session addressed common concerns—including safety, culture shock, accommodation, and academic pressure—and featured alumni sharing practical advice on adaptation, time management, and networking. An open Q&A allowed students to seek clarity on specific courses, universities, funding, and post-graduation opportunities, leaving them better informed and confident about pursuing international education.
The Social Analysis and Leadership Training Programme conducted by AICUF at Indian Social Institute
From 6th to 9th February 2025, the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) conducted its Social Analysis and Leadership Training Programme at the Indian Social Institute, Bangalore. Representing St. Vincent College and the Pune AICUF Unit, Ms. Andrea Vaz, Ms. Candice Fernandes, and Ms. Loren Rosarius joined student delegates from across India for this intensive residential programme. Inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony by Fr. Anthony Dass SJ, Fr. Selvaraj SJ, and Fr. Jesu Benjamine SJ, the event combined theoretical and reflective learning through sessions led by Jesuit scholars, AICUF animators, and civil society practitioners. Key thematic modules included social analysis through lenses of caste, patriarchy, and religious fundamentalism; gender deconstruction by Gamana Mahila Sangha volunteers; youth’s role in electoral democracy (Fr. Francis Balaraj SJ); the dangers of the “3 Fs”—Fundamentalism, Fascism, and Fanaticism (Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ); and AICUF’s historical and spiritual ethos, notably the “7 Cs” of leadership: Competency, Context, Compassion, Conscientization, Collaboration, Courage, and Commitment.
Additional sessions addressed AICUF’s role in upholding constitutional secularism (Mr. Babu Mathew), the legacy of youth movements (Mr. Paul Newman), and contemporary psychosocial challenges such as mental health, academic pressure, identity crises, social alienation, and misinformation (Prof. Gladston). A student panel featured regional perspectives from Jharkhand, Mumbai, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu on activism and education equity. Evening activities included cultural exchanges and Ignatian Examen for reflective integration. The programme concluded on 9th February with a valedictory ceremony awarding certificates and the singing of the AICUF Anthem. Overall, it equipped participants with critical tools to analyze structural inequities and inspired them to embody AICUF’s vision of forming intellectually competent, compassionate, conscientized, and courageous leaders committed to justice and inclusion.
Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Annual Sports Meet 2024–25
On 10th February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held the Prize Distribution Ceremony for its Annual Sports Meet 2024–25 alongside the Foundation Day celebrations of Savitribai Phule Pune University. The event took place at 11:00 AM in the college auditorium—decorated to reflect vigor, unity, and the synergy between academics and sports—and was hosted by T.Y.B.Com students Mr. Soham Patole, Ms. Divya Gaikwad, and Ms. Kashish Solanki. Chief Guest Mr. Richard Fernandes (7th Dan Black Belt, Kukkiwon-certified, and founder of Brandon’s Taekwondo Academy) and Guest of Honour Mrs. Goretti Fernandes graced the occasion. Director Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta emphasized sports as a crucible for character, teamwork, resilience, and ethical conduct, while also honoring SPPU’s legacy in advancing inclusive higher education. Mr. Fernandes spoke on mental fortitude and discipline drawn from martial arts, and Mrs. Fernandes urged students to harmonize mind, body, and spirit in pursuit of excellence.
The ceremony recognized winners and participants across athletics, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and martial arts, with awards also given for sportsmanship and participation—affirming the college’s belief in the value of engagement beyond victory. The Sports Committee received a commemorative memento and a standing ovation for their year-round efforts in organizing a safe and inclusive sports calendar. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and the National Anthem, leaving attendees inspired by a shared sense of pride and unity. By integrating athletic achievement with institutional and national values, the ceremony embodied St. Vincent College’s holistic vision of education—nurturing well-rounded, ethical, and resilient future leaders through the convergence of physical vitality, intellectual curiosity, and moral integrity.
Celebration of Savitribai Phule Pune University Foundation Day
On 10th February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated the Foundation Day of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) with reverence, honoring the institution’s legacy since its establishment in 1949 as the University of Poona and its 2014 renaming in recognition of Savitribai Phule’s pioneering role in women’s education and social reform. The day began in the college auditorium with the ceremonial lamp lighting by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule and senior academic leaders, followed by a documentary tracing SPPU’s evolution into a globally recognized hub of research, academic excellence, and social engagement. In his keynote address, Dr. Adsule highlighted the alignment between SPPU’s values—democratizing education, interdisciplinary scholarship, and social equity—and the Jesuit ethos of St. Vincent College, while paying tribute to Savitribai Phule’s enduring impact on educational access for marginalized communities.
The program featured student-led presentations on SPPU’s contributions across science, literature, performing arts, and social sciences, alongside a quiz competition on the university’s history and luminaries that sparked enthusiastic participation. The college library hosted a thematic exhibition of seminal works and research by SPPU-affiliated scholars, serving as both a tribute and an inspiration for students. The event concluded with a collective reflection on the shared duty to uphold academic integrity, critical inquiry, and social justice—core principles uniting SPPU and St. Vincent College. Through these activities, the celebration reinforced institutional pride, historical consciousness, and a renewed commitment to the ideals of inclusive, transformative education.
Completion of the 30-Hour Blended AI Certificate Programme and Subsequent Placement Drive
On 11th February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with Sambhav Foundation, successfully completed a 30-hour Blended Artificial Intelligence (AI) Certificate Programme tailored for undergraduate students—primarily from commerce and arts backgrounds. Delivered through a mix of online modules and in-person workshops, the programme provided a non-technical, foundational understanding of AI, covering data literacy, ethical implications, real-world applications, and AI-enabled tools. Focused on conceptual clarity and critical thinking rather than coding, it aimed to build digital fluency and awareness of AI’s impact across professions, making the field accessible to non-technical learners. Participants received a jointly recognized certificate upon completion.
The programme was immediately followed by a campus placement drive conducted in partnership with organizations from BFSI, edtech, retail analytics, and digital services sectors. The drive included pre-placement talks, resume reviews, and one-on-one interactions, targeting entry-level roles that value digital awareness and certified upskilling—even in the absence of technical degrees. Aligned with NEP 2020’s vision of multidisciplinary, skill-integrated education, the initiative enhanced students’ confidence, digital self-efficacy, and career clarity. Given the strong response and tangible outcomes, the college plans to expand its collaboration with Sambhav Foundation into sustained micro-credential pathways, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, outcome-based, and future-ready education.
Seminar on “Personality Development and the Basics of Finance”
On 13th February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, conducted a seminar titled “Personality Development and the Basics of Finance” for B.Com students across all three years, integrating soft skills and financial literacy into a cohesive learning experience aligned with NEP 2020’s holistic education goals. The dual-module session began with personality development, covering communication, emotional intelligence, professional etiquette, self-presentation, and confidence-building, reinforced through interactive exercises like impromptu speaking and body language practice. The second module introduced foundational finance concepts—budgeting, saving, credit, compounding, and investment instruments such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, and equity—using relatable scenarios like managing pocket money or planning for education. Ethical financial decision-making and long-term fiscal habits were also emphasized.
A key strength of the seminar was its intentional linkage of both themes: financial literacy was framed as an aspect of personal responsibility and maturity, while communication and self-awareness were presented as crucial for financial negotiations and career growth. An open forum allowed students to ask questions on topics ranging from overcoming stage fright to launching a student investment club and understanding fintech. High engagement reflected the session’s relevance and participatory approach. Fully documented and archived, the seminar is set to become a biannual feature, potentially evolving into a certificate module with workshops and peer mentoring. This initiative underscores the Department of Commerce’s commitment to producing graduates who are academically capable, emotionally intelligent, ethically aware, and financially empowered.
My River My Valentine (River cleaning activity by NSS unit)
On 14th February 2025, the NSS unit of St. Vincent College, Pune, organized “My River, My Valentine”—a river-cleaning drive along the Mula and Mutha rivers—as a symbolic act of environmental love and civic responsibility on Valentine’s Day. The initiative saw active participation from NSS volunteers, faculty, and students from various streams. Equipped with gloves, biodegradable garbage bags, rakes, and protective gear, volunteers worked in supervised groups to remove plastic waste, discarded clothing, thermocol, glass bottles, metal cans, and other pollutants. Waste was carefully segregated and disposed of through proper municipal channels to minimize ecological harm.
Beyond cleanup, the event included awareness efforts: placards and banners educated passersby on river pollution hazards, while volunteers engaged locals to adopt eco-friendly practices. The day concluded with a reflection circle where participants shared experiences and insights. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule commended the NSS unit, stressing youth leadership in environmental stewardship and the collective duty to protect Pune’s riverine heritage. The activity not only highlighted the urgent need for river conservation but also nurtured a deeper emotional and ethical connection between students and their natural environment, reaffirming that planetary care is as vital as personal affection.
Job Fair organised in collaboration with Sambhav Foundation
On 17th February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with Sambhav Foundation, hosted a campus Job Fair from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, attracting final-year students, recent graduates, and alumni seeking opportunities across diverse sectors. Over 20 recruiters participated, representing fields including Accounting, Finance, Data Science, Data Analysis, Store Management, IT Support, Back Office Operations, Banking, BPO, Sales, Marketing, and Field Jobs. Participants completed registration by 10:00 AM and engaged with company stalls, where recruiters outlined roles, required skills, and career pathways. On-the-spot assessments and preliminary interviews led to numerous shortlistings and offer letters, offering valuable real-world exposure and bridging academic preparation with industry expectations.
The event was smoothly coordinated by faculty, Sambhav Foundation representatives, college staff, and student volunteers. Support desks assisted with resume drafting and interview preparation, while on-site career counseling sessions helped attendees align their qualifications and interests with suitable career paths. Employers praised the candidates’ readiness and enthusiasm, and students appreciated the direct access to employment opportunities. The Job Fair served as an effective platform for networking, skill assessment, and employment generation, reinforcing the college’s commitment to fostering industry-ready graduates through practical, outcome-oriented initiatives.
Seminar on the theme of “Contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in shaping the land of Maharasthra” on occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti
On 19th February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti with a seminar titled “Contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Shaping the Land of Maharashtra,” held in the college reading room. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, serving as the main resource person, delivered a comprehensive address highlighting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not only as a warrior but as a visionary nation-builder who established swarajya grounded in justice, inclusivity, and efficient governance. He detailed key contributions, including innovative military strategies, a decentralized administrative system, use of local languages in governance, and protections for peasants and women. Dr. Adsule also emphasized Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ethical leadership—his respect for all religions, humane treatment of prisoners of war, and adherence to dharma—as enduring models for contemporary public service.
The seminar featured an interactive Q&A session where students and faculty explored topics such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s naval initiatives, diplomatic relations with contemporary powers, and the relevance of his ideals in modern governance. Set against the backdrop of the college’s academic resources, the discussion encouraged critical engagement with history beyond myth. The event concluded by affirming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy as a timeless source of inspiration for courage, justice, and ethical leadership, offering participants a substantive and reflective academic tribute to one of Maharashtra’s most transformative figures.
Seminar: “Mastering MS Excel for Cost Accounting: Bridging Theory with Digital Practice”
On 20th February 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, conducted a hands-on seminar titled “Mastering MS Excel for Cost Accounting: Bridging Theory with Digital Practice” for T.Y.B.Com students, led by Dr. Gilbi John, Associate Professor and Vice Principal from the Department of Commerce. Held in a smart classroom with computer workstations, the session emphasized Excel as an essential, industry-relevant tool for modern accounting. Dr. John demonstrated its application in core cost accounting tasks—such as budgeting, variance analysis, cost allocation, break-even modeling, and forecasting—and guided students through practical exercises including designing dynamic cost sheets, using SUMIF, VLOOKUP, and PivotTables for department-wise analysis, creating job and process costing templates, applying data validation and conditional formatting, and building interactive charts to visualize cost trends.
The seminar also covered professional spreadsheet best practices—logical structuring, documentation via comments, and audit trails—as well as basic what-if analysis tools like Goal Seek and Scenario Manager to assess cost and profitability variables. Students actively replicated exercises with real-time feedback, fostering peer collaboration and deeper technical understanding. Many reported a shift in viewing Excel as a powerful analytical instrument directly applicable to dissertations, internships, and careers. Aligned with the college’s commitment to outcome-based, ICT-integrated education, the event exemplifies efforts to produce digitally fluent, industry-ready graduates. The Department of Commerce plans to institutionalize such domain-specific digital literacy sessions as a regular component of its graduate curriculum, reinforcing curricular enrichment, skill development, and employability.
“Think Tank” – An Innovation and Ideation Conclave
St. Vincent College, Pune, successfully hosted “Think Tank”—a dynamic ideation conclave on 21st February 2025—spearheaded by Dr. Radhakrushna Thnage, Faculty Member and Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship and Development Cell. Designed to foster innovation, critical inquiry, and an entrepreneurial mindset, the event aligned with NEP 2020’s vision of experiential and multidisciplinary learning. The day-long conclave blended expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, and collaborative ideation sessions, featuring guest speakers from the startup and social innovation sectors. Participants engaged in design-thinking sprints, rapid prototyping, and elevator-pitch simulations, working in cross-disciplinary teams to develop socially relevant business solutions addressing challenges in waste management, digital inclusion, rural education, and wellness tech.
Central to the event was the Innovation Challenge, where student teams pitched original ideas evaluated on originality, feasibility, social impact, and market potential by a panel of faculty and external mentors. Select proposals received feedback for refinement and potential incubation through the college’s Entrepreneurship Cell. The conclave cultivated intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and a shift from passive learning to active creation, reinforcing institutional values like critical thinking, social responsibility, and innovation. Documented through photos, videos, and reflections, the event garnered positive feedback and plans are underway to institutionalize “Think Tank” as an annual flagship initiative, potentially linking it with regional startup networks, mentorship programmes, and seed-funding opportunities—solidifying the college’s commitment to 21st-century competencies and student-driven transformation.
MISSION AICUF Orientation 2025 – Outreach and Institutional Engagement
As part of its strategic outreach, the AICUF unit of St. Vincent College launched “MISSION AICUF Orientation 2025” to introduce the All India Catholic University Federation’s ethos, structure, and mission to peer institutions in Pune. Formal invitations secured institutional buy-in from Christ College, Don Bosco College, and Vidya Bhavan College, where on-ground orientation sessions were conducted between 13th and 14th February 2025. The initiative aimed not only to inform but to spark dialogue on values-based leadership, student formation, and socially engaged campus life, rooted in AICUF’s century-old commitment to justice, fraternity, and conscientization. On 13th February, advance teams visited Christ College for preliminary faculty consultations and Don Bosco College for an afternoon orientation featuring AICUF’s foundational principles, member testimonies, and an interactive Q&A.
On 14th February, simultaneous orientations took place at Christ College—engaging BBA, BCom, and BA students with AICUF’s relevance to commerce, management, and humanities—and at Vidya Bhavan College, where both students and faculty learned about campus unit formation, institutional affiliation, and participation in regional and national conventions. Throughout, the St. Vincent team emphasized AICUF’s three pillars: Formation (ethical leadership), Fraternity (inclusive inter-collegiate networks), and Action (service and advocacy). The response was overwhelmingly positive, with faculty endorsing AICUF’s non-partisan, constitutionally grounded approach and students expressing interest in forming campus units and joining future events. Several colleges signaled readiness for formal collaboration, including joint seminars and shared leadership training, positioning St. Vincent College as a catalyst for inter-institutional, values-based education and setting the stage for annual orientation drives and regional mentorship.
MISSION AICUF 2025
On 22 February 2025, St. Vincent College hosted MISSION AICUF 2025, a strategic convening marking AICUF’s centenary and the college’s Golden Jubilee, aimed at strengthening AICUF’s presence across Pune’s higher education institutions and catalyzing new campus units. Student and faculty representatives from St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai), St. Xavier’s Institute of Education, Christ College, Vidya Bhavan College, Don Bosco College, and St. Vincent College gathered under the motto “Going through in Challenge.” The day began with an invocation and a lamp-lighting, followed by keynote addresses: Dr. Fr. Kenneth Misquitta, SJ, used a dramatic demonstration to critique passive complicity in injustice, urging moral courage; Fr. Jesu Benjamine, SJ, AICUF’s National Advisor, emphasized conscientization and student voice through Rally Magazine; and Ms. Andrea Vaz, National Co-Convenor, outlined AICUF’s mission of forming ethically grounded, socially responsive leaders.
Thematic discussions on “From Inequality to Innovation” explored six domains—mental health, gender equality, socioeconomic disparities, inclusive education and governance, climate action, and financial literacy—with student panels proposing concrete solutions. Experiential activities, including symbolic puzzle exercises and a non-verbal newspaper tower challenge, reinforced collaborative leadership and adaptive problem-solving. The event concluded with a reflective Examen, the unveiling of a commemorative magazine chronicling AICUF’s 100-year journey, and valedictory remarks by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule and State Animator Fr. Jesus Vivian Raja. Certificates were awarded to all attendees as ambassadors of the movement. MISSION AICUF 2025 emerged as both a celebration of legacy and a formative encounter, equipping participants with ethical frameworks, analytical insights, and networks to drive justice-oriented change, reaffirming St. Vincent College’s leadership in nurturing critical, compassionate, and courageous student leadership in Maharashtra.
International Seminar on “Vision Viksit Bharat”
As a centerpiece of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, St. Vincent College, Pune, organized an International Seminar on “Vision Viksit Bharat” on 28th February 2025 with support from ICSSR. Held in the historic Reading Hall, the seminar convened global academicians, researchers, and thought leaders to deliberate on India’s path toward a self-reliant, inclusive, and sustainable future by 2047. The inaugural session featured dignitaries including Dr. Yashodhan Mithare (H. V. Desai College), Fr. Agnelo Mascarenhas (Provincial of the Jesuits of Pune Province), and Mrs. Shaila Bootwala (Abeda Inamdar Senior College), who emphasized higher education’s role in national development, Jesuit ideals of education for social transformation, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and youth engagement in achieving Viksit Bharat.
The day-long event featured paper presentations and panel discussions across key domains—sustainable development, digital governance, economic resilience, education policy, climate action, and social equity—with contributions from Indian and international scholars offering empirically grounded insights and policy recommendations. The organizing committee announced that select papers would undergo double-blind peer review for publication in a reputable, indexed academic journal, amplifying the seminar’s scholarly impact. The event underscored St. Vincent College’s five-decade commitment to academic excellence, social relevance, and global engagement, reaffirming its role as a vital intellectual hub actively contributing to India’s developmental vision.