TNS Placement drive
On 5th June 2025, St. Vincent College hosted the “Campus to Tech-enabled Financial Careers (C2FC) Career Fest 2024–25,” a dynamic placement drive organized by the TNS India Foundation. The event marked a significant milestone in the college’s efforts to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry-ready career pathways, particularly in the rapidly evolving intersection of finance, technology, and digital services. The career fest attracted over 90 enthusiastic students from St. Vincent College as well as several other institutions across Pune, creating a vibrant atmosphere of ambition, preparation, and opportunity.
The day began with a brief orientation session where representatives from the TNS India Foundation outlined the objectives of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, digital literacy, and soft skills in today’s competitive job market. Students were encouraged to embrace tech-enabled roles that value both domain knowledge and technological fluency. The placement process that followed was structured to assess candidates through a combination of aptitude evaluations, communication rounds, and personal interviews, ensuring a holistic review of each participant’s potential.
St. Vincent College expressed its gratitude to the TNS India Foundation for their vision and execution, and reaffirmed its commitment to hosting such career-enabling initiatives regularly.
FDP for faculty
From 15th June 2025, St. Vincent College hosted a week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP). Organised with the intention of deepening both professional competence and institutional identity, the programme brought together faculty members from across departments for a series of thoughtful sessions that blended academic insight with ethical grounding. The FDP began with a powerful address by a Jesuit father from Delhi, whose deep engagement with educational policy offered a nuanced understanding of the National Education Policy (NEP) and its far-reaching implications. He didn’t just outline structural changes—multidisciplinary learning, credit systems, or skill integration—but framed them within a larger question: What kind of education do we want to offer in a time of rapid change? Several other Jesuit educators from the Pune Province joined as resource persons, each bringing years of experience in both academic and administrative roles. Father Robert, in particular, led a series of engaging sessions on academic leadership, classroom management, and the everyday realities of teaching in a diverse college environment. Speaking with warmth and candor, he shared practical strategies for building trust with students, managing difficult conversations, and creating a classroom atmosphere where every student feels seen. He emphasized that discipline isn’t about control, but about creating a space where learning can truly happen.
A significant part of the week was dedicated to Ignatian Pedagogy. The idea that teaching begins with knowing the student, not just the subject, resonated deeply. Discussions on Jesuit values—cura personalis (care for the whole person), magis (the pursuit of excellence), and men and women for and with others—were woven naturally into the sessions.
The week unfolded at a gentle pace—long enough to absorb ideas, pause, and rethink. There were no flashy presentations or overwhelming schedules. Instead, there were conversations over tea, shared meals, and moments of silence that allowed space for introspection. By the end, many faculty members remarked not on how much they had “learned,” but on how they felt reconnected—to their purpose, to each other, and to the deeper reason they chose teaching in the first place.
Participation, social outreach on occasion of Wari
On the morning of 21st June 2025, as the sacred Palkhi of Lord Vitthal began its grand arrival in Pune, the spirit of seva (selfless service) came alive through a heartfelt social outreach initiative led by the faculty members Dr. Gilbi John, Dr. Vishal Bhavre and the NSS unit of St. Vincent College. Guided by Dr. Vishal Bhavre, the NSS programme officer, the team gathered early at a designated resting point along the pilgrimage route to welcome the weary Warkaris who had walked miles, often for days, in devotion and faith. The event was not organized as a formal programme, but rather as a genuine expression of respect and solidarity with the pilgrims, rooted in the values of compassion, community, and cultural reverence.
Understanding the physical toll of the long journey, the team focused on offering simple yet meaningful support. Volunteers set up a small but well-organized service station where arriving pilgrims were warmly greeted and offered cool drinking water, ORS packets, nimbu pani, and light snacks such as chana, poha, and biscuits—nourishment that could replenish their energy and sustain them for the next leg of their journey. Hygiene kits containing hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and caps were also distributed, especially helpful in the summer heat. For the elderly and those showing signs of fatigue, volunteers provided shaded resting spots and assisted with footwear care, mending torn slippers where possible.
What made the outreach particularly touching was the personal connection it fostered. Faculty members and students didn’t just hand out items—they sat beside the pilgrims, shared conversations, listened to their stories of faith and struggle, and at times, even joined them in singing abhangs. The presence of the NSS unit gave the effort a sense of purpose and continuity, aligning with the spirit of civic responsibility that the organization stands for.
Yoga day Workshop
On 21st June 2025, St. Vincent College celebrated International Yoga Day with a dedicated yoga session and training program organized by the faculty members and student volunteers of the college. The event was led by Dr. Yogesh Mate, a respected faculty member and passionate advocate of holistic well-being. Held at a serene outdoor venue conducive to mindfulness and relaxation, the session was designed to help participants—especially educators and students—manage the physical and mental demands of their academic journey through the practice of yoga.
Under Dr. Mate’s expert guidance, participants engaged in a well-structured yoga session that included a series of preparatory warm-up exercises, a sequence of asanas (yoga postures) aimed at improving flexibility, strength, and posture, followed by pranayama (breath control techniques) to enhance respiratory efficiency and mental clarity. The session also incorporated a guided meditation practice, allowing attendees to experience deep relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Special attention was given to yoga practices that alleviate common issues faced by educators and students—such as back pain, eye strain, fatigue, and anxiety—by incorporating gentle stretches, neck and shoulder releases, and calming breathing patterns. The 2025 International Yoga Day celebration served not only as a meaningful observance but as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care in sustaining a healthy, productive, and balanced academic life.
Seminar on AI for the faculty
A seminar on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic and research practices was successfully conducted for the faculty members of St. Vincent College on 24th June 2025. Organized in collaboration with NIIT, the seminar aimed to equip educators with practical knowledge and tools to integrate AI into their teaching methodologies, research work, and administrative tasks. The session was led by Mr. Shubham Rajput, a seasoned resource person and AI specialist from NIIT, who brought valuable industry insights and hands-on expertise to the discussion. The theme of the seminar, “Leveraging AI for Teachers: Enhancing Research, Teaching, and Productivity,” resonated strongly with the participants, reflecting the growing need for digital transformation in higher education.
The seminar began with an overview of AI and its evolving role in the education sector. The resource person explained how AI is not merely a technological advancement but a powerful enabler that can streamline academic workflows, support data-driven research, and foster innovative teaching strategies. Faculty members were introduced to a range of AI-powered tools designed specifically for educators, including platforms for automating lesson planning, generating interactive content, creating assessments, and providing personalized feedback to students. Demonstrations were conducted to show how tools like AI-based summarizers, citation generators, grammar enhancers, and literature review assistants can significantly reduce the time and effort involved in academic writing and research documentation.
The session concluded with a hands-on demonstration and a question-and-answer round, during which faculty members actively participated, sharing their challenges and seeking practical solutions.
Orientation for the S.Y. and T.Y.B.Com
A comprehensive orientation programme was conducted on 25th and 26th July 2025 for the second and third-year Bachelor of Commerce students at St. Vincent College, Pune. The orientation for second-year students focused on the academic structure and opportunities introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Students were given a thorough understanding of the NEP’s key components, including the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS), interdisciplinary learning, multiple entry and exit options, and a flexible curriculum that encourages holistic development. Emphasis was placed on the importance of credit accumulation, semester-wise planning, and the grading system.
The session also covered the process of selecting specializations and elective subjects, enabling students to make informed decisions based on their interests and career goals. Various subject categories such as Discipline-Specific Electives, Generic Electives, and Skill Enhancement Courses were explained in detail, highlighting their academic and practical relevance. Students were introduced to digital learning platforms, library resources, and mentorship initiatives available at the college to support their academic journey.
In contrast, the orientation for third-year students was designed in alignment with the 2019 university syllabus pattern, as this batch is not governed by the NEP framework. The session provided a detailed overview of the final-year curriculum, with attention to advanced and application-based subjects that form the core of their academic year. Guidance was given on the completion of the mandatory research project, including topic selection, methodology, report writing, and presentation skills. Faculty emphasized the importance of timely submission and academic integrity in project work. In addition, students received valuable insights into career pathways, including options for higher education such as postgraduate programmes and professional certifications. Information was shared about competitive entrance exams, skill development courses, and certification programmes that can enhance employability. A segment on placement opportunities and alumni experiences was included to inspire students and help them visualize their future trajectories. The role of internships, soft skills, and professional networking was also discussed to prepare students for the transition from college to career.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session that allowed students from both years to clarify doubts related to academics, examinations, project work, and future planning.