Agro tourism and entrepreneurship tour to Meher retreat by the staff and students
On 2nd April 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, organized an academic field visit to Meher Retreat, an agro-tourism resort in Yavat, to expose students to sustainable business models at the intersection of agriculture and tourism. Accompanied by faculty, students received a guided tour of the resort’s organic farms, dairy units, rainwater harvesting systems, vermicompost pits, and food processing units, observing how local resources and traditional knowledge are integrated into eco-friendly, culturally rooted, and economically viable tourism experiences.
The resort’s management conducted an interactive session detailing their agro-tourism business model, including revenue streams, marketing strategies, employment generation, and the fusion of farming with hospitality. Discussions covered seasonal tourism trends, customer engagement, rural enterprise challenges, and social media promotion. Students engaged actively with questions, gaining insights into how agro-tourism bridges urban-rural divides and fosters sustainable livelihoods. The visit also included experiential leisure activities—tractor rides, boating, and traditional Maharashtrian meals—offering a holistic blend of academic learning, cultural immersion, and practical understanding of rural entrepreneurship beyond the classroom.
Interfaith Celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr: “Unity in Diversity, Harmony through Dialogue”
On 5th April 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with an interfaith program titled “Unity in Diversity, Harmony through Dialogue,” embodying its commitment to communal harmony and India’s pluralistic ethos. The event began with a collective preparation and sharing of Sheer Khurma—a traditional Eid dessert—by students and staff of diverse faiths, symbolizing joy, generosity, and collaborative living. This experiential activity fostered informal dialogue and camaraderie, reflecting values of seva (service) and sabr (patience) aligned with both Islamic tradition and the college’s Jesuit ethos.
The centerpiece was an interfaith seminar led by Dr. Gilbi John, a faculty member and advocate for interreligious dialogue, who emphasized that genuine dialogue builds respect across differences rather than erasing them. Drawing on theological and sociological perspectives, he positioned educational institutions as sanctuaries of listening and mutual understanding, praising the college for authentically celebrating Eid despite its Catholic affiliation. This was followed by an open-floor discussion where students from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and Buddhist backgrounds shared personal reflections on interfaith friendship and identity. Blending cultural celebration with intellectual engagement, the event advanced the college’s mission of nurturing empathetic citizenship, inclusive education, and social cohesion—affirming diversity as a cornerstone of shared humanity.
Training session of the college app for the staff and students
On 5th April 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, conducted a training session for administrative and teaching staff along with student representatives to introduce “college.dev,” a newly developed institutional app designed to centralize and streamline campus communication. Held in the staffroom, the session aimed to reduce reliance on informal channels like WhatsApp by familiarizing users with the app’s features, which include academic notices, exam updates, co-curricular announcements, library alerts, department-specific messaging, emergency notifications, personalized dashboards, course- and year-based notification filters, attendance tracking, and faculty-student interaction modules.
Led by the college IT coordinator and app developers, the session included a step-by-step demonstration of installation, login, navigation, and settings customization, followed by live Q&A and hands-on practice in viewing announcements, posting content, and managing alerts. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule underscored the app’s role in enhancing institutional efficiency, ensuring information authenticity, and improving academic transparency. Feedback was collected for future refinements, and the initiative was widely welcomed as a timely, student-centric modernization of the college’s internal communication infrastructure.
College Mobile app registration drive
On 8th April 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, conducted a college-wide App Registration Drive to onboard students and staff onto its newly launched communication platform, “college.dev,” following a training session held on 5th April. Spearheaded by the Students’ Council in collaboration with the College Administration, the drive took place across classrooms, departments, the library, computer lab, and administrative block. Trained student volunteers operated help desks equipped with QR codes for easy downloading and provided real-time, multilingual assistance with registration and navigation, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all users.
The drive enabled nearly 90% of the college community to register under appropriate user categories (FY/SY/TY Arts, Commerce, Science students, and staff), ensuring targeted, clutter-free delivery of academic notices, timetables, event updates, and emergency alerts. Participants praised the app’s structured categorization and relief from fragmented WhatsApp communications. Faculty endorsed it as a vital tool for efficient academic coordination. Feedback on user interface was collected for future enhancements. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule lauded the Students’ Council and IT Cell, calling the initiative a milestone in the college’s digital transformation and urging full-scale adoption of the app for all official communication starting the following academic week.
TYBCom Farewell Gathering: A Concluding Chapter and a Promise of Continued Mentorship
On 7th April 2025, immediately after their final T.Y.B.Com university examination, students of St. Vincent College, Pune, were welcomed to a heartfelt farewell gathering held in the college quadrangle—decorated with congratulatory banners and stocked with refreshments—to mark the close of their undergraduate journey. Greeted by faculty, staff, and juniors with applause and tokens of appreciation, students enjoyed a moment of respite and reflection. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule addressed the gathering, affirming that their formal education may have ended, but their bond with the college as lifelong members of its academic family would endure, reinforced by an open-door policy for mentorship, career guidance, and academic support.
Faculty from the Department of Commerce offered personalized encouragement, emphasizing ethical business conduct, continuous learning, and the college’s core values of integrity and social responsibility, while recalling memorable moments from the students’ academic journey. A brief guidance session outlined post-graduation pathways—including CA, CS, CMA, M.Com, MBA, competitive exams, and global opportunities—and distributed handouts with contact details for the Career Guidance Cell. Deliberately simple and devoid of formal performances, the event prioritized authentic connection over ceremony. Students expressed gratitude for the college’s personal touch and assurance of ongoing support, underscoring how the gathering embodied St. Vincent’s philosophy that education extends beyond academics to lifelong formation, mentorship, and community.
Seminar and themed reading day: “Education and Social Reform: The Legacy of Mahatma Phule”
On 11th April 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held a seminar titled “Education and Social Reform: The Legacy of Mahatma Phule” to mark Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jayanti, combining scholarly discourse with textual engagement in the college library and seminar hall. The event opened with a floral tribute and recitation of Phule’s writings, followed by a keynote from Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, who highlighted Phule’s radical role in challenging caste, gender, and educational hierarchies through initiatives like India’s first school for girls in 1848 at Phule Wada—located near the college. Dr. Adsule framed Phule’s belief that “education is the light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and oppression” as a living moral compass for contemporary struggles. Scholar Dr. Yogesh Mate then provided historical and sociological insights into Phule’s Satyashodhak Samaj as a movement for epistemic justice and democratic consciousness.
The core of the program featured collaborative readings of Phule’s key works—including Tritiya Ratna, Shetkaryacha Asud, and his public addresses—in both Marathi and English, sparking discussions on his critiques of Brahmanical orthodoxy, advocacy for agrarian and gender justice, and vision of a truth-seeking society. A thematic library exhibition displayed rare publications, archival photos, and digital resources, while a student-led multimedia presentation on Phule Wada emphasized its role as a hub of reform. The event culminated in a collective reading of Phule’s social reform pledge, transforming the seminar into a moral covenant. Aligned with the college’s Jesuit ethos, the initiative fostered historical consciousness and civic agency, reaffirming Phule’s enduring relevance and St. Vincent College’s commitment to advancing social justice through engaged education.
Career counselling seminar: “Pathways to Professional Excellence: Career Prospects in Accounting and Finance”
On 26th April 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, hosted a career counselling seminar titled “Pathways to Professional Excellence: Career Prospects in Accounting and Finance” in collaboration with Unique Academy, featuring industry expert Mr. Ashish Parikh as the keynote speaker. Aimed at B.Com, M.Com, and BA students, the seminar outlined diverse career opportunities beyond traditional roles—including FinTech, ESG reporting, forensic accounting, GST consultancy, and corporate finance—and detailed key certifications such as CA, CS, CMA, CPA, and ACCA, emphasizing their structure, global recognition, and career ROI. Mr. Parikh addressed practical concerns like balancing academics with professional course preparation, stressed the importance of consistency, ethics, communication, and digital fluency in tools like Tally Prime, Excel, SAP, and data visualization software, and highlighted employer demand for hybrid professionals skilled in both finance and data analytics or sustainability.
Inaugurated by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, who underscored the college’s strategic partnership with Unique Academy to bridge academic and industry expectations, the event included an interactive Q&A where students sought guidance on career selection, course affordability, and domestic versus international pathways. Mr. Parikh also highlighted support mechanisms available through the March 2025 MoU, including scholarships, free foundation workshops, and placement assistance. A follow-up discussion led by Commerce faculty encouraged students to map personalized professional roadmaps. The seminar exemplified the college’s commitment to employability-focused education, ethical professionalism, and lifelong learning—aligning with national accreditation standards and empowering students to become globally competent, socially responsible graduates in accounting and finance.
Seminar on Maharashtra din and Workers day
On 1st May 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated International Workers’ Day and Maharashtra Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony followed by an academic seminar. The National and Maharashtra State Flags were unfurled by Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J., Director of the college, in the presence of the Principal, faculty, staff, students, and support personnel. The national anthem was sung, followed by the Maharashtra Geet performed collectively by staff led by Prof. Yogesh Mate, fostering a sense of shared identity and pride in the state’s cultural heritage.
This was followed by a seminar titled “The Legacy of Maharashtra: Identity, Struggle, and Progress,” featuring a keynote by Fr. Misquitta. He linked the dual significance of 1st May—honoring labor and marking Maharashtra’s 1960 formation through the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement—and highlighted the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in shaping the state’s ethos of swarajya, social justice, and inclusive education. Emphasizing the dignity of labor, he urged recognition of non-teaching and support staff as vital to the institution’s functioning. The event blended ceremonial observance with intellectual reflection, reinforcing the college’s commitment to social consciousness, equity, and cultural awareness.
Strategic Academic Collaboration with TNS Foundation for Skill Enhancement and Employability Development
St. Vincent College, Pune, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TNS Foundation, a Mumbai-based not-for-profit organization, to provide its enrolled students free access to high-impact certification courses in Power BI, Advanced Excel, and Soft Skills for the academic year 2025–26. Registration remains open until 5th May 2025, ensuring wide accessibility. These industry-aligned courses address critical competencies: Power BI trains students in data visualization and reporting; Advanced Excel covers financial modeling, pivot tables, and macros; and the Soft Skills module builds communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and professional etiquette. Fully funded by the college, the initiative removes financial barriers and promotes equitable access to premium skill development across disciplines.
Beyond training, the partnership includes on-campus placement drives, mentorship, resume workshops, and mock interviews, creating a seamless pathway from skill acquisition to employment. Designed in response to market demands in finance, data analytics, marketing, and public service, the collaboration embodies the college’s philosophy of anticipatory education—aligning academic offerings with real-world needs. Faculty coordinators and the Career Guidance Cell will work with TNS Foundation to monitor outcomes and refine delivery. This initiative exemplifies St. Vincent College’s commitment to inclusive excellence, 21st-century skill integration, and public-private partnerships, positioning its graduates as confident, agile, and industry-ready professionals in a competitive global economy.
6th National Convention of AICUF – “Students in Pursuit of Change: Embrace, Encourage, Engage”
The 6th National Convention of the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF), held from 16th to 18th May 2025 at Loyola College, Chennai, marked a centennial milestone under the theme “Students in Pursuit of Change: Embrace, Encourage, Engage.” Over 300 delegates—including four student representatives and faculty mentor Prof. Milind Gaikwad from St. Vincent College—gathered for three days of liturgical reflection, constitutional deliberation, and cultural expression. The opening day featured a Eucharistic celebration, inaugural procession, and keynote addresses by Justice Kurian Joseph and Archbishop Elias Gonsalves, emphasizing constitutional morality and fearless truth-telling. A historical session traced AICUF’s legacy, while state-wise study circles and a cultural programme—including a street play on justice and tribal performances—highlighted resistance and unity.
Day Two centered on constitutional renewal, with a keynote by Mr. Derek O’Brien and a deliberative amendment session chaired by Adv. Henry Tiphagne, where state representatives debated and refined AICUF’s governing document through participatory democracy. The final day addressed youth challenges, with Fr. Nithin Monteiro SJ diagnosing issues like “ephebiphobia” and digital burnout, and urging a return to AICUF’s roots through “romanticizing the past, eventifying the present, and reimagining the future.” Br. Reuell Paul SJ led a session culminating in state-wise protest songs affirming solidarity with marginalized communities. The convention concluded with a National Statement, valedictory address by Dr. Felix Raj SJ, and a collective affirmation of AICUF’s mission—reaffirming its identity as a Catholic, constitutional, and justice-oriented student movement poised for prophetic witness in its second century.
Placement Drive by TNS foundation: “Campus to Tech-enabled Financial Careers (C2FC) Career Fest 2024–25”
On 5th June 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, hosted the “Campus to Tech-enabled Financial Careers (C2FC) Career Fest 2024–25” in collaboration with TNS India Foundation, a targeted placement drive aligning academic training with industry demands in finance and digital technology. The event drew over 90 final-year students from St. Vincent College and affiliated institutions across Pune, reflecting its growing credibility as a regional career platform. An orientation session by TNS outlined the C2FC vision—preparing professionals fluent in financial literacy and digital tools for roles in banking, fintech, insurance, and global financial back-office operations, emphasizing competencies like CRM proficiency, regulatory awareness, data handling, and client relationship management.
The selection process featured three stages: an aptitude test (numerical, logical, verbal skills), a communication and group interaction round (assessing clarity, confidence, and interpersonal effectiveness), and a personal interview (evaluating domain knowledge, motivation, and cultural fit). This holistic approach prioritized soft skills and professional readiness alongside academic merit. The college’s Placement Cell and faculty ensured seamless execution, supported by smart classrooms, a dedicated lounge, and digital check-in systems. The event exemplified the college’s commitment to outcome-based education, industry integration, and graduate employability—directly advancing institutional excellence in teaching-learning outcomes, student support, and stakeholder engagement as per national accreditation standards.
World Environment Day Celebration: Seminar on the theme “Our Land. Our Future. We Are #GenerationRestoration,”
On 5th June 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, observed World Environment Day with a seminar and awareness program under the theme “Our Land. Our Future. We Are #GenerationRestoration.” Inaugurated by Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J., Director of the college, the event framed environmental stewardship as a moral and spiritual imperative rooted in Jesuit values of caring for “our common home.” He highlighted the college’s tangible sustainability initiatives, including solar-powered lighting, rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge, and an NSS-managed vermicomposting unit that converts organic waste into garden compost. Fr. Misquitta also announced the college’s sponsorship of a student delegation to attend the annual Environmental Awareness Workshop at Xavier’s Technical Institute (XTI), Belgaum, during 2025–26, to cultivate campus eco-ambassadors through hands-on training in biodiversity, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
The program included interactive student discussions on plastic reduction, energy conservation, and urban biodiversity, alongside a display of posters such as “Save Water, Every Drop Counts” and “From Waste to Wealth.” Faculty from Science and Social Sciences departments facilitated interdisciplinary reflections linking environmental ethics to their disciplines. By integrating infrastructure upgrades, curriculum-linked dialogue, student creativity, and Jesuit ecological principles, the event embodied the college’s holistic commitment to sustainability. This initiative aligns with its Quality Enhancement Plan and national/international accreditation standards that emphasize experiential learning, ethical citizenship, and environmental responsibility in higher education.