Sawadikaa –The CAFÉ Program in Thailand.
Miss Andrea Vaz, SYBA student and AICUF coordinator of St Vincent College was chosen to participate in the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana Asia Pacific Chaplains and Animators Formation and Exchange Program (CAFE) held from 1st to 6th July 2024 in the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC). Andrea,along with Fr. Jesu Benjamine SJ, the National Advisor of AICUF, Fr. Parthasarathi SJ, the State Advisor of Tamil Nadu, Fr. Ajay Minj SJ, the State Advisor of Ranchi along with Jassica Sharal Santhmayor from St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore, Karnataka represented the AICUF. The program’s core focus was on the “Mission of Tertiary Students’ Accompaniment,” exploring innovative ways to support university students through robust support systems and a strengthened regional network. There were 12 countries from the Asia Pacific region participating in this program. As the CAFE program concluded, participants left with new insights and action plans for national movements with strengthened connections and a shared mission. Participants also had a cultural night nearing the end of the program to celebrate individual cultures in shared harmony.
Orientation Program for First-Year Students at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College, Pune, welcomed its first-year students with an engaging and informative orientation program which lasted from 6th of July to the 8th of July. The event was designed to familiarize new students with the institution’s rich Jesuit heritage and the values that drive its mission of holistic education. The faculty spoke about the college’s focus on nurturing responsible citizens who contribute to society in meaningful ways. The students were given a detailed tour of the college, including important facilities such as the library, computer labs, and study areas. A special session was dedicated to familiarizing them with the vast resources available in the library, including digital resources, journals, and reference materials that will support their academic journey. A key highlight of the orientation was the introduction to the National Education Policy (NEP) syllabus. In addition to academic guidance, the program also covered the various career paths available to Commerce and Arts students. The orientation also addressed the facilities and support systems available at the college to ensure student welfare. These include counselling services, mentorship programs, scholarships, and extracurricular activities aimed at promoting a well-rounded college experience. Faculty members assured students of the continuous guidance and support they can expect throughout their time at St. Vincent College.
Career Guidance Lecture by Poise International Institute at St. Vincent College
On 10th July 2024, St. Vincent College organized a career guidance lecture for the students in collaboration with Poise International Institute of Air Hostess, Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism. The session aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of career opportunities in these dynamic and fast-growing sectors. The primary objective of the lecture was to expose the students to the diverse career paths available in the fields of hospitality, travel, tourism, and aviation, which are often overlooked in traditional education.
The resource persons from Poise International Institute began by introducing the various programs they offer, specifically designed to train individuals for successful careers in hospitality, travel, and aviation. They emphasized the global nature of these industries and the increasing need for trained professionals who can meet international standards of service and customer care.
Inaugural mass
On 12th of July an inaugural mass was conducted in the college led by Fr. Kenneth Misquitta and Fr. Jesus Raja. In the mass that was held in the auditorium blessings were sought for the smooth functioning of the college and the wellbeing of the students and the staff in the academic year 2024-25.
AICUF WEBINAR: Centenary Initiative
On 12th July, 2024, an online session via Zoom was held on the topic “Reimagining Youth Movements and Their Relevance in India.” Rev Fr. Dr. Joe Arun SJ led the session, which began with a brief prayer by Andrea. Special guest animators from IMCS included Greg Lopez from Australia, Louisa from the Philippines, and Suman from Thailand. Additionally, three students from our college: Andrea Vaz, Riddhi Chillal, and Joanne Dsilva, attended the session.
The session aimed to enlighten youth about the power of networking and situated imagination. Fr. Joe emphasized, “To change the world, you need to change yourself first.” Fr Davidraj SJ moderated the Q&A session, where students posed insightful questions. The session concluded with the AICUF anthem, a brief prayer by Nikhil, and a Vote of Thanks from Nelisha.
Faculty Development Program: “Dialogue in Education” at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College held a one-week Faculty Development Program (FDP) on the topic of “Dialogue in Education,” aimed at fostering an in-depth understanding of the transformative role of dialogue in the educational process. The workshop, held under the guidance of Fr. Peter D’Cruz SJ, an expert in educational philosophy, brought together faculty members from various disciplines to explore critical themes in contemporary education. The program began with Fr. Peter D’Cruz outlining the purpose of education in a modern, globalized world. Fr. D’Cruz discussed how engagement between educators and students can create a more interactive and participatory learning environment. Throughout the week, the workshop delved into the importance of fostering critical thinking among students. The workshop also addressed the condition of current education, highlighting the challenges faced by both educators and students. He encouraged faculty members to reimagine their teaching practices to make learning more meaningful and collaborative. A significant portion of the program was dedicated to understanding the National Education Policy (NEP)and its potential to reshape India’s educational landscape. The final sessions of the workshop explored the influence of media on both students and education. Fr. D’Cruz highlighted the dual role of media—as a tool for learning and as a potential distraction. The FDP concluded with a reflective session where faculty members shared their insights and discussed actionable strategies for incorporating dialogue into their teaching.
Report on Envision Overseas Education Consultants Talk at St. Vincent College
On the 16th of July, St. Vincent College hosted a highly informative talk by Envision Overseas Education Consultants, an organisation with over 24 years of experience in guiding students toward global education opportunities. The session began with an introduction to the various services Envision offers, emphasizing their free counselling sessions that help students explore the diverse educational opportunities available abroad. The representative from Envision outlined the importance of choosing the right career path and highlighted their comprehensive career counselling services. These services are tailored to each student’s interests and strengths, ensuring that they make informed decisions about their future. The consultants also provide detailed guidance on aptitude testing, helping students determine their strengths and areas of improvement to ensure they choose the right academic programs abroad.
AICUF Orientation
The AICUF orientation program was held on 18th and 19th of July. The main objective of this program was to introduce AICUF (All India Catholic University Federation) and its core members to the F.Y.B.COM and F.Y.B.A. Students. Students were introduced to the history of AICUF and what it stands for, as well as its future plans. The orientation program was held by the AICUF committee of the college. They gave a detailed introduction to AICUF by showing a video and engaging with the students by asking questions based on the video. It successfully made the students interested in joining the AICUF, to not only have fun but help the society, with AICUF’s main motto being “We are born in an unjust society, and we are determined not to leave it as we have found it in”, it successfully made the students delve deep into thinking about empathy, understanding diverse perspectives and build social relationships.
Guidance Lecture on “Careers in Accounts & Finance” at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College recently organized a guidance lecture titled “Careers in Accounts & Finance” for the first-year Commerce students. The session was aimed at introducing the first year students to a plethora of career opportunities available in the fields of accounting and finance. The lecture was delivered by, Mr.Vishal Gada, Co-Founder & CMO of FPA Edutech, who discussed the vibrant nature of the finance sector. He analyzed market trends and emerging opportunities and the impact of technology in the field of accounting and finance. He gave an overview of various career paths, including public accounting, corporate finance, investment banking, and financial planning. He advised students to acquire professional certifications such as ICAI, ICSI, CMA, CFA, CFP, CPA, ACCA etc. alongside their graduation and gave tips to select and obtain professional certifications. The speaker highlighted the importance of acquiring key skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and proficiency in financial tools, which are essential for success in this field. He also laid emphasis on the application of accounting and financial knowledge in a range of industries, from corporate finance to banking, auditing, investment management, and taxation.
Students actively participated in the Q&A session, asking questions related to career progression, challenges in the field, and the scope of finance in the global market. The event concluded with a message from the faculty, encouraging students to make the most of the college’s resources and career counselling services to prepare for their professional journeys.
English Entrance Test Conducted at St. Vincent College
On 20th July 2024, St. Vincent College conducted an English Entrance Test for students with the aim of assessing their proficiency levels in English. This test was an essential step in placing students in the appropriate level of the college’s English teaching courses—Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced—based on their current language skills. The initiative was designed to ensure that students receive personalized instruction according to their individual needs, promoting effective learning and language development. The test was mandatory for all students enrolling in the English courses and included multiple sections to evaluate different aspects of language proficiency.
Once the test was completed, the results were carefully evaluated by the English faculty. Based on their performance in each section, students were categorized into the Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced levels. The results allowed the college to tailor the English language program to meet the specific needs of each group, ensuring that every student would receive the appropriate level of instruction. The faculty also made arrangements to provide individual feedback to the students, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback helped students understand their current standing and the steps they could take to improve their language proficiency. The test was followed by intensive 15 day classes that were conducted as per the level of the students.
Accounting Aptitude Test Conducted by ICA at St. Vincent College
On 20th July 2024, St. Vincent College, in collaboration with the Institute of Computerised Accounting (ICA), conducted an Accounting Aptitude Test for the Commerce students. The test was designed to evaluate the students’ foundational knowledge of accounting principles and their aptitude for pursuing advanced courses in computerized accounting. This initiative was aimed at identifying students’ strengths and areas of improvement, helping them prepare for future careers in finance and accounting.
The Accounting Aptitude Test played a crucial role in helping the Institute of Computerised Accounting (ICA) and the college faculty identify students who showed a strong aptitude for accounting and finance. Those who performed well were to be encouraged to enroll in advanced ICA-certified courses, providing them with the necessary training to excel in the competitive field of finance.
Workshop on Accounting and Tax Conducted by ICA at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College organized a workshop on “Accounting and Tax,” facilitated by the Institute of Computerised Accounting (ICA), exclusively for the Commerce students on 21st of July 2024. The workshop aimed at providing practical insights into the world of accounting and taxation, ensuring that students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in these essential aspects of commerce.
The session began with an introduction to the core principles of accounting, where the trainers from ICA explained the basic concepts of financial accounting, including double-entry bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements, and the importance of accurate record-keeping in business. The facilitators discussed both direct and indirect taxes, such as Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and corporate taxes. One of the key highlights of the workshop was the practical training provided on using accounting software like Tally and Excel for managing accounts and taxes. The workshop also covered recent updates in the Indian tax laws, giving students insights into changes that impact businesses, such as GST amendments and income tax reforms. Overall, the workshop was a success by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
Online session via Google Meet on the theme of “Bringing Transformation Through Positive Use of Digital Platforms”
On July 26, 2024, an online session via Google Meet on the theme of “Bringing Transformation Through Positive Use of Digital Platforms” was held. The meeting began with a short Prayer, extending a warm welcome to all our attendees, including our esteemed guest and speaker Reverend Fr. Nithin Monteiro SJ. This meeting was also attended by Andrea Vaz, Joanne D’silva, Lawrence D’souza, Meagan Vaz, Percius Rajan, Sera Ruth Swami, Daniella Mascarenhas and Gregory Lobo from our college. Fr. Nithin emphasised that as digital citizens we live in a digital universe teeming with websites, video games, blogs, books, films, and more. Creating, remixing, sharing, and critiquing content constitute our digital rituals. These actions define our engagement with the online world. By embracing disruptive innovation and conscious communication, we can navigate the digital plentitude with purpose and impact. This session also aimed to encourage us that our words matter. Through blogs, newsletters, and podcasts, we amplify voices— our own and others’. Content creation, including memes and animations, could serve as powerful tools to impact lives. By creating impactful content and fostering meaningful conversations, we can transform lives and society.
Essay Writing Competition & Poster Making Contest.
The Poster Making Contest and Essay Writing Competition held in St. Vincent College from 27th July to 29th July. It brought together students of different backgrounds and talents to explore and express their insights on the life and legacy of St. Ignatius Loyola. Organized by the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF), the competition aimed to inspire reflection on Ignatian values and their relevance in today’s world. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and hard work of both the participants and the AICUF team, who made this meaningful experience possible. Both competitions had a decent amount of students participating, who all had given their own spin of creativity and neatness in their respective, chosen contests.
Tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam on his Death Anniversary
On 27th of July, the 9th death anniversary of Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, India’s Missile man the college observed a themed reading day to honor his life and legacy. Dr. Kalam is an inspiration for all Indians regardless of their background. The event was marked with inspiring talks focused on his vision for India’s development and his role as the “People’s President.” Themed reading displays included his best-known works like “Wings of Fire” and “Ignited Minds”. Speakers highlighted his contributions to India’s space and missile programs, his humble beginnings, and his commitment to youth empowerment. Students participated in interactive sessions on innovation, leadership, and nation-building, reflecting on Kalam’s lifelong dedication to inspiring future generations.
Workshop conducted by the Income Tax Department, Pune on “Tax Deducted at source”.
A special workshop on “Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)” was organized in collaboration with the Income Tax Office, Pune, on 29th July at 10:00 a.m. The event took place at Saraswati Mandir Night College and aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the TDS system to the students. The Income Tax Department facilitated the workshop as part of their public awareness initiative to promote better compliance and understanding of tax-related regulations. The workshop on “Tax Deducted at Source” organized by the Income Tax Office, Pune, proved to be a highly informative session for all the participants. The event succeeded in raising awareness about the importance of TDS compliance and provided attendees with practical knowledge about tax procedures. By the end of the session, participants felt more confident in managing their tax deductions, and many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to directly interact with tax officials.
Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola Celebration at St. Vincent College
St. Vincent College, Pune, celebrated the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, with reverence and enthusiasm on 30th of July 2024. The day began with a special ceremony that paid tribute to the life and teachings of St. Ignatius, whose spiritual journey from a soldier to a saint has inspired millions around the world. His transformative experiences led to the creation of the Jesuit order, which has become synonymous with a commitment to education, social justice, and spiritual growth. The Director, a member of the Society of Jesus, delivered an inspiring speech on the values that St. Ignatius championed—humility, service to others, and the pursuit of excellence. He emphasized the importance of Ignatian pedagogy, which places the individual student at the center of the educational process, fostering not just academic growth but moral and spiritual development. The Director also spoke about the goal of holistic education in Jesuit institutions, which seeks to form individuals who are not only intellectually competent but also compassionate, socially responsible, and spiritually aware. Cultural performances by students followed the speech, celebrating the diverse talents within the college community. The performances included skits, dances, and music, all reflecting the Ignatian values of creativity and collaboration. These performances highlighted the institution’s commitment to nurturing not only the minds but also the hearts and talents of its students. The event concluded with the distribution of snacks among students and faculty, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
