December 2025
St. Vincent Faculty honoured at National Leadership Summit 2025
At the National Leadership Summit 2025, held on 3rd December at Crowne Plaza, Pune, two St. Vincent College faculty members were honoured. Dr. Gilbi John, Vice Principal and IQAC Coordinator, received the “Innovation in Higher Education” Award for his student-centered, inclusive, and digitally integrated pedagogical approaches. Fr. Dr Joseph Mathew, Director of the Fransalian Association for Social Transformation, was awarded “Education for Social Impact” for empowering marginalized communities through education that links classroom learning with grassroots action. Themed “Beyond Skills: Build What AI Can’t,” the summit highlighted irreplaceable human qualities like empathy and ethical leadership—values embodied by both awardees and reflective of the college’s commitment to innovation and equity.
NCC Unit Briefing Session – St. Vincent College, Pune
On the morning of 5th December 2025, the NCC Unit of St. Vincent College, Pune, held a foundational briefing and orientation session under Dr Yogesh Mate (ANO). Cadets were introduced to military drill—including commands and coordinated marching—with emphasis on discipline, unity, and attentiveness. The session also covered basic map reading (symbols, types, and practical use), an overview of the Field Craft and Battle Craft (FC/BC) syllabus, and a technical introduction to the .22 rifle used in training and ceremonies.
A highlight was the surprise visit by Colonel Nishad Mangarulkar, who observed the cadets and offered encouragement. The session set a strong foundation for upcoming NCC activities, including the Pune Book Festival and annual training camps.
Nirmitee 2025
St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with Unique Academy for Commerce, successfully hosted the inter-college cultural and academic extravaganza “Nirmitee 2025” on 5th and 6th December 2025. Designed to engage junior college students across a diverse spectrum of disciplines—from elocution and essay writing to sports like basketball, football, and box cricket—the event drew enthusiastic participation from institutions across the region.
The two-day program featured both online and offline competitions, including poster-making, photography, reels creation, business plan pitching, classical and group dance, mad ads, carrom, pencil drawing, and more. Each category was judged on originality, technical execution, thematic relevance, and presentation, with participants demonstrating remarkable creativity and discipline under timed conditions.
The culmination of the event took place on the evening of 6th December with the valedictory function and prize distribution. The overall Rolling Trophy for excellence across all categories was awarded to Ness Wadia College, recognizing their consistent performance and depth of talent across multiple events. Cash prizes, certificates, and scholarships were distributed to winners in individual and team categories, acknowledging not just victory but also the spirit of healthy competition that defined Nirmitee 2025.
“Silence… Punekars are reading” – St. Vincent College joins citywide movement to rekindle the culture of reading
On 9th December 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, joined the citywide “Silence… Punekars Are Reading” initiative—a key event of the Pune Book Festival 2025 organized by the National Book Trust—to promote deep reading amid digital distractions. In coordination with SPPU and the college’s NCC, NSS, and SDO units, the entire student body was encouraged to read silently from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., wherever they were.
Under the guidance of Dr. Yogesh Mate, Librarian and NCC ANO, students uploaded photos of their reading moments—on campus, at home, or in transit—to the festival portal, contributing to a world record attempt. The response was enthusiastic, with hundreds participating and showcasing focused reading in diverse settings. The initiative reinforced the college’s commitment to intellectual engagement and aligned with the festival’s goal of nurturing knowledge and cultural awareness, as highlighted by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.
NCC Cadets and NSS volunteers’ participation in the “Granth Dindi” procession.
On 13th December 2025, the NCC Unit of St. Vincent College, Pune—affiliated with 36 Maharashtra Battalion—and 50 NSS volunteers participated in the “Granth Dindi” procession as part of the Pune Book Festival 2025. Organized to promote Indian Knowledge Systems and a culture of reading, the symbolic march began at Modern College, Shivajinagar, and ended at Fergusson College via G.M. Road.
Led by ANO Dr Yogesh Mate (NCC) and Dr Vishal Bhaware (NSS), the cadets and volunteers maintained discipline and coordination throughout the route. The festival featured over 1,500 publishers and 75 educational institutions, offering diverse literature—from exam guides to philosophical works. Participants engaged with stalls and explored resources for academic and personal growth, reinforcing the shared NCC-NSS goals of character development, intellectual curiosity, and responsible citizenship.
Joy of Giving” – Annual Social Outreach Programme, 2025
On 13th December 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held its annual “Joy of Giving” outreach in collaboration with Jeevdan Care Centre, Lohiyanagar. Aligned with its Ignatian values, the college community donated essential items—warm clothing, blankets, groceries, stationery, and toys—during a two-week on-campus drive. Strategically placed collection points and a dedicated student team ensured efficient sorting and packaging.
On the final day, the goods were handed over to Jeevdan Care Centre, which serves underprivileged families in Pune’s urban margins. The distribution was carried out with dignity, offering timely support during the festive season. Jeevdan representatives expressed deep gratitude for the college’s ongoing partnership. Guided by Sr. Dr Mareena Brahmane, Faculty-in-Charge, the initiative reinforced the college’s mission of nurturing both professional competence and social conscience.
Ulhas Utsav 2025
On 11th December 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune—led by AICUF under Dr. Gilbi John—hosted Ulhas Utsav 2025 in collaboration with Jeevdan Care Centre, bringing together children from vulnerable backgrounds, their families, students, and faculty. The day began with prayer led by Fr. Vijay Chokar SJ and an address by Rev. Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta SJ, who emphasized compassionate presence over mere charity.
Children from Jeevdan delighted attendees with heartfelt songs and dances, followed by group dancing involving volunteers and families. Afternoon activities included a film screening for parents, creative play for younger girls, and a football match for boys, culminating in a communal lunch. The day closed with Christmas carols led by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and a visit from Santa (a student volunteer), who distributed candies and chocolates.
The event was supported by MARS Care Foundation & Act, Mr. Nilesh Shelar, WHS members, and generous donations from St. Vincent students, enabling personalized gifts that reflected genuine care for the children’s needs.
Online AICUF Christmas Meeting
On 23rd December 2025, St. Vincent College’s AICUF unit participated in a national online Christmas meeting coordinated by Kiara from Mumbai AICUF. The gathering began with a prayer for peace and goodwill, followed by a welcome address from Fr. Jesu Benjamin SJ, National AICUF Advisor, who praised states’ Christmas outreach efforts and encouraged continued service.
Representatives from each state shared highlights of their festive initiatives—including donation drives and community visits—accompanied by short video compilations. National Team members offered personal greetings, emphasizing unity and appreciation for active participation. The meeting concluded with a reflective summary and a vote of thanks by Nemha, National Co-Convenor from Jharkhand AICUF.
St. Vincent College Faculty and Staff Attend Election Duty Training for Pune Municipal Elections
In preparation for the 15th January 2026 Pune Municipal Corporation elections, four St. Vincent College staff—Dr. Franklin Salvi, Dr Gilbi John, Dr Yogesh Mate, and Mr Sunil Bhise—attended a mandatory election duty training conducted by the Pune Municipal Election Authority. The session covered voter verification, EVM/VVPAT handling, polling station management, contingency protocols, and the importance of neutrality and procedural accuracy. Their participation reflects the college’s commitment to civic responsibility and democratic engagement, with all appointees ready to serve with integrity on election day.