Annabhau Sathe Jayanti
In memory of the birth anniversary of Annabhau Sathe on 1st of August 2024, a series of lectures were organized that explored his life as a writer, activist, and social reformer. The Themed reading day featured his prominent works such as Fakira and Mumbai Cha Lalbaug. Speakers highlighted Sathe’s impact on the Marathi literary movement and his role in championing the rights of the working class and marginalized sections of society. The discussions also focused on his contribution to progressive literature and folk art, fostering student dialogue on social justice and equality.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Lecture
On 2nd August 2024, St. Vincent College hosted a lecture titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,” conducted by Miss Gayatri from Pratham, Pune. This lecture was aimed at introducing the students to the fundamental concepts and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Pratham Pune, known for its diverse certification programs under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, provides a valuable learning opportunities for the students.
The lecture included an interactive Q&A session where students asked questions about AI’s impact on society, ethical considerations, and educational paths for aspiring AI professionals. Miss Gayatri provided thoughtful responses, addressing students’ curiosity and concerns. It successfully introduced the students of St. Vincent College to the fundamentals of AI and its significance in various fields. The lecture not only enhanced the students’ understanding of AI but also inspired them to consider potential career paths in this rapidly evolving field.
Parent-Teacher Meeting at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College conducted a Parent-Teacher Meeting on 3rd of August 2024 aimed at fostering communication and transparency between the college and the parents. The event was well-attended, reflecting the mutual interest in ensuring the holistic development of the students. One of the key highlights of the meeting was the introduction of WhatsApp groups for each class, enabling parents to stay connected with the faculty and receive real-time updates on their children’s progress and college activities. This initiative was praised by the parents, as it facilitated direct communication with the college and provided a platform for discussing academic and non-academic matters.
The college administration outlined the various initiatives taken for the benefit of the students, including academic support systems, extracurricular programs, and counselling services. During the meeting, the faculty explained the new National Education Policy (NEP) and its implications for the students. Career opportunities available to student’s post-graduation were also discussed, with an emphasis on internships, industry exposure, and skill development programs that the college facilitates.
Parents were encouraged to provide feedback, and many expressed their appreciation for the meeting and the college’s efforts in nurturing their children’s academic and personal growth. They offered valuable suggestions to further improve communication and enhance student support systems, which were duly noted by the faculty.
MOU signed with District Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre, Pune
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between District Skill Development, Employment And Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre, Pune and Acharya Chanakya Kaushalya Vikas Kendra (ACKVK) training partner of The Pune Jesuit Schools Societys’s Training Center – St Vincent College Pune, for establishing Acharya Chanakya Kaushalya Vikas Kendra under Pramod Mahajan Kaushalya And Udyojakta Vikas Abhiyan The agreement was signed on the Saturday of 3rd of august 2024. The Acharya Chanakya Kaushalya Vikas Kendra – training Centre (ACKVK-TC) will be fully accredited on Skill India Portal (SIP) and empaneled on MSSDS portal. Under the MOU, initiatives to mobilize the candidates will be taken with the support of DSDE & EGC. Courses will be offered and training will be given under the MOU. The Centre will also be responsible for assessment and certification of eligible candidates. The Centre will also strive for on the job training and placement of candidates. The duration of the MOU is for a period of three years.
“Email Etiquette – Digital Communication in Business” Lecture at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College recently organized an insightful lecture on “Email Etiquette – Digital Communication in Business” for the Commerce students on 6th of August 2024. The session aimed at preparing students to navigate the professional world, where effective digital communication is crucial for success. The speaker at the session was Shripad Khandekar of Head – Engineering Design Services (CAD) of SM Engineering & Consultancy Services. The lecture began with the speaker explaining the fundamental role of email communication in the business environment, emphasizing that email remains a primary mode of formal correspondence. The speaker highlighted how poor email etiquette could lead to misunderstandings, tarnish professional relationships, and, in some cases, affect business opportunities. The speaker also addressed the importance of timely responses and the significance of organizing and managing one’s inbox efficiently. Practical tips, such as using email signatures, setting up automatic replies, and maintaining professionalism even in follow-up emails, were provided. Ethical considerations in email communication, such as confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information, were also discussed. Interactive segments of the lecture allowed students to analyze sample emails, identify errors, and suggest improvements. This hands-on approach helped students better understand the nuances of digital communication in business settings.
Guidance Lecture on Competitive Examinations at St. Vincent College
On 8th August 2024, St. Vincent College organized a comprehensive guidance lecture on competitive examinations, conducted by Mr. Nirav Suratwala, a prominent expert from the Competitive Exams Centre of HV Desai College, Pune. The session was aimed at providing valuable insights to students aspiring to enter government services, highlighting the importance of competitive exams as a pathway to contributing to national development. He explained that government officers play a direct role in policy implementation, social welfare programs, and decision-making processes that affect the nation’s progress. The key theme of the lecture was “contributing to India’s development before its 100th Independence Day” in 2047. Mr. Suratwala encouraged the students to view public service as a means of realizing their aspirations of making India a developed nation. The resource person also provided a detailed overview of the competitive examination landscape, outlining the eligibility criteria, syllabus, preparation strategies, and timelines for various exams. He stressed the need for systematic preparation and perseverance, as these exams are highly competitive and require a strong foundation in general knowledge, current affairs, aptitude, and communication skills.
Investiture Ceremony
The investiture ceremony for the student council and different student bodies for the academic year 2024-25 was conducted on 9th of August 2024. The ceremony began with a speech by the Principal and the director in which they spoke about the Jesuit values and encouraged the students to work as a team. They also made the students aware of the difficulties and problems they will encounter on their way in executing their tasks and how they should handle and resolve conflicts to work together as a team. After the speech the students were formally assigned their duties and handed over their I cards for their respective positions. The assigned responsibilities will teach the students leadership qualities, efficiency, conflict resolution, responsibility and discipline.
Talent Hunt Competition “Meri Desh Meri Shaan” at St. Vincent College, Pune
St. Vincent College, Pune, recently hosted a vibrant talent hunt competition titled “Meri Desh Meri Shaan,” on 13th August 2024 which celebrated patriotism and showcased the diverse talents of its students. The event, open to all students, was organized by the Student Council in collaboration with a faculty member. It aimed to encourage students to express their artistic abilities while staying rooted in the theme of patriotism.
The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation across various categories, including dance, poetry recitation, musical instrument performances, and singing. Each performance reflected the love for the nation, with students presenting patriotic songs, dances symbolizing unity in diversity, and poems celebrating the heroes of India’s independence. The highlight of the event was the strong sense of national pride that was evident in every performance. The judges praised the participants not only for their exceptional talents but also for the creativity with which they integrated the theme of patriotism into their performances.
The event concluded with the announcement of winners in each category, followed by an address from the organizing faculty member, who applauded the participants’ dedication and passion. The success of the event was a testament to the college’s spirit of unity, creativity, and love for the country, making “Meri Desh Meri Shaan” a memorable celebration of talent and patriotism.
Independence Day Celebrations
The college celebrated 15th August Independence Day with great enthusiasm, highlighting India’s rich cultural diversity and spirit of unity. The event began with the hoisting of the national flag by the Principal and the Director, followed by the singing of the national anthem. In their speeches, the Principal emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by freedom fighters, while the Director spoke on the values of democracy and responsibility that every citizen holds in shaping the nation’s future.
Cultural performances by the students showcased India’s diversity, including traditional dances and songs from various regions of the country. The performances reflected themes of patriotism, unity, and the country’s vibrant heritage. Students also participated in a poetry recitation competition and presented skits that portrayed key moments from India’s struggle for independence. The cultural program was followed by the inauguration of football match between the different classes. The day concluded with a message of hope and progress, underscoring the importance of continuing the journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous India.
Lecture by TRAI and RBI Officials at St. Vincent College
On 16th August 2024, St. Vincent College hosted a joint lecture by officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Rajendra Singh and A G M Pranit. The session, as announced on the college notice board, was held from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and was open to both staff and students. The lecture aimed to educate attendees about the key activities of TRAI and RBI, and to raise awareness about consumer rights, online transactions, and financial safety in the digital world.
The TRAI officials began the session by introducing the regulatory framework of India’s telecom industry, emphasizing their role in ensuring consumer protection, promoting competition, and monitoring the quality of services provided by telecom operators. They outlined key initiatives, such as Telecom tariff regulation, consumer grievances, 5G services and promoting consumer awareness on MNP and DND. Officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), spoke on the importance of financial literacy and security, particularly in the context of online transactions. They provided an overview of RBI’s key functions, which include Regulating the monetary and financial systems, issuing guidelines to banks and digital payment platforms to protect consumers from financial fraud and Ensuring the security of online banking and digital payment transactions. The RBI officials discussed several important topics related to online financial safety such as the risks of digital transactions, Safe practices for conducting online banking, and RBI’s grievance redresal mechanisms for consumers to report fraud or errors in their digital transactions.
1000+ admissions in the college
On 17th of August 2024, The college achieved a milestone with the number of admissions crossing 1000 + students. This news is elating for the staff and the management as we look to expand and cater to more students.
Voter Registration Drive at St. Vincent College by NSS Unit
On 19th and 20th August 2024, St. Vincent College’s NSS (National Service Scheme) unit conducted a successful voter registration drive aimed at enrolling first-time voters for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled between November and December 2024. The initiative was designed to encourage civic participation among students and ensure that eligible voters exercised their democratic rights.
The drive was primarily targeted at students who had recently turned 18 and were preparing to vote for the first time. NSS volunteers, who played a pivotal role in organizing and executing the event, were stationed at designated areas across the campus, guiding students through the registration process. The volunteers ensured that students were informed about the necessary documents and steps involved in voter registration. The drive not only ensured that many students were registered for the upcoming elections but also fostered awareness of the importance of voting, making the initiative a significant step toward empowering young voters.
Ecology Workshop at Desur Karnataka
The Jesuit Higher Education Association of South Asia – West Zone, organized a workshop on being an eco-warrior, which was held in Desur, Belgaum in Karnataka from 22nd August 2024 to 24th August 2024. The program saw the participation of seven different Jesuit institutes from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. A total of 74 participants including 8 participants from St Vincent’s attended the 3-day workshop. The eight participants included 7 students and a faculty member. The workshop gave the participants an overview of the environmental issues and its intricacies on the first day, touching topics such as biodiversity and eco spirituality. The second day involved and excursion to different sites which have been transformed by watershed management. Visit was also paid to a village where the transformative power of Self Help Groups in changing a village of less than 200 people was seen. The last day of the workshop involved the participants transplanting Ragi and it was followed by a visit to the Rajhans fort outside Belgaum,
The ecology workshop was truly a different experience from any camps or trips that the students had been in. It had the right balance of knowledge based seminars and physical and outdoor activities. The workshop taught the students a lot of practical things that they could do for our environment on a day to day basis as well as at the college level.
Lecture by Dr. Sharad Jawadekar on “Union Budget and Higher Education” at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College hosted a special session on 23rd August 2024, where Dr. Sharad Jawadekar delivered an insightful lecture on the topic “Union Budget and Higher Education.” The session was attended by faculty members across various departments, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of how the Union Budget impacts higher education in India. Dr. Jawadekar began his talk by outlining the key provisions in the Union Budget related to education, with a focus on the higher education sector. He emphasized how budget allocations for education have fluctuated in recent years, noting that while there has been a steady increase in funding, the allocation still falls short of the target set by education reform advocates. Dr. Jawadekar provided a detailed analysis of how the budget affects higher education institutions, focusing on critical areas such as Research and Innovation, Skill Development and Employability, Infrastructure Development and National Education Policy (NEP). He also underlined the role of faculty in maximising budgetary resources.
Online Interreligious Talk
An Online Interreligious Talk on the topic “What is the importance given to Nature or the Earth in my Religion?” by Dr. Shamsuddin Tamboli, was organized by Snehsadan institute and St Vincent college on the 24th of August 2024.
Mother Teresa Birth Anniversary
The college commemorated Mother Teresa’s birth anniversary on 26th of August 2024 with a series of talks on her selfless service to humanity, particularly her work with the poor in Kolkata. The event was organised by MTVM and saw speeches delivered by Dr. Gilbi John and Fr. Jesus Raja. The Themed reading day showcased books and articles highlighting her contributions to healthcare, education, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. The discussions also reflected on her legacy in inspiring global charitable initiatives and her receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Students were encouraged to participate in community service projects in her honor.
Placement drive organized by St. Vincent College in collaboration with the District Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre, Pune
St. Vincent College, Pune, hosted a Placement Drive on 27th August, 2024, in collaboration with the District Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre, Pune. This event, open to 12th pass and graduate students, was part of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana. It included skill development sessions, job preparedness guidance, and internship opportunities with companies such as the Women & Child Development Department and Government Photozinco Press. Students were advised to register in advance and come prepared with resumes and formal attire.
St Vincent College students win the MIT intercollege basketball championship
MIT WPU, Kothrud, organized an intercollege basketball championship for the age group of under 21 from 28th august to 30th of August 2024. Around 80 teams participated in the championship. 3 students from St. Vincent won the trophy and the cash prize. Additionally, Mr. Gurnoor Singh won the best shooter and Mr. Anoop Singh won the Most Valuable player trophy.
Seminar on “Consumerism and Financial Literacy”
St. Vincent College organized a two-day seminar lecture on “Consumerism and Financial Literacy” aimed at equipping students with essential knowledge on money management and consumer rights. The event took place on 28th and 29th August 2024 and saw active participation by students. More than 50 students participated in the seminar on each day. The resource person for the seminar was Mr. T. R. Pandey, Project Manager of the Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI), a leading organization committed to consumer education and protection in India. His extensive experience in consumer issues and financial literacy provided valuable insights to the students. During the session, Mr. Pandey addressed key topics such as Understanding Consumerism, Financial Literacy for Students, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities and Smart Spending and Saving. The sessions were interactive, with students posing questions related to real-life financial scenarios and consumer protection mechanisms. Mr. Pandey emphasized the importance of early financial planning and understanding one’s consumer rights in a rapidly evolving market.
The Campus Clash Indoor Games Event
The ‘Campus Clash’ event was a thrilling sports competition held at our college, featuring three indoor sports: Carom, Chess, and Table Tennis. The event was conducted from 28th to the 30th August 2024. The primary objective of the event was to encourage healthy competition among students, promote teamwork, and provide a platform for showcasing individual talents in these strategic games. The event saw enthusiastic participation, with approximately over 150 students competing in various categories across the three sports.
Award of District Sports Award to Ignatius Peter Sir
On 30th August, Ignatius Peter Sir was honored with the District Sports Award, by District Sports Authority for his exemplary work in the field of sports and physical education.
Connect and Create: Managing Emotions.
On 31st of August, 2024, AICUF along with brother Liban, John and Irivo conducted a session on managing emotions for the students.The main goal of this event was to manage emotions as well as understand what its origins are. The program was broken down into 3 different seminars. The first seminar was taken by Br. Liban, talking about friendship, it’s needs and requirements to give us proper guidance and support. The second seminar was on the topic of leadership, conducted by Br. John. He discussed in depth about what makes a great leader and then moved on to the need for teamwork and its importance. The final seminar was taken by Br. Irivo and was on the topic of ‘Emotions’ and how to control, manage and differentiate between good and bad emotions. The event concluded by a guide on how to control and understand negative emotions, instead of suppressing it.
