Uploaded Book Reviews on SPPU Library Website Portal Under the Program “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha”
Under the esteemed initiative “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha” the Library Committee of St. Vincent College has actively participated in the promotion of reading culture by contributing book reviews to the SPPU Library Website Portal. This initiative aims to encourage critical reading, enhance comprehension skills, and create a repository of insightful book reviews accessible to a wider academic community. The uploading of book reviews under the “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha” program has been a significant step in promoting a culture of reading and literary discussion. With 30 reviews already available, the initiative continues to inspire students and faculty to engage deeply with books and share their insights with a broader audience. The Library Committee remains committed to sustaining and expanding this initiative for the benefit of the academic and literary community.
How to Read a Book Critically and Book Selection workshop by Fr. (Dr.) Kenneth Misquitta, SJ
A workshop on “How to Read a Book Critically and Book Selection” was organized on January 2 under the guidance of Fr. (Dr.) Kenneth Misquitta, SJ. The primary objective of the workshop was to equip students and faculty with critical reading skills and methodologies for selecting appropriate books effectively. The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of 35 students along with teachers, making it a highly interactive and insightful session.
The workshop on “How to Read a Book Critically and Book Selection” successfully met its objectives, providing valuable insights to all attendees. It encouraged students and teachers to adopt a more analytical approach toward reading and book selection, ultimately enhancing their academic and intellectual growth. Given the positive response, it is recommended that such workshops be conducted regularly to continue fostering a culture of critical reading and informed book selection.
Seminar and Themed Reading Day: “Savitribai Phule: Architect of Women’s Education and Social Justice”
On 3rd January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated Savitribai Phule Jayanti with a thoughtfully curated academic program comprising a seminar and Themed Reading Day titled “Savitribai Phule: Architect of Women’s Education and Social Justice.” The event was held in the college’s library and seminar hall—a space chosen to reflect the institution’s belief that reading, reflection, and righteous action are inseparable, much like the life and work of Savitribai Phule herself. As an educational institution rooted in Jesuit values of equity, service, and human dignity, St. Vincent College has long drawn inspiration from Savitribai Phule’s unwavering commitment to education as a tool for liberation, particularly for women and marginalized communities. This seminar reaffirmed the college’s alignment with her vision and its ongoing mission to foster inclusive, critical, and compassionate learning.
The Themed Reading Day component formed the heart of the program, with students and faculty engaging in small-group readings of Savitribai’s poems, letters, and historical accounts of her life. Passages from “Kavya Phule” and her correspondence with social reformers were read aloud in Marathi and English, followed by facilitated discussions on themes such as gender equity, ethical resistance, and the role of educators as agents of change. The college library hosted a curated exhibition featuring rare photographs, reproductions of original school records from the 1850s, biographies, and scholarly commentaries, creating an immersive space for historical exploration.
Book Exhibition Held on the Occasion of Savitribai Phule Jayanti
To commemorate the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, a pioneering social reformer and educator, a grand book exhibition was organized on January 3, 2025. The exhibition aimed to celebrate her contributions to women’s education, social equality, and empowerment. The event brought together students, faculty members, and literature enthusiasts to explore a rich collection of books dedicated to her life, work, and legacy, as well as books on social reform, education, and women’s rights.
The book exhibition successfully fulfilled its objectives by spreading awareness about Savitribai Phule’s legacy and encouraging discussions on education and social equality. Participants gained valuable knowledge and appreciation for her contributions. The exhibition served as a reminder of the ongoing need to work towards an inclusive education system.
Given the positive response and enthusiasm from students and faculty, it was recommended that such exhibitions be conducted annually to continue honoring the contributions of social reformers and fostering an environment of learning and awareness.
Cultural Immersion Week 2025 Organized by Mother Teresa Vidyarthini Manch (MTVM)
From 6th to 10th January 2025, Mother Teresa Vidyarthini Manch (MTVM)—the official student forum dedicated to women’s empowerment and holistic development at St. Vincent College—successfully conducted the “Cultural Immersion Week 2025.” This thoughtfully curated week-long initiative was designed to foster intercultural understanding, celebrate India’s rich sartorial heritage, and encourage creative self-expression among students in a joyful and inclusive environment. The event resonated deeply with contemporary educational imperatives that emphasize experiential learning, national integration, and the preservation of cultural identity within academic spaces.
The programme commenced on 6th January with a formal inauguration presided over by Dr. Anil Adsule, Principal of St. Vincent College. Each day of the week was dedicated to a distinct thematic attire, enabling students to engage with diverse facets of Indian and global fashion history through lived experience. On Traditional Attire Day, students donned ethnic wear reflective of their familial and regional roots, such as sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas, highlighting the continuity of heritage across generations. Maharashtra Day celebrated the state’s unique cultural fabric through nauvari and paithani sarees, pheta accessories, and visual references to folk art forms like Lavani. Inter-State Cultural Exchange Day encouraged participants to step outside their own identities by wearing attires from states they did not belong to—ranging from Assamese mekhela chadors to Kashmiri pherans—accompanied by informative displays on each region’s textile legacy. Bollywood Glamour Day explored cinematic fashion as a mirror of social evolution, while Retro Revival Day transported students back to the aesthetics of the 1950s–1990s.
Building on its success, MTVM plans to institutionalize the Cultural Immersion Week as an annual flagship programme, with future editions incorporating workshops on handloom heritage, live demonstrations of folk dance, and collaborations with local artisans. Through this initiative, St. Vincent College reaffirms its dedication to shaping confident, culturally rooted, and socially conscious young women who carry forward the spirit of unity in diversity.
Reader-Author Interaction Session
The Reader-Author Interaction Session was successfully conducted on January 6, 2025, to foster a literary dialogue between readers and authors. The session aimed to bridge the gap between literary creators and their audience, offering an insightful discussion on literature, storytelling, and creative writing. The event featured renowned author Soniya Swami, who presented and discussed her novel, The Speaking Thorn-Bush and Wild Flower.
The Reader-Author Interaction Session with Soniya Swami was a resounding success. The event left participants inspired and more connected to the world of literature. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the creative process and engage in meaningful discussions with the author. The event not only strengthened the bond between readers and writers but also encouraged aspiring authors to pursue their literary aspirations. It was truly a remarkable experience that celebrated the power of storytelling and the beauty of literature.
Annual Sports Meet Report – Academic Year 2024–2025
The Annual Sports Meet for the academic year 2024–2025 at St. Vincent College of Commerce was conducted with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation, holistic development, and the promotion of values such as teamwork, discipline, and fair play. The event unfolded in two distinct phases: an intra-house selection round followed by the inter-house Annual Sports Meet later, held over a dedicated week commencing on 8th January 2025.
The college is organized into four vibrant houses—Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow—each fostering a sense of identity, camaraderie, and collective responsibility among students. The intra-house competitions, held from 8th January 2025, served as a democratic and merit-based platform to identify talented and committed student-athletes across a diverse range of sporting disciplines. This preliminary phase ensured broad-based involvement and gave every student an opportunity to represent their house, irrespective of prior experience.
The main inter-house Sports Meet, conducted from 8th to 16th January 2025, featured a well-structured schedule of events spanning athletics, team sports, racquet games, and strategic indoor competitions. The athletics segment included standard track and field events such as the 100m and 200m sprints, 4x100m relay races, long jump, high jump, shot put, and discus throw—the latter added to enhance technical diversity and align with national sports curricula. In team sports, students competed in cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, and throwball, with separate categories for boys and girls to ensure equitable participation.
Book Review Competition and Felicitation Ceremony
Book Review Competition – 8th January 2024 The Library Committee of St. Vincent College organized a Book Review Competition on 8th January 2024 to encourage students to cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills through reading. The competition aimed to inspire students to engage with literature beyond surface-level reading and to articulate their insights effectively.
A total of 40 students participated in the event, submitting reviews of books across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and academic works. Each participant was required to provide a written review and present their analysis before a panel of judges. The criteria for evaluation included comprehension, originality of thought, depth of analysis, clarity of expression, and presentation skills.
After an extensive and competitive assessment, the following students emerged as winners:
● First Prize: Varma Priya Ajaykumar
● Second Prize: Vaz Andrea Dominic
● Third Prize: LAWRENCE KRIPA CHRISTY
The Felicitation and Award Ceremony for the winners of the Book Review Competition was held on 26th January 2025, coinciding with the Republic Day celebrations at St. Vincent College. The event commenced with the flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by cultural performances and the much-awaited award distribution.
Seminar on Financial Risk Management: “Navigating Uncertainty: Foundations of Financial Risk Management”
On 9th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with Sambhav Foundation, held the seminar “Navigating Uncertainty: Foundations of Financial Risk Management” for B.Com, M.Com, and BA students. Inaugurated by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, the event highlighted the critical need for risk literacy amid economic volatility and global financial interdependence. A senior expert from Sambhav Foundation delivered the core session, framing financial risk through real-world crises and outlining four key types: market, credit, liquidity, and operational risk. The speaker detailed practical mitigation tools—including Value at Risk (VaR), stress testing, diversification, and hedging with derivatives—and emphasized ethical imperatives such as transparency, accountability, and compliance. Regulatory frameworks like Basel III, SEBI guidelines, and RBI directives were contextualized within India’s financial landscape, reinforcing the relevance of sound risk practices.
The seminar also explored career opportunities in risk management—such as Risk Analyst, Credit Risk Manager, and Compliance Officer—underscoring that technical skills must be complemented by critical thinking and ethical judgment. During an interactive Q&A, students engaged with topics ranging from SME risk strategies to professional certifications like FRM and PRM, demonstrating keen analytical interest. They were encouraged to leverage free online resources and college workshops to build foundational knowledge. In his closing remarks, Director Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J., connected risk management to moral responsibility, urging students to use financial expertise for stakeholder protection and societal good. The event exemplified the college’s commitment to integrating industry-relevant, ethically grounded learning through strategic external partnerships, aligning with national standards for quality higher education and reinforcing its mission to prepare students for both professional success and responsible citizenship.
Book Exhibition Held at St. Vincent College Library
On 9th January 2024, the Library of St. Vincent College organized a successful Book Exhibition in the Library Reading Hall, aimed at promoting reading habits and intellectual engagement among students and faculty. The event showcased over 500 visiting participants and featured a diverse collection spanning Literature, Science, History and Political Science, Philosophy and Psychology, Technology and Computer Science, Self-Help and Motivation, Competitive Exam Preparation (including UPSC, MPSC, NET, GATE, and banking guides), Fiction and Non-Fiction, and Reference materials such as dictionaries and encyclopedias. Newly acquired books and rare editions were highlighted, and titles were systematically categorized by subject for easy access, encouraging active browsing and exploration beyond the syllabus.
Faculty members actively encouraged students to engage with discipline-relevant books, while many students noted down titles for future borrowing or requested new acquisitions—particularly in digital technology, emerging sciences, and career guidance. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants appreciating the exposure to interdisciplinary resources and suggesting that such exhibitions be held regularly. The Library Committee acknowledged the support of the college administration, faculty, and student volunteers, and affirmed its intention to organize similar events in the future to sustain and deepen the culture of reading and academic enrichment.
Seminar on AI by Sambhav Foundation: “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Learning: Opportunities, Ethics, and Responsibilities”
On 10th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with the Pune-based Sambhav Foundation, hosted a seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Learning: Opportunities, Ethics, and Responsibilities,” aimed at undergraduate students across disciplines. Inaugurated by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, the event underscored AI literacy as essential for all fields and aligned with the college’s mission to foster ethical digital citizenship. A senior Sambhav Foundation expert demystified core AI concepts—such as machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI—using everyday examples, and explored AI’s transformative role in education through personalized learning, research support, and administrative automation, while also addressing critical issues like academic integrity, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and misinformation.
The seminar emphasized the need for responsible, active engagement with AI, prompting student discussions on accountability, equity, and the limits of machine judgment. It also highlighted emerging career pathways for non-engineering students, including AI ethics, prompt engineering, and policy analysis. During a Q&A, students inquired about AI in assessments and future professions, receiving guidance to use credible resources and adopt lifelong learning. Concluding the event, Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J., linked the discourse to Vincentian and Ignatian values, urging students to harness AI for social good and the benefit of marginalized communities. The seminar reflected the college’s commitment to integrating technological fluency with ethical reasoning in alignment with national educational goals.
AICUF Secret Santa event
The AICUF Secret Santa event was held on 11th January 2025, shortly after Christmas, bringing together 30 members to celebrate the season’s spirit of giving and community. Designed to strengthen bonds, the event paired participants as anonymous “Advent Friends,” encouraging thoughtful gift selection based on each other’s interests and preferences. This meaningful exchange went beyond material giving—it fostered understanding, inclusivity, and connections beyond usual social circles. The gathering began with a heartfelt speech by Brother Irivo, who highlighted the values of kindness, community, and generosity, setting a warm and reflective tone. A short interactive activity followed, building excitement before the gift exchange. As members unwrapped their presents, the room filled with laughter, surprise, and joy—especially for first-timers experiencing a college Secret Santa. The event provided a welcome break from academic pressures, allowing participants to immerse themselves in festive cheer. It embodied the true essence of Christmas: love, togetherness, and selfless giving. The atmosphere was warm, inclusive, and uplifting throughout. By focusing on thoughtfulness and mutual appreciation, the initiative deepened the sense of belonging within the AICUF family.
The programme successfully reinforced AICUF’s commitment to unity, generosity, and shared celebration. It offered members a heartfelt opportunity to express care through personalized gifts, reflecting genuine attention to one another’s likes and hobbies. The joy was palpable as participants reacted to their surprises, creating moments of connection and delight. Emphasizing that Christmas is more about giving than receiving, the event aligned with the group’s values of compassion and service. Held at St. Vincent College, the occasion was both intimate and communal, blending festivity with purpose. The carefully curated experience allowed members to step into the New Year feeling fulfilled and connected. It served as a reminder that small acts of kindness can leave lasting impressions. The event concluded with a group photo, capturing smiling faces holding their gifts—a visual testament to its success. Through this initiative, AICUF upheld its tradition of fostering warmth and togetherness. The Secret Santa event ultimately created cherished memories and reaffirmed the joy found in giving.
Library Cleanliness Drive Under the Program “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha”
As part of the “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha” initiative, St. Vincent College’s Library Committee organized a Library Cleanliness Drive on January 11, 2025, with the goal of fostering a clean, organized, and conducive learning environment. Over 50 students volunteered enthusiastically, participating in an introductory session that underscored the importance of cleanliness and book preservation. The drive aimed to raise awareness about library hygiene, ensure proper arrangement of books and materials, encourage student involvement, and promote responsibility toward shared academic resources. Participants were divided into groups to tackle specific zones: bookshelves were dusted and books realigned; reading areas were tidied; the computer section was wiped down and decluttered; and newspapers, journals, and reference materials in storage were systematically organized. Old and damaged books were identified for repair or binding. A waste segregation protocol was implemented to dispose of unusable items responsibly. Faculty members supervised and motivated students throughout the activity. The event emphasized discipline, teamwork, and care for communal academic spaces. Many students expressed interest in joining future cleanliness initiatives. The drive effectively highlighted the link between a tidy environment and productive learning.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with students noting greater awareness of the need for a clean study space. Faculty members praised the initiative and recommended holding it regularly to sustain library standards. Some students proposed practical enhancements, such as displaying awareness posters on cleanliness and proper book handling. The event successfully met its core objectives by engaging the college community in hands-on stewardship of the library. It reinforced values of shared responsibility and respect for educational infrastructure. The Library Committee acknowledged the vital support of the college administration, faculty, and student volunteers in making the drive a success. Enthusiastic collaboration between staff and students enhanced the event’s impact and morale. The initiative exemplified institutional commitment to the broader “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha” goals. The committee plans to conduct similar drives periodically to maintain high standards of library upkeep. Ultimately, the event instilled lasting habits of care, orderliness, and collective ownership among participants.
Participation in the Joint Conference on Career Development and Upskilling under the “Career Katta” Initiative
St. Vincent College, Pune, participated in the two-day Joint Conference on Career Development and Upskilling held on 12–13 February 2025 under the Maharashtra Government’s “Career Katta” initiative, hosted by Shardabai Pawar Mahila Arts, Commerce and Science College, Sharadnagar (Baramati), in partnership with MITSC. Represented by Dr. Milind Gaikwad and three undergraduate students from Commerce, Arts, and Science streams, the college engaged in a high-impact academic-industry confluence centered on three themes: “Research as a Catalyst for Innovation,” “Entrepreneurship and Self-Reliance,” and “Upskilling for Modern Careers.” The conference featured seminars, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to bridge theory with actionable career strategies. The research track introduced undergraduates to methodologies, literature review, data collection, and ethical practices with real-world applications in sustainability, public health, and digital governance. The entrepreneurship segment highlighted narratives from founders and government schemes like MahaStartup and Stand-Up India, covering business validation, funding, IP rights, and social enterprise in rural contexts.
The upskilling theme addressed modern job market demands, emphasizing hybrid competencies such as data literacy, AI awareness, digital tools, and soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and collaborative problem-solving, alongside lifelong learning through SWAYAM, NPTEL, and certified micro-credentials. A key highlight was the Industry-Academia Dialogue, where experts from IT, manufacturing, education, and agri-tech identified skill gaps and advocated for curriculum modernization, project-based learning, and robust internships. The Student Innovators’ Showcase featured prototypes in renewable energy, ed-tech, and community health, offering participants feedback and incubation opportunities. The St. Vincent delegation gained interdisciplinary career insights, while Dr. Gaikwad explored integrating research and skill modules into pedagogy. The experience affirmed the college’s commitment to embedding career readiness, innovation, and ethical responsibility into education, reinforcing its role as a future-oriented institution aligned with state-level initiatives to nurture agile, socially conscious, and employable graduates.
Seminar and Themed Reading Day: “Awakening the Youth: Swami Vivekananda’s Vision for a Resurgent India”
On 12th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated Swami Vivekananda Jayanti—observed nationally as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas—with a seminar and Themed Reading Day titled “Awakening the Youth: Swami Vivekananda’s Vision for a Resurgent India.” Held in the library and seminar hall, the program began with silent reflection and recitations from Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago Address and his writings on education and character-building. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule inaugurated the event, drawing parallels between Vivekananda’s ideals—such as “man-making education,” fearlessness (Abhaya), self-reliance (Atma-vishwas), and service (Seva)—and the college’s Jesuit ethos of forming “competent, compassionate, and committed” individuals. He emphasized Vivekananda’s call to organize youth as the solution to India’s challenges, aligning it with the institution’s mission to nurture ethically grounded graduates.
This was followed by an erudite lecture by Dr. Yogesh Mate, who contextualized Vivekananda’s philosophy, tracing his evolution from discipleship under Sri Ramakrishna to global advocacy of Vedanta as a rational, inclusive spirituality centered on “realization” rather than dogma. Dr. Mate highlighted Vivekananda’s progressive stances on women’s education, scientific temper, and interfaith harmony, and his view of youth as agents of social regeneration. The Themed Reading Day featured small-group readings from “Raja Yoga,” “Karma Yoga,” and “Inspired Talks,” with facilitated discussions on spirituality and science, mental discipline, dignity of labor, and ethical citizenship. The library hosted a curated exhibition of first editions, archival photos, timelines, and student reflections. Participants connected Vivekananda’s exhortation—“arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached”—to contemporary issues like mental health, digital distraction, and civic responsibility. The day concluded with a collective reading of Vivekananda’s affirmation of the soul’s freedom, embodying the event’s fusion of intellectual rigor and moral purpose, and reaffirming the college’s commitment to shaping conscious, courageous citizens aligned with Vivekananda’s vision for a resurgent India.
Book Talk and Storytelling Activity
As part of the “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha” initiative, the Library Committee of St. Vincent College organized a Book Talk and Storytelling Activity on January 13, 2024, aiming to cultivate a love for reading, enhance communication and storytelling skills, and foster an interactive literary environment. Over 30 students actively participated in two main segments: Book Talk, where they presented favorite books—covering classic literature (Shakespeare, Premchand, Tagore), modern fiction, self-help and motivational titles, biographies, and regional folk literature from Maharashtra—and Storytelling, where they narrated short stories, folklore, and moral tales to develop creative expression and public speaking confidence. The event encouraged peer-to-peer book recommendations and lively exchange of ideas, creating a vibrant space for literary engagement.
Faculty members guided discussions and encouraged students to articulate their thoughts, while participants displayed enthusiasm, creativity, and growing confidence. Many students noted down recommendations for future reading, reflecting the event’s success in sparking interest. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing eagerness for similar future sessions and faculty underscoring the importance of lifelong reading habits. Suggestions included organizing themed book discussions and inviting guest speakers in upcoming editions. The Library Committee deemed the activity a successful step toward nurturing a reading culture and plans to hold such events periodically, acknowledging the support of the college administration, faculty, student volunteers, and especially the participating students for their active involvement.
Group Reading Session Under the Program “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha”
As part of the “Vachan Sankalp Maharashtracha” initiative, the Library Committee of St. Vincent College organized a Group Reading Session on January 14, 2024, with the aim of fostering regular reading habits, improving language proficiency and comprehension, promoting shared learning, and exposing students to diverse literary genres. Over 100 students participated enthusiastically in a structured session comprising silent reading, followed by small-group reading and discussion. A wide range of materials was provided, including Marathi literature by P. L. Deshpande, V. S. Khandekar, and Durga Bhagwat; English classics, poetry, and contemporary fiction; inspirational works by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Swami Vivekananda, and Mahatma Gandhi; historical and biographical texts; and newspapers and magazines featuring current affairs and editorial content to nurture critical thinking.
Faculty members guided book selection and facilitated group discussions, encouraging students to share interpretations and key takeaways. Some students read passages aloud, honing their public speaking and expressive skills. Participants found the session engaging and expressed interest in regular iterations, while faculty praised its impact on language development and analytical thinking. Constructive suggestions included introducing thematic reading sessions and inviting guest speakers in the future. The event was deemed a resounding success in cultivating a collective reading culture, and the Library Committee plans to conduct similar sessions periodically. Gratitude was extended to the college administration, faculty, student volunteers, and especially the participating students for their active involvement and commitment to reading.
NSS Special Winter Camp: “Youth for My India and Digital Awareness”
From 14th to 20th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, conducted a seven-day NSS Special Winter Camp titled “Youth for My India and Digital Awareness” in Donde Village, Haveli taluka, Pune district, with 45 NSS volunteers under the guidance of Programme Officers Dr. Vishal Bhaware and Sr. Dr. Madhuri Brahmane. Inaugurated in the presence of the village Sarpanch and Panchayat members, the camp integrated urban students into rural life through disciplined daily routines starting with yoga and physical training, followed by field activities including door-to-door surveys on digital access, education, and health. A major focus was the Digital Awareness Drive, which trained villagers—especially women and youth—on safe internet use, UPI, Aadhaar-linked banking, government e-portals, and mobile-based agricultural and health advisories using vernacular demonstrations. Volunteers also supported a health camp with the local Primary Health Centre, assisting with check-ups, recording vitals, and distributing pamphlets on nutrition, sanitation, immunization, and telemedicine under Ayushman Bharat.
The camp included supplementary teaching for Zilla Parishad schoolchildren, emphasizing foundational literacy, numeracy, and creative activities like art and storytelling, with special attention to promoting girls’ education. Volunteers stayed with local families, fostering empathy and cultural understanding, and engaged in nightly reflection sessions to process their experiences. The valedictory function on 20th January featured cultural performances by volunteers and villagers, certificate distribution, and appreciation from the Sarpanch, who called the camp “a model of youth-led rural partnership.” Aligned with SDGs 3, 4, 10, and 17, the initiative embodied the college’s “learning through service” ethos, cultivating leadership, communication, and ethical responsibility while making tangible community contributions. It reinforced the role of informed, compassionate youth in driving social transformation and positioned civic engagement as central to students’ identity and vocation.
Seminar and Themed Reading Day: “Mahadev Govind Ranade: Visionary of Social Reform and Nation-Building”
On 18th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated Mahadev Govind Ranade Jayanti with a seminar and Themed Reading Day titled “Mahadev Govind Ranade: Visionary of Social Reform and Nation-Building,” held in the library and seminar hall to honor his belief in reason, education, and ethical governance. The day began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and readings from Ranade’s speeches on tradition, progress, and social reform, framing him as a guiding intellect for contemporary civic life. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule inaugurated the event, highlighting Ranade’s role as a founder of the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Deccan Education Society, and Fergusson College, and his advocacy for widow remarriage, women’s education, and opposition to child marriage. Dr. Adsule linked Ranade’s principle of gradual, persuasive reform to the college’s Jesuit ethos of conscience formation through dialogue. The seminar continued with a lecture by Dr. Yogesh Mate, who contextualized Ranade’s legacy as a jurist, economist, and moderate nationalist who blended Western liberalism with Indian ethics, critiqued colonial fiscal policy, and promoted rational spirituality through the Prarthana Samaj.
The Themed Reading Day featured small-group discussions of Ranade’s essays, judicial opinions, and works like “Rise of the Maratha Power,” focusing on themes such as gradualism, the intelligentsia’s democratic role, and balancing cultural heritage with reform. The college library hosted an exhibition of rare photographs, first editions, archival documents, and timelines of Ranade’s institutional impact. Given the college’s location in Pune—where Ranade lived and shaped civic life—students reflected on visiting his memorial and Fergusson College, deepening their sense of historical continuity. The event concluded with collective reflection on Ranade’s maxim: “Conserve what is sound, reform what is unsound,” urging participants to apply this balance in their roles as future leaders. Avoiding uncritical praise, the program presented Ranade as a nuanced, principled thinker whose vision of reason, compassion, and social justice remains vital, reaffirming St. Vincent College’s commitment to enlightened citizenship rooted in Pune’s reformist legacy.
Career Awareness Seminar: “Careers in Airlines and Tourism – Pathways to a Global Profession”
On 19th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, hosted a Career Awareness Seminar titled “Careers in Airlines and Tourism – Pathways to a Global Profession” for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Commerce and Arts, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Attended by over 180 students, the event aimed to demystify the aviation and tourism sectors, highlighting diverse roles beyond cabin crew and travel agents—including airport operations, revenue management, customer experience, sustainable tourism, and aviation logistics. Industry experts Ms. Monika and Mr. Rohit from Amigo Academy, Pune, delivered comprehensive insights: Mr. Rohit outlined the aviation industry’s structure, covering airlines, airports, DGCA, IATA, and roles like flight operations officers and security specialists, while stressing the need for communication skills, grooming, and multilingual ability. Ms. Monika focused on tourism and hospitality, discussing emerging trends like eco-tourism, medical tourism, and MICE, and emphasized how Arts and Commerce students—especially those with backgrounds in geography, history, economics, or business—are well-suited for careers in destination branding, tour operations, and cultural heritage management.
The seminar included a mock group discussion and personal interview simulation, offering live feedback on body language, articulation, and situational awareness—key competencies for selection. Students actively engaged, asking questions on work-life balance, gender inclusivity, global mobility, and the impact of AI on service roles. Post-session, the Career Guidance Cell operated a one-on-one counseling desk, distributing brochures on IATA/UFTAA certifications, training institutes, internships, and scholarships. The early-morning timing ensured minimal academic disruption and equitable access. The event exemplified the college’s commitment to employability-focused education, aligning liberal arts strengths—soft skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability—with global service industry demands. Through this industry-academia collaboration, St. Vincent College empowered students with career literacy and professional clarity, reinforcing its role in nurturing agile, globally aware graduates ready for 21st-century service economies.
Sports Week Inter-House Sports competitions – January 2025
From 21st to 27th January 2025, St. Vincent College of Commerce held a vibrant Inter-House Sports Week as a key segment of its Annual Sports Programme, engaging students from the four houses—Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow—in a week-long celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and institutional unity. Events spanned both outdoor and indoor facilities and included track and field competitions—100m and 200m sprints, 4×100m relay, long jump, high jump, shot put, and discus throw—as well as team-based activities like Tug of War, throwball (girls), and badminton (boys and girls, doubles format). These events were designed to showcase diverse talents, emphasizing speed, strength, coordination, and strategic play, while encouraging broad participation across genders and interests.
All competitions followed standardized rules and were overseen by Physical Education faculty and trained student volunteers, with consistent emphasis on fair play, mutual respect, and ethical conduct alongside performance. The house system amplified camaraderie, as students rallied in support of their peers through coordinated cheers and shared responsibility. Beyond competition, the week served as a co-curricular platform fostering physical fitness, leadership, collaboration, and emotional resilience. By concentrating events into a high-energy schedule, the college reinforced its holistic educational vision—integrating sport as essential to developing confident, well-rounded, and socially conscious individuals—and marked the Inter-House Sports Week 2025 as a milestone in its commitment to co-curricular excellence.
TNS Placement Drive: Industry-Academia Convergence for Career Excellence
On 24th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with the TNS India Foundation, hosted a highly successful Campus Placement Drive from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, serving as a key platform for industry-academia convergence. Open to its own 28 final-year students and over 250 candidates from other Pune colleges, the event began with an orientation session by TNS representatives covering resume writing, interview etiquette, and placement protocols to ensure equitable preparedness. Nine leading organizations participated—Reliance Securities, Axis Bank, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Bajaj Allianz, Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance, Hitachi, Zaptec, Xentrix Technologies, and Sundaram Finance—conducting multi-stage selection processes including aptitude tests, group discussions, and personal interviews for roles in financial advisory, relationship management, digital banking, customer support, sales & marketing, and entry-level tech operations.
St. Vincent College students achieved a near 100% selection rate, reflecting the efficacy of the college’s academic rigor and career-readiness initiatives led by Placement Cell head Dr. Gilbi John, including mock interviews and soft-skills workshops. The college’s modern infrastructure—digital labs, seminar halls, and high-speed internet—enabled smooth execution of online assessments and virtual interviews, while faculty and staff ensured seamless logistics. The drive not only delivered immediate placement outcomes but also validated the institution’s responsive curriculum and strong industry partnerships, aligning with NAAC’s focus on employability and student progression. By bridging classroom learning with workplace demands, the event underscored St. Vincent College’s commitment to nurturing future-ready, ethically grounded professionals and reinforcing its role as a regional hub for inclusive career excellence.
Report on the Seminar and Themed Reading Day: “Subhas Chandra Bose: The Fire of Patriotism and the Ethics of Fearless Action”
On 23rd January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, marked Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti—observed as Desh Prem Diwas—with a seminar and Themed Reading Day titled “Subhas Chandra Bose: The Fire of Patriotism and the Ethics of Fearless Action.” The event opened with Bose’s iconic call for sacrifice, a floral tribute, and readings from his speeches and writings, underscoring his commitment to unity, youth empowerment, and moral resistance. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule highlighted Bose’s vision of secular, inclusive nationalism and linked it to the college’s Jesuit mission of forming ethical leaders, while scholar Dr. Yogesh Mate provided critical context on Bose’s political philosophy, framing his use of force as an ethical response to colonial oppression and emphasizing his transnational anti-colonial efforts and vision for a modern, just India.
The Themed Reading Day formed the experiential heart of the program, with students and faculty engaging in small-group readings of Bose’s letters, speeches, and excerpts from The Indian Struggle, followed by discussions on the ethics of resistance, secular nationalism, and youth’s role in democratic renewal. A curated library exhibition featured archival materials, INA memorabilia, and student reflections on contemporary patriotism. The day concluded with a collective recitation of Bose’s pledge to serve the motherland, reaffirming the college’s aim to inspire students to embody patriotism through integrity, service, and courageous action—honoring Bose not as a mythic figure but as a complex, principled leader whose legacy continues to challenge and guide new generations.
Commemoration of National Girl Child Day – 2025
St. Vincent College of Commerce, Pune, observed National Girl Child Day on 24th January 2025 with a program titled “Empowering Her Future: Education, Equality, and Dignity,” reaffirming its commitment to gender equity and the holistic development of girl students. The day began with a seminar in the college auditorium addressed by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, who emphasized education as a national imperative for dismantling systemic barriers and highlighted institutional supports like mentorship programs and safe grievance mechanisms. Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J., linked Vincentian values of compassion and justice to the dignity of the girl child, urging the college to be a sanctuary of empowerment. Dr. Yogesh Mate, Librarian, underscored the transformative role of literature in shaping gender consciousness and showcased the library’s curated collection of feminist and gender-focused works.
The seminar was followed by a Themed Reading Day in the Central Library, featuring books such as We Should All Be Feminists, I Am Malala, works by Arundhati Roy, Kamala Das, Fatima Sheikh, and scholarly texts on gender and development. Students engaged with these materials through browsing, reading excerpts, reflection, and faculty-facilitated discussions on themes like education access, safety, representation, and leadership. Conducted with dignity and pedagogical intent, the program aligned with the college’s vision of inclusive, value-based education, fostering empathy, critical awareness, and shared responsibility. The event reinforced St. Vincent College’s role in nurturing ethically grounded citizens committed to gender justice and the empowerment of historically marginalized groups.
Republic day celebrations and Patriotism themed cultural performances.
On 26th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated the 76th Republic Day with solemnity and pride, honoring the adoption of the Indian Constitution and its core values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The ceremony began at 8:00 AM with the National Flag unfurled by Director Fr. Dr. Kenneth Misquitta, accompanied by the National Anthem sung by the entire college community. In his address, Fr. Misquitta emphasized the Constitution’s role in guiding ethical leadership and social harmony, aligning its principles with the college’s mission of fostering civic responsibility and moral discernment. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule followed with a speech highlighting India’s identity as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, urging students to safeguard democratic institutions and engage with issues of justice and inclusion.
The formal proceedings concluded with a student-led cultural program featuring patriotic performances, including soulful renditions of “Vande Mataram,” “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo,” and “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” enhanced by traditional attire and evocative choreography that reflected sincerity and national pride. The event, marked by meticulous planning and decorum, successfully blended celebration with pedagogical purpose, reinforcing the college’s commitment to nurturing constitutional awareness, ethical consciousness, and a spirit of active citizenship alongside academic excellence.
Seminar and Themed Reading Day:
“Lala Lajpat Rai: The Lion of Punjab and His Vision for National Education and Social Empowerment”
On 28th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti with a seminar and Themed Reading Day titled “Lala Lajpat Rai: The Lion of Punjab and His Vision for National Education and Social Empowerment.” The event began with a ceremonial tribute and recitations of Rai’s writings emphasizing national education, economic self-reliance, and upliftment of the marginalized. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule highlighted Rai’s synthesis of nationalism and social reform, noting his co-founding of the D.A.V. College Trust and leadership in movements like the anti-Rowlatt protests and “Simon Go Back!” campaign, framing his vision as one where freedom stems from knowledge, dignity, and opportunity—an ethos aligned with the college’s Jesuit mission. Dr. Yogesh Mate’s lecture contextualized Rai’s evolution from Arya Samaj reformer to a key figure in the Lal-Bal-Pal triumvirate, underscoring his constructive nationalism through institutions like orphanages and cooperatives, his writings such as Young India, and his international advocacy via the Indian Home Rule Society in the U.S.
The Themed Reading Day formed the experiential core, with students and faculty engaging in small-group readings of Rai’s essays and discussions on dissent, youth agency, and Swadeshi’s contemporary relevance. The college library hosted an exhibition featuring archival photographs, reproductions of his editorials from The Punjabee, timelines of his institutional work, and student reflections linking his ideals to their civic and academic lives. Participants connected Rai’s emphasis on self-discipline, rational inquiry, and service to their own roles in outreach and student governance. The event concluded with a collective reading of Rai’s final message urging youth to speak truth with courage and conscience. Avoiding uncritical glorification, the program presented Rai as a pragmatic, principled institution-builder whose legacy affirms that enlightened patriotism thrives not in slogans but in schools, cooperatives, and everyday acts of justice—values central to St. Vincent College’s educational mission.
Canteen Day – 28th January 2025 (TYBCom & TYBA)
On 28th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held its annual Canteen Day for TYBCom and TYBA final-year students, blending experiential entrepreneurship with social outreach. Rebranded as “Entrepreneurship Day,” the event began with a faculty-led orientation on core business principles—ideation, opportunity recognition, risk assessment, customer engagement, and financial planning—framing the activity as a real-world business simulation. Students voluntarily conceptualized and operated food stalls across campus, adhering to a “Denim Day” dress code that mirrored contemporary startup culture. All proceeds from sales were donated to Jeevdan Care Centre, Pune, reinforcing values of empathy and civic responsibility.
Beyond commercial acumen, the activity nurtured essential soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and ethical decision-making. Participants gained hands-on experience in inventory management, pricing, transactions, and customer service in a supportive academic setting. Aligning with NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential, multidisciplinary, and value-integrated learning, the initiative exemplified the college’s commitment to holistic education that couples competence with conscience. Documentation—including photos, donation receipts, student reflections, and faculty observations—has been archived, affirming Canteen Day as a signature, evolving platform for skill development, character formation, and compassionate leadership.
Deaddiction seminar: “Breaking Free: Awareness, Prevention, and Rehabilitation in the Fight Against Substance
On 28th January 2025, St. Vincent College of Commerce, Pune, held a sensitively curated seminar titled “Breaking Free: Awareness, Prevention, and Rehabilitation in the Fight Against Substance Abuse,” bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a constructive dialogue on youth substance use. Inaugurated by the Principal, the event underscored the college’s commitment to holistic student well-being and evidence-based, compassionate approaches to addiction. A qualified de-addiction counselor delivered a core presentation on commonly misused substances—including tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs—as well as behavioral addictions like excessive digital media use, explaining the biological, psychological, and social drivers of dependency while challenging stigma. The session highlighted early warning signs and offered practical guidance for peers, teachers, and families on responding with empathy and facilitating access to professional help.
The seminar continued with a panel discussion featuring the college counseling team and student representatives, focusing on creating safe spaces for dialogue, reducing mental health stigma, and promoting help-seeking behavior. A dignified personal recovery narrative powerfully illustrated the possibility of healing. An anonymous Q&A segment enabled honest student engagement, prompting the college to announce enhancements to its Wellness Corner in the library—featuring curated mental health and addiction resources, national helpline information, and local support services—as well as the introduction of regular peer-led wellness circles. The event concluded with a reaffirmed institutional pledge to integrate mental health literacy and preventive awareness into co-curricular frameworks, advancing a supportive, inclusive, and health-promoting campus culture aligned with holistic higher education.
Seminar: “Wings of Opportunity: Exploring Careers in the Aviation Industry”
On 28th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with Poise Academy, hosted the career-focused seminar “Wings of Opportunity: Exploring Careers in the Aviation Industry” for undergraduate students across disciplines. Inaugurated by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, the event aimed to expand awareness of the rapidly growing aviation sector and its diverse career paths beyond conventional fields. Poise Academy representatives delivered a detailed overview of both flying and non-flying roles—including commercial piloting, cabin crew, ground handling, airport operations, air traffic control, cargo logistics, aviation security, and customer experience management—highlighting entry requirements, DGCA and international regulatory standards, skill prerequisites like communication and crisis management, and physical/medical criteria. They also outlined India’s aviation growth driven by infrastructure investments, the UDAN scheme, and private airline expansion, along with salary structures, career progression, and work-life dynamics.
The seminar emphasized that most aviation roles—particularly in service, operations, and management—are accessible to commerce and arts students, as they do not require a science background. A dedicated segment addressed skill development, stressing grooming, English proficiency, interpersonal abilities, and cultural sensitivity, and introduced Poise Academy’s certification programs in personality development, aviation terminology, safety protocols, and mock interviews. An interactive Q&A clarified eligibility, training duration, costs, and placement support. In response to student interest, the college announced ongoing campus outreach by Poise Academy, including free orientation workshops and scholarships for meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. This initiative aligns with the college’s Career Development and Placement Cell strategy to diversify industry linkages, enhance employability, and foster soft skills, global citizenship, and professional adaptability—reinforcing its commitment to outcome-based, industry-integrated, and inclusive higher education.
Seminar on “Complementary Professional Certifications for Commerce Graduates”
On 28th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, hosted a strategically focused seminar titled “Complementary Professional Certifications for Commerce Graduates,” designed to guide B.Com students across all three years in pursuing value-added credentials alongside their degree. An industry-experienced expert outlined key certifications in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial modelling, data analytics for business, banking, insurance, and digital finance tools, emphasizing alignment with academic coursework, individual aptitude, and emerging trends such as fintech, ESG reporting, and regulatory compliance. The session also covered practical aspects like flexible learning formats, exam schedules, costs, and institutional support, structured around three pillars: certification options, strategic planning, and career return on investment in terms of employability, higher education, and industry recognition.
The seminar featured an interactive Q&A where students sought advice on time management, balancing academics with certification prep, scholarships, and the comparative value of credentials in domestic and global contexts. The speaker encouraged personalized academic roadmaps, use of college resources, and portfolio-building that integrates degrees with certifications, underscoring the importance of lifelong learning. Aligned with NEP 2020’s emphasis on skill integration and student-centric pathways, the event reflects the Department of Commerce’s commitment to producing agile, competitive graduates. Documentation has been archived, and due to strong student engagement, the department plans to institutionalize the seminar annually and explore on-campus workshops, mentoring, and dedicated resource libraries for professional development.
Seminar on careers in finance by Unique Academy: “Charting Your Future:
Career Pathways in Finance”
On 28th–29th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, in collaboration with Unique Academy, held a two-day seminar titled “Charting Your Future: Career Pathways in Finance” for B.Com and B.A. students. Inaugurated by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, the event underscored the importance of early career awareness and institutional-industry partnerships in fostering employability. Led by Unique Academy’s Mr. Subham Modi and Mr. Pavan Sharma—seasoned finance educators and practitioners—the first day mapped the finance ecosystem, covering careers in CA, CS, CMA, CFP, investment banking, equity research, FRM, GST consultancy, Tally/ERP specialization, and FinTech analytics. The session clarified eligibility, certification paths, exam structures, career trajectories, and the rising need for hybrid skills combining finance with digital tools like Excel and Power BI.
Day two focused on employability, featuring interactive workshops on resume building, aptitude test preparation, interview readiness, and practical demonstrations of financial statement analysis, ratio interpretation, and basic investment valuation. The speakers addressed time management, balancing academics with professional studies, and accessing affordable resources. A personalized Q&A allowed students to seek guidance tailored to their backgrounds, highlighting finance’s accessibility to both commerce and non-commerce students. Unique Academy announced support measures including scholarships, free foundation modules for St. Vincent students, and internship linkages with local CA firms. Attended by over 350 students and held in the college’s smart seminar hall with digital resources, the seminar exemplified the college’s commitment to integrating real-world career pathways into undergraduate education, aligning with national standards for quality, outcome-driven higher learning.
Canteen Day – 29th January 2025
(SYBCom & SYBA)
On 29th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held its annual Canteen Day for SYBCom and SYBA students, rebranded as “Innovation Day” to emphasize creativity, design thinking, and adaptive problem-solving. Preceded by a faculty-led session on entrepreneurial and everyday innovation, students voluntarily designed and operated food stalls with unique themes, presentations, and service models. The event doubled as “Retro Day,” with participants wearing vintage-inspired attire to foster camaraderie and expressive individuality. All proceeds were donated to Jeevdan Care Centre, Pune, reinforcing the college’s ethos of merging enterprise with social responsibility.
Pedagogically, the activity extended classroom learning by enabling students to apply commerce and arts concepts to real-world micro-enterprise challenges, developing skills in business planning, pricing, inventory management, and customer engagement. Collaborative execution honed communication, negotiation, time management, and resilience, while collective fundraising instilled ethical awareness and a sense of shared purpose. Aligned with NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential, multidisciplinary, and value-integrated learning, the initiative exemplifies the college’s commitment to shaping skilled, empathetic, and socially conscious citizens. Comprehensive documentation—including photos, donation acknowledgment, student reflections, and faculty observations—has been archived, affirming Canteen Day as a cornerstone of the college’s evolving co-curricular framework.
Canteen Day – 30th January 2025
(FYBCom & FYBA)
On 30th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held its annual Canteen Day for FYBCom and FYBA students, themed as “Crowdfunding Day” to introduce first-year undergraduates to experiential learning and social responsibility. Students voluntarily designed and operated food stalls, engaging in real-world micro-enterprise tasks including menu planning, cost estimation, pricing, inventory management, and customer service. A faculty-led orientation linked their efforts to grassroots crowdfunding—emphasizing how collective small contributions can drive social impact—with all proceeds donated to Jeevdan Care Centre, Pune. The day was also observed as “Mismatch Day,” with students wearing creatively mismatched attire to symbolize diversity, individuality, and collaborative innovation.
Pedagogically, the event served as an early immersion into economics, management, and ethical leadership. Through teamwork, real transactions, and problem-solving, students developed communication, adaptability, cooperation, and accountability. The shared act of charitable giving fostered social consciousness and aligned personal initiative with institutional values. In line with NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential, multidisciplinary, and life-skills-integrated education, Canteen Day functions as a deliberate strategy for holistic development. Comprehensive documentation—including photos, donation receipts, student reflections, and faculty observations—has been archived, affirming the event’s role as a cornerstone of the college’s co-curricular and character-building framework.
PPT presentation competition
On 30th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held a PowerPoint Presentation Competition exclusively for its junior college students in the college reading hall. Inaugurated by Principal Dr. Anil Adsule, the event aimed to cultivate essential academic and communication skills by encouraging students to bridge classroom learning with real-world expression through concise, three-minute presentations followed by a Q&A. Participants—presenting individually or in pairs—chose topics including environmental conservation, mental health, digital safety, gender sensitivity, and innovations in education, reflecting awareness of personal and societal relevance. Judged by Prof. Shahzad Nariman, entries were evaluated on content accuracy, logical flow, clarity of speech, visual design, and Q&A responsiveness, with each student receiving constructive feedback.
Students utilized digital tools like Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides, demonstrating thoughtful design choices such as readable fonts, relevant imagery, minimal text, and effective use of bullet points. The preparation process honed research, critical thinking, and argument structuring, while live delivery strengthened public speaking and on-the-spot responsiveness. For pairs, the activity also fostered teamwork in content division, rehearsal, and synchronized presentation. The event concluded with certificates for all participants and small tokens for outstanding entries, affirming its role as a low-stakes, skill-building platform that advances holistic development beyond textbooks and aligns with the college’s emphasis on communication, critical thought, and confidence.
Seminar and Themed Reading Day:
“Gandhi’s Moral Compass: Truth, Non-Violence, and the Relevance of Ethical Living in the 21st Century”
On 30th January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, commemorated Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi with a reflective seminar and Themed Reading Day titled “Gandhi’s Moral Compass: Truth, Non-Violence, and the Relevance of Ethical Living in the 21st Century.” The program opened with a two-minute silence, a memorial lamp lighting, and the bhajan “Vaishnava Jana To,” followed by bilingual readings from Gandhi’s works like Hind Swaraj and his letters. Principal Dr. Anil Adsule underscored Gandhi’s enduring relevance, framing Swaraj as inner discipline and linking Satya, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya, and Nai Talim to the college’s Jesuit mission of forming “men and women for others.” He urged students to see Gandhi as a practical moral guide whose principles offer tools for addressing modern challenges like polarization and ecological crisis.
Dr. Yogesh Mate’s lecture contextualized Gandhi’s philosophy, clarifying Ahimsa as active “soul-force” (Satyagraha), Nai Talim as holistic education, and his critique of industrialization and advocacy for village self-sufficiency as early sustainability thinking. He highlighted Gandhi’s pluralism and defense of communal harmony as antidotes to contemporary intolerance. The Themed Reading Day featured small-group discussions on Gandhi’s writings—including The Story of My Experiments with Truth and letters on Harijan welfare—exploring non-violence in digital spaces, ethical consumption, and Swadeshi’s relevance. A library exhibition displayed archival photos, first editions, a charkha reproduction, and student reflections. The event concluded with a collective reflection on Gandhi’s “Seven Social Sins,” encouraging personal and civic accountability. Avoiding hagiography, the program portrayed Gandhi as a human experimenter whose unfinished ethical journey invites each generation to embody truth, compassion, and justice—reaffirming the college’s view of education as a Gandhian act rooted in service and conscience.
Canteen Day – 31st January 2025 (Junior College)
On 31st January 2025, St. Vincent College, Pune, held its annual Canteen Day for Junior College students, themed as “Bootstrapping Day” to introduce early concepts of ethical enterprise, financial literacy, and social responsibility. Under guided supervision, adolescents voluntarily planned and operated food stalls, engaging with foundational economic principles like cost calculation, pricing, customer interaction, and profit management. A faculty-led orientation framed the activity around self-reliance, frugal innovation, and resourcefulness, encouraging students to see constraints as opportunities for creative problem-solving. In keeping with the college’s ethos, all proceeds were donated to Jeevdan Care Centre, Pune, embedding the experience in values of empathy and civic duty. The day was also observed as “Traditional Day,” with students wearing regional and ethnic attire to celebrate cultural heritage and foster collective identity.
Pedagogically, the event served as a developmentally appropriate bridge between classroom learning and real-world application, nurturing decision-making, accountability, and teamwork in a supportive setting. By linking financial awareness with ethical action, it presented commerce as a vehicle for social good and reinforced compassion as a core institutional value. Aligned with NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential, value-integrated education and early life skills development, Canteen Day functions as a deliberate intervention in adolescent formation—cultivating financial prudence, cultural rootedness, and social consciousness. Comprehensive documentation, including photos, donation acknowledgment, student reflections, and faculty observations, has been archived, affirming the event’s role as a vital element of the college’s holistic co-curricular framework./sep